Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated on Thursday the need for the state to impose its authority throughout its territories and impose monopoly over weapons as part of an initiative to launch direct negotiations with Israel to end the war.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said that his country was carrying out “intense” contacts, including relaying messages between Iran and the United States, and communicating with Israel, to ease the tensions and prevent the regional conflict from expanding.
Abdelatty was in Beirut where he met with Aoun and several officials as part of Egypt’s efforts to support Lebanon and contain the regional and international escalation.
He conveyed to Aoun President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's support and “full solidarity with Lebanon, its leadership and people.”
He stressed that Egypt stands by Lebanon during its plight.
“Cairo will not spare an effort to offer political, diplomatic and humanitarian support and it is constantly working with various concerned parties to ease the tensions and avert a deterioration,” added the FM.
‘Unencouraging’ signs
Sources monitoring Abdelatty’s meetings in Beirut said the signs were “unencouraging” and that the political and military circumstances “are not positive” when it comes to Lebanon, especially with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal that the war on Lebanon be included in US-Iran negotiations on ending the regional conflict.
He is insisting on his position to eliminate Hezbollah regardless if a ceasefire is reached between Washington and Tehran, said the sources, meaning the war on Lebanon will stretch on.
They warned that the Lebanese front may witness further escalation in the coming phase.
Abdelatty echoed these concerns, telling reporters in Lebanon that “diplomacy continues, but it has not reached tangible results.”
“Some sides are seeking calm and exploring the possibility of negotiations, so progress may be achieved in the future,” he revealed.
Aoun
Aoun underscored his initiative aimed at ending the military escalation and the Israeli occupation of southern regions, as well as the Lebanese state imposing its authority throughout its territories.
The initiative is based on consolidating security and stability across Lebanon’s borders and preventing any armed presence outside the state, he added. Illegal weapons will be seized to ensure state monopoly over arms and that it alone has control over decisions of war and peace.
“Lebanon does not want to be an arena for the wars of others,” he declared. “Lebanon’s official position reflects a clear desire to keep the country out of regional conflicts.”
He warned that Israel’s failure to respond to his proposal means that the military escalation will continue, deepening the suffering of the people, especially those in the South.
“The Lebanese people are united in refusing to be dragged to civil war,” Aoun added. The army and security forces are carrying out their duties in preserving civil peace and protecting the people, especially the displaced in shelters.
Referring to the continued escalation, he lamented that “might is still prevailing over reason.”
Humanitarian aid
Abdelatty announced that Egypt has sent nearly a 1,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Lebanon that include medical and food products and shelters for the displaced.
“The aid reflects the Egyptian people’s solidarity with the Lebanese people and their keenness on easing their suffering,” the FM stressed.
“Egypt is ready to meet all the demands of our brothers in Lebanon, on the humanitarian, political or diplomatic levels. It will not relent in maintaining its efforts to end the hostilities and restore calm,” he added.
