Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that Lebanon is counting on Türkiye to contribute to its economic recovery, support the implementation of a US-mediated framework agreement, and help strengthen stability in southern Lebanon. The President noted that Lebanon expects Türkiye's contribution to economic recovery through trade, investment, and reconstruction. [claim:1, claim:10]
The framework agreement, which emerged from negotiation rounds in Washington and Rome, was signed between Lebanon and Israel on June 26., under the terms of the agreement, Israel is to undergo a gradual withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territory in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of armed groups, including Hezbollah. [claim:4, claim:5, claim:7]
Regional security and UNIFIL replacement
President Aoun stated that Türkiye's NATO membership and regional ties qualify it to play a role in the international promotion of the framework formula. He added that Türkiye can assist in controlling Lebanon's northern and eastern borders and preventing arms smuggling. [claim:6, claim:9]
Regarding security in the south, the possibility of Türkiye joining an international force to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is currently under discussion. Other proposals for a replacement force include a European force led by France and Italy, or proposals involving Arab and Islamic countries. President Aoun noted that Türkiye has already contributed to peacekeeping in southern Lebanon through UNIFIL's naval force. [claim:13, claim:14, claim:15]
The President clarified that any Turkish military support would serve as an addition to, rather than an alternative to, existing US and international support. [claim:12]
Sovereignty and implementation requirements
The success of the framework agreement is contingent upon clear guarantees. President Aoun stated these must include a full Israeli withdrawal simultaneous with the deployment of the Lebanese army, a permanent halt to violations in the south, and an effective international verification mechanism. [claim:8]
Addressing domestic authority, the President stated that the Lebanese army is facing an existential challenge in extending state authority over all its territory. He emphasized that the decision to place arms solely in the hands of the Lebanese state is an exclusively Lebanese sovereign decision, noting there is no room for external mediation, including from Syria. [claim:11, claim:16]
President Aoun is scheduled to make his visit to Türkiye on Thursday, following his inauguration in January 2025. He stated that Lebanese-Turkish relations have the potential to move to advanced levels of cooperation. [claim:2, claim:17]