President Joseph Aoun received German parliamentarian Jens Spahn, where they discussed the latest security and political developments in Lebanon and the region, in addition to the future of the international presence in southern Lebanon.
During the meeting, President Aoun stated that Lebanon is working with countries interested in continuing to support stability, after any possible withdrawal of UNIFIL forces, to study the most appropriate ways and alternatives available, explaining that “there are several options under discussion and consultation with friendly countries,” taking into account Lebanon’s interest, sovereignty and security.
The President of the Republic stressed the importance of pressuring the international community to force Israel to commit to a cessation of hostilities and implement the resolution issued in this regard, in view of the ongoing violations in the southern regions and the direct threat they cause to the security and stability of the Lebanese people.
In the same context, President Aoun explained that Lebanon attaches great importance to Germany’s participation in the Paris Conference, considering that Lebanon’s security is an integral part of the security of the entire region, all the way to the security of Europe, given the close connection between regional stability and international security.
He stressed that the support of friendly countries, led by Germany, is an essential element to help Lebanon face the current security and economic challenges, and to enhance its ability to withstand this sensitive regional stage.
This meeting comes in light of the escalation of international controversy over the future of UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon, in light of the repeated Israeli violations of the ceasefire, and the political and security pressures related to the implementation of International Resolution 1701. It also falls within the ongoing preparations for the Paris conference, which aims to mobilize political and financial support for Lebanon, in light of increasing European fears about the repercussions of instability in the Middle East on the security of the European continent.
