Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday welcomed a joint French-Italian initiative to establish an international coalition for the period following the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), describing it as a strong expression of international support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability.
In a statement issued by the presidency, Aoun praised Thursday’s announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on efforts to develop a post-UNIFIL security mechanism.
He said the initiative reflected the international community’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, while recognising the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining security and extending state authority across the country, particularly in the southern border region.
Aoun also welcomed the emphasis by France and Italy on preventing a security vacuum after UNIFIL’s mandate ends, saying the approach is consistent with Lebanon’s long-standing position that the Lebanese Army is “the only genuine guarantee” of security in the south and the protection of the country’s sovereignty.