Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called on the United States to exert pressure on Israel to withdraw from areas it still occupies in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese presidency announced that President Aoun discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump, via a phone call, the importance of ensuring Israel's adherence to the framework agreement between the two countries and to prevent any violations of its terms.
The Lebanese presidency reported that President Trump assured President Aoun of Washington's support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Additionally, President Trump expressed to Aoun that the United States is committed to supporting Lebanon's economy and legitimate security forces.
The presidency detailed that Aoun received a phone call on Saturday night from President Trump, who congratulated him on the signing of the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel under U.S. sponsorship, reaffirming the U.S.'s commitment to Lebanon and its people and facilitating the implementation of the agreement to restore security and stability in Lebanon.
President Trump emphasized that the United States wishes prosperity and progress for the Lebanese people and will spare no effort to support Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the strengthening of state authority with its armed forces across all Lebanese territories to halt any threats to Lebanon's stability. He also assured support for the Lebanese President's stance and government decisions, highlighting that the U.S. will contribute to bolstering Lebanon's economy and legitimate security forces, aiming for Lebanon to regain its leading role in the region and worldwide.
President Aoun expressed gratitude to President Trump for his supportive stance towards Lebanon, its legitimate authority, and its constitutional and security institutions, particularly the army. He noted that the Lebanese state is ready to fulfill its responsibilities in implementing the framework agreement, and he expressed hope that the U.S. would ensure adherence to the agreement and exert pressure on Israel to withdraw from occupied territories in the south, facilitating army deployment to the international borders.
The call concluded with President Trump, according to the Lebanese presidency's statement, indicating his intention to meet soon with the Lebanese President in Washington.