Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the decision by the European Union foreign ministers to establish a new support mission in Lebanon, which will provide advice and assistance to the Lebanese Army and the Internal Security Forces for a period of three years.
In a statement from the Presidential Palace, Aoun said, "Lebanon welcomes the European Union's decision to establish a new mission to support Lebanese security and military institutions. This decision reflects a firm European commitment to Lebanon's security and stability, and confidence in the Army and the Internal Security Forces as the legitimate entities for protecting the nation and its citizens, alongside other legitimate security forces." He added: "This mission, through the expertise, training, and advice it provides, will contribute to strengthening the capabilities of our legitimate institutions, extending state authority over all its territories, and controlling its borders, in line with the decisions of the Lebanese government and its official rhetoric regarding restricting arms to legitimate forces."
