President Michel Aoun called on “the United Stated to work on preventing Israel from continuing its assaults on Lebanese sovereignty" by land, sea, air and to commit to the UN resolution 1701.
During his discussions with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at Baabda presidential palace, President Aoun stressed that Lebanon is committed to preserving calm on its southern border and that Lebanon does not want war with any country, urging the United Nations and the International Committee to play an "effective role" in this regard.
Aoun thanked Washington for its continuous support to the Lebanese Armed Forces, emphasizing the need to continue preemptive operations in order to dismantle the remaining terrorist cells.
In a statement, Aoun said that the US decision to reduce its contribution to the UNRWA from USD 264 million to USD 60 million dedicated to be used in Gaza without benefitting the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, only adds to the burdens weighing on Lebanon in terms of caring and assisting these refugees.
The president also stressed that Lebanon that hosted more than 1.850 million Syrian refugees since the outbreak of the deadly war in Syria, is no longer capable of bearing any more repercussions caused by this displacement and threatening its security, stability, economy, social affairs, education and healthcare.
Aoun called on the United States to attend the conference that will be held to support Lebanon in Rome, Brussels and Paris.