Lebanon's Statement on 'Negotiations with Israel'
Lebanese President Joseph Avn stated that his country could not stand by as it was driven to the brink for the interests of another country, and therefore chose the path of negotiation with Israel.

According to a written statement from the Lebanese Presidency, President Joseph Avn received a delegation of Lebanese businesspeople at the Baabda Palace in Beirut. During the meeting, Avn referred to the ongoing negotiation talks with Israel, stating, “I chose negotiation to prevent Lebanon from being driven to the brink for the interests of another country. I could not stand by and watch this situation. I needed to take a step that could stop Israel's machine of destruction and annihilation, end the loss of lives and destruction in villages, and ultimately end the occupation.”

Avn expressed his expectation that his upcoming visit to Washington this month and his meeting with US President Donald Trump would yield positive results for Lebanon.