Aoun's Visit to Baghdad Eases Strained Ties between Lebanon, Iraq
Ties between Lebanon and Iraq had been strained over Aoun's recent remarks about Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). The president also did not attend the Arab League summit in Baghdad last month, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam participating instead.
However, the reception accorded to Aoun on Sunday eased all tensions. He was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani at Baghdad International Airport and they later held bilateral talks.
At a press conference following their meeting, Aoun quoted Iraq's top Shiite Authority Ali al-Sistani when speaking about the need for authorities to derive lessons from the past and to work on establishing a better future for the people.
This work should be based on practical plans for managing the country that are based on competency and integrity, away from foreign meddling and while keeping the possession of weapons limited to the state, he added.
Aoun expressed his gratitude to Sudani 'for everything you have constantly offered Lebanon, such as aid in every field.'
'Every Lebanese person now truly believes that during each crisis, they can turn to Iraq that will come to Lebanon's aid in actions, not just in words,' he stressed.
For his part, Sudani underlined the Iraqi government and people's 'keenness on supporting Lebanon and strengthening its state institutions.'
Iraq supports Lebanon's unity, stability and territorial integrity, he added.
A statement from Sudani's office said the leaders discussed bilateral ties and opportunities for cooperation between their countries in various fields. They also tackled regional developments.
Aoun expressed his gratitude for Iraq's support to Lebanon, saying he was keen on expanding cooperation to meet the interests of the people in both countries.
Aoun also held talks with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid.
Aoun is expected to discuss with officials the possibility of Iraq continuing to provide Lebanon with fuel to operate power plants. They will also address security affairs and other issues.
In April, Aoun had declared that Lebanon will not replicate the PMF experience in Iraq in Lebanon as part of efforts to merge Hezbollah with the Lebanese army. Hezbollah will also not act as an independent unit inside the army.
His remarks had angered Baghdad, which stressed that the PMF is a military institution and part of Iraq's armed forces.
Iraq summoned Lebanon's ambassador in Baghdad at the time to protest the statements.
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