Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Boukraya has stated that negotiations are the only way to end Israeli occupation, emphasizing Lebanon's determination to regain its full sovereignty. In an interview with Al Arabiya/ Al Hadath, Boukraya highlighted Lebanon's success in halting Israeli aggression through negotiations, underscoring the complexities of the negotiation process.
Boukraya stressed that Lebanon has regained its free will and will not allow any party to negotiate on its behalf. He emphasized that the path of negotiation is long and complex but Lebanon is committed to pursuing it until full sovereignty is restored. The minister also noted that military solutions have only led to destruction and displacement in the south.
The Lebanese foreign minister discussed the issue of disarming non-state actors, stating that this is a Lebanese decision unrelated to negotiations with Israel. He emphasized that disarmament is a national demand and that no normal state coexists with militias. Boukraya also linked Hezbollah's threats of civil war to the need for disarmament.
Boukraya considered that Hezbollah's allusions to civil war serve as strong evidence for the necessity of disarmament. He added that the hypothesis of civil war is no longer on the table and is not part of Lebanese discourse. The minister warned that those promoting civil war do not want the Lebanese state to assert its sovereignty.
Regarding the international force in southern Lebanon, Boukraya stated that Beirut is seeking to deploy an international force under UN auspices to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This move is part of Lebanon's efforts to regain control over its territory and ensure stability.
The Lebanese government is working to consolidate state authority and ensure that all Lebanese territory is under state control. Boukraya's statements reflect Lebanon's commitment to diplomatic solutions and its desire to restore its sovereignty. The situation in southern Lebanon remains a critical issue, with ongoing tensions between Lebanon and Israel.
Key initiatives are being explored to strengthen Lebanon's position, including the proposed deployment of an international force. The Lebanese government aims to work closely with international partners to achieve its goals. The situation remains complex, with multiple factors at play.
Key points
- Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Boukraya emphasizes negotiations as the only viable solution to end Israeli occupation.
- Lebanon is committed to regaining full sovereignty and will not allow external parties to negotiate on its behalf.
- The Lebanese government is seeking to deploy an international force under UN auspices to replace UNIFIL in southern Lebanon.
