Lebanese Information Minister: Coordination Between Aoun and Crown Prince Led to Ceasefire
Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Lebanese Information Minister Ziad Makary stated that communication between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman fostered diplomatic efforts leading to a ceasefire.
- Makary emphasized Saudi Arabia's crucial role in stabilizing Lebanon, describing the Crown Prince's approach as "wise" and the Kingdom as a key partner in Lebanon's security and sovereignty.
- The Lebanese vision for negotiations includes a ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal, and the return of prisoners, aiming to rebuild and resettle displaced populations.
Lebanon's Information Minister, Ziad Makary, has underscored the vital role of Saudi-Lebanese relations in achieving regional stability, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict. In an interview with Okaz, Makary highlighted the high level of trust and coordination between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stating that their dialogue was instrumental in garnering diplomatic support for the current ceasefire. He described the Crown Prince's approach as "wise" and affirmed that Saudi Arabia is not merely a traditional supporter but a pivotal political and international pillar for Lebanon.
The communication between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reflected a high level of trust and coordination, and contributed to the diplomatic mobilization that allowed for a ceasefire.
Makary reiterated Lebanon's strategic vision, which centers on consolidating the ceasefire into a sustainable process. This vision includes the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and the return of all abducted individuals. These steps are considered prerequisites for the crucial tasks of reconstruction and the repatriation of displaced populations. The Minister emphasized that Lebanon's sovereign choice, backed by Arab support, particularly from the Kingdom, is to strengthen the state's institutions and ensure that all weapons are exclusively in the hands of legitimate authorities, thereby reinforcing national sovereignty.
Saudi-Lebanese communications are a fundamental pillar in the process of consolidating stability in Lebanon.
Addressing the ongoing negotiations, Minister Makary clarified that there is no direct communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Lebanese approach, he explained, is strictly focused on achieving a ceasefire, preventing the destruction of villages, securing an Israeli withdrawal, facilitating the return of prisoners, and resolving outstanding border issues. This diplomatic strategy, conducted through intermediaries, aims to preserve Lebanese sovereignty and avoid any misunderstandings, demonstrating a clear and unified stance on the path toward peace and stability.
The Kingdom plays a pivotal role that goes beyond traditional support; it forms an Arab and international political lever for Lebanon.
Originally published by Okaz in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.