Lebanese President Aoun reaffirms state monopoly on arms

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to exclusive state control over weapons and ruled out any prospects for normalisation with Israel during a meeting with a delegation from the Arab and International Affairs Council.

In remarks underscoring the country’s current priorities, Aoun stressed the importance of national unity and close cooperation between Lebanon’s political factions and the state. “Such collaboration is essential to protect Lebanon, strengthen its institutions, and confront potential conspiracies,” the president said, Caliber.Az reports, citing Lebanese media.

Aoun declared that the state’s monopoly on arms is a settled matter. “The decision to ensure the exclusivity of weapons in the hands of the state has been made and is irreversible,” he stated, reaffirming the constitutional authority of the Cabinet in matters of war and peace. “Peace, for us, is the absence of war, and that is our current priority in Lebanon,” he added.

Addressing foreign policy concerns, Aoun firmly stated that normalisation with Israel “is not on the table” and reiterated that Lebanon’s current foreign policy does not include any such agenda.

The president also highlighted Lebanon’s ongoing commitment to maintaining constructive ties with neighbouring Syria. He emphasised that this relationship must be grounded in mutual respect and non-interference in each country’s internal affairs.

Aoun commended Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for his role in preserving national stability and supporting the state's sovereignty. He praised Berri’s efforts in backing institutional reforms and reinforcing the principle that all arms must be under the state’s authority.

By Vugar Khalilov