German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday called for the “swift” disarmament of Hezbollah, stressing during talks with President Joseph Aoun that restoring full state authority in Lebanon is essential for long-term stability.
In his remarks following their meeting, Steinmeier said Israeli forces must also withdraw from southern Lebanon, underscoring that “a permanent occupation of Lebanese territory by Israel is unacceptable and must end.” He described the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah as “an opportunity to achieve stability in the region,” urging all parties to adhere to it.
Steinmeier reaffirmed that Germany would continue backing Lebanon even after the conclusion of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission. He stressed that Berlin’s support would focus on strengthening state institutions and reinforcing the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
“The end of UNIFIL’s mission is not the end of our support,” Steinmeier said, noting Germany’s longstanding role as one of Lebanon’s key partners and a major contributor to UNIFIL. He emphasized the importance of sustaining Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, highlighting ongoing cooperation between the Lebanese Army and the German Navy as part of efforts to bolster the LAF after UNIFIL’s mandate concludes.
For his part, Aoun stressed that Lebanon “is no longer able to bear anyone’s conflicts” and seeks only to safeguard the interests of its people. “We remain committed to staying, and we insist with you on absolute peace, rejecting any conditions for it except truth and goodness,” he told Steinmeier.
Aoun said Lebanon remains committed to hope and renewal, pledging to prioritize national interests, the well-being of its citizens, and regional peace. He underlined that this would be achieved by “freeing ourselves from every occupation or tutelage” through the Lebanese armed forces alone, rebuilding what has been destroyed with domestic capabilities and international support, and overcoming divisions fueled by past conflicts.
Earlier on Monday, Aoun also met with U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, affirming Lebanon’s determination to continue deploying the LAF up to the internationally recognized southern borders. He called on the United States to press Israel to halt hostilities, withdraw from occupied territories, and return detainees.
Comments