Lebanese president reaffirms rejection of Israeli occupation as new talks begin

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday reiterated Lebanon's rejection of the continued Israeli occupation of its territory, stressing that restoring full national sovereignty remains a top priority as a new round of Lebanese-U.S.-Israeli negotiations gets underway.



"We will accept nothing less than the end of the Israeli occupation and the elimination of all forms of external tutelage, because our only choice is national sovereignty," Aoun said during a meeting with Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal and members of the advisory team accompanying the Lebanese delegation participating in talks in Washington.



According to a statement released by Lebanon's presidency, the meeting reviewed the outcomes of the fifth round of negotiations held by the Lebanese diplomatic and military delegation.



Aoun said recent developments had validated Lebanon's decision to pursue negotiations, expressing hope that the new round of talks would help achieve the country's objectives and restore its rights.



"Our choice to engage in negotiations has proven correct because it is the only accepted way worldwide to achieve national goals and reclaim rights," he said.



Aoun also stressed that the Lebanese state remains the sole guarantor of security, freedoms, and rights for all citizens.