NNA - President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, emphasized that referring to the negotiation option is the best way to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, “Because the adoption of peaceful means leads to avoiding any repercussions that increase differences between countries in general, and neighboring countries in specific”.
The President also pointed out that Lebanon's position has always been and still is against any act of war or aggression directed against any free and independent country, indicating the importance of adopting the language of dialogue and solidarity between peoples and countries during crises and wars.
The President’s positions came while receiving the European Union delegation, today at Baabda Palace.
The delegations was headed by Ambassador Ralph Tarraf, who thanked President Aoun for receiving him and the accompanying delegation, and for Lebanon’s position in the United Nations General Assembly regarding the crisis in Ukraine.
“Lebanon joined 140 countries in the United Nations in condemning this unjustified Russian offensive act, which violated international laws and threatened security and stability in Europe. The EU calls on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine and respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity” Ambassador Tarraf said.
Ambassador Tarraf also pointed out that the European Union had taken an effective action against this crisis and had issued a bundle of sanctions against the Russian economic system, its technology sector and its corrupt elite.
“We affirm that it is the hour of truth for Europe. Today's confrontation is between the democratic regime, the one-rule regime, and the aggressor. This war determines not only the fate of Ukraine, but the fate of all of Europe” Ambassador Tarraf added.
For his part, President Aoun pointed out that Lebanon’s position regarding the Russian-Ukrainian crisis stems from the necessity of adopting the language of dialogue to solve problems between countries and peoples, not the language of war.
“We are against any military action directed against any free and independent state, and we consider this an attack on sovereignty and independence as well as on the safe people. Lebanon has suffered many problems and wars, the consequences of which were dire for its people as well as for its infrastructure and economy, especially during the Israeli invasion of Beirut in 1982” the President said.
Moreover, President Aoun thanked the European Union for standing by Lebanon in various circumstances, especially after the explosion of the Port of Beirut in 2020, and the huge losses that occurred as a result, whether in terms of the number of martyrs, victims and wounded, or in terms of material losses after destroying a large part of Beirut.
In addition, the President pointed to the importance of solidarity between countries and peoples, especially during wars, and said: "Today, Europe will not abandon its role”.
On the other hand, President Aoun recalled that he had previously asserted the need to return to the negotiation option because it is the best solution to resolving the conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, because the adoption of peaceful means leads to avoiding any repercussions that increase differences between countries in general, and neighboring countries in particular.
The President considered that peaceful means to address inter-state conflicts remain the alternative to violence and dangerous military operations.
Statement:
After the meeting, Ambassador Tarraf made the following statement:
"I am here today to thank Lebanon on behalf of the European Union and its member states for its position in the United Nations General Assembly on the Ukrainian crisis.
Lebanon joined 140 countries in condemning the unprecedented Russian military aggression against Ukraine. This is an unjustified military action that violates international law and has endangered security and stability in Europe and the world.
The Lebanese people understand the meaning of this battle because of the invasions, occupations and interventions they faced.
Lebanon, the founding state of the United Nations, remained faithful to the principles of non-resort to force, and it supports the peaceful settlement of disputes, and this is something we highly appreciate”.
The European delegation included: Ambassadors and chargé d'affaires of the following countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Sweden.
Australian Ambassador:
President Aoun met the Australian Ambassador to Lebanon, Rebecca Grindlay, on a farewell visit to mark the end of her mission in Lebanon.
The President praised the efforts made by Ambassador Grindlay during her stay in Lebanon with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and developing them in several means.
President Aoun also wished Ambassador Grindlaysuccess in her new duties.
Former Minister Al-Khatib:
The President met former Minister Tarek Al-Khatib, and deliberated with him political developments, and the needs of Shouf and Kharoub regions. --Presidency Press Office
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