Syriac Maronite President Joseph Aoun: Lebanon’s national interests must take precedence over all other considerations

BEIRUT, Lebanon — During a meeting with a delegation of Arab ambassadors and representatives from the Maronite League, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized that Lebanon’s national interests must take precedence over all other considerations, especially in light of recent developments in the country. He stressed that the state is responsible for protecting all sects, not the other way around, underscoring the importance of preserving Lebanon’s institutions and their fundamental role in governance.

Meeting with Arab Ambassadors and the Maronite League 

President Aoun received two diplomatic delegations in Beirut, where he reaffirmed that the current phase requires prioritizing national interests over narrow political calculations. He stated that the Lebanese state is committed to implementing the necessary economic, financial, and social reforms. 

Aoun also underscored Lebanon’s support for peaceful freedom of expression, while firmly rejecting recent incidents of road blockages, attacks on the army, and assaults on citizens. He declared that such actions are unacceptable and will not be allowed to recur. 

A Call for Arab support and a unified stance 

Expressing hope for stronger support from Arab nations, Aoun pointed out that regional developments affect not only the Palestinian people but also all Arab countries, including Lebanon. He stressed that the challenges facing the region can only be confronted through a unified Arab position. 

Lebanese Forces: “Lebanon Is not a colony” 

In related news, the Lebanese Forces party issued a statement asserting that Lebanon is not an Israeli or American colony, nor is it under the dominion of any other global power. The statement further emphasized that Lebanon is equally not an Iranian colony, rejecting Tehran’s past assertions that Beirut is among four Arab capitals under its control.

The statement also accused Iran of having used its national airline over the past three decades to smuggle large quantities of weapons, military equipment, explosives, and funds into Lebanon in violation of Lebanese sovereignty and international law. The party called for an end to what it described as illegal and unlawful practices that have contributed to Lebanon’s current crisis.

The Lebanese Forces also voiced support for the government’s decision to halt Iranian flights into Beirut’s airport, denouncing opposition voices that have criticized these state measures. The party insisted that only the Lebanese state should have a monopoly on armed force, in order to protect national security and sovereignty.

For the article in Arabic see here