On the 17th President Aoun welcomed parliament’s call to extend UNIFIL’s mandate
in southern Lebanon, saying the force is essential for civilian security, close
coordination with the Lebanese army and regional stability. He said extending
the mandate is the preferred option; if that cannot be achieved, Lebanon seeks a
framework to ensure international forces operate alongside and coordinate with
the Lebanese army to fulfill their duties. Aoun noted Israel has opposed UNIFIL
and has for nearly a year urged its withdrawal, while Lebanon presses for
continued deployment.
