BEIRUT, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Tuesday that negotiations aimed at ending ongoing hostilities do not amount to surrender but rather serve as a means to resolve conflicts, the National News Agency reported.
Aoun made the remarks during a meeting at Baabda Palace with a delegation of lawmakers from the Jezzine district and local municipal heads.
"Negotiations do not mean giving up or capitulating but are meant to solve problems," he said, stressing the need for war-weary Lebanese to "stand by their state."
He noted that the decision to engage in negotiations is coupled with a firm commitment to preserving rights, with priority given to halting attacks, Israeli withdrawal, and the return of detainees as the basis for pursuing peace after decades of conflict.
Highlighting ongoing efforts with international parties and humanitarian organizations to increase aid for affected populations in the south, he also emphasized the importance of coordination among the Lebanese army, security forces, municipalities, and residents to maintain stability.
Also on Tuesday, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) warned that journalists face increasing risks amid the fragile and unpredictable situation in southern Lebanon.
UNIFIL spokesperson Candice Ardell said in a post on social media platform X that journalists play a vital role in conflict zones, often at the expense of their personal safety, noting that recent events in southern Lebanon have highlighted the risks.
Ardell said she recently met with Lebanon's Information Minister Paul Morcos to discuss ways to enhance the safety of journalists in southern Lebanon.
Eight Lebanese journalists have been killed in Israeli strikes since early March, she said, quoting the minister.
Journalists are not legitimate targets of attacks, she said, stressing the need to take precautionary measures to ensure their safety.
UNIFIL can, upon request, notify both the Lebanese and Israeli armies of journalists' locations and planned movements to raise awareness of their presence, Ardell said, adding that such steps do not guarantee safety but are practical measures to help reduce risks.
Tensions have continued along Lebanon's southern border, with repeated reports of Israeli attacks and military activities despite a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which took effect at midnight between Thursday and Friday local time (2100 GMT). ■
