President Joseph Aoun affirmed on Monday that the Lebanese Army (LAF) is “fully carrying out its responsibilities” in the areas vacated by Israeli forces, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, emphasizing the army’s capability to ensure the safety and protection of Lebanese citizens.
Speaking during a meeting at Baabda Palace with US Senator Paul Grove, a member of the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations, Aoun underscored that the reform process in Lebanon is already underway and is being pursued primarily in the national interest, not solely in response to international expectations.
“There are opportunities on the horizon for Lebanon, and the government is working to seize them through a set of planned reform measures,” Aoun said. He noted that considerable progress had already been made despite the short time since his election and the formation of a new government.
“The achievements so far are significant, especially considering it’s been only three months since the presidential election and eight weeks since the new cabinet took office,” he added.
Furthermore, he reiterated his administration’s determination to overcome any challenges to the reform agenda and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Parliament to meet the aspirations of the Lebanese people. He also confirmed that municipal elections will take place as scheduled.
Expressing appreciation for US support, Aoun thanked Washington for its continued assistance to the Lebanese Army and various government institutions, and urged further backing from the US Senate, particularly for Lebanon’s security forces.
For his part, Senator Grove reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting Lebanon across multiple sectors, including military, education, and social services.
“US aid to Lebanon is clear and targeted, and it must align with the actual needs of the Lebanese state,” he said, adding that a significant portion of the assistance is earmarked for educational programs, scholarships, and sustained support to the armed forces.
Additionally, Grove noted that his discussions in Beirut had left him with a positive impression.
“The feedback I’ve received from my meetings here has been encouraging, and I will convey these insights to the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs in the US Senate,” he concluded.
Lebanese Franchise Association
In parallel, Aoun reaffirmed the Lebanese government’s commitment to driving forward essential reforms aimed at revitalizing the national economy and improving public sector efficiency.
Following a meeting with the Lebanese Franchise Association, the President underscored the government’s intensified efforts to accelerate the implementation of the E-Government project. This initiative, which seeks to streamline administrative processes, reduce bureaucratic delays, and tackle corruption, is seen as a crucial step toward restoring public trust in government institutions. Aoun highlighted that rebuilding confidence in public administrations and the judicial system is vital for attracting investment and stimulating economic growth.
International Labor Organization
Later, during a discussion with Rouba Jaradat, the Regional Director of the International Labor Organization (ILO), Aoun focused on strengthening protections for Lebanese workers. He pointed to the significant challenges faced by the workforce, particularly those impacted by recent security instability and Israeli aggression. Aoun also raised concerns about the competitive pressures from displaced Syrian workers in key sectors, urging a gradual return of these workers to Syria once security conditions are stable.
Association of Insurance Companies
The President met with a delegation from the Association of Insurance Companies. Acknowledging the sector’s ongoing structural difficulties, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating Beirut port explosion, Aoun praised the industry’s resilience. He assured the delegation of his full support for recovery efforts and emphasized that “fair solutions are being studied” to restore the sector’s stability and position within the national economy.
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