Aoun rejects Israeli occupation, foreign interference
President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday rejected Israeli occupation as well as any foreign interference in the country's affairs.
Aoun voiced his remarks in a meeting with Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal and members of the Lebanese advisory team accompanying the Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations in Washington. The meeting followed up on the deliberations of the Lebanese diplomatic and military delegation during the fifth round of negotiations.
"The developments of the past few days have proven the soundness of our choice to pursue negotiations, as it is the only internationally recognized method for achieving national goals and restoring all rights," Aoun said.
"Today, and in the coming two days, we embark on a new round of talks, which we hope will be decisive in achieving what we desire for the good of our nation and our people. We see this good in restoring Lebanon's full sovereignty over every inch of its territory and extending the state's authority over all our land," the president added.
He stressed that he will accept nothing less than "the complete end of the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon and the end of all foreign interference."
"Our only option is our national sovereignty, and our sole hope is the Lebanese state, which alone can protect everyone, safeguard the freedoms and dignity of all, reward sacrifices, and eliminate all forms of fear and injustice," Aoun went on to say.
He added that "this is the lesson of our contemporary history" and "the will of our people."
Source: Naharnet
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