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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has told US President Donald Trump that Lebanon’s “ultimate objective” is to end hostilities with Israel “forever,” according to a statement from Aoun’s office reported by Al Jazeera. Aoun is in Washington seeking US support for an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

Coverage Comparison

Aoun’s Washington visit has been covered from multiple angles. Al Jazeera highlighted the broader peace objective in its report, quoting Aoun’s direct statement to Trump. TASS, the Russian state news agency, focused on the implementation of the peace agreements, detailing the sequence of steps agreed during Aoun’s meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and providing a fuller picture of Aoun’s discussions with Trump.

According to TASS, the first step will be the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, where a Lebanese-controlled “pilot zone” is slated to be established. Aoun’s office also said he asked SecretaryRubio to enhance US support for the Lebanese army and law enforcement structures, and to encourage American investments in sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and transport.

Key Claims

  • Aoun told Trump that Lebanon’s “ultimate objective” is to end hostilities with Israel “forever.”
  • Aoun is in Washington seeking US support for an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
  • Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement on June 26, following five rounds of US-brokered consultation in Washington.
  • The implementation of the agreement will begin with the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the establishment of a Lebanese-controlled “pilot zone” in southern Lebanon.
  • Aoun asked the US Secretary of State to enhance support for the Lebanese army and law enforcement structures.
  • The framework agreement’s implementation will put an end to hostilities between Lebanon and Israel.
  • Aoun thanked Trump for his efforts to stabilize the situation in Lebanon and the broader region.

Perspectives

  • Aoun’s perspective: As reported by TASS, Aoun stressed that Lebanon is committed to the agreement and thanked the US for promoting progress at talks, framing the framework agreement as geared to end the conflict with Israel.
  • US role: The US, through President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio, is positioned as the key broker, having facilitated five rounds of consultations and now being asked to support Lebanese military and law enforcement strengthening, as well as to encourage investments in key sectors.