Aoun says full state sovereignty, diplomacy are path to security

• Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with economic groups to clarify that Lebanon is leading its own negotiations with Israel.
• The president emphasized that national sovereignty and army deployment to the borders are the only paths to lasting security.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun addressed a delegation of economic bodies on Wednesday, providing a detailed update on the status of ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

Aoun sought to dispel media rumors regarding internal division and clarified the nature of recent diplomatic statements issued in Washington.

The president confirmed that every step taken during the negotiation process has been performed in full coordination and consultation with the Speaker of Parliament and the Prime Minister.

Clarifying the Washington statement

Addressing criticism regarding a recent US State Department statement, Aoun clarified that the text -which some claimed granted 'Israel' "freedom" to continue attacks- is not a binding agreement.

"This text was a statement issued by the US State Department, identical to the text adopted in November 2024, which all parties agreed to at the time," Aoun explained.

He emphasized that the document is a "statement" rather than an "agreement," noting that a formal agreement can only be reached after the final conclusion of negotiations.

Security through sovereignty, not violence

President Aoun delivered a firm message regarding the futility of military escalation along the southern border. He argued that if 'Israel' believes destroying border villages will bring security, it is mistaken, as previous attempts have failed to yield results.

"The only thing that can protect the borders is when the Lebanese state is present in its full strength across the entire South, up to the international borders," Aoun stated.

He urged 'Israel' to recognize that the only path to security is through negotiations, though he insisted that a complete ceasefire must be fully implemented before moving to the next stage of talks.

International support, US role

The president noted that the "Lebanese file" is now a priority for US President Donald Trump, whom Aoun said holds a "special place for Lebanon" and praised the resilience of its people in a recent phone call.

According to Aoun, there is a broad national and international consensus on the necessity of ending the war. "The entire European Union and Arab countries have supported our choice to negotiate," he said, adding that the Lebanese people -especially those in the South- are united in their desire for peace.

Lebanon is currently waiting for the United States to set a formal date for the next round of negotiations to begin.