President Joseph Aoun met Friday with a delegation representing all 15 member states of the United Nations Security Council, led by Slovenia’s UN envoy Samuel Žbogar, as Ljubljana assumes the Council’s rotating presidency.

The meeting, held at Baabda Palace, saw Council representatives reaffirm their support for Lebanon’s stability through the implementation of international resolutions. They pledged readiness to assist in strengthening the Lebanese Army, completing its deployment, and ensuring the state’s exclusive authority over weapons. The delegation also welcomed Lebanon’s decision to appoint a civilian representative to the Mechanism Committee.

President Aoun thanked the Council members for their support, reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to international resolutions, and called for continued assistance to enable the Lebanese Army to complete its mission. He highlighted Lebanon’s ongoing cooperation with UNIFIL and coordination with the Mechanism, while stressing the need for pressure on Israel to uphold the ceasefire and fully withdraw from Lebanese territory.

Aoun told the delegation that Lebanon has chosen negotiations with Israel as its official approach and appointed a former ambassador to lead the Lebanese team. He emphasized that this path seeks to prevent further violence while providing a framework for stability and security.

“Wars cannot produce positive results, and only negotiation can create the conditions for solutions to outstanding issues while sparing citizens further suffering,” he said.

He stressed that Lebanon’s engagement in the Mechanism Committee is driven by national interests, not international pressure.

“We have made our decision, and there is no turning back,” Aoun said, noting that he conveyed the same message to Arab and international leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York last September.

The negotiations are primarily aimed at halting Israeli hostilities on Lebanese soil, securing the return of detainees, programming withdrawals from occupied areas, and resolving disputed points along the Blue Line. Aoun cautioned, however, that the success of these talks ultimately depends on Israel’s cooperation.

On security matters, Aoun told the delegation that the Lebanese Army deployed to southern Litani on the first day of the ceasefire, November 27, 2024, and has since been carrying out its full mandate, including confiscating weapons, inspecting tunnels, removing ammunition, and curbing armed displays. While Israel’s ongoing occupation of certain border areas has prevented full deployment, the army has continued operations across challenging terrain, requiring substantial time and effort. Lebanon aims to increase its presence in the south to approximately 10,000 troops by year-end.

He highlighted that the army’s responsibilities extend nationwide, including anti-terrorism and anti-smuggling operations, border security, and the protection of diplomatic missions and public institutions. Aoun reiterated repeated calls for international assistance and equipment to enable the army to fulfill its mission, stressing its essential role in maintaining civil peace and national stability. Lebanon also plans an international conference to support the armed forces.

Regarding UNIFIL, Aoun said coordination is excellent and will continue until the end of the force’s mandate. Lebanon had hoped UNIFIL would remain until the army completes deployment to internationally recognized borders, but several countries have expressed willingness to maintain a presence in the south to assist the army once UNIFIL withdraws at the end of 2027.

Aoun also underscored the close relationship between the Lebanese Army and southern communities, noting that residents see the army as a protector and are eager to return home to rebuild following Israeli attacks over the past year.

“Reconstruction and the return of residents to their lands are our priorities,” he said, calling for international support to facilitate both.

On reforms, Aoun reported that since the formation of the government eight months ago, several key laws have been passed, including amendments to banking secrecy rules and restructuring the banking sector. The government hopes to finalize a law addressing the so-called “financial gap” by year-end. Additional reform measures target corruption, public administration efficiency, and Lebanon’s reintegration into the international economic system, in coordination with the International Monetary Fund. Some reforms require parliamentary approval, and the legislature is currently reviewing bills submitted by the government.

On the exclusive authority of the state over weapons, Aoun stressed that this remains a primary goal.

“We are determined to enforce it, and we have called on all parties to cooperate. It may take time, but Lebanese citizens have endured enough conflict, and no armed forces should operate in Lebanon except the legitimate military and security services,” he said.

“We do not want war again. The Lebanese people have suffered enough. There will be no turning back. The army will fulfill its mission and protect the population nationwide, particularly in the south. The international community must support these efforts, as security in Lebanon is closely linked to that of neighboring and friendly states," Aoun concluded.