Naharnet

Aoun Assures No Counter-Aggression Intentions between Israel, Lebanon

President Michel Aoun announced on Tuesday after meeting the Austrian President in Baabda that Israel has relayed to Lebanon no intentions of waging any aggression against the country.

"Israel has relayed to us, through Washington, that it has no hostile intentions, we as well, have no hostile plans. So, there is no danger to peace," said Aoun at a joint press conference with the President of Austria, Alexander Van Der Bellen.

On his meeting with Der Bellen, Aoun said the meeting was an occasion in which he expressed Lebanon's gratitude for Austria's unyielding support to Lebanon’s “just” causes at European and international forums, the National News Agency reported.

"I have tackled with the President of Austria the persistent Israeli threats against Lebanon, which have recently increased, and which are part of the continuous pressure exerted by Israel on Lebanon as it continues to violate its sovereignty by land, sea and air," Aoun said at a joint press conference with Bellen.

"We stressed the importance of uniting international efforts to combat terrorism. We also underscored the need to speed up the solution of the crisis of displaced Syrians; a solution that would contribute to their return to the safe areas without having to wait for a political solution to the Syrian crisis, especially that Lebanon can no longer shoulder this weighty burden," the President said.

"We agreed on the necessity of activating bilateral relations at all levels and developing mechanisms of cooperation in all fields so as to serve our common interests," he said. "I welcome the delegation of businessmen accompanying the president, hoping for the Lebanese-Austrian economic forum success in facilitating investment opportunities."

"The government was impeded which prompted (...) an initiative to secure the government formation, especially that the dangers are high. This initiative should succeed for if it does not, we will be facing a disaster," Aoun said.

For his part, the President of Austria expressed his "appreciation for Lebanon's hospitality towards displaced Syrians in spite of the difficult circumstances."

"Austria and the EU support the UN initiative in Syria," he noted.

The visiting President also stressed that "the economic relations between our two countries are good and can be improved and strengthened," uttering understanding of the political and economic situation and its impact on Lebanon.

"Despite the challenges surrounding you, Lebanon has succeeded in diversity, pluralism and democracy," Bellen corroborated.


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