Ankara: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun asserted that the framework agreement arising from US-mediated negotiations with Israel safeguards Lebanon's rights and does not constitute any form of surrender or concession. During a meeting with delegations from the Beirut and Tripoli bar associations and economic bodies in the capital, Aoun emphasized that the framework maintains the sovereignty of the Lebanese state through its provisions, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency.

According to Anadolu Agency, Aoun emphasized Lebanon's autonomy in negotiations, stating, "Lebanon is a sovereign state and negotiates on its own behalf," highlighting that diplomatic talks were chosen as the optimal path following the failure of military conflicts. The framework, he insisted, preserves Lebanon's rights both judicially and territorially. "We did not surrender and we did not give up our rights," Aoun reiterated.

Aoun also addressed the security of residents in southern Lebanon, stressing their right to live safely without suffering from the consequences of ongoing hostilities. He firmly rejected rumors about attempts to dismiss the Lebanese army commander, Rodolphe Haykal, and other key security officials, underscoring their crucial role in maintaining security and extending state sovereignty.

Last Friday, a US-sponsored framework agreement was signed by Beirut and Tel Aviv, aiming to facilitate an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories and reduce border hostilities. Nevertheless, Israel recently postponed its withdrawal from two areas in southern Lebanon, citing the need for a joint monitoring mechanism with Beirut.

The ongoing conflict, which began on March 2, has resulted in significant casualties, with more than 4,240 people killed, over 12,190 injured, and more than 1 million displaced, as reported by the Lebanese Health Ministry.