Pakistan, July 4 -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Friday that the framework agreement signed with Israel "does not legitimize the continued Israeli occupation of Lebanon" but instead empowers the Lebanese army to extend its authority across the country's territory.

Aoun made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the Association of Lebanese Universities, the Lebanese Order of Physicians, and the Lebanese Maronite Order, according to a statement from the presidency.

"Our sovereign decision to separate our track from the Iranian-US track is a problem for some who have become accustomed to being under guardianship that controls us, decides for us and negotiates on our behalf," Aoun said.

"The framework formula does not ...