Lebanese President Aoun: Regional Tensions, Israeli Elections Slowed But Not Halted Negotiations

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated on Thursday that the primary objectives are to cease hostilities, secure an Israeli withdrawal, rebuild southern Lebanon, repatriate prisoners, and facilitate the return of displaced persons, while preventing the conflict from engulfing all of Lebanon. He acknowledged that while regional and international developments, along with Israeli elections, may have slowed the pace of negotiations, they have not stopped. Aoun emphasized that resorting to negotiation prevented further Israeli aggression, potentially reaching Beirut and vital public facilities. He cited numerous lengthy negotiation processes that eventually yielded solutions, noting ongoing communications led by Ambassador Nada Mwaouad with the U.S. administration to advance the talks. The president asserted that negotiation is the only viable alternative to war, stating that conflicts typically conclude with either a decisive victory or a negotiated settlement. He highlighted Lebanon's recent achievements, including joining the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) with its ports of Tripoli and Beirut, the U.S. presidential decision to lift air transport restrictions with Lebanon, and the maritime border demarcation with Cyprus. Aoun also pointed to Lebanon's 4% economic growth last year, a $1.3 billion surplus at the Ministry of Finance, and a $2 billion increase in the central bank's foreign currency reserves, noting that the ongoing war prevented the anticipated 6% growth this year. Addressing concerns about rising oil prices, he attributed the increase to the Gulf conflict and market speculation, assuring that the government is working to mitigate the economic impact. In diplomatic engagements, Aoun met with Canadian Ambassador Gregory Galligan to discuss the current situation in Lebanon and the region, bilateral relations, and the potential resumption of Canadian flights to Lebanon.