Trump praises Lebanese President Aoun for leadership — Asharq Al-Awsat
US President Donald Trump, in a letter to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, praised his leadership of the country during a critical period. As Asharq Al-Awsat reports, Trump also stated the shared commitment of the United States and Lebanon to peace, security, and prosperity in the world.
According to the office of the Lebanese president, in the letter Trump mentioned hosting Aoun at the White House on July 21. The US president called the meeting historic and noted that it was the first visit by a Lebanese head of state to the White House in nearly two decades. Trump said he admired Aoun’s decisive leadership in the interests of Lebanon and its people. He also thanked the Lebanese president for awarding him the National Order of the Cedar, Grand Cordon grade.
Negotiations with Israel
Lebanon is conducting direct negotiations with Israel mediated by the United States. Their stated goal is to end the war, withdraw Israeli troops from occupied Lebanese territories, return detained persons, and enable displaced residents to return to their homes.
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The negotiations are also intended to ensure that weapons throughout Lebanon are exclusively under the control of the country’s official security forces and armed forces. According to the publication, the Lebanese authorities’ approach to negotiations with Israel is supported by most of the country’s major political forces, unlike Hezbollah.
Politicians’ reactions
Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt, after meeting Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, said he supported the negotiations and the ceasefire agreement if they lead to a gradual or complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. He also mentioned the possibility of border demarcation.
MP Alain Aoun said that the success of the president’s efforts to end the war and restore Lebanon’s sovereignty requires the cooperation of all political forces. He called on Hezbollah to engage in dialogue with the president in Baabda on a roadmap for negotiations, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the deployment of the Lebanese army across the country. At the same time, according to Asharq Al-Awsat, Hezbollah has intensified its criticism of Aoun over the decision to conduct direct negotiations with Israel mediated by the United States.
