President Joseph Aoun affirmed the state’s insistence that Lebanon’s path in the negotiations be independent. He told a delegation of Maronite bishops in exile: “We are certainly in favor of a ceasefire and with any country that helps us, including Iran.” President Aoun explained that the Lebanese state is negotiating and is the master of its decisions, and no one will take its place, and any settlement will be made through us, not at our expense.