Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has reiterated his administration's commitment to placing weapons under the exclusive authority of the state, stressing that the decision to address weapons control has been made, with only its implementation mechanism remaining to be dealt with.

"The decision has been made regarding the restriction of weapons. What remains is the application on the ground," Aoun said in an interview with Sky News Arabia. 

He emphasized that while the policy will eventually be enforced across the entire country, priority will first be given to southern Lebanon.

The president clarified that the focus will initially be on the surrender of heavy- and medium-caliber weapons, deeming light-caliber arms as deeply embedded in Lebanese culture. He also noted that there is alignment with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on the issue of Hezbollah's arms.

Aoun further acknowledged the significant challenges facing the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), which continue to carry out their duties despite Lebanon's ongoing political and financial crises.

"The burden on the military is heavy, but they continue their duties despite the difficult circumstances Lebanon has gone through," he said.

He emphasized the importance of reform in restoring Lebanon’s international credibility, particularly in securing support for the country's reconstruction efforts.

"The state is implementing reforms to gain the trust of both the international and Arab communities to participate in rebuilding Lebanon," Aoun remarked.

The president also stressed that a unified stance in support of the army is critical, describing the Lebanese Armed Forces as "the most important weapon" in Lebanon's efforts to maintain security and sovereignty. He explained that the lack of full army deployment along the southern border is due to Israel’s continued occupation of five strategic points.

"The army cannot be deployed on the borders while these areas remain occupied."

When asked about weapons control, Aoun acknowledged that Lebanon cannot address all issues simultaneously.

"We have priorities, and one of them is addressing the issue of weapons in Palestinian refugee camps," he said.

In response to recent reports that Hezbollah had prevented the Lebanese Army from inspecting a site in Beirut’s southern suburbs, Aoun categorically denied the allegations.

"The claim that Hezbollah prevented the army from inspecting a site is untrue," he said, reiterating that the army continues to carry out its duties without obstruction.

Turning to Lebanon’s reconstruction, Aoun highlighted the importance of rebuilding trust among the Lebanese people, the state, and the international community.

"We are rebuilding trust between the people, the Lebanese state, and the international and Arab communities," he said. The World Bank has estimated the cost of Lebanon's reconstruction efforts at $14 billion.

Addressing government appointments and reforms, Aoun announced that the practice of political appointments based on sectarian quotas has been halted.

"We have stopped political appointments based on sectarianism and are now relying on competency," he explained, pointing to the government’s plans to combat corruption through e-government initiatives.

"The reforms we are pursuing are not just an external demand, but an internal one as well," Aoun added. "The Lebanese people are tired of war and no longer wish to hear the language of conflict. We are committed to the diplomatic route, and we expect all parties to respect the ceasefire agreement in southern Lebanon."