Aoun demands 'full' implementation of Lebanon-Israel deal in Athens

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met his Greek counterpart Konstantinos Tasoulas in Athens on Monday to press for the full implementation of a US-sponsored framework agreement with Israel, calling for the deal to be applied equally by both sides as Beirut seeks to end months of hostilities.

Athens talks focus on ceasefire implementation

Speaking during an official visit to the Greek capital, Aoun emphasized that "Lebanon and its people are tired of wars," stating that the objective of negotiations with Israel is to terminate the state of hostility. "We are determined to end the state of hostility, and the solution lies in diplomacy, not war," he said, according to the Lebanese presidency.

Aoun called on Athens to assist "to the extent possible" in ensuring the framework agreement is carried out "by both sides, without selectivity." He also expressed gratitude to Greece for its political, humanitarian and military support for Lebanon, noting that Beirut intends to develop bilateral relations "at all levels in a way that serves their common interests."

US-backed deal faces renewed violence

The framework agreement signed in June calls for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory, the deployment of the Lebanese military into vacated areas, and the disarmament of armed groups — including Hezbollah. The deal was intended to solidify a ceasefire that had held since late 2024 but has effectively collapsed since early March.

Since March, Israel has carried out extensive attacks on southern Lebanon, claiming it is targeting Hezbollah. The group has responded by attacking Israeli forces deployed in southern Lebanon, ending the truce, and the renewed fighting has raised fears of a wider escalation despite the diplomatic framework established in June.

Stability warnings for Europe

Aoun warned that "Lebanon's stability is essential to the stability of the region and Europe," cautioning that any instability in his country would have broad negative repercussions. "We always look forward to the support of our friends, foremost among them Greece," he added.

The Lebanese president's visit to Athens comes as Beirut attempts to navigate between pressure to implement the disarmament provisions of the June deal and the ongoing military confrontation in its southern border regions. Greece has historically maintained close ties with Lebanon and has provided naval support to UN peacekeeping forces in the area.