Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun received US lawmakers Darin LaHood and Josh Gottheimer and their accompanying delegation at Baabda Palace, east of the capital Beirut.
In a written statement, the Lebanese presidency said Aoun emphasized that his country remained committed to the framework agreement it signed with Israel under US auspices. Aoun said Israel was not implementing the agreement’s provisions and urged Washington to pressure Tel Aviv.
Aoun said the blasting, land-leveling and demolition activities carried out by Israel in the towns it occupies in southern Lebanon must end.
Aoun said Israel’s delay in implementing the agreement was prolonging tensions in southern Lebanon, adding that the situation was preventing state authority from extending across the area and displaced people from returning to their homes.
The Lebanese president also said the Lebanese army must be provided with the resources it needs to carry out its extensive responsibilities.
LaHood said they appreciated Aoun’s efforts to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty and strengthen state authority. He said the opportunity to restore stability to Lebanon and the region must not be missed.
Terms of the Lebanon-Israel agreement
Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement on June 26 under US mediation to end the dispute between the two countries and establish lasting peace.
The agreement provides for Israel’s gradual withdrawal from the Lebanese territories it occupies and the continuation of negotiations between the parties. The statement said Israel had continued its occupation of and attacks in Lebanon despite the agreement.
