Afət Ziyadqızı
According to a statement from the Lebanese Presidential Administration, President Joseph Aoun met the European Union’s (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, at the Baabda Palace in Beirut.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that during the meeting, the Lebanese president stressed his country’s determination to sign a strategic partnership agreement with the European Union.
Aoun said Lebanon’s stability is an integral part of European and regional security. He added that the Lebanese Armed Forces were fully carrying out their duties in areas south of the Litani River in accordance with the framework agreement.
The president said Israel was avoiding implementation of the agreement’s terms, adding: “Diplomatic negotiations are the only alternative to war. Implementing the framework agreement is the only effective way to end military confrontation between Lebanon and Israel.”
Aoun also said Lebanon remained committed to continuing economic reforms and adopting a law on the financial deficit, steps that would pave the way for a final agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
For her part, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said the European Union was ready to provide the necessary support and assistance to Lebanon, particularly to its national army, security institutions and organizations working in the social and humanitarian sectors.
