BEIRUT, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Hezbollah on Monday of betraying Lebanon by dragging the country into wars, while emphasizing his rejection of a "humiliating deal" in negotiations with Israel aimed at ending hostilities.

"What we are doing is not betrayal. Betrayal is committed by those who take their country to war in pursuit of foreign interests," Aoun told a delegation from southern Lebanon, according to a statement released by Lebanon's Presidency.

Aoun said Lebanon had informed the United States from "the first moment" that a ceasefire was a necessary first step before any subsequent negotiations. He said this position was reiterated during ambassador-level meetings with Israel held on April 14 and April 23.

He added that the Lebanese state's position was clear and that any other statements made in Lebanon or Washington did not represent official Lebanese policy.

Responding to critics of the government's decision to enter negotiations, Aoun said some were questioning the move on the grounds that there was no national consensus. "When you went to war, did you first secure national consensus?" he asked.

Aoun added that his goal was to end the state of war with Israel and that he would never accept "a humiliating deal."