Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, during an interview with Asharq al-Awsat, at the Baabda Palace, on Feb. 28, 2025. (Credit: Presidency office)
The monopoly of arms in the hands of the state, relations with Arab countries, justice, reform... In an extensive interview — his first since his election — granted on Friday to the Saudi daily Asharq al-Awsat, President Joseph Aoun addressed several key issues, just two days before a state visit to Riyadh. He notably emphasized his determination to see the state as the sole guarantor of Lebanon's security across its territory. “This is our objective as a state,” he said. “There is no sovereignty without a monopoly of arms,” he added. After the war between Israel and Hezbollah, which significantly weakened the party, calls for its disarmament have increased. After his election on Jan. 9, Aoun pledged that the state would hold the monopoly of arms during his inaugural speech before Parliament. “The protection of the country and the...
The monopoly of arms in the hands of the state, relations with Arab countries, justice, reform... In an extensive interview — his first since his election — granted on Friday to the Saudi daily Asharq al-Awsat, President Joseph Aoun addressed several key issues, just two days before a state visit to Riyadh. He notably emphasized his determination to see the state as the sole guarantor of Lebanon's security across its territory. “This is our objective as a state,” he said. “There is no sovereignty without a monopoly of arms,” he added. After the war between Israel and Hezbollah, which significantly weakened the party, calls for its disarmament have increased. After his election on Jan. 9, Aoun pledged that the state would hold the monopoly of arms during his inaugural speech before Parliament. “The protection of the...