Latest news with #Joseph Aoun
LBCI
11 hours ago
- Politics
- LBCI
President Aoun to Bahraini press delegation: Our decision to save the state is final, Lebanon awaits you
During a meeting with a delegation of Bahraini newspaper editors, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed his commitment to national recovery, stating, "Our decision to save the state is final and irreversible." He also extended a welcoming message, saying, "Lebanon awaits you," highlighting the importance of strengthening ties between Lebanon and Bahrain.
LBCI
a day ago
- Politics
- LBCI
President Aoun: Critical phase requires unity to protect Lebanon's sovereignty
President Joseph Aoun, during a meeting with Reverend Joseph Kassab, President at Supreme Council of Evangelical Community in Syria and Lebanon, stressed that "the current stage is delicate and sensitive, requiring national awareness and unified positions to preserve Lebanon's unity—both its land and its people—and to protect its sovereignty and independence." He noted that "communications are ongoing to address the repercussions of developments in several countries in the region, in order to prevent their impact on Lebanon."
Arab News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Lebanese army warns of security crackdown in wake of clashes in Syria's Sweida
BEIRUT: The Lebanese army said on Friday that it 'will not allow any breach of security or violation of civil peace' amid fears that rising tensions in the neighboring Syrian Arab Republic could spread to Lebanon. In a statement, the army added that 'overcoming this phase requires the unity and solidarity of the Lebanese, awareness of the gravity of the situation, and their responsibility, and refraining from taking any action that would have unintended consequences for the security of the Lebanese.' Towns and villages in Mount Lebanon, home to the Druze community, have witnessed attempts to block roads and assault Syrian workers in recent days following the renewed clashes in Sweida, Syria. President Joseph Aoun chaired a meeting of security leaders on Friday. A military source told Arab News: 'The security, military, and intelligence agencies have taken the utmost caution and vigilance to thwart any attempt at sedition within Lebanon.' Prime Minister Nawaf Salam spoke with Druze Sheikh Sami Abi Al-Mona and praised his 'responsible role in calming tensions, quelling strife, and preserving civil peace in Lebanon,' according to Salam's office. The media office said the two sides stressed that 'what is happening outside Lebanon's borders should not be turned into a source of internal incitement.' An extraordinary meeting of the Druze Religious Council in Lebanon concluded with former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt calling for 'an immediate ceasefire in Sweida in preparation for direct dialogue between the Syrian state and local actors.' Jumblatt added that 'Jabal Al-Arab is an integral part of Syria.' He condemned the Israeli attacks on Syria and Lebanon, and called for the 'formation of an investigation committee to uncover the crimes committed against the people of Sweida and the Bedouins.' Al-Mona declared the council's 'full solidarity with our people in Sweida, and with the wounded and injured as a result of the recent unfortunate events.' He called on 'everyone to reject any divisive tendency,' and stressed 'the need to adhere to the ceasefire agreement signed two days ago.' Al-Mona denounced 'the attack on Sunnis,' considering it a reaction. 'The council neither justifies nor accepts this type of action, whatever its reasons,' he said. Al-Mona rejected any Israeli interference in Syrian affairs, calling on the international community to open a transparent investigation into the events and hold those responsible accountable. He also declared his rejection of 'the spread of strife to Lebanon.' The Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, the highest religious authority in the Sunni sect, contacted Al-Mona, and both sides affirmed their 'complete rejection of being drawn into any inflammatory rhetoric or covering up any provocative actions that would inflame sectarian tensions and give a false image of the relationship between the two sects.' The two sides called for 'avoiding falling into the trap of strife' and emphasized their 'rejection of any foreign interventions and attacks that contribute to undermining the unity that has always governed the historical relationship between the two sects.' Both called on 'the Syrian state, the religious sheikhs of Jabal Al-Arab, religious authorities, religious figures, and tribes to work seriously and effectively to bring about an immediate end to the ongoing violence and to expel the extremists who, intentionally or unintentionally, contribute to the implementation of suspicious plans.'
LBCI
6 days ago
- Business
- LBCI
EU ambassadors meet Lebanon's leaders, reaffirm support and push for reforms
EU and Member State ambassadors have met this week with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. During the meetings, the ambassadors reaffirmed the EU's ongoing support for Lebanon, including in the areas affected by recent hostilities. Current funding in these regions amounts to over $600 million, nearly half of the EU's total engagement in Lebanon, which exceeds $1 billion. Beyond humanitarian aid, most of the funding supports key sectors, including education, healthcare, social protection, water and sanitation, and agriculture. It also contributes to economic recovery through job creation and support for the private sector. Additional funding, not included in the $600 million, helps address the impact of the conflict on Lebanon's stability. This includes support for the Lebanese Armed Forces in the south, the removal of rubble and unexploded ordnance, and enhanced border management. The ambassadors highlighted the role of UNIFIL in maintaining security in the south and stressed the need for the full implementation of Resolution 1701, including the state's exclusive control of weapons and adherence to the ceasefire agreement. They also urged Lebanon's Parliament to approve a Bank Resolution Law that meets international standards and called on the country's government to adopt a transparent and fair strategy for distributing financial sector losses (the so-called "GAP Law"). The ambassadors concluded by reiterating their support for Lebanon and their readiness to continue assisting the country.
LBCI
11-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
President Aoun reaffirms state's sole authority over arms, rejects normalization, and urges unity
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stressed the importance of national unity and cooperation between all political factions and the state during a meeting with a delegation from the Arab and International Affairs Council. He said such collaboration is essential to protect Lebanon, strengthen its institutions, and confront potential conspiracies. 'The decision to ensure the exclusivity of weapons in the hands of the state has been made and is irreversible,' Aoun stated. 'The authority to decide on matters of war and peace belongs solely to the Cabinet. Peace, for us, is the absence of war, and that is our current priority in Lebanon. As for normalization [with Israel], it is not on the table in Lebanon's current foreign policy.' President Aoun also emphasized Lebanon's commitment to maintaining good relations with Syria while underlining a mutual respect for the principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs. He praised the role of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, noting his contribution to preserving stability, supporting state-building efforts, and reinforcing the principle of exclusive arms under state authority.
