Is Lebanon Taking Responsible Steps for Exclusive Arms Control?

Beirut, April 28 (NationPress) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated on Monday that Lebanon has been pursuing measures "calmly and responsibly" to ensure exclusive state control of arms.

"The process of ensuring the state's exclusive control of arms is being conducted with a high sense of national responsibility to safeguard civil peace," Aoun told a visiting delegation from the French Senate at the Baabda Palace, as reported by the state-run National News Agency.

"A return to the language of war is prohibited -- a message clearly communicated to all concerned parties -- and this is a unified Lebanese demand," Aoun asserted.

He pointed out that Israel's refusal to withdraw from five hilltops along the Lebanese border hinders the state's ability "to exercise its authority over its territory fully" and "hampers stability along the border."

Aoun also mentioned that Lebanon and Syria have been in communication "to coordinate and avoid any security incidents at the border," according to Xinhua news agency.

Earlier this month, Aoun had reiterated that disarming Hezbollah is a national and international priority, emphasizing that the only feasible way to achieve this objective is through dialogue, based on a statement from the presidency.

"As I mentioned in my inauguration speech, there is no place for weapons or armed groups outside the framework of the state," Aoun stated. "These issues must be resolved through communication and dialogue. After all, Hezbollah is a Lebanese component."

He also revealed that work will soon commence on drafting a National Security Strategy, which will serve as the foundation for a National Defence Strategy.

"We are all committed to the same objective," he added. "Differences in opinion are normal; that's the essence of democracy. What matters is that our goal is unified."

Aoun's statements were made during a meeting with a delegation from the American Task Force on Lebanon, led by Edward Gabriel. The delegation conveyed a clear message from Washington emphasizing two urgent priorities: the disarmament of Hezbollah and the necessary reforms for Lebanon to access international financial aid.

Gabriel praised the efforts of the Lebanese army and the President personally, while also noting that "there is still much to be done." He added that the quicker reforms are implemented, the sooner the US can provide meaningful support.

Gabriel also disclosed that the US Congress is preparing a funding bill for Lebanon next year.

Furthermore, Aoun stressed the importance of easing tensions in the south, highlighting that Lebanon requires both time and space to resolve issues in a calm manner.