The Lebanese Presidency reported that during a meeting with a delegation from the Maronite General Council, led by Michel Matta, Aoun stated that those objectives cannot be achieved through war.

The president said the decision to hold talks seeks to avoid the calamities and tragedies of a new conflict and acknowledged that this negotiation “is neither easy nor quick” due to existing obstacles, but considered it preferable to armed confrontation.

The head of State mentioned, among the leading goals, liberating the South, deploying the Army to the border, releasing prisoners, enabling residents to return, and rebuilding the affected areas.

Aoun said experience has shown that these goals cannot be achieved by military means and reiterated that, consequently, negotiation is the only available alternative.

The statements come amid ongoing Israeli actions against Lebanese territory and despite the agreement reached on June 26, mediated by the United States, which includes a gradual Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of Lebanese armed forces.

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