BEIRUT, 26 June. - (ANA) - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed on Friday France and Italy's efforts to set up a multinational coalition to succeed the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon.

 

The UN agency's mandate is set to expire by end of the year.

 

Mr Aoun called the initiative “a sincere expression of the international commitment to supporting Lebanon's sovereignty and stability,” according to a statement by the presidency.

 

He praised the joint French-Italian emphasis on avoiding a security vacuum after Unifil, saying the approach aligns with Lebanon's long-standing position that the Lebanese army is “the only genuine guarantee” for security in the south and the protection of the country's sovereignty. - (ANA) - 

 

AB/ANA/26 June 2026 - - -