Lebanese President Michel Aoun has expressed strong support for a parliamentary initiative and petition advocating the extension of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon. Aoun emphasized that 'the presence of UNIFIL is crucial for multiple reasons, notably helping to stabilize the region by keeping residents in their villages and towns through cooperation and coordination with the Lebanese Army.'
President Aoun stated, 'Our first option is to extend the mandate for UNIFIL. Should this extension not occur, our second option would be to adopt a framework that ensures the continued presence of international forces in the south, within the necessary legal parameters, and in collaboration with the Lebanese Army to support stability and fulfill their assigned tasks.'
He also noted that 'Israel opposes the presence of UNIFIL and has been exerting pressure in this direction for about a year, while we advocate for their continued presence.' Aoun argued that the core idea is to secure ongoing international involvement in the south, either through renewing UNIFIL's mandate or deploying supplemental international forces, thereby maintaining stability and enhancing the role of the Lebanese state and army.
After the meeting, Member of Parliament Melhem Khalaf, speaking on behalf of the delegation, reiterated 'the commitment to maintaining UNIFIL to avoid any void in the south, given their role in verifying Israeli withdrawal, maintaining security and stability, and supporting the Lebanese army in asserting state sovereignty.'
Khalaf noted that 'the petition has been signed by 86 deputies, with 20 representatives from various affiliations and blocs meeting the President, who underscored the significance of the issue and informed the delegation about his international engagements.'
He stressed the need to maintain a UN presence in the south in any feasible form should the extension become impossible, while continuing diplomatic efforts with UN Security Council member states and countries contributing to the international force.
Separately, Minister of Displaced Persons and State Minister for Technology and Artificial Intelligence Kamal Shihada, accompanied by Pierre Choueiri, met with President Aoun to discuss preparations for the 'Xperia' exhibition scheduled for upcoming October, which will showcase advances in technology, information, artificial intelligence, and startups, with broad Lebanese, Arab, and international participation.
In another meeting, President Aoun received updates from the General Director of the Civil Defense, Brigadier General Imad Khrayish, concerning civil defense activities across Lebanon, particularly in the south, as well as efforts to extinguish fires and investigate their causes. The president praised the sacrifices of civil defense personnel, their dedication, and the progress made by the General Directorate over the past year.