Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun welcomed a joint French-Italian initiative to establish an international coalition after UNIFIL’s mandate ends.

The proposal focuses on the transition phase following the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission and seeks to ensure continued international backing for Lebanon’s stability and security framework.

According to a statement from the Lebanese presidency, Aoun described the initiative as a strong sign of international commitment to supporting Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability.

He also said the proposal reflects genuine recognition of the role played by the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining security across the country, particularly in the southern border regions, and in extending state authority.

Aoun added that the initiative is consistent with Lebanon’s long-standing position that the Lebanese army should remain the sole guarantor of security in the south of the country.(ILKHA)