BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday warned that his country cannot endure another war, stressing that national unity and Arab cooperation are key to Lebanon’s recovery.
“The Lebanese can no longer withstand any additional war,” Aoun said, as he urged leaders to reject divisions and foreign meddling, and instead harness growing regional support to rebuild the nation.
He was speaking to a delegation of prominent Sunni religious leaders headed by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian at the Republican Palace.
The president condemned what he termed Lebanon’s historical “fatal error” —seeking foreign backing against domestic opponents. “We all saw the devastating consequences of this approach,” Aoun said. “Instead, I want to strengthen partnerships with my brothers and allies domestically to counter external threats, regardless of their source.”
Aoun cited Israel as exemplifying the divide-and-conquer strategy that, he said, Lebanon must resist through internal unity. “Our cohesion confronts this approach and addresses all challenges,” he said.
