Aoun says Israel preventing army from implementing disarmament plan
President Joseph Aoun said Thursday, after a meeting with French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, that the Israeli violations of the ceasefire deal are preventing the army from completing its deployment in south Lebanon, urging France and the U.S. to put more pressure on Israel.
Le Drian had told Aoun during the meeting that Lebanon's plan to disarm Hezbollah is a positive development that would lead to increased international support.
"The army is working on implementing the security plan, starting from the area south of the Litani River... but the ongoing Israeli occupation of several Lebanese territories is preventing the army from completing its deployment up to the international borders," Aoun said, adding that Israel is not respecting the ceasefire deal reached in late November, as it still occupies and attacks Lebanese territories.
"Any French or American pressure on Israel to halt its hostilities against Lebanon would help complete the security plan developed by the army and endorsed by the Cabinet last week," the President said.
Lebanon's Cabinet had approved this month a weapons monopolization plan prepared by the army. The plan aims to disarm Hezbollah before the year end. France welcomed the Lebanese government’s endorsement of the plan, describing the move as "a positive new step."
Source: Naharnet
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