Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing its reform agenda, focusing on consolidating state authority and restricting weapons to state control.
Salam’s comments came during a meeting on Monday with a delegation from the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), headed by Ambassador Edward Gabriel and attended by US Ambassador Lisa Johnson.
The Prime Minister highlighted key steps already taken, including the introduction of financial reforms through a bill aimed at lifting banking secrecy, the banking sector reform project and the establishment of a new mechanism for administrative appointments.
“This mechanism has already led to the opening of nominations for the head of the Council for Development and Reconstruction,” he said.
He also emphasized the urgency of Parliament moving forward with the passage of reform laws as soon as they are presented by the government. Additionally, Salam revealed that his administration is working on a draft law to ensure the independence of the judiciary.
Salam reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to its obligations and stressed that the government is “focused on strengthening state sovereignty and fully implementing Resolution 1701,” in line with the Taif Accord.
He praised the Lebanese Army for its crucial role in the south, noting that it is advancing in the right direction.
Ambassador Gabriel, commenting on the meeting, expressed satisfaction with the discussions and described the meeting as “very good.”
He noted the encouraging remarks from Salam regarding Lebanon’s economic program, stressed the importance of prompt execution and urged Parliament to fast-track its review.
Gabriel also emphasized the importance of Lebanon showing the international community that it is making substantial progress in its reform efforts.
He further discussed the importance of “fully enforcing the ceasefire agreement,” recognizing the shared commitment of both Prime Minister Salam and President Aoun to stabilize the ceasefire, enhance the Lebanese Armed Forces with US assistance and initiate border demarcation talks.
Gabriel concluded by underlining that economic reforms and the ceasefire must move forward together.
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