In a firm assertion of Lebanon’s national sovereignty, Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji announced, on Wednesday, that the state will move decisively to ensure that all weapons are under its sole authority, reaffirming that decisions of war and peace rest exclusively with the Lebanese government.
Speaking at the 163rd session of the Arab League Council of Foreign Ministers in Cairo, Rajji underscored Lebanon’s commitment to “fully implementing” UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a cessation of hostilities and the respect of international borders.
Highlighting the new government’s direction, Rajji said Lebanon is embracing a clear policy rooted in national unity, political reform, and the principle of equal power-sharing between all components of its diverse society.
He stressed the urgency of reforms, noting that Lebanon is committed to navigating its path out of the prolonged hardships that have defined recent years.
At the same time, Rajji reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to cooperating with Syria regarding the safe return of Syrian refugees.
“Conditions in Syria now allow for the repatriation of refugees, and Lebanon is prepared to engage in this process,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Rajji underscored Lebanon’s continued efforts to address the humanitarian crisis of its nationals who remain missing or detained in Syrian prisons.
“This issue has persisted for too long, and we call for renewed efforts to resolve it,” he stated, stressing that progress on this front is essential for the country’s healing process.
He also emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to non-interference, mutual respect with Arab neighbors, and strategic cooperation.
On the other hand, Rajji criticized Israel for what he described as daily violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, accusing it of undermining the fragile calm along the southern border.
He urged the international community to intervene and compel Israel to cease its aggression, withdraw unconditionally from all Lebanese territory, and return to the 1949 Armistice Agreement.
Comments