Aoun criticizes those who 'fuel sectarian divisions and collaborate with foreign powers'

BEIRUT — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday criticized those who “fuel sectarian and religious divisions and collaborate with foreign powers,” amid recent tensions between Hezbollah and its detractors. In recent days, Aoun has taken a tougher stance on Hezbollah’s illegal weapons, following the seizure of explosives belonging to the party in Dahr al-Baidar and a contentious raid on a warehouse containing suspicious drugs near Beirut’s southern suburbs.

“Some people fuel sectarian and religious divisions for personal interests at the expense of their country, while others collaborate with foreign powers against their fellow citizens at home,” Aoun said during a meeting with a delegation from the Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church, led by Patriarch Youhanna X Yazigi.

He also reiterated his call for dialogue to end the conflict with Israel, urging “strengthening internal solidarity in the face of external pressures." "The course of wars always differs from what the parties in conflict anticipate. Conflicts can only end through negotiation and dialogue, while prolonging them leads only to further destruction, casualties and blood," the president said at Baabda Palace.

Hezbollah has repeatedly criticized direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, held under Washington’s auspices, and called on Lebanese authorities to withdraw from them. Although the talks had been at a standstill since August, a Lebanese delegation began its first day of discussions with Israeli representatives in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday. The talks focused in part on Lebanon’s demands for an Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon and an end to attacks. The session is set to continue today.

“The fundamental objective of the negotiations is to secure an Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories, the release of prisoners, the return of the displaced, reconstruction and the deployment of the army across the entire Lebanese territory. There are no disagreements in Lebanon on these objectives; the difference lies in how and by what means to achieve them,” Aoun said. “When the south is wounded, the whole of Lebanon is affected,” he added.

“The wars that have been imposed on us have had negative repercussions on the return of institutions to the South, although a qualitative leap has been recorded in many areas, notably regarding economic, financial, administrative and judicial reforms,” he continued.

Aoun also called for “restoring trust between the people and the state, as well as the diaspora.” “Our unity is essential, as we have only one homeland, one flag, one identity. Lebanon, as Pope John Paul II said, is a message. It is enriched by its diversity and pluralism, and we must take advantage of this asset,” he added.

Speaking in turn, Patriarch Yazigi said the country was going through “an exceptional period” that had prompted the president to “take unprecedented decisions.” “We stand here by your side, Mr. President, in the role that places you before your historic responsibility, and we have confidence in your wisdom,” he said.

“As Eastern Christians, we see in Lebanon — founded on parity — the symbol of our Christian presence in this region. We will remain as long as the cedars remain in Lebanon, and we affirm the need to reach out to our Muslim brothers,” the patriarch added.