According to the statement from the Lebanese presidency, Aoun received a delegation from the Arkub region, which is characterized by its proximity to the Hasbaya town of Nabatiyeh in the south of the country and to Jabal al-Sheikh (Hermon) Mountain.
In his speech at the reception, Avn explained that as part of their mediation efforts in the Lebanon-Israel process, they had conveyed to the US from the very first moment that a ceasefire was a prerequisite for negotiations, saying: “A ceasefire is the first and mandatory step for negotiations.” he said.
Avn explained that this stance was repeated at the ambassador-level meetings on April 14 and 23, stressing that the US State Department's statement after the first meeting made it clear that Israel would not launch land, sea and air strikes against Lebanon.
Avn stated that this was the official position of the Lebanese state and explained that other assessments were not binding on it.
Aoun's response to those who criticized the decision to negotiate with Israel: “Was there a national consensus when we went to war?”
Regarding the criticism of the negotiation decision in the country, Avn said: “Was there a national consensus when it went to war?” he said.
Avn stated that they had rejected the accusations of “capitulation” made before the negotiations began and that the results remained to be seen.
“If the war were for Lebanon, we would support it”
Avn explained that the people of southern Lebanon had paid the price for other people's wars: “If the war was for Lebanon, we would support it, but I reject wars fought in the interests of others.” he said.
Avn stressed that the ongoing trial was not a betrayal, saying the real betrayal was dragging the country into war in the name of foreign interests.
President Aoun added that their goal was to end the state of war with Israel, which could be achieved within the framework of a ceasefire agreement, and that Lebanon would not accept a “shameful” agreement.
Hezbollah announced that it rejected direct negotiations with Israel
Regarding the US-brokered negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Kasım said: “We absolutely reject direct negotiations. Direct negotiations and their results are null and void for us, they concern us neither near nor far.” He made a statement.
Bir yanıt yazın