Trump pledges backing for Lebanon's sovereignty, armed forces

US President Donald Trump pledged comprehensive support for Lebanon's sovereignty, economy and armed forces during a telephone conversation with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun late Saturday, according to an official statement from the Lebanese presidency.

US commitments to Lebanon

Trump congratulated Aoun on the recent signing of a US-sponsored framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to helping implement the deal, the presidency said. The US leader also pledged support for Lebanon's economy and its "legitimate security forces," stressing that Washington would spare no effort to help Beirut regain its regional and international role, and expressed hope to meet Aoun soon in Washington.

Lebanese response

Aoun thanked Trump for supporting Lebanon's "legitimate authority" and state institutions, particularly the Lebanese army, the presidency added. The Lebanese leader said Beirut would assume its responsibilities in implementing the framework agreement and urged Washington to pressure Israel to withdraw from territories it still occupies in southern Lebanon to facilitate the deployment of the Lebanese army up to the international border.

The framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel was signed recently under US sponsorship to end months of hostilities and establish a permanent cease-fire. Israeli forces continue to occupy several positions in southern Lebanon despite the deal, preventing the full deployment of Lebanese troops to the border area.