After the Framework Agreement with Israel.. Washington invites Aoun to visit America

SadaNews: The White House has invited Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to visit the United States on July 21, marking the first high-level move of its kind following the signing of the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, mediated by the US.

Reuters reported that a White House official stated that Washington extended the invitation to Aoun, weeks after the signing of the framework agreement that followed several days of talks aimed at ending the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

The anticipated visit holds particular significance as the agreement transitions from the signing phase to a test of implementation, amid complex issues related to the Israeli withdrawal, the deployment of the Lebanese army, and the disarmament of non-state armed groups.

Lebanon signed a tripartite framework agreement with the United States and Israel on June 26, following the fifth round of direct negotiations in Washington.

The agreement stipulates the implementation of preliminary arrangements in two experimental areas, including an Israeli withdrawal, the deployment of the Lebanese army, and the disarmament of non-state armed groups.

The American invitation comes a day after statements made by Aoun, in which he asserted that Lebanon's sovereignty entails the independence of the political authority's decision, emphasizing that he would not accept any party negotiating on behalf of the Lebanese state.

Aoun stated that there is a team in Lebanon "under Iranian influence" seeking to be a substitute for the state and negotiate on its behalf, referring to the ongoing internal dispute over the arms position outside state institutions.

At the same time, the Lebanese president condemned the continued Israeli attacks on civilians in southern Lebanon, considering them an obstacle to efforts aimed at ending the war and achieving stability on both sides of the border.

Aoun called on the United States and friendly countries to pressure Israel to respect the ceasefire, noting the necessity of starting to implement some provisions of the "framework formula" in the upcoming period.