Lebanese Ministry of Information
Minister of Information Paul Morcos said in an interview with Al-Hadath that the speech delivered by Joseph Aoun laid out a roadmap for the country based on the exercise of national sovereignty and transforming Lebanon “from a card in someone else’s pocket into a state capable of negotiating for itself.”
Morcos expressed hope that the presidential initiative, which he said succeeded thanks to the support of the United States and Arab allies, particularly Saudi Arabia, would lead to a permanent ceasefire.
The Minister added that Lebanon is also awaiting the transition from a ceasefire, as referenced by President Aoun, to a complete end to Israeli attacks, the withdrawal from occupied villages, the return of detainees, and then the start of reconstruction and the return of displaced residents to their towns.
Minister Morcos described the “bold presidential initiative,” which he said is already underway, as a roadmap for stability in Lebanon. He noted that it is currently in an intermediate phase focused on maintaining the ceasefire and advancing toward its intended goals.
Asked how Lebanon’s political, social, and cultural environment could be prepared to move forward with the initiative, Morcos said President Aoun addressed not only the international community but also Lebanese citizens who suffered from Israeli attacks, lost relatives, saw their homes and villages destroyed, and were displaced from their land.
“These people are now living in reception centers and do not wish to settle elsewhere, because their hearts and hopes remain tied to their homes and villages,” he said.
Morcos added that the Lebanese people heard Aoun speaking directly to them as a resilient and steadfast society that should no longer remain a victim of others’ wars or a mere bargaining chip in foreign hands.
He said the president does not want Lebanon to serve as a negotiating card for others, whether near or far, but rather to negotiate on its own behalf and become a functioning state that distances itself from reckless adventures and is guided by its national interests.
Concluding, Morcos said the Lebanese state is now seeking to take control of its own affairs and negotiate for itself.
“This is the essence of the president’s message and the frankness he presented to the Lebanese people after years of hardship, pain, and suffering,” he said. “The time for this initiative has truly come, following its launch in cooperation with the Speaker of Parliament and the Prime Minister, with American, Arab, Saudi, and international backing, to move toward the long-sought stability founded on restoring the country’s sovereign rights.”
