Joseph Aoun, President of Lebanon, said: “I stand before you today talking about peace, development and human rights, while some of my fellow citizens face death on a daily basis, parts of my country remain under occupation and my homeland and my people live in persistent uncertainty.”  His country's journey and lessons from his region demonstrate that there can be no development without peace, no growth within chaos and no prosperity amid conflicts, he said.  But there can be no peace without justice, he said, adding that human rights is an essential component of peace.

Amidst the global clash over religious identities, “Lebanon stands out as a nation where Christians and Muslims coexist under a constitution that guarantees equitable representation to both communities,” he said.  Citing the late Pope John Paul II who observed that “Lebanon is more than a country, it is a message of freedom and plurality for the East and the West,” he said that in a region where people kill and get killed over their religious beliefs, his country stands out as a unique and irreplaceable model — “a model that allowed me, as an Arab Lebanese, to serve as the only Christian Head of State from East Asia to the coasts of Europe”.

There is a human obligation to preserve Lebanon “because if this model of coexistence falls, where else around the world can we replicate this experience” he asked.  Many of the causes of the war on Lebanon aim to dismantle its unique model and perpetuate the idea of an Orient mired in perpetual ethnic rivalries.  Therefore, the international community must take a firm stand to liberate all of his country’s territory and secure the exclusive sovereignty of its State.  In that regard, he recalled the declaration of 27 November 2024 — adopted with the support of the United States, France and the United Nations — which espouses the will of the Lebanese people.

He also highlighted the exceptional character of the Lebanese diaspora, whose members visit home each year in an amount equivalent to one-third of the country's residents.  Turning to his country's programme of financial and economic recovery, he pointed to its efforts to restructure the banking sector, modernize the administration and fight corruption.  Legislative and institutional reforms have been launched to enhance the independence of regulatory bodies and the judiciary.  The country is dedicated to investing in quality education, especially in the knowledge economy.

At the same time, Lebanon is shouldering numerous burdens, such as persistent instability along its southern border.  Calling for “the immediate cessation of Israeli aggression, the full withdrawal of occupying forces from all Lebanese territory and the release of our hostages, that we shall not forget nor leave behind”, he called for the comprehensive implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).  This will be achieved with the help of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), working in coordination with the Lebanese army.  Also stressing the “moral human and political obligation” to put an immediate end to the devastation in Gaza, he stressed the need to revive a new political track, based on the principle of the two-State solution.

Also stressing the importance of the dignified and safe return of Syrian citizens in his country, as well as the restoration of the special relations between Lebanon and Syria, he said the UN and Syrian authorities must address this “unprecedented displacement situation”.  Through direct negotiations and with the support of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon aims to reach comprehensive agreements with Syria on a range of issues.

Highlighting the importance of reconstructing his country following the Israeli aggression, he said it is necessary to rebuild infrastructure in the Lebanese border towns and rebuild bulldozed homes and villages.  “Lebanon does not seek special privileges or favours,” he said, calling on the international community to act with responsibility and fairness.  “For the sake of peace in our region and for the good of humanity”, the international community must stand with his country.

“Do not forsake Lebanon,” he appealed.