German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul concluded his visit to Beirut after a series of high-level meetings, reaffirming Germany's commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and regional stability.
During his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Wadephul highlighted Germany's support for measures to strengthen Lebanon's territorial integrity and its army. He also reaffirmed Berlin's support for the UN peacekeeping forces operating in southern Lebanon and called for the implementation of UN resolutions that respect Lebanese sovereignty.
Aoun urged the international community, the European Union, and the United States to pressure Israel to comply with the ceasefire agreement announced last November, reported Xinhua news agency.
"Our option for negotiation seeks to recover our occupied territory, achieve the release of prisoners, and ensure the total withdrawal of troops. Unfortunately, this approach has only led to new attacks against Lebanon, aggravating tensions," Aoun stated.
He emphasized the fully operational role of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon, especially along the Litani River, and confirmed that troop numbers in the south would reach 10,000 by the end of the year.
In his meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, Wadepful condemned the continued Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory and praised the government's decision to centralize weaponry under state control.
Rajji stressed that "a diplomatic, not military, solution is the only path to stability in the south."
The talks also addressed the issue of Syrian refugees, with Wadepful expressing his support for their return to Syria.
