The unjust campaigns against President Joseph Aoun continue, most of which deviate from political decorum and ethics, especially since he is a symbol of the country. However, the president has spoken his mind and moved on.

In his statements, there is much he reveals, but he does not attack or target any position; rather, he remains keen on national unity. When asked, “Are you afraid of sectarian conflict?” he firmly replies that “that is a thing of the past, and no one can bring the civil war back or turn back time, as the Lebanese army guarantees civil peace.”

When asked about the role and exposure of the Lebanese army, he recalls that it fights drugs and contraband in the Beqaa, operates in southern Lebanon, has achieved significant accomplishments in southern Litani, and monitors demonstrations in Beirut to prevent security breaches, thereby maintaining state institutions and citizens, and fulfilling its role to the fullest under difficult social conditions.

On fears of division in the event of a clash with the resistance or any component, he responds during a session with journalists: “Try another angle,” stressing that the army is cohesive and steadfast. He adds that officers from the Shiite community have played a key role in maintaining security and stability in Beirut, in front of the Grand Serail, across all state institutions, on the airport road, and throughout Lebanon. No one should gamble on this matter. “I assure you firmly and clearly, no one can gamble on the division of the army. These are dreams. The army belongs to all Lebanese, preserves security and stability, and will remain so.”

The Lebanese Army spreads in southern Lebanon (AFP).

"Give Me Another Solution"

In another context, the President avoids describing it as a framework agreement, clarifying that it is “a framework, not an agreement.” He adds bitterly: “Some blame me for this framework, and I tell them I can stay at Baabda Palace and not care about any agreement, but should I let my people die? Should I watch these wars, supports, and all the destruction and ruin happen? Yesterday, a woman from Nabatieh stopped me during my visit with my wife, Lady Harissa, and she cried bitterly after telling me her house was leveled to the ground. She said: ‘Your Excellency, we do not want war; we want peace.’ And I tell you, I am not infatuated with Israel, but give me another solution to follow, whatever it may be. And I say to those who oppose this framework, I am waiting for any solution or agreement that gets us out of wars.”

Regarding a possible visit to the United States, he tells journalists at Baabda Palace: “There is a visit, but I am waiting for the American ambassador, and we will discuss all topics, including the visit to Washington.”

President Aoun does not respond to campaigns and praises Speaker Nabih Berri’s role in preventing discord, confirming his support for him.

President Aoun and PM Salam at Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency).

It is clear that the President does not favor disputes and divisions, respecting all positions, but he asks: “They have the right to sign this agreement or that, whether it is maritime demarcation or other agreements, including the 1949 armistice agreement. With whom was the agreement at that time? Until now, I tell you, we achieved a framework, and I commend the diplomatic and security delegations; they were very remarkable, standing up to the Israeli negotiator. No one should outbid us on Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and the soil of the south. We will not accept Israel remaining in Lebanon at all, but let us try to reach a result, and then consequences will be built on that. But opposing without having an alternative while wars continue is something I will not accept. I am preserving security and stability, sovereignty, and I am keen on the south and Israel’s withdrawal; these are constants for me.”

In lengthy discussions about the country and the region, he speaks calmly and firmly, responding to those calling for the cancellation of the agreement: “There is no agreement, but a framework. Today’s circumstances differ from the May 17 era, and we do not forget that everyone contacted me and congratulated these steps, from Arab, Gulf, European leaders, and others. We want relief because we need economy, money, and investment, so give us security and the Gulf will come to Lebanon and undertake investment and tourism projects and more.

Aoun asks: “Do we want to remain in the country waiting for others’ wars on our land and axis politics? I will never allow that. I adhere to the inaugural speech, the constitution, and every word I said, and no one should bet on any change in positions. The time for appeasement has passed, and I will not appease, but work for all Lebanese. I am keen on all of them, and I will not discriminate between one Lebanese and another.”