Aoun: Dignity, Independence & Sovereignty of Lebanon above All

Local Editor

President Michel Aoun Thursday reaffirmed that the primary concern for Lebanon throughout the crisis had been to maintain national unity and protect national security, as well as financial and economic stability.

"The dignity of Lebanon, its independence and sovereignty, are above all else, and it's necessary for every Lebanese to feel that there is protection from all aggressions - no matter the source," Aoun said, speaking to a group of journalists at the Baabda Palace.

French President Emmanuel Macron this week extended an invitation to Hariri, and the premier has reportedly accepted.

Aoun said that the Lebanon's commitment to the official policy of dissociation, "especially when it comes to confrontations between Arab states."

He went on to say that he hoped the crisis engendered by Prime Minister Saad Hariri's resignation was "over" and that "the door has been opened by Hariri's acceptance of an invitation to visit France."

In a reference to Hariri's anticipated return to Beirut following his scheduled stay in France, Aoun said: "We will wait for Hariri to return from Paris so that we can decide the next steps regarding the government."

Hariri announced his resignation in a televised statement broadcast from Riyadh on Nov. 4, in a move that sent shockwaves through Lebanon and the region.

He has not returned to Beirut since that address, but is expected to travel to Paris with his family in the next two days.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team