Aoun Hopes Some Nations Won't Use Lebanon for Regional Conflicts

President Michel Aoun said Thursday he hopes some nations won't use the Lebanese arena to "settle their regional disputes" nor to "back certain groups at the expense of others."

In a meeting with diplomatic corps at the Baabda Palace, Aoun affirmed his keenness on maintaining the best relations with all nations, including Gulf states.

He said he wished for "some nations" to have the same keenness on maintaining "constructive cooperation and mutual respect."

"Lebanon hopes that some countries won't use it as an arena to settle their regional differences or conflicts," Aoun stated.

He added that he wishes for these countries to deal equally with all Lebanese "without discrimination or differentiation," rather than support certain groups at the expense of others.

The President stressed Lebanon's need for "brothers and friends in the world" to help it overcome the harsh conditions, thanking them for "providing aid and support to Lebanon and its people, especially after the devastating Beirut port blast."

"The first steps for reform are starting -- a forensic audit and approving the financial and economic recovery plan to be discussed with the International Monetary Fund," Aoun affirmed.

Aoun also reiterated his determination to call for a national dialogue, and hoped for Lebanese to choose wisely in the upcoming parliamentary elections.