Aoun: The presence of international forces in southern Lebanon stabilizes the population and enhances stability

Aoun pointed out that the presence of the forces helps stabilize the population in their villages and towns, and enhances stability in the region, through coordination and cooperation with the Lebanese army, which remains the primary guarantor of security in the south.

He praised the parliamentary initiative and petition calling for the extension of international forces, considering that this option represents a priority in light of the current circumstances taking place in the region, and pointing out that Israel rejects the presence of UNIFIL and has been pressing in this direction for about a year, in a position that contradicts the Lebanese position that demands the continuation of this international presence.

Aoun explained that the Lebanese government is currently considering two main options: the first is to extend UNIFIL forces within their current mandate, and the second, if extension is not possible, is to adopt an alternative formula that guarantees the continued presence of international forces in the south, within the required legal framework, and in which these forces are alongside the Lebanese army and in coordination with it, in support of stability and the implementation of the tasks assigned to them.

President Aoun stressed that the basic idea is to create a breach that ensures the continued international presence in the south, whether through the extension of UNIFIL forces or through supporting international forces, in a way that maintains stability and strengthens the role of the state and the Lebanese army, at a time when security challenges are escalating and the political and military files in the region are complicated.