Lebanese President Joseph Aoun addressed the emergency Arab summit in Cairo, stressing the need for Arab unity in support of Palestinian rights. He highlighted Palestine as a moral cause and warned against fragmenting the struggle into narrow interests. Aoun emphasized Lebanon’s position under Israeli occupation and called for solidarity among Arab nations to achieve peace.
On Tuesday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun made an impactful address at the emergency Arab summit held in Cairo, marking his inaugural appearance at such a council. He acknowledged his extensive service to Lebanon and its people, stating, “Though I may be the last to join this council, I stand before you after more than forty years of service as a soldier to my country and its people.”
President Aoun emphasized the importance of Palestine at the summit, clarifying that he intended to offer a personal perspective shaped by his years of service rather than to lecture others. He highlighted that the Palestinian issue transcends geopolitics, representing a moral cause that demands attention and action.
He articulated that the Palestinian struggle encompasses a national right for Palestinians, an Arab right, and a universal human right. “The more we succeed in highlighting these noble dimensions of Palestine, the more we support its cause and triumph alongside it,” he asserted, urging collective support for Palestine.
Furthermore, Aoun cautioned against framing the Palestinian struggle in terms of factional or regional interests, warning that such an approach would only undermine its legitimacy. He advocated for a holistic strategy to attain lasting peace in the Arab world, underscoring the interconnectedness of Palestinian rights and Arab unity.
Reaffirming Lebanon’s commitment to the Palestinian cause, Aoun stated, “There will be no peace without restoring the legitimate and complete rights of the Palestinians.” He also addressed Lebanon’s own hardships under Israeli occupation, noting that both Lebanon and Palestine continue to suffer from Israeli actions.
President Aoun declared, “In my country, just as in Palestine, there is still land occupied by Israel and Lebanese detainees in its prisons.” He emphasized Lebanon’s resolve to retain its territorial integrity and support its detained citizens. He further promoted regional solidarity, highlighting that the challenges faced by one Arab nation ultimately impact all others.
In his remarks, Aoun clarified that Lebanon’s sovereignty is paramount and tied to regional and international legitimacy. He stated, “Lebanon’s full sovereignty is strengthened by Syria’s recovery and Palestine’s independence,” reinforcing that a stable region is vital for peace.
Throughout his address, Aoun maintained that Lebanon’s dedication to the Palestinian cause is unwavering, articulating, “The wars of others in Lebanon taught me that the Arab dimension of the Palestinian issue requires us all to be strong for Palestine to be strong.” He concluded by celebrating Lebanon’s dual identity as both Lebanese and Arab, stating, “I am 100% Lebanese and 100% Arab.”
He stressed that Lebanon’s future is intricately linked to its Arab identity, grounded in a shared history, culture, and collective mission.
In summary, President Joseph Aoun’s address at the Arab summit underscored the critical importance of supporting Palestinian rights and fostering Arab unity. He asserted that peace cannot be achieved without acknowledging Palestine’s legitimate rights while also highlighting Lebanon’s struggles against Israeli occupation. Aoun advocated for a broad solidarity among Arab nations, emphasizing the intertwined fates of Lebanon and Palestine in their pursuit of sovereignty and lasting peace.
Original Source: www.lbcgroup.tv