سلام: إنقاذ لبنان يبدأ بحصر السلاح

The Lebanese Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, emphasized that there is no alternative to saving the country except through serious efforts to confine weapons to the army alone. He stressed, on the occasion of the Lebanese Army Day today (Friday), that there can be no stability without the state’s authority being established over all its territories, in accordance with the "Taif Agreement".

Salam wrote on "X": "One army for one people in one homeland. On its day, a salute of admiration to our proud army, for the sacrifices of its members and officers, and for its righteous martyrs; it is the symbol of our sovereignty, the emblem of our independence, and the stronghold of our security."

For his part, the Commander of the Lebanese Army, General Rudolf Haikal, accused Israel of obstructing the completion of his forces due to its continued occupation of areas in the south. It is noted that Israel still occupies 5 points in southern Lebanon.

In a speech on the occasion of the army's eightieth anniversary today (Friday), he stated that the focus is currently on securing the northern and eastern borders and preventing smuggling activities, pointing out that communication with the Syrian government regarding border security is ongoing.

He added that efforts are concentrated on maintaining internal stability and civil peace, stressing that the military institution is ready to give and sacrifice, despite the escalating challenges, primarily the violations and assaults by Israel against Lebanon. He confirmed that coordination with Syria is of utmost importance for the stability of both countries.

The army commander announced that the military institution is closely monitoring any movements of terrorist groups and continues to work on apprehending members of these groups wherever they may be, in order to maintain the security and stability of the country.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized yesterday (Thursday), in a speech on the occasion of Army Day, that the army is the guarantee of the unity of the Lebanese people, the sovereignty of Lebanon, and the sanctity of its borders. He affirmed that it is the duty of all political forces to support the confinement of weapons to the army without hesitation, stressing Lebanon's readiness to withdraw Hezbollah's weapons and hand them over to the army.

The United States has demanded a formal commitment from Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah in order to resume negotiations regarding the end of the Israeli military operation. According to informed sources, the United States no longer intends to send its special envoy to the Middle East, Tom Barak, to Beirut without a decision in this regard from the Lebanese government, and the United States will not exert pressure on Israel to stop airstrikes or withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon, according to the same sources.