United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed optimism for Lebanon's future during a two-day visit to the country, coinciding with the fragile implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Speaking after meetings with newly elected President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, and parliament speaker Nabih Berri, Guterres highlighted an atmosphere of opportunity in Lebanon.

"After one of the most difficult years in generations, Lebanon is on the cusp of a more hopeful future," Guterres told reporters in Beirut on Saturday.

The visit followed the election of Joseph Aoun as president on January 9, ending a two-year leadership vacuum. French President Emmanuel Macron also visited Beirut, pledging a Paris-hosted aid conference to support Lebanon's recovery.

"The cessation of hostilities is fragile, but it is holding," Guterres said, adding that the United Nations would intensify support for Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction.

The ceasefire agreement, signed on November 27, requires the Lebanese army to deploy alongside UNIFIL peacekeepers in southern Lebanon within 60 days, as the Israeli army withdraws. Hezbollah must also move its forces north of the Litani River and dismantle its southern military infrastructure.

President Aoun reiterated that Israel must withdraw from Lebanon's south by the January 26 deadline set by the agreement.

"Israel's continued violations on land and in the air... completely contradict what was stated in the ceasefire agreement," Aoun's office said in a statement.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem also accused Israel of hundreds of ceasefire violations, warning against further provocations. "We have been patient with the violations to give the Lebanese state a chance to act... but do not test our patience," Qassem said.

President Aoun vowed to establish state authority over all weapons, but Hezbollah maintains a firm stance on its political and military role. Qassem emphasized Hezbollah's influence, stating that the group's support ensured Aoun's election and Salam's appointment.

"No one can exclude us from effective and influential political participation in the country," Qassem asserted.

On Friday, Guterres urged Israel to cease military operations and end its "occupation" of southern Lebanon. He revealed that UN peacekeepers had discovered over 100 weapons caches belonging to Hezbollah or other armed groups.

French President Macron called for the "accelerated" implementation of the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing the importance of stability in the region.

While Guterres highlighted a "hopeful" future for Lebanon, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges, as ceasefire violations and political tensions test the fragile truce. (ILKHA)