NNA - President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, on Thursday held a series of high-level meetings at Baabda Palace, focusing on military coordination, international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, and diplomatic relations.
During a meeting with the Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), General Aroldo Lázaro, and an accompanying delegation, President Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He noted that the Lebanese Army continues to deploy across southern towns vacated by Israeli forces, working to clear landmines and remove all armed presence, despite the vast and challenging terrain.
The President stressed the urgent need for Israel to withdraw from the remaining five occupied hills to ensure lasting stability and facilitate the full return of displaced residents. He confirmed that the recruitment process of 4,500 new soldiers—mandated by a Cabinet decision—is ongoing and that these troops will reinforce existing forces in partnership with UNIFIL.
General Lázaro offered Easter greetings and condolences for the recent loss of two army personnel in a demining incident, and shared the outcomes of his recent meetings at the UN Security Council, including Lebanon’s request for a renewed UNIFIL mandate. He praised the strong coordination between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army.
President Aoun also received a delegation from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), including Head of the Peace Division Evariste Karambizi and Director of the Diplomatic Division Rabih Haddad. They informed the President of the institute’s support initiatives, including a €17 million package for equipping and training the 4,500 new army recruits assigned to the south.
Karambizi noted that additional forms of assistance are being prepared to strengthen Lebanon’s security institutions.
President Aoun expressed gratitude for UNITAR’s support, and discussed recent political, security, and reform developments in the country.
Later in the day, the President met with official Maronite representatives from Cyprus—MP John Moussa and former Minister Georgios Lakkotrypis—who extended congratulations on his election and conveyed greetings from the Cypriot Maronite community.
They discussed bilateral ties and the challenges facing Cypriot Maronites, particularly their inability to access and reside in villages located in the Turkish-controlled northern part of the island. The delegation asked President Aoun to raise this issue with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during an upcoming visit to Turkey.
The meeting also covered prospects for enhancing cooperation between Lebanon and Cyprus. MP Moussa conveyed President Nikos Christodoulides’ regards and reiterated his invitation for President Aoun to visit Cyprus.
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