President Aoun’s Commitment to Reform and National Security Amid…

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the need for reforms and cooperation with economic bodies to resolve financial mismanagement during a meeting with expatriates in Saudi Arabia. He discussed ongoing issues related to Israeli occupation with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and addressed Hezbollah’s criticism of Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji’s statements regarding the ceasefire and national interests.

On Thursday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to restore confidence among Arab states and the international community through essential reforms. Speaking to Lebanese businessmen in Saudi Arabia, he expressed gratitude towards the Kingdom for their support towards expatriates and their families.

President Aoun emphasized the necessity of addressing the repercussions of financial mismanagement, particularly the utilization of depositors’ funds which have been inaccessible since 2019. He called for immediate collaboration among economic bodies, banks, the central bank, and state authorities to find a solution.

He highlighted that a reliable banking sector is vital for boosting the economic cycle and attracting investments. Aoun reinforced this commitment during his oath speech and expressed anticipation for the parliament’s cooperation in expediting necessary legislative processes.

Additionally, during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Wednesday, Aoun remarked that Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon obstructed the implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and contradicted a prior agreement reached in November. Baerbock subsequently traveled to Damascus to reopen the German Embassy in Syria.

Aoun noted that the Lebanese army is actively maintaining security and confiscating weapons in areas vacated by Israeli forces. He also informed Baerbock that Israel continues to detain several Lebanese nationals while only recently releasing five.

On Thursday, Hezbollah responded to comments made by Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, who accused the party of breaching a ceasefire agreement with Israel, despite the agreement clarifying the regulations regarding armed groups. Rajji stressed the importance of international intervention to restore the 1949 Armistice Agreement.

He also maintained that Lebanon would not engage in direct negotiations with Israel. However, Hezbollah MP Ibrahim Al-Moussawi criticized Rajji’s statements as detrimental to national interests, claiming that they provided Israel with unwarranted justifications for its aggressive actions.

Furthermore, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem condemned the foreign minister’s comments for undermining the Lebanese government’s position, emphasizing compliance with the agreed-upon terms of Resolution 1701 while accusing Israel of ongoing violations.

In conclusion, President Joseph Aoun reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to reform and economic recovery during a meeting with Lebanese expatriates in Saudi Arabia. He underscored the urgency of resolving financial mismanagement and expressed the need for a trustworthy banking sector to foster investment. His discussions with German officials highlighted ongoing issues with Israel, particularly concerning the continued occupation and prisoners. The response from Hezbollah to government statements illustrates the complexities within Lebanese politics regarding foreign relations and internal consensus on security matters.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com