Beirut: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, held a meeting with UNIFIL Force Commander General Diodato Abagnara at Baabda Palace. During the meeting, President Aoun announced that the number of army personnel stationed south of the Litani River would increase to approximately 10,000 by the end of the year. This move aims to ensure security and stability along the southern border following the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The Lebanese army plans to collaborate with UNIFIL to implement UN Resolution 1701 fully, and will assume control of all UNIFIL posts during their phased withdrawal, which is expected to conclude by the end of 2027.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, General Abagnara provided President Aoun with an update on the situation in southern Lebanon amid recent developments. He discussed the steps UNIFIL plans to take to regulate its operations in response to the UN's global reduction in peacekeeping mission budgets. Abagnara assured President Aoun that UNIFIL will maintain its support and coordination with the Lebanese Army, despite the gradual reduction of its forces. He emphasized that the cooperation between UNIFIL and the army will continue across various missions.
In another meeting, President Aoun conversed with United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, focusing on the overall situation and the operations of UN organizations within the country. Additionally, President Aoun welcomed a delegation from the Lebanese Communist Party, led by Secretary-General Hanna Gharib, who presented a memorandum outlining the party's stance on current issues. President Aoun expressed his commitment to the country's welfare, emphasizing his readiness to prevent conflict and support the liberation and reconstruction of southern Lebanon.
President Aoun also received members of the President Fouad Chehab Foundation, led by former Minister Dr. Adel Hamieh, to discuss matters of mutual interest.