Lebanon's Aoun asks US to remain a steadfast ally

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has appealed to the United States for continued support, emphasizing Lebanon's right to peace and stability. In a message marking the US Independence Day, Aoun urged Washington to “keep always standing beside Lebanon’s right and just causes, its institutions, army and people." He expressed a desire for Lebanon to “turn the page on wars … and open a new page of hope, peace and stability”.

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keep always standing beside Lebanon’s right and just causes, its institutions, army and people

The appeal comes in the wake of a US-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel aimed at ending the conflict with Hezbollah. The deal proposes Hezbollah's disarmament, a gradual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and the deployment of the Lebanese army to the region. However, Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, which lacks a specific timeline for Israeli withdrawal.

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turn the page on wars … and open a new page of hope, peace and stability

Meanwhile, the conflict in southern Lebanon persists. Hezbollah joined the fighting on March 2, retaliating against the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with air strikes and a ground invasion. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported 4,303 killed and 12,202 wounded since March 2. Authorities are developing plans for prefabricated housing and rent assistance for the 400,000 displaced people who have returned to southern Lebanon. Despite these efforts, attacks continue, with reports of Israeli Apache helicopters firing missiles and strikes on villages, while the Israeli military stated its troops killed an armed fighter in the “security zone.”

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with great pride that we stand with the people of Lebanon as they forge a brighter future – one of peace, prosperity and promise long overdue