Lebanon’s Aoun says country has ‘independent track’ in ceasefire negotiations
President Joseph Aoun stated that Lebanon is pursuing an independent approach in ongoing negotiations, emphasizing that any settlement will be reached through the Lebanese state and not at its expense. He said Beirut is “certainly in favor of a ceasefire and of any country that helps us, including Iran,” but stressed that Lebanon is sovereign in its decision-making.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun affirmed on Wednesday that Lebanon is pursuing an independent approach in ongoing negotiations, insisting that any settlement would be reached through the Lebanese state and not at its expense. “The assurances we received, and what we insist on, are that Lebanon has an independent track in the negotiations,” Aoun said while receiving a delegation of Maronite bishops from the diaspora. He added that Beirut was “certainly in favor of a ceasefire and of any country that helps us, including Iran,” but stressed that the Lebanese state is sovereign in its decision-making.
Sovereignty in negotiations
Aoun said: “The Lebanese state is conducting the negotiations, and it is sovereign in its decision-making. No one takes its place, and any settlement will be through Lebanon, not at its expense.” His remarks come amid US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel, which have been ongoing since April. The US-Iran peace deal, announced Sunday, also includes provisions for a ceasefire in Lebanon. However, Israel continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon and has carried out daily violations of the truce. Lebanon has insisted that any agreement must include Israeli withdrawal and the return of detainees.
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