Aoun urges end to Israeli occupation and attacks in talks with UK official

President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday called for an end to Israel’s continued occupation and attacks in Lebanon, in talks with the visiting UK Defense Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa, Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren.

“Israel’s continued occupation of the five hills and their surroundings is still obstructing the continuation of the army’s deployment up to the border, knowing that wherever the Lebanese Army has deployed in the South Litani region, the Lebanese state’s decision to monopolize arms in the hands of the regular armed forces has been implemented, while all armed appearances have been removed,” Aoun told the British visitor.

He also lamented that “the persistent Israeli attacks on southern villages, and their occasional spread to other Lebanese areas in Mount Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, is keeping tensions high and preventing the implementation of the measures that were agreed on in November to preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and stability.”