In statements released by the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA), the head of government maintained that restoring the state requires a comprehensive strategy based on structural reforms and expanding the powers of legitimate institutions.

Salam asserted that there will be no concessions regarding the principle that only the armed forces and constitutional state bodies have the right to bear arms, considering this condition essential for preserving the country’s security and stability.

The Prime Minister affirmed that full sovereignty is only possible with strong institutions and the public’s trust in the state, while also defending the need for decisions on war and peace to rest exclusively with the constitutional authorities.

According to the Prime Minister, Lebanese people must aspire to a state where the future of its citizens depends not on political or religious affiliations, but on the functioning of institutions capable of guaranteeing equality and stability.

Salam reiterated his government’s commitment to advancing the reform process and strengthening the state’s presence throughout the country, while insisting that the monopoly on weapons must remain in the hands of the country’s legitimate forces.

The Prime Minister’s stance follows statements made last week, when he affirmed that only the Lebanese state has the authority to decide on negotiations with Israel and called on all national political forces to fulfill their responsibilities to ensure the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and reinforce national sovereignty.

jdt/arm/mem/fm