BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 22. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has stated that while Lebanon welcomes international efforts to end the war with Israel, it will not accept any external party negotiating on its behalf or interfering in its internal affairs.
TurkicWorld reports that Aoun emphasized that the Lebanese state—rather than sectarian or religious groups—bears responsibility for protecting all citizens. He added that building a strong, unified national state remains the country’s top priority amid ongoing regional tensions.
He also noted that political competition is legitimate in Lebanon, but warned that it must not hinder the functioning or progress of the state.
The remarks come as regional diplomacy continues, with Iran reportedly insisting during US-mediated discussions that Israel halt its attacks and withdraw from southern Lebanon in support of its ally Hezbollah, as part of broader ceasefire-related negotiations.
