No war in Lebanon has ever produced a winner; rather, everyone lost, and the nation itself suffered. We chose the path of negotiation because we are a sovereign state; this decision serves Lebanon’s interests and is not intended to appease any foreign party. When I call for ending the state of hostility with Israel, I mean ending the wars that devastated the country and claimed innocent lives – wars we can no longer afford to endure. Any other interpretation is erroneous and suspect.”