Beirut: President of Lebanon General Joseph Aoun reaffirmed on Monday that the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon remains an unwavering national demand that is not subject to compromise. He stated that Lebanon would seek to achieve this objective during a new round of negotiations in Washington in early June 2026.
According to Qatar News Agency, marking the 26th anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon following a two-decade occupation, Aoun highlighted that this year's anniversary of liberation comes as Lebanon grapples with a challenging reality. He warned that Israeli attacks continue unabated, with highly cherished southern villages suffering under reoccupation, a violation of international resolutions, especially Resolution 1701.
Aoun reemphasized that Lebanon would never accept the current status quo, asserting that the full Israeli withdrawal remains an immutable national demand without any concession. He underscored that Lebanon would not capitulate, stressing that the negotiation process would not be seen as capitulation or concession but as a rightful claim to protect its territory and maintain authority through legitimate military and security forces.
Pivotal decisions have been taken to express a significant national will to restore full sovereignty, Aoun stated, emphasizing the solidarity of the Lebanese people and their unified ranks around the nation. He added that the Lebanese military would remain the sole guarantor of national security and regional safety, confirming that the Lebanese people deserve a powerful nation upholding its legitimate civil and military institutions, fair and unified in their laws without discrimination, supported by the will and solidarity of its people.