What they said جوزف عون ×

No one can be sovereign and claim to love his country while criticizing the army and security forces that work to maintain security and stability and extend the state's authority, which includes restricting weapons to its hands and achieving security and securing the economic and social affairs of our people in the south.

What Lebanon has suffered and continues to suffer from waves of displaced people who came to its territory, the latest of whom are those displaced from Syria whom Lebanon hosted since the beginning of events in 2011, and whom Lebanon is currently working to return to their country after the reasons for their displacement ended following the political changes that occurred in Syria.

Israel has not committed to the agreement reached in the negotiations in Washington, and it continues its attacks on southern villages and towns with shelling, destruction, and bulldozing of homes.

Lebanon wishes that the international forces operating in the south (UNIFIL) complete their operational mission during the next year set for their withdrawal under the Security Council resolution, given the importance of their presence in the south for monitoring what is happening on the one hand, and for assisting the Lebanese Army when it deploys up to the international southern border after Israel's withdrawal on the other.

A stable state is built on centralizing weapons in the hands of its army, and our responsibility requires restoring consideration to production. Tripoli, with its energies and competencies, can be a key partner in Lebanon's renaissance if vision and management are available. There is no development without an effective state, and the state is not the property of a faction, sect, or team but belongs to all Lebanese and their shared reference.

Experience has proven that division protects no one and weakening the state protects no component.

We value the position of Speaker Nabih Berri, especially regarding considering the Lebanese Army a red line, preserving civil peace, and openness to dialogue and understanding, as the best means to protect and save Lebanon.

We can only stand by the security agencies, for they are the backbone of the state and its main pillar.

We recall a painful station in Lebanon's history, and we salute the memory of a man among its men who left their mark on national life.

The lessons we have drawn from those bitter experiences require us to adhere to our national unity, safeguard Lebanon's sovereignty and the independence of its decision, and restrict the decision of war and peace to the state and its legitimate institutions, in a way that protects all Lebanese and preserves the future of coming generations.

The years of war have taught us that Lebanon cannot be a battlefield for others' wars or a mailbox for their conflicts, and that the Lebanese are the ones who pay the price with their lives, security, and the stability of their country, while the country reaps only division and destruction.

The main goal of negotiation is to achieve Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories, the release of prisoners, the return of displaced people, reconstruction, and the deployment of the army across all Lebanese territory

Wars end only through negotiation and dialogue

We await the return of the Kingdom's citizens to visit Lebanese regions

No leniency is permissible with any attempt to breach security or undermine the country's stability. The current phase requires the highest levels of readiness and coordination between the security and military agencies, a continuous exchange of information and an accurate assessment of developments, away from any duplication of roles or conflict of powers.

The necessity of strict law enforcement, preventing armed displays, confiscating weapons and ammunition, expediting investigations, and referring violators to the competent judiciary to take the necessary action.

The need to adopt the highest levels of readiness and coordination between the security and military agencies, exchange information continuously, and assess developments accurately, away from any duplication of roles or conflict of powers

No leniency is permissible with any attempt to breach security or undermine the country's stability

The current phase requires careful monitoring of the situation and taking the necessary preventive measures to prevent any security breach

Lebanon is committed to the diplomatic solution, despite its difficulty, because it is far less costly than the destructive war whose price the Lebanese, especially the people of the south, are paying, and it is time for Lebanon to rest.

Israel has not abided by the framework formula, and the south remains exposed to daily violations. This will not lead to any result; rather, it will increase the Lebanese people's attachment to their land and their rights, but at the same time it does not help the Lebanese state implement the objectives it has set.

The French positions express the depth of the deep-rooted relations between Lebanon and France throughout history.

Israel continues its aggressions against southern villages and towns, its bulldozing operations, the destruction of homes and the prevention of farmers from reaching their lands, and it has not abided by the provisions of the framework agreement reached under American sponsorship.

The necessity of supporting diplomatic solutions as the best way to end the region's conflicts

the necessity of supporting diplomatic solutions as the best way to put an end to the region's conflicts

The role of the media is to convey the message faithfully, so be messengers of truth, do not sell your pen, and work according to your conscience.

Lebanon's students and youth are a trust in my care, and I will do the impossible to keep you in Lebanon.

Regional and international developments and the Israeli elections may have slowed the pace of negotiations, but that does not mean they have stopped, and our goal is Lebanon's interest.

The circumstances resulting from the Israeli attacks and the occupation of southern villages and towns, most of which fall within UNIFIL's area of operations, make the presence of the international forces extremely important, because their withdrawal would create a vacuum with negative repercussions on the security situation in the region, in addition to the absence of any international oversight of what is happening there.

Lebanon is committed to keeping UNIFIL, given the importance of the role it has played since the start of its mission until today, and the sacrifices made by its members, officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers.