Beirut, April 18 (QNA) - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said today that engaging in direct negotiations with the Israeli occupation does not indicate weakness, stressing that any agreement would not compromise Lebanon's rights.

In a speech following the ceasefire agreed with the Israeli occupation, Aoun said the outcome was the result of collective efforts and sacrifices. He highlighted that the ceasefire sees Lebanon regain, in his view, its sovereignty and independent decision-making for the first time in around half a century.

He stressed that the decision to negotiate stems from a commitment to protecting Lebanon’s interests. He highlighted that the goal of negotiations was to end Israeli military actions against Lebanon, secure its withdrawal from Lebanese land, and reestablish full state authority across the country through its own institutions, ensuring the return of detainees, and enabling displaced people to return to their homes.

Aoun reiterated that no agreement would undermine Lebanon’s rights, diminish the dignity of its people, or involve any concession of its land.

US President Donald Trump announced yesterday Thursday that a 10-day ceasefire agreement in Lebanon had been reached. (QNA