Lebanese President Joseph Aoun sharply criticized Iran’s attempts to advance its interests under the guise of “assistance to Lebanon.”
Speaking at a reception for local authority leaders from Mount Lebanon at the presidential palace, Aoun said the purpose of talks in Washington is to restore the authority of the Lebanese state and ensure that Lebanon’s citizens are subject to no entity or foreign patronage other than their own government.
“No party should be allowed to negotiate on Lebanon’s behalf,” Aoun said. “We make our own decisions. Lebanon has its own sovereignty, and we must not return to the status of a protectorate.”
Although he did not mention Iran by name, his message was unmistakable. Aoun said Lebanon welcomes assistance from foreign countries but stressed that there is a clear difference between helping Lebanon and interfering in its internal affairs.