Lebanon's Aoun in Athens: Beirut Committed to Ending War with Israel

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has stated that Beirut is determined to end its decades-long state of war with Israel, during an official visit to Athens on Monday. He made the remarks in a meeting with Greek President Constantine Tassoulas, followed by a joint news conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Aoun specifically called on Greece to use its influence to help Lebanon implement the US-brokered framework agreement signed in late June. "We ask Greece to do all it can to help Lebanon in implementing the agreement," he said, while cautioning that the deal's success depends on mutual commitment. "The agreement should not be implemented by one side but both sides," he added.

In a clear reference to ongoing Israeli airstrikes and shelling despite the June 20 ceasefire, Aoun warned that a military solution is not viable. "Trying to solve the problem through military force will not succeed," he stated.

Greece, which maintains strong ties with both Lebanon and Israel, is seen as a potential bridge between the two Mediterranean neighbours. Mitsotakis welcomed Lebanon's diplomatic approach, saying, "I welcome your brave choice to invest in diplomacy and in direct dialogue with Israel, under American mediation." He added that Greece stands ready to support de-escalation, noting that "the security of Lebanon and Israel are not conflicting goals."