President Joseph Aoun said on Wednesday that "Lebanon will not be a platform directed against any country, especially its brotherly Arab countries" from which he expects support "to liberate its territory from the Israeli occupation," the Israeli army remaining positioned on five strategic positions in south Lebanon the day after its expected withdrawal. The head of state was speaking to a delegation of ambassadors from Arab countries he met Wednesday at the Baabda Palace.

In previous years, influential actors on the Lebanese scene, such as Hezbollah, have often adopted hostile rhetoric against certain Arab countries, notably Gulf monarchies, particularly Saudi Arabia, causing, according to their detractors, Lebanon's isolation in its Arab environment. Several countries then reduced their diplomatic representation and/or issued advisories prohibiting or advising against their citizens traveling to Lebanon. Moreover, investments that Lebanon traditionally benefited from significantly suffered.

"We hope for support from Arab countries so that Lebanon can once again become the face of the Arabs, as stated by the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud," continued Aoun.

The head of state said that "the repercussions of what is happening in the region are not limited to the Palestinian people but affect all Arab countries, including Lebanon."

"We can only face the current challenges with a united Arab position," he stated.

Return of Syrian refugees 

During a subsequent meeting with a delegation from the Maronite League, Aoun said "the importance of the return of Syrian refugees to their country," adding that "the reasons for their presence in Lebanon are no longer justified," without elaborating.

The fall of the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8 and the recurring call by interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa for the return of all displaced persons to Syria made the voices in Lebanon for the return of all Syrian refugees to their countries of origin increasingly audible. 

Aoun also said that the massive influx of refugees into Lebanon "translates into an increase in the crime rate in the country," while the rise in violence during the month of January was palpable through the data relating to thefts.

The president finally stated the need to rebuild a strong state, that "protects all communities."

"Financial, economic and judicial reforms are essential to pave the way for international aid," he said.