BEIRUT, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday expressed hope that ongoing negotiations in Washington between Lebanese, U.S., and Israeli delegations would yield positive results, leading to a lasting ceasefire and eventually ending the state of enmity between Lebanon and Israel.
During a meeting at Baabda Palace with French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian and French Ambassador to Lebanon Herve Magro, Aoun said the process should lead to "the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories occupied in the south, the deployment of the Lebanese Army up to the internationally recognized border, ultimately leading to an end to the state of enmity between Lebanon and Israel," according to a statement released by Lebanon Presidency.
His remarks came a day after Israel and Lebanon agreed during U.S.-mediated negotiations in Washington to implement a ceasefire. According to a joint statement, the ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the withdrawal of Hezbollah operatives from south of the Litani River.
Aoun stressed the need not to provide Israel with pretexts to delay its withdrawal, adding that efforts in this direction would have positive implications for the negotiations.
The discussions also addressed the future of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) after the expiration of its current mandate. Aoun welcomed indications from several European and other countries that they are willing to maintain troops in southern Lebanon to help reinforce stability and support the Lebanese Army.
He also asked Le Drian to convey his appreciation to French President Emmanuel Macron for France's support of Lebanon, highlighting the long-standing historical ties between the two countries.
For his part, Le Drian said his visit to Beirut was intended to express France's support, solidarity, and continued interest in Lebanon's affairs.
Separately, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with Le Drian and Magro to discuss the outcomes of the Washington negotiations and ongoing ceasefire efforts. ■
