Aoun says Lebanon faces choice between state authority and militia rule

BEIRUT — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Saturday that Lebanon faces a “fateful” choice between strengthening state authority or remaining “hostage to the logic of militias.”In a statement marking the 48th anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese minister Tony Suleiman Frangieh, Aoun said the country stands at a critical crossroads.”This painful anniversary comes as Lebanon today stands before a fateful crossroads: either its people unite around a sovereign state that monopolizes arms, upholds the rule of law, and protects its citizens regardless of affiliation or position, or it remains hostage to the logic of militias and a culture of exclusion,” he said.Aoun described national unity as an “existential necessity” and pledged to work toward a Lebanon where citizens live freely and equally under the protection of state institutions.”We will work for a Lebanon where its people live free and equal — bound not only by geography but by true citizenship and belonging to a state of law and justice,” he added.The remarks come as Israel continues military operations in Lebanon despite a fragile ceasefire that took effect on April 17 and several rounds of US-sponsored talks between Beirut and Tel Aviv aimed at preserving the truce.