BEIRUT, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday called for the creation of an international force to assist the Lebanese army in the country's south if the UN peacekeeping mission cannot remain in the country.
"Lebanon considers the continued presence of the international forces in the south to be the best option for the next phase. If that proves impossible because of procedures required at the UN Security Council, an alternative international force should be established to replace them," the Lebanese presidency quoted Aoun as saying during his meeting with EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele in Beirut.
Aoun said such a force would help the Lebanese army clear southern areas, remove unexploded ordnance, and support the implementation of the U.S.-brokered framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel in June.
Waele, for her part, said Lebanon is at a crossroads, its future hinging on stronger security, rebuilt institutions, and reform, adding that reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund would unlock international funding and help draw foreign investment. ■
