Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reaffirmed on Tuesday, following a meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri, the government’s commitment to implementing the army’s plan for the disarmament of militias, which would be accompanied by a monthly follow-up report.
He stressed that the government would not go back on its decisions regarding the monopoly of weapons, in line with the Taif Agreement and the ministerial declaration.
During the meeting with Berri, Salam explained that the executive authorities fully support the objectives of the document presented by US envoy Tom Barrack. In addition to provisions related to the ceasefire, this document includes provisions for strengthening the Lebanese Army and implementing reconstruction measures, he said, stressing the importance of ending Israeli violations and ensuring the withdrawal of foreign forces from all Lebanese territory.
Furthermore, Salam underlined that the army needs increased support, particularly from the United States, to strengthen its capacity to fully extend its authority across the entire country, both in terms of equipment and financing. “We are awaiting the convening of a new conference in support of the army, as was the case in Rome and as promised by French President Emmanuel Macron,” he stated.
“The government has never mentioned a specific defense strategy but is working on a broader national security strategy encompassing several dimensions, in accordance with its ministerial declaration,” Salam added.
He also recalled that Hezbollah had granted its confidence to the government twice and that to “welcome” government initiatives means to “engage positively” while respecting the decisions already adopted.
In addition, he emphasized that cooperation between the government and Parliament was proceeding smoothly and that no disagreements existed with Speaker Berri.
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