The President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, affirmed that Lebanon “refuses to be a negotiating card in regional conflicts, as it negotiates in its name in defense of its national interests and sovereignty, and has engaged in a diplomatic negotiation process under the auspices of the United States of America and with the support of the European Union and Arab countries, with the aim of reaching a sustainable solution that puts an end to Israeli aggressions and leads to complete Israeli withdrawal behind internationally recognized borders, allowing the extension of state authority over its entire territory.” He said: "Lebanon, like other countries in the region, attaches great importance and has an interest in reducing escalation and establishing stability and peace, out of its belief that diplomacy, not escalation, is the only path to a sustainable solution." President Aoun presented in numbers, “the difficult reality that Lebanon is experiencing as a result of Israel’s continued attacks and violations of international law, by targeting medical personnel, hospitals, educational institutions, journalists, and places of worship, in addition to the systematic destruction of villages and civilian infrastructure, with the aim of preventing residents from returning to their homes, as more than a million Lebanese were displaced from their areas and other areas,” and pointed to the presence of displaced Syrians on its land and “the necessity of working in coordination with the Syrian authorities and with the support of partners.” The international community needs to intensify efforts that will enable their safe and dignified return, as they place great pressure on the infrastructure, services, and host communities, especially since, in light of Syria’s recovery and stability, there is a real opportunity to advance this path gradually and orderly.” The President of the Republic reiterated "Lebanon's commitment to economic reform and strengthening its partnership with the European Union, and his belief that this partnership can go beyond aid to include investment, cooperation, and joint strategic initiatives. He called on the European Union to hold an international conference dedicated to reconstruction and recovery and enhance humanitarian financing, and to activate the conference to support the Lebanese army, which France graciously called for, considering the army a guarantor of national unity and a basic pillar of local and regional stability." The positions of the President of the Republic came during his delivery of Lebanon’s speech at the informal meeting of heads of state and government of the European Union, with the participation of leaders of the southern neighboring countries, which Cyprus called for in the context of its presidency of the Union.