Santiago Taboada
As UN forces gradually withdraw from Lebanon, handing over their positions to the Lebanese Army, President Joseph Aoun is visiting Italy to strengthen his country's international standing through a series of strategic meetings.
So, why did he come to Italy? It turns out it has put forward a proposal, alongside France, to maintain a military presence in southern Lebanon after the UN withdrawal.
It's worth noting that Southern Lebanon is continuing to witness cross fire between the Israeli and Hezbollah. The ceasefire agreement has failed to stop the violence, as Israel insists it will not withdraw until Hezbollah is fully disarmed.
Amid Lebanon's struggle to regain control of the southern territory, Italy stepped forward as an ally. In December, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said, during an official visit to Beirut, that Italy would maintain its military presence beyond the end of the UNIFIL's mandate.
That is why Aoun's latest visit to Rome comes as no surprise. On Friday the 21st, he is expected to meet with President Giorgia Meloni to discuss the creation of a multinational force to replace the UN mission.
Today, President Aoun met with Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace, as well as with Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Secretary for Relations with States Paul Richard Gallagher.
The main focus of the visit was the Trilateral Framework Agreement signed by Israel, Lebanon and the United States. The Holy See stated its:
GFX
“Concern over difficulties in implementing the agreement, and its support for the efforts”
Pope Leo XIV and Aoun also exchanged gifts during the visit, and the Lebanese president is now preparing to attend the opening ceremony of the Mediterranean Games.
