Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed on Monday that Lebanon is moving “calmly and responsibly” to ensure the state’s exclusive control over all arms, a move he described as crucial to safeguarding civil peace and national stability.
Speaking at Baabda Palace to a visiting French Senate delegation, Aoun emphasized that the process is being conducted with “a high sense of national responsibility,” according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency.
“The return to the language of war is prohibited — a message clearly communicated to all concerned parties — and this is a unified Lebanese demand,” Aoun stressed.
He highlighted ongoing challenges, noting that Israel’s continued occupation of five hilltops along the Lebanese border hampers the state’s full authority over its territory and undermines stability in the region.
Regarding broader regional dynamics, Aoun stated that Lebanon and Syria are maintaining communication channels “to coordinate and avoid any security incidents at the border,” according to reports by Xinhua news agency.
Earlier this month, President Aoun reiterated that the disarmament of Hezbollah remains both a national and international priority. He underscored that the path toward this goal must be rooted in dialogue and national consensus.
“As I said in my inauguration speech, there is no place for weapons or armed groups outside the framework of the state,” Aoun declared. “These issues must be resolved through communication and dialogue. After all, Hezbollah is a Lebanese component.”
In this context, the President announced that work would soon commence on drafting a National Security Strategy, which would serve as the foundation for a comprehensive National Defence Strategy.
“We are all committed to the same objective,” he affirmed. “Differences in opinion are normal; that is the essence of democracy. What matters is that our goal remains unified.”
Aoun’s remarks were echoed during his meeting with a delegation from the American Task Force on Lebanon, led by Edward Gabriel. The delegation conveyed a clear message from Washington, emphasizing two urgent priorities: the disarmament of Hezbollah and the swift implementation of reforms critical for unlocking international financial aid.
Gabriel commended the efforts of the Lebanese Army and President Aoun personally, while noting that “much remains to be done.” He added that timely reforms would accelerate U.S. support, and revealed that the U.S. Congress is preparing a funding bill for Lebanon for next year.
Finally, President Aoun stressed the importance of easing tensions in southern Lebanon, insisting that the country requires “time and space” to address its internal challenges constructively and peacefully.
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