Lebanon President: Beirut's ties with UAE returning to their natural state
HAMAD AL KAABI (ABU DHABI)Joseph Aoun, President of the Republic of Lebanon, affirmed that the fraternal relations between the UAE and Lebanon are on track to return to their natural state and noted that his meeting with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan 'exceeded expectations.'President Aoun highlighted His Highness' reaffirmation of the UAE's supportive stance towards strengthening Lebanon's state institutions in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty, security and stability, as well as the UAE's support for Lebanon's unity and territorial integrity. He considered this stance a testament to the deep-rooted and historical fraternal relations between the two countries.Additionally, the Lebanese President noted that the UAE is home to around 190,000 Lebanese residents who play an active role in strengthening bilateral ties. He praised the attention and care they receive in the UAE, reflecting the mutual respect and strong bonds of affection between the two brotherly peoples.President Aoun's remarks came during a meeting with editors-in-chief of local newspapers, held on the sidelines of his official visit to the UAE. The visit included high-level discussions with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi.In response to a question from Aletihad during the meeting, President Aoun revealed that the coming period will witness new economic legislative reforms, particularly following the recent approval of the Banking Reform Law in Lebanon. This will be followed by a law addressing the financial gap, in addition to several upcoming security, judicial and economic appointments.He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to continue with the reform agenda that the government has already begun implementing. These reforms aim to achieve economic recovery and growth. He stated that both political and security efforts are progressing towards stability and that extensive work is being done to improve economic and living conditions through a comprehensive package of structural reforms.President Aoun expressed optimism regarding the agreements Lebanon has signed with the World Bank and noted that the country is close to finalising a deal with the International Monetary Fund. This follows the recent visit of a Lebanese ministerial delegation to IMF and World Bank meetings in Washington, which he described as successful.The President also addressed the issue of depositors' funds in Lebanese banks, reiterating that the law will be applied equally to both Lebanese and non-Lebanese depositors in ensuring accountability. He also expressed hope for the return of gas exploration companies under the existing agreements, especially following the completion of maritime border demarcation.He outlined the accomplishments achieved in recent weeks, despite the prevailing challenges, in the current government's term of less than 100 days. He described these achievements as reasonable and measured, emphasising his administration's resolve to advance Lebanon towards a new phase of progress, development, and stability.The President noted that Lebanon's security situation is under control and, in fact, better than in many other countries, despite what he described as 'a suffocating financial crisis', exacerbated by the presence of around one million Syrian refugees in addition to Palestinian camps. He commended the strong efforts of the Lebanese security agencies, which are operating with great efficiency.In this regard, he praised the Lebanese Army for its tremendous efforts, noting that its operations are ongoing south of the Litani River despite geographical challenges and limited resources.Although he did not elaborate on the issue of Hezbollah's arms north and south of the Litani River, he acknowledged the immense burden carried by the Lebanese Army and said the current focus is on defusing the threat of war in the south.
President Aoun stated that the decision to confine weapons to the state has already been taken - but through dialogue and addressing concerns, not through force that could lead to civil war, which he categorically rejected under any circumstances.
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