BEIRUT, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul concluded a series of high-level meetings in Beirut on Thursday, reaffirming Germany's commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and regional stability.
During his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Wadephul emphasized Germany's support for measures to strengthen Lebanon's territorial integrity and empower the Lebanese army. He also reaffirmed Berlin's backing of the UN peacekeeping forces operating in southern Lebanon and called for adherence to UN resolutions respecting Lebanese sovereignty.
Aoun urged the international community, the European Union, and the United States to pressure Israel to comply with the ceasefire agreement announced last November.
"Our choice of negotiation aims to reclaim our occupied land, secure the release of prisoners and ensure full withdrawal from the hills. Unfortunately, this approach has been met only with further attacks on Lebanon, escalating tensions," he said.
Aoun highlighted the Lebanese army's full operational role in southern Lebanon, particularly along the Litani River, and confirmed that troop numbers in the south would rise to 10,000 by year-end.
In his meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, Wadephul condemned continued Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory and praised the government's decision to centralize arms under state control.
Rajji stressed that "a diplomatic, not military, solution is the only path to stability in the south."
The talks also addressed the Syrian refugee issue, with Wadephul expressing support for the return of refugees to Syria. ■
