President Michel Aoun has underlined Lebanon’s commitment to international resolutions and confirmed that the parliamentary elections would take place in the spring. He also said that efforts were underway to resume cabinet sessions. His remarks came during a meeting on Wednesday with the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, at the Baabda Palace. “Any attempt by external sides to interfere in the elections to influence voters will be faced firmly,” Aoun said, pointing to “parties, organizations, and associations trying to exploit the country’s difficult living and economic conditions to pressure voters.” He added that contacts were underway to overcome obstacles paralyzing the cabinet, reiterating his rejection of political interference in judicial affairs, in particular the ongoing investigations into the Beirut port explosion. Aoun also emphasized “Lebanon’s commitment to implementing international resolutions, especially UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” highly valuing “the existing cooperation between the Lebanese Army in the South and UNIFIL for the sake of stability and security in the region,” a statement issued by the presidential office said. Wronecka, for her part, informed the president on the discussions following her briefing to the UN on the implementation of Resolution 1701 and the position of member states. UNSCR 1701 stipulates that the government must have control over all Lebanese territories and disarm all armed groups in the country. Aoun welcomed the expected visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Lebanon later this month, revealing ongoing preparations and coordination with the UN Secretariat in New York.