Lebanese Presidency Responds to US Demands Raised by Ortagus Regarding “Hezbollah’s Arms”
Lebanese President Michel Aoun confirmed that the removal of Hezbollah’s weapons requires a serious national dialogue, noting that work will soon begin on drafting a National Security Strategy, which will lead to the National Defense Strategy. The Lebanese President explained that Lebanon is committed to implementing Resolution 1701. He also called on the United States to exert pressure on Israel to withdraw from the five points it occupies.
Aoun: Prioritizing the Disarmament Requires Time and Space
President Aoun emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to internal reforms and the removal of weapons outside the state’s framework, stressing that these demands are among Lebanon’s top priorities. He pointed out that Lebanese security forces had dismantled six gatherings controlled by Palestinian groups outside refugee camps and seized or destroyed the weapons in their possession. He also stressed that the current priority is to reduce tensions in southern Lebanon, noting that Lebanon requires time and space to resolve matters calmly.
Support for the Army
In line with enhancing security in southern Lebanon, President Aoun revealed that the Lebanese government had approved, three weeks ago, the recruitment of 4,500 additional soldiers into the Lebanese army to increase its readiness in the south. He confirmed that this step is part of strengthening the Lebanese forces’ ability to deal with security challenges in the region.
Call for Dialogue
Regarding Hezbollah, President Aoun emphasized that the solution lies in dialogue and communication between the various Lebanese parties. He confirmed that Hezbollah is a Lebanese component, and that its disarmament must be achieved through a dialogue process, as stated in his oath of office. He added that the state is the only authority authorized to possess arms, considering that issues related to national security should be resolved through mutual understanding and discussion among all parties.
Aoun – Berri: Results of Ortagus’s Visit
In a related context, the Lebanese Presidency announced that President Aoun held a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, where they discussed the general situation in the country, as well as the results of the visit by US Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus. President Aoun also received the American task force supporting Lebanon, reflecting ongoing Lebanese efforts to enhance cooperation with the international community to support Lebanon’s stability.
US Deputy Envoy to the Middle East confirmed in a press statement at the end of her visit to Lebanon that the Lebanese government faces two options: either disarm Hezbollah or delay this step and lose US support.
Related Topics:
Ortagus: Two Options for the Lebanese Government, Other Issues to Be Discussed Later
