Doha: Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun met on Friday with a delegation from the UN Security Council to discuss the latest developments in southern Lebanon.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Lebanese Presidency indicated that President Aoun, during his meeting with the Security Council delegation headed by Samuel Zbogar, Slovenia's representative to the UN Security Council, affirmed that Lebanon has adopted the option of negotiations with Israel to avoid another round of violence, and because Lebanon is convinced that wars cannot lead to positive results.
Aoun added that negotiation alone can provide an atmosphere conducive to stability and security and find solutions to outstanding issues. He pointed out that Lebanon's participation in the negotiations within the "Mechanism" committee is not to appease the international community, but rather because it is in Lebanon's best interest.
For his part, the head of the UN Security Council delegation affirmed the Council's commitment to stability in Lebanon and the region, and its support for Lebanon's sovereignty and political independence. He expressed appreciation for Lebanon's implementation of Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement, and also expressed support for UNIFIL.
In a related context, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with the UN Security Council delegation. During the meeting, the Security Council members emphasized their commitment to supporting stability in Lebanon through the full implementation of international resolutions, and commended the government's efforts in reform and strengthening state authority.
The Lebanese Prime Minister called for increased pressure on Israel to compel it to fulfill its obligations under the Declaration of Cessation of Hostilities, including halting attacks and withdrawing from the Lebanese territories it still occupies, in addition to working towards the release of Lebanese prisoners. He also stressed Lebanon's need for a UN support force after the expiration of UNIFIL's mandate, to fill any potential vacuum and contribute to strengthening stability in the south.