Aoun Says Lebanon Committed to Implementing Reforms, Disarming Hezbollah
President Joseph Aoun has reiterated that Lebanon is committed to implementing reforms and to Hezbollah's disarmament.
"Lebanon needs time and space to resolve these matters calmly," Aoun told a delegation from the American Task Force for Lebanon (ATFL) at Baabda Palace on Monday.
In response to a question about his vision for disarming Hezbollah, Aoun emphasized "the importance of resorting to dialogue," saying: "As I said in my inaugural speech, there is no place for any weapons or any armed groups except within the framework of the state. Matters are resolved through communication and dialogue, because, after all, Hezbollah is a Lebanese component."
"We will soon begin working on devising the national security strategy, from which the national defense strategy will emerge,' he added.
The President also affirmed Lebanon's full commitment to UN Resolution 1701, hailing UNIFIL's work in the South Litani sector.
He also pointed out to Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.
There has been several weeks of intensifying Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon targeting members of Hezbollah, including two strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, and rocket fire from Lebanon onto Israel. Hezbollah has denied any role in the rocket attacks.
The exchange of fire tested an already shaky ceasefire that ended a year-long war between Israel and Hezbollah, and calls for the disarmament of armed groups across Lebanon.
The ATFL delegation also visited on Monday Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who expressed views similar to Aoun.
Salam stressed the importance of implementing a reform plan and continuing efforts for the state to be the sole bearer of arms.
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