Aoun tells Rubio 'comprehensive ceasefire' essential

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive ceasefire in a call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stating it is essential for any progress in talks with Israel. The conversation highlighted Lebanon's stance on the ongoing conflict and its conditions for diplomatic engagement.

During the call, President Aoun expressed gratitude for the U.S. support but firmly stressed that Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory must cease. He articulated that achieving a comprehensive ceasefire is a fundamental prerequisite for Lebanon to move forward with the upcoming Lebanese-U.S.-Israeli negotiations scheduled to take place in Washington.

The Lebanese presidency conveyed that Aoun views the ceasefire not just as a de-escalation measure but as the foundational basis upon which future diplomatic efforts can be built. This position underscores Lebanon's demand for security and an end to hostilities as a precursor to substantive negotiations aimed at resolving the broader issues with Israel.

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the need for Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory to cease through the achievement of a comprehensive ceasefire, which Lebanon considers a fundamental basis for advancing the Lebanese-U.S.-Israeli negotiations scheduled to take place in Washington next week.