Daijiworld Media Network - Beirut
Beirut, Jun 28: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has reaffirmed his government's commitment to implementing the US-mediated framework agreement with Israel during a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, the Lebanese presidency said on Saturday.
According to an official statement, President Aoun assured Trump that the Lebanese state would fulfil its responsibilities under the agreement and expressed hope that Washington would play an active role in ensuring that all parties adhere to their commitments.
Aoun particularly urged the United States to help prevent violations of the agreement and press Israel to withdraw from the remaining areas it occupies in southern Lebanon. He said such a withdrawal is essential to allow the Lebanese Armed Forces to deploy fully along the internationally recognised border and strengthen state authority in the region.
During the conversation, President Trump reiterated the United States' commitment to supporting Lebanon and its people, pledging continued efforts to implement the framework agreement and promote long-term peace, security and stability in the country.
Trump also reaffirmed Washington's support for Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, while backing the extension of the Lebanese state's authority across the entire country through its armed forces.
The two leaders concluded the call with Trump expressing his desire to host President Aoun in Washington in the near future for further discussions on bilateral ties and regional developments.
The conversation came a day after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Lebanon and Israel had agreed to a US-brokered framework designed to advance lasting peace and security between the two neighbouring countries.
The agreement, finalised during ambassador-level talks held in Washington, D.C., seeks to reinforce the implementation of the existing but fragile ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel while laying the groundwork for a more durable security arrangement.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rubio described the agreement as an important milestone, saying it marked the beginning of a process aimed at delivering the lasting peace and security that both Lebanon and Israel deserve.
According to US officials, the framework is intended to strengthen Lebanon's sovereignty, facilitate the dismantling of Hezbollah's military infrastructure, and create conditions for the eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces to their side of the border once security concerns have been addressed.