President Joseph Aoun reiterated on Monday that the unity and sovereignty of Lebanese territory are constitutional and non-negotiable principles, protected by the Lebanese Army and the will of the people.
His remarks, made during economic and diplomatic meetings at Baabda Palace, came in direct response to recent statements by US envoy Tom Barrack, who warned of Lebanon’s potential return to the “Bilad al-Sham” sphere in the absence of Hezbollah’s disarmament and institutional reform.
“I swore an oath to protect the independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon, and anyone who believes I would betray that oath is mistaken,” Aoun stated.
In a meeting with a delegation from the Syndicate of Maritime Tourism Institutions, headed by Jean Beiruti, Aoun stressed that political and security stability are the foundation for national growth. He reaffirmed the exclusive authority of the state over arms and decisions of war and peace, as outlined in the Taif Accord, and underlined efforts to revitalize Lebanon’s international relations through upcoming visits to Bahrain and Algeria.
Addressing broader national challenges, Aoun warned against political rhetoric that undermines Lebanon’s stability and criticized corruption and obstructionist behavior that, he said, stand in the way of state-building. “Some do not want a state, because its existence threatens their role,” he declared. He called for unified national efforts, clean governance and a commitment to the public good, adding, “Lebanon is capable of recovery, and this is not difficult if our intentions are sincere.”
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