Aoun Affirms Commitment to 1701, Says Self-Defense a Legitimate Right

Lebanese President Michel Aoun delivers a speech during a rally celebrating his election on November 6, 2016, at the presidential palace in Baabda. Lebanese lawmakers ended a two-year political vacuum October 31, 2016 by electing as president ex-army chief Michel Aoun, who promised to protect the country from spillover from the war in neighbouring Syria. / AFP PHOTO / ANWAR AMRO

President Michel Aoun stressed on Wednesday that UN resolution 1701 must be equally implemented on everyone in Lebanon and affirmed that Lebanon is totally committed to international resolutions.

“Lebanon is committed to international resolutions. UN decision 1701 must be applied equally on everyone,” said Aoun at the opening of a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The President stressed that “Lebanon did not assault anyone. Its duty is to safeguard its territory and borders against any aggression.

“Self-defense is a legitimate right,” stressed Aoun.

Referring to his latest meetings with US diplomats, Aoun said: “I have told the US delegates that Lebanon is protecting its land and people, defending its border and fighting terrorism.”

Touching at his meeting with World Bank Deputy, Aoun said: “World Bank Deputy told me that they will increase funding for developmental projects in Lebanon and that interests will be cut.”