Lebanon's President Aoun: Ceasefire Is Gateway to Negotiations, Government Committed to Consolidating Peace

Gate News message, April 17 — Lebanon's President Michel Aoun stated that a ceasefire is an entry point and pathway for advancing negotiations, and a widely supported option both domestically and internationally. Aoun emphasized the critical importance of direct negotiations and the need for all parties to share responsibility, noting that the world is watching Lebanon closely.

Aoun outlined the Lebanese government's position as consolidating the ceasefire, ensuring Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon, securing the release of captives, and resolving outstanding border disputes. He added that following Israeli withdrawal, the Lebanese government military will play a critical role by deploying to the southern international border to end armed confrontation, ensuring that "no armed forces exist except the Lebanese government military and legitimate security forces."