Aoun says Lebanon negotiations must protect sovereignty as war brings only destruction
President Aoun says Lebanon negotiations will be led by Beirut to protect sovereignty, urging diplomacy over war and welcoming a new round of talks next week.
President Aoun on war and negotiations
President Aoun told a visiting delegation of Maronite bishops from the diaspora at Baabda Palace that war produces only ruin and that Lebanon must pursue negotiations to avoid heavy losses. He framed the coming diplomatic process as a state-led effort, saying the Lebanese government is the sole negotiator and will not accept settlements imposed at its expense. Aoun said a new round of Lebanon negotiations is scheduled for next week and expressed hope the talks would produce positive results.
State will lead Lebanon negotiations next week
Aoun emphasized that, unlike past arrangements, the current round of discussions is being conducted directly by Lebanese institutions and under the authority of the presidency. He said the country’s negotiating team will represent Lebanese interests, and that no external party is negotiating on Lebanon’s behalf. The president described the resumption of talks as central to preventing further destruction and stressed that prolonging negotiations is preferable to a short, brutal conflict.
U.S. engagement and international interest
The president singled out strong interest from the U.S. administration in Lebanon’s diplomatic course and said Washington’s involvement has been significant in creating momentum for talks. He added that such engagement does not substitute for Lebanese judgment, and that Beirut will remain the final arbiter of any settlement. Aoun framed international support as helpful, while insisting decisions must reflect Lebanon’s sovereignty and long-term stability.
Sovereignty and limits on foreign interference
Aoun was explicit that Lebanon’s path in negotiations remains independent, even as he welcomed assistance from countries willing to help, including those in the region. He drew a clear distinction between diplomatic support and political interference, saying Lebanon will accept outside help but reject intrusion into its internal affairs. The president reiterated that any settlement must not come at the expense of Lebanese sovereignty or national dignity.
Call for ceasefire and broader support
The president said he and his government favor a ceasefire and are open to assistance that would facilitate it, while reaffirming Lebanon’s right to make its own decisions. He positioned the call for an end to hostilities as both humanitarian and strategic, arguing that peace negotiations, though potentially lengthy, spare the country the toll exacted by armed conflict. Aoun appealed to international partners to back measures that stabilize the situation without undermining Lebanese authority.
Reassuring public order and rejecting intimidation
Addressing concerns about domestic stability, Aoun sought to reassure citizens that there is no threat to civil peace and urged people not to be alarmed by those who attempt to sow fear. He described actors who threaten unrest as weakened and using intimidation to preserve their own relevance. The president urged unity and calm, saying the state will protect public order and pursue a negotiated path forward.
Next steps and political outlook
With a fresh round of Lebanon negotiations set to open next week, the administration plans to continue consultations with political and religious leaders to build consensus around negotiating positions. Aoun indicated the presidency will remain actively engaged, coordinating with government ministers and external partners to ensure talks proceed from a position of national cohesion. He framed the upcoming sessions as an opportunity to secure outcomes that safeguard territorial integrity and economic recovery.
Lebanon faces complex challenges in turning diplomatic intent into durable peace, but the presidency’s emphasis on state-led negotiations and sovereignty sets clear parameters for international engagement. The coming week’s talks will be watched closely by domestic stakeholders and foreign partners alike as Beirut seeks to chart a course away from conflict and toward stability.
