BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 11. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says negotiations with Israel are making progress but stressed that Lebanon will not accept any continued Israeli military presence on its territory.
Following a meeting with a delegation from the Maronite Institution for Propagation, Aoun said there was broad agreement among Lebanese parties on key objectives, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the return of prisoners and the reconstruction of areas damaged by the conflict.
“We will not allow Israel to remain, not even on a single inch of our land, nor a single soldier of its army to stay on our soil,” Aoun said, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency.
The Lebanese president said negotiations remain preferable to the consequences of what he described as a destructive war, adding that Israeli attacks had decreased since the signing of the framework agreement for talks.
His comments came after Lebanese and Israeli officials held negotiations in Rome last week aimed at advancing the US-backed framework agreement.
Despite diplomatic efforts, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have continued. Recent Israeli drone strikes targeted areas in Nabatieh, injuring two civilians and hitting rescue and civil defence teams, according to reports.
Meanwhile, many residents in southern Lebanon remain unable to return home due to the continued Israeli military presence and ongoing attacks.
