Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, during the second day of his engagements in Rome, to pressure Israel to comply with the framework agreement signed with Lebanon.
According to a statement from the Lebanese Presidency, Aoun and Meloni discussed relations between the two countries, the development of cooperation in various fields and regional developments. The talks focused in particular on the situation in southern Lebanon and Israel’s ongoing attacks.
Call for implementation of the framework agreement
Aoun said the framework agreement reached between Lebanon and Israel under U.S. auspices must be respected. The Lebanese president also thanked Meloni, expressing his appreciation for Italy’s hosting of the negotiations and its contribution to supporting security and stability in southern Lebanon.
Seven rounds of direct negotiations have been held between Lebanon and Israel since April 14. Five of these talks took place in Washington, while the latest two rounds were held in Rome.
The framework agreement prepared under U.S. auspices was signed by Lebanon and Israel on June 26. Lebanon said that, despite the agreement, Israel’s continued attacks on various areas of southern Lebanon were making it more difficult to carry out the army’s planned deployment.
UNIFIL withdrawal timetable discussed
Aoun and Meloni also discussed arrangements to be implemented after the current mission of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) ends. UNIFIL’s mission in southern Lebanon is expected to end at the end of the year, while the force’s complete withdrawal is expected to take place in 2027.
Talks on the future of UNIFIL’s mission in the country are ongoing. Operating in southern Lebanon since 1978 in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, UNIFIL is tasked with monitoring the security situation and maintaining stability in the area.
Aoun meets Mattarella
Lebanese President Aoun also met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The two leaders discussed Lebanon-Italy relations and regional developments.
The Lebanese Health Ministry said that 4,348 people had been killed and more than 12,000 injured in the extensive Israeli attacks carried out since March 2.
Israeli forces continue to maintain a presence in some areas of southern Lebanon, parts of which have been held under occupation for a long time. Israeli forces also advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory during the previous conflicts in 2023 and 2024.
