Baabda:President Joseph Aoun met with UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East, Admiral Edward Ahlgren, at Baabda Palace to discuss the future of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and regional security concerns.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, President Aoun expressed Lebanon's openness to alternative international forces should UNIFIL's mandate not be extended. He emphasized that maintaining international support is crucial for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and ensuring the Lebanese Army's authority in the southern region. Aoun warned that a failure to extend UNIFIL's mandate could destabilize the area, especially amid ongoing Israeli occupation of southern villages.

President Aoun criticized Israel for not adhering to the framework agreement established during negotiations in Washington. He accused Israel of not maintaining the ceasefire, continuing demolitions, and failing to resolve disputes along the Blue Line or return Lebanese detainees, which escalates tensions despite Lebanon's efforts to uphold the agreement.

The President briefed Admiral Ahlgren on a preparatory meeting in Paris for an international conference aimed at supporting the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces. Lebanon presented its security needs and received positive feedback.

The meeting also addressed economic reforms by the Lebanese government in collaboration with Parliament, as well as Lebanese-Syrian relations and bilateral coordination.

Admiral Ahlgren confirmed the UK's commitment to supporting Lebanon, particularly its army. He praised Lebanon's official positions on recent developments and acknowledged President Aoun's efforts to extend state sovereignty across the southern border, demonstrated during his visit to Nabatieh.