NNA – President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, on Wednesday emphasized the need for national unity and reform during a meeting with a delegation from the Maronite League, stressing that Lebanon’s interests should come before all other considerations.

“What has happened in recent months has affected the entire country, and Lebanon’s well-being must take precedence over all else,” Aoun stated.  

Reaffirming his stance against exclusion, he added: “There is no room for sidelining anyone in Lebanon. The state protects all sects, not the other way around. We have many opportunities from friendly and allied nations, and it would be regrettable to waste them over side disputes and personal calculations.”  

Regarding the situation in southern Lebanon, Aoun dismissed claims of sectarian marginalization. 

“What happened in the South has negatively impacted all of Lebanon. The claim that the Shiite community is under siege is entirely false. We are one nation, facing challenges together, and internal trust is key to our resilience.”  

The President also stressed the necessity of economic, financial, and social reforms to secure international cooperation. 

“The responsibility for enacting reforms lies with us, not others,” Aoun asserted.  

On recent protests, the President reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful freedom of expression but condemned acts of violence. 

“Blocking roads and attacking the army and civilians, as seen in recent days, are unacceptable practices that will not be repeated,” the President concluded. 

=====R.H.