NNA - President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, on Wednesday reiterated Lebanon's unwavering position on the Palestinian issue, reaffirming support for a two-state solution. 

Aoun stressed the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative, which was adopted during the 2002 Arab Summit, and rejected proposals that could lead to the displacement of Palestinians or undermine their legitimate rights, as enshrined in United Nations resolutions.  

During a meeting at the presidential palace in Baabda with Portuguese Foreign Minister, Paulo Rangel, President Aoun called on European Union nations to exert pressure on Israel to complete its withdrawal from Lebanese territories by the February 18 deadline. 

President Aoun also urged for the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland, emphasizing that the reasons for their stay in Lebanon no longer apply.  

In turn, Minister Rangel, who was accompanied by Portugal’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Vanda Sequeira, and other officials, conveyed Portugal's strong support for Lebanon. 

Rangel further expressed confidence in Lebanon’s political course and its potential to contribute to regional peace, highlighting the need for cooperation among European nations to support Lebanon's military institutions, including the role of UNIFIL.  

Rangel also reaffirmed Portugal's support for the two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and stressed the importance of rebuilding Gaza while ensuring the Palestinian Authority is empowered to manage the process. He also called for maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.  

In response, President Aoun thanked Portugal for its continued political and economic support and emphasized Lebanon's role as a bridge between East and West, especially after years of hardship. 

Moreover, the President reiterated the Lebanese stance on Palestinian rights and called on the EU to pressure Israel into adhering to the agreements regarding its withdrawal.  

Additionally, Aoun addressed the Syrian refugee issue, reiterating that their return to Syria is essential, as the reasons for their displacement no longer exist. He stressed the need for European nations to push for the safe return of refugees to Syria.  

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, Director General of the Presidency Dr. Antoine Choucair, and other key officials from the Lebanese side.

========R.H.