Lebanon's Defiance: Charting Its Own Course

In a defiant address, President Joseph Aoun emphasized Lebanon's sovereignty amid tensions with Israel and Hezbollah. Condemning both parties' actions, he vowed independence from foreign influence. As a new ceasefire begins, Aoun reiterated calls for peace and the return of displaced people.

In his first address since a US-mediated ceasefire took effect, Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun delivered a defiant speech, asserting the country's right to autonomy following weeks of conflict with Israel and Hezbollah.

Aoun condemned Hezbollah's military actions and Iran's involvement, labeling them infringements on Lebanon's sovereignty, and reaffirmed his commitment to disarming all non-state actors, including Hezbollah.

The president emphasized Lebanon's independence in decision-making and called for an end to Israeli aggression while advocating for the return of displaced citizens, as well as the release of detainees.

(With inputs from agencies.)