Lebanon considers UNIFIL's continuation the best option

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated on Friday that maintaining the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is the best option at present, adding that if the mission cannot continue, a replacement force must be established. Earlier that day, Aoun met with EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra de Waele and a delegation of European ambassadors and chargés d’affaires in Beirut. During the meeting, the Lebanese president called on the European Union to support the implementation of the framework agreement with Israel reached in Washington on 26 June. He stressed that Lebanon’s stability is directly linked to regional stability. ‘Maintaining UNIFIL is the best option for the coming period. If that proves impossible, an alternative force must be formed to replace it,’ Aoun said. He also described his meeting with US President Donald Trump on 21 July as productive. Meanwhile, the EU Ambassador to Lebanon stated that the country is at a turning point and entering a new phase, adding that the EU will continue to support efforts to strengthen security, stability, and the implementation of reforms. The framework agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel in Washington on 26 June provides for the Lebanese Army to regain control over the south of the country and the disarmament of Hezbollah, starting from what is designated as a pilot zone from which Israeli forces are to withdraw. Despite this, Israel continues to launch attacks into Lebanon almost daily and maintains a military presence in the country’s south.