Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has said that the framework agreement signed with Israel represents a “first step on the path toward Lebanon restoring its sovereignty over all its territory, complete and undiminished.”
In his first comment on the agreement, Aoun said on Friday that the framework marks “the beginning of the path for displaced people to return to their liberated towns under the sovereignty of a Lebanese state that has no partner over its land and people,” according to a statement by the Lebanese presidency.
“We pledge to continue working until there is no occupation, no prisoners, no dependency and no tutelage,” he added.
His remarks came shortly after the agreement was signed in Washington at the conclusion of the fifth round of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel under US sponsorship.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the agreement "aims to achieve Israel's withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, restore state sovereignty over it” and see the return of displaced Lebanese.
"I look forward to the blessed moment when Israel begins to withdraw, so that our dear people can return to their homes with safety and dignity, and to the launch" of reconstruction efforts, Salam added, according to a statement.
“Lasting peace and security”
Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel and Lebanon had reached a US-mediated framework agreement aimed at securing “lasting peace and security,” centred on a ceasefire between the two countries.
The proposed deal calls for a complete halt in hostilities and the withdrawal of Hezbollah from the South Litani sector in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah was not involved in the negotiations, and it remains unclear whether the group will adhere to the ceasefire terms.
Diplomats view any sustained calm along the Israel-Lebanon border as critical to broader efforts to secure a long-term understanding between the US and Iran.
