Beirut: Lebanese President Michel Aoun expressed his hope that "the United States of America would adopt a policy to promote peace in the Middle East and the world at large, since that would bring tranquility and stability to the people."
The Lebanese President called on the United States to exert pressure on Israel to stop its violations of Lebanese sovereignty, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
"Lebanon is committed to implementing UN Security Council Resolution # 1701 with all its stipulations," Aoun told US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security, Robert Story Karem, during their meeting today.
He also stressed "the importance of Washington's support to renew the mandate of UNIFIL, without any modification in its functions, number and budget, because this helps in maintaining stability, especially that the Lebanese army is aiding the international forces in their tasks and coordinating with them to this end."
The Lebanese President reiterated his "intention to call for a national dialogue on the defense strategy after the new government is formed."
In turn, Karem emphasized his country's desire to strengthen relations between the Lebanese and American armies, and explained his country's position on the situation in Lebanon and the region, outlining the US administration's adopted strategy in this area.
