President Michel Aoun announced Lebanon's position on approving the final formula prepared by the American mediator for demarcating the southern maritime borders, stating that "this indirect agreement responds to Lebanese demands and fully preserves our rights." He thanked everyone who stood by Lebanon in this achievement, which would not have been possible without the unity and resolve of the Lebanese stance in resisting all pressures, without making any significant concessions or entering into any form of unacceptable normalization.
In a speech directed to the Lebanese people at 8 PM today, broadcast on various media platforms, Aoun reviewed the stages of the demarcation file since 2010 until today, highlighting the local and external obstacles faced, and the political hurdles encountered. He noted that simultaneously, Lebanon had to activate the process of demarcating its maritime borders, especially in the south, and correct mistakes that occurred in the demarcation with Cyprus.
The President stated that Lebanon has the right to consider what was achieved yesterday as a historic achievement, "as we managed to recover an area of 860 square kilometers that was under dispute, and Lebanon did not concede any kilometer to Israel, and we obtained the entire Qana field without any compensation to be paid by us, despite the complete field not being within our waters. Our land borders were also not affected, Lebanon did not recognize the line of buoys established by Israel after its withdrawal from our lands in 2000, and did not engage in any normalization with Israel, nor did it hold any direct talks or agreements with it."
He revealed that the agreement specifies how to resolve any future disputes or in the event of discovering another shared oil field along the border, which enhances confidence and a stronger sense of stability on both sides of the border, stating, "We are now capable, having regained the initiative, thanks to perseverance, effort, and defense of what is rightfully ours for future generations whom we hope will live in a time better than the one we lived in. And the sovereign fund that preserves revenue according to the proposed law should be established."
Aoun emphasized that the next step "should be to initiate talks with Syria to resolve the disputed area with it, which exceeds 900 square kilometers, through brotherly discussions. Additionally, we need to review the drawn borders with Cyprus and determine what needs to be done in the future."
He addressed the Lebanese by saying: "Through your steadfastness, resilience, and the struggle of your resistance that has proven to be a strength for Lebanon, you contributed to bolstering the Lebanese position in negotiations and confrontations, achieving this accomplishment for you and future generations, all for the elevation, progress, prosperity, and comfort of your homeland."
The full text of the speech includes details on Lebanon's long negotiations over the years concerning its maritime borders and oil extraction, the legal groundwork laid since 2010, the significance of the recent agreement, and appreciation for various international and local parties involved in the process.
Aoun concluded by expressing gratitude to President Biden, the American mediator Amos Hochstein, the French leadership, and numerous others who supported Lebanon throughout this process, praising the Lebanese people's resilience and commitment to their rights.
