President Joseph Aoun presented with the Army Commander, General Rodolphe, the structure of the security situation in the country in general and in the south in particular in light of the continuing escalation, in addition to the tasks carried out by the army in various regions as part of measures to maintain security and stability. During his meeting with the delegation of the “Strong Republic” bloc, headed by MP Strida Geagea, President Aoun stressed that the current circumstance is delicate and requires strengthening national unity and not allowing any factor to affect it. He stressed that challenges are faced with national unity and internal resolution, and that the negative atmosphere around strife is baseless, noting that he avoids responding to defamation and unjustified criticism. He stressed the need for political forces to rally around the army and security institutions as they are the foundation of the state. Regarding the negotiations file, he referred to expected preparatory talks with the Lebanese ambassador in Washington in the coming days, in preparation for the start of negotiations under American sponsorship, considering this “an important achievement for Lebanon.” He affirmed his readiness to accelerate the course of negotiations, indicating that “there is no going back from this path,” that there is no alternative to it, and that it is in the interest of all Lebanese. He explained that the goals of any negotiating path include Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territories and the return of prisoners.