Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Thursday that neutrality does not mean that the state gives up its right to self-defense, adding that Lebanon is in no position to attack anyone or support disputes.
“But we are obligated to defend ourselves, whether we are neutral or not,” he said.
Aoun’s stance came during a meeting with a delegation from the Muslim Scholars Association in Lebanon, headed by Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Judge Sheikh Ahmed Al-Zein, at the Presidential Palace in Baabda.
On corruption, the President stressed the need for an investigation on the sources of funds and whoever manages them.
“We will resort to adopting a successful method that secures handing over the files through forensic auditing, although we are facing resistance not at the popular level but at other levels, which requires your help because we cannot accomplish this matter unless there is a movement that supports us in doing so,” he said.
Aoun confirmed that terrorists will not be able to act on Lebanese soil.
“Those who expelled the terrorists from our mountains and plains will not allow them in again,” he noted.
The President said Lebanon has finally laid down a plan for the return of Syrian refugees provided that in the next stage a meeting of concerned authorities to arrange the return is called for, in coordination and agreement with Syria, and with the countries concerned with the affairs of the displaced.
“We have always called on the countries concerned with their affairs to do what they must in order to secure refugees’ return, and we waited for their positions, so that today we have to do what is practical to push these countries to fulfill their duties towards them,” Aoun stressed.
The President added that concerned authorities are vigilant in securing the southern border in light of Lebanon’s keenness to resolve disputed issues with Israel through UN mediation.
He also addressed the economic crisis, indicating that work is underway to secure increased aid to needy families, in line with the state’s abilities and the assistance it receives.
On Wednesday, the President met with Maronite Patriach Beshara al-Rai who confirmed that Lebanon needs to stay neutral to be saved from hunger and poverty.
