Beirut: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, received the U.S. Central Command Chief, General Michael E. Kurilla, at Baabda Palace, along with an accompanying delegation from the command, in the presence of US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, General Kurilla began the meeting by congratulating President Aoun on Lebanon's Army Day. The discussion focused on the existing cooperation between the Lebanese and US armies and explored avenues for further development in all areas.
The meeting also addressed the situation in southern Lebanon. General Kurilla praised the Lebanese army's achievements following its deployment in most of the southern towns and villages. This deployment is pending completion after the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied Lebanese territories.
Further discussions included President Aoun's firm stance on arms' monopoly and the reactions it has garnered both domestically and internationally. President Aoun emphasized the necessity of strengthening American support for the Lebanese army, which he stated is the sole entity expressing the Lebanese people's desire for a free, sovereign, and independent country.
The situation in Syria and the evolving relations between Syria and Lebanon were also discussed. Separately, President Aoun met with former Minister of Justice Henri Khoury and Judge Joelle Fawaz, head of the Legislation and Consultations Authority at the Ministry of Justice.