Beirut: Prime Minister, Dr. Nawaf Salam, on Tuesday welcomed at the Grand Serail, a high-level U.S. congressional delegation, including Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Lindsey Graham, Representative Joe Wilson, accompanied by U.S. Envoy Ambassador Tom Barrack, and Deputy Special Presidential Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus, in the presence of U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson, and the accompanying delegation.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, during the meeting, the general situation in Lebanon and the outcomes of the delegation’s regional tour were discussed. The delegation commended the recent decisions taken by the Lebanese government regarding restricting weapons to the sole authority of the Lebanese state and its legitimate forces. The delegation also commended the financial and banking reforms approved by the Lebanese government, stressing the necessity of continuing this process for the benefit of all Lebanese.
For his part, Premier Salam stressed that “the path of arms monopoly and the extension of state authority and its monopoly over decisions of war and peace is a path that has already begun and there is no turning back.” Salam said that “the government confirmed this direction in its August 5 session, where a firm decision was made to task the Lebanese Army with developing a comprehensive plan to confine arms before the end of the year, with the plan to be presented to the Council of Ministers next week.”
The PM stressed that “this path is a Lebanese national demand and necessity, agreed upon by the Lebanese in the Taif Agreement before anything else. However, its implementation has been delayed for decades, causing Lebanon to miss out on numerous opportunities in the past.”
Salam reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to the objectives of the paper presented by Ambassador Barrack, after amendments were made by Lebanese officials, and which was approved by the Council of Ministers in its session on August 7.
Salam thanked the U.S. delegation for its continued support for the Lebanese Army, stressing that “expanding this financial and military support is an urgent necessity to enable the army to fulfill its role.” The PM noted that “the Lebanese Army is an army for all the Lebanese and enjoys their trust. Therefore, supporting and providing it with the necessary capabilities constitutes a fundamental pillar for enhancing security and stability across all Lebanese regions.”
Salam concluded by emphasizing that “Lebanon seeks a clear international commitment, particularly from major donors, regarding the ongoing preparations for the upcoming international conference for Lebanon’s reconstruction and economic recovery.”