Daijiworld Media Network- Beirut

Beirut, Feb 22: Lebanese president Joseph Aoun has urged the United States to continue providing support to the Lebanese army, particularly in equipping and strengthening its national security efforts in southern Lebanon.

During a meeting in Beirut with a US congressional delegation led by Congressman Darrell Issa, Aoun also called on Washington to exert pressure on Israel to withdraw from five remaining occupied points in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese presidency said in a statement.

Congressman Issa, while congratulating Aoun on his election, reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Lebanon across various sectors. He assured that he would work alongside the US administration and Congress to address Lebanon’s demands for Israel’s full withdrawal.

Following the meeting, Issa briefed reporters, stating that discussions touched upon Lebanon’s long-term and short-term challenges, including:

• Strengthening governance

• Fostering economic recovery

• Implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701

On the issue of Israel’s continued presence in certain areas of southern Lebanon, Issa acknowledged that progress had been made, but emphasized that further steps were required. He highlighted ongoing security concerns, including:

• Dismantling weapons stockpiles

• Addressing underground tunnel networks

While noting that these complex challenges would take time, Issa expressed confidence that full compliance with UN Resolution 1701 would eventually be achieved.

The US lawmaker also reiterated that Washington and the United Nations would ensure that all parties remain accountable for implementing the resolution.

He further assured that US military support to Lebanon would continue, including:

• Additional military training

• Enhanced equipment supply

• Collaboration with regional allies like Jordan

The discussions underscore Lebanon’s push for international backing to maintain territorial sovereignty and national security.