Aoun Says Negotiation via Framework Agreement Is Lebanon’s Only Viable Path
Lebanese President Aoun says negotiation through the framework agreement is the only viable path for Lebanon, urging political unity as Washington listens and security holds.
Aoun Meets Orthodox Delegation
President Aoun met today with a delegation from the Orthodox meeting led by Secretary General Marwan Abu Fadel to discuss the country’s political options.
He told the visitors that while negotiation may not be the safest choice, it is presently the sole realistic route to achieve shared national goals.
Aoun emphasized that leaders must weigh the risks of confrontation against the practical prospects offered by political dialogue.
The president framed the discussions as part of a broader effort to preserve state institutions and protect citizens from further deterioration.
Framework Agreement Gains Traction with Washington
The president said the framework agreement has begun to produce tangible effects and that Washington is increasingly attentive to Lebanon’s position.
He asserted that Lebanon’s dossier is now on the desk of then US President Donald Trump, indicating a new level of international engagement.
Aoun urged political actors to consider the framework text on its merits and not through the lens of partisan or personal agendas.
He argued the agreement secures Lebanese interests and aligns with objectives that unite a broad cross-section of the country.
Call to Read the Framework Text as Written
Aoun asked all parties to read the framework agreement exactly as written rather than relying on secondhand portrayals or selective interpretations.
He warned that misrepresentations circulating for narrow political gains risk undermining national consensus and complicating negotiations.
The president framed clarity about the text as essential for building trust among rivals and for presenting a united position in external talks.
He said accurate readings would help ensure the agreement serves Lebanese sovereignty and collective aims.
President Stresses Duty to Preserve State and Lives
Aoun described it as his duty to pursue every viable effort to rescue the country and safeguard its people from collapse.
He said he cannot stand as a bystander to the destruction of public institutions or the deaths of citizens and must actively defend the state’s sovereign prerogatives.
The president maintained that no one should be permitted to negotiate on behalf of the Lebanese state in ways that erode its sovereignty.
He urged officials and political factions to prioritize national interest above personal advantage.
Security Situation Remains Stable, Army Performance Praised
Aoun assessed the security situation in Lebanon as stable despite severe economic and political pressures facing the country.
He rejected fears of widespread sectarian strife and expressed confidence in the cohesion of the Lebanese Armed Forces and security agencies.
The president praised the military and security institutions for fulfilling their duties and called public accusations that undermine them a danger to national stability.
He warned that attacks on the army’s reputation weaken the country’s resilience and should be avoided.
Dialogue as the Sole Route Forward
Aoun reiterated that dialogue is the only viable option left for resolving Lebanon’s disputes and rebuilding institutions.
He argued that hatred and confrontation do not construct institutions or a functioning state and instead erode the social fabric.
The president recalled that alternatives, including armed confrontation, have been tried and only produced tragedy, displacement and destruction.
He concluded that a sustained, sincere dialogue will ultimately produce solutions and shared ground among Lebanon’s political actors.
President Aoun closed by urging political leaders, civil society and international partners to support negotiations in good faith, underscoring that restoring stability and preserving sovereignty require collective effort and a commitment to practical compromise.
