Lebanese president links Hezbollah disarmament to Israeli troop withdrawal

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has said Hezbollah can only be disarmed after Israeli troops withdraw from Lebanese territory and the Lebanese state regains full control over the affected areas.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by the Lebanese Embassy in Washington during his official visit to the United States, Aoun said the group's disarmament would require several conditions to be met, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Lebanese presidency.

These include the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the transfer of full control of the relevant territories to the Lebanese Armed Forces, and the implementation of the government's reconstruction programme under the exclusive authority of the state.

According to a statement from the Lebanese presidency, Aoun stressed that these steps are essential before any disarmament process can take place.

Lebanon's ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamade Moawad, said the visit underscored Beirut's commitment to strengthening its longstanding ties with Washington.

She added that Lebanon aims to advance "the aspirations of the Lebanese people" for sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.

 By Aghakazim Guliyev