Lebanese President Calls for Israeli Exit from Southern Lebanon Within Ceasefire Deadline
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Synopsis
On January 18, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, pressing for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon as per the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire agreement. Aoun highlighted the need for support in restoring damaged agricultural lands and confirmed the Lebanese army's readiness to take control post-withdrawal.
Key Takeaways
- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urges Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visits to discuss peace efforts.
- Concerns over agricultural land destruction due to Israeli actions.
- The Lebanese army is ready to assume control after Israel's exit.
- Ceasefire agreement mandates Israeli withdrawal within 60 days.
Beirut, Jan 18 (NationPress) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun engaged with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during his visit on Saturday, emphasizing the necessity for Israeli forces to retreat from southern Lebanon within the stipulated timeframe outlined in the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire agreement.
"Ongoing Israeli intrusions, both on land and in the air — particularly the devastation of homes and villages along the border — starkly violate the ceasefire terms. These actions further infringe upon Lebanese sovereignty and show a blatant disregard for the international community's efforts aimed at reinstating stability in southern Lebanon," Aoun was reported as saying by a statement from the Lebanese Presidency.
Aoun expressed alarm over the destruction of farmland in southern Lebanon, urging the UN for assistance in helping farmers restore these lands for agricultural activities, as noted in the statement.
He assured that the Lebanese army stands ready to take control of the area immediately following Israel's exit.
Post-meeting in the mountainous Baabda region, Guterres took to social media platform X to congratulate Aoun on his recent electoral success.
"I am eager to collaborate to reinforce the cessation of hostilities and ensure the security and stability of the nation," he stated.
Guterres also held discussions with Lebanese Prime Minister-Designate Nawaf Salam on Saturday, after which he remarked on X that "the path ahead for Lebanon is promising yet filled with challenges."
"As the Lebanese people navigate this journey together, the UN proudly supports them," he added, according to Xinhua news agency.
Last week, Aoun was elected as Lebanon's new president, concluding a two-year presidential vacuum that had rendered the political system ineffective. He subsequently appointed Salam, the president of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, as the new Prime Minister.
During his official visit beginning Thursday, Guterres called for an end to Israeli military actions in Lebanon on Friday while addressing peacekeepers at the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
On the same day, Naim Qassem, leader of the Lebanese group Hezbollah, stated that Israel had surpassed 100 violations in southern Lebanon and urged the Lebanese state to adopt a decisive stance against these infringements.
A ceasefire brokered by the United States and France commenced on November 27, 2024, aimed at ending nearly 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The agreement mandates that Israel withdraw from Lebanese territory within 60 days, with the Lebanese army to be deployed along the Lebanese-Israeli border and in the southern region, taking on security duties and preventing the presence of weapons or militants.
Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli army continues its operations in Lebanon, some of which have resulted in casualties. Israel also accuses Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire.
