President of the Republic Joseph Aoun. (Credit: Photo NNA)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Saturday that Lebanon faces two choices: unity around a strong state or the logic of militias, as Hezbollah continues to oppose the direct negotiations being conducted by Lebanese authorities with Israel to end the war.
’’Lebanon today faces a decisive choice: either its children unite around a sovereign state, the sole holder of weapons, where law and the protection of citizens prevail regardless of their affiliations or positions ; or the country remains a prisoner of the logic of militias and the culture of exclusion,’’ Aoun wrote on X.
He added that ‘’we are living in a moment that allows neither sectarian calculations nor regional rivalries. National unity is no longer just a slogan raised at ceremonies ; it is an existential necessity built through frankness, strengthened by justice, and rooted in fairness toward all components of the people, without exception.’’
The head of state also renewed his ‘’commitment to work for a Lebanon where its citizens live free and equal, united not only by geography but also by genuine citizenship and their belonging to a state governed by the rule of law.’’
Lebanon is demanding a permanent cease-fire as the basis for negotiations that would lead to a full Israeli withdrawal and the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians under the supervision of the Lebanese Army. Israel seeks to dismantle Hezbollah as a military force, at least in South Lebanon, and to obtain guarantees that its military capabilities have been eliminated before relinquishing occupied territory.
Hezbollah has rejected the cease-fire plan agreed upon by the Lebanese and Israeli governments during direct talks in Washington. The group's secretary-general, Naim Qassem, whose party did not participate in the discussions, described the negotiations as ‘’shameful’’ and rejected the Washington declaration, calling it ‘’a roadmap for the elimination of part of the Lebanese people and the enslavement of the rest.’’
Salam to Hezbollah: Honor your commitments
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Saturday called on Hezbollah, which he described as ‘’a Lebanese political force,’’ to support the direct negotiations being held with Israel.
’’If you are truly concerned about what you call your environment and the suffering of your environment, all that is being asked of you is to honor your commitments. We ask nothing more,’’ Salam said in an interview with Reuters.
’’Our problem with Hezbollah is its weapons. We consider the party a Lebanese political force and want it to honor its Lebanese commitments. All we ask is that it keep its promises,’’ he added.
’’Hezbollah must move faster than us, or at least keep pace with us, and announce its support for the negotiations we are conducting in Washington,’’ Salam said.
A Lebanese source familiar with the discussions told Reuters that Tehran was angered by Beirut's decision to negotiate independently with Israel, viewing it as the loss of an important bargaining chip in its confrontation with Washington.
The prime minister said he was ‘’in constant contact with Hezbollah.’’
’’All that is being asked of it is to honor its commitments. The South is supposed to be a weapons-free zone. Hezbollah has given its confidence to the government twice, while the ministerial statement insists on the state's monopoly on arms. Nothing more is being asked of it,’’ he said.
