Exclusive Lebanese president: State-exclusive control over weapons difficult but will be achieved
Speaking to Al Arabiya, Aoun said, 'Exclusive control of weapons will be achieved despite the difficulties and obstacles,' adding that the Lebanese authorities are awaiting 'the Lebanese army's plan to monopolize weapons so it can be discussed and approved.'
The Lebanese president added that today's cabinet session 'will continue to take the long-awaited decisions regarding the exclusivity of arms,' and confirmed he is moving 'full speed ahead' toward 'implementing the terms of the presidential oath and the ministerial statement.'
Regarding relations with Israel and the proposals from US envoy Tom Barrack, Aoun said that 'Lebanon's implementation of the American proposal also requires approval from Syria and Israel, along with American and French guarantees.'
The Lebanese president stressed that 'achieving the exclusive control of arms by the state does not undermine Lebanon's rights and sovereignty.'
This comes as Hezbollah announced on Wednesday that it would treat the Lebanese government's decision to disarm it 'as if it does not exist,' accusing the government of committing a 'grave sin' – one day after the government tasked the army with drafting a disarmament plan before the end of the year.
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