Khazen

by aawsat.com — President Michel Aoun has reiterated that “Lebanon will never be an aggressive country, but we refuse any aggression on our land.” Aoun made his statement on Friday during talks with United States Central Command head Gen. Joseph Votel, who visited Baabda Palace. Discussions focused on military cooperation with Lebanon as well as regional security developments and US military assistance to the country. The meeting was attended by both a Lebanese and American delegation that included US Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard. They also discussed ongoing Israeli violations of Lebanon’s air, maritime and land borders, condemned by Aoun. The president said a tripartite meeting between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United Nations peacekeeping mission, is expected to be held next month to “end Israeli violations of Lebanon’s international border.” Votel reiterated his country’s support to the Lebanese army and security forces, and stressed the consolidation of cooperation between the two sides.