Lebanon president says Israel deal first step to restoring sovereignty Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said a deal signed with Israel on Friday was a first step towards fully restoring his country's sovereignty after Israel's latest war on Lebanon. "The framework agreement signed today is a first step" that will enable Lebanese people to return "to their fully liberated lands, and to their certainly rebuilt homes... under the sovereignty of the Lebanese state that has no partner in its sovereignty over its land and people", Aoun said, according to a statement released by his office.  "We swear to continue to work until this is fully achieved.