Lebanese President Michel Aoun affirmed the country's commitment to maintaining the presence of international peacekeeping forces in the south or replacing them with European troops that would form the core of forces from friendly nations aiming to assist Lebanon in
securing the southern region. During his meeting with five French deputies from the Eastern Christians Study Group, Aoun emphasized that safe and sustainable solutions are not achieved through war but through diplomatic negotiations, noting that wars do not produce practical
outcomes but rather cause destruction, displacement, and casualties, while negotiations are the means to achieve security for nations and peoples. He confirmed that the state is vigilant regarding the safety of residents in the southern border villages who have remained
steadfast in their homes and properties, working alongside humanitarian organizations, peacekeeping forces, and the Lebanese army to provide health, educational, and food support until the Israeli occupation ends. Regarding the Christian presence, Aoun reassured that there is no threat to
this presence in Lebanon and that what occurred in some neighboring countries will not be repeated, highlighting that Christians, together with their Muslim brothers, form a unique model. He pointed out that Lebanon represents a message of freedom and pluralism
in the region and the world, and it cannot survive without its Christian and Muslim wings, considering that losing the Christian wing would lead to extremism spreading, while losing the Muslim wing would undermine moderation. He added that Islamic-Christian coexistence
in Lebanon is not merely a political formula imposed by circumstances but a national and civilizational choice and a human experience proving that diversity is a source of strength and that differences do not contradict unity but enrich it, stressing
that unity between Christians and Muslims is essential for protecting Lebanon, ensuring its stability, and serving as a safeguard against discord.
