Lebanese president voices hope for inclusive government

By Wassim Seifeddine

BEIRUT (AA) - Lebanese President Michel Aoun has voiced hope that an incoming cabinet drawn up by Prime Minister Saad Hariri will include representatives of all the country’s main political forces.

Aoun made the remarks at a Wednesday meeting with U.S. officials at Beirut’s presidential palace.

U.S. officials reportedly congratulated Aoun on Lebanon’s recent parliamentary poll and his efforts to safeguard Lebanon’s national sovereignty.

Aoun, for his part, called on Washington to help Lebanon repatriate thousands of Syrian refugees.

He also said talks were now underway with Israel -- through the UN -- with a view to halting Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty, especially in relation to Israel’s construction of a cement barrier along the Blue Line separating the two countries.

“Talks will continue until we reach the desired result,” Aoun said.

He added: “Lebanon remains committed to the implementation of [UN Security Council] Resolution 1701, while Israel continues to violate it.”

Adopted in 2006, UNSC Resolution 1701 calls for a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon (between Israel and Hezbollah) and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the Israeli side of the Blue Line.