Salam: The state will not abandon the South
2/7/2026 1:26:00 PM
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said during a visit to the southern town of Yarine that the state "does not forget any of its people," stressing that all citizens are equal in rights and dignity, regardless of region.
Speaking to residents, Salam said Yarine holds a special place for him due to longstanding family ties, praising the resilience of its people and their deep attachment to their land.
He acknowledged the suffering of Yarine and neighboring villages, including Zalloutiyeh, Al-Bustan, Marwahin, Dhayra, and Tayr Harfa, describing what they endured as a "real catastrophe" after years of neglect and recent destruction.
"The modern state we seek does not distinguish between the son of Yarine and the son of Beirut," Salam said, adding that the government stands by southern communities so they can remain on their land.
Despite ongoing attacks and daily anxiety among residents, Salam emphasized that steadfastness remains the priority, pledging continued state support.
He announced the launch of several reconstruction projects in Yarine, including road rehabilitation, restoration of telecommunications and water networks, rebuilding the local public school, and support for agricultural greenhouses.
In Tayr Harfa, Salam said the town had paid a heavy price and confirmed similar projects would begin there, including infrastructure repairs, rebuilding the public school, restoring water networks with solar-powered pumping, and supporting agriculture.
"The presence of the state today is a message in the face of massive destruction," Salam said. He stressed that restoring state authority goes hand in hand with rebuilding schools, health centers, roads, water, electricity, and communications.
Salam concluded that recovery and reconstruction will follow an integrated approach based on relief, reconstruction, and economic and social development, affirming: "The state is here to stay, not to visit and leave."
Speaking to residents, Salam said Yarine holds a special place for him due to longstanding family ties, praising the resilience of its people and their deep attachment to their land.
He acknowledged the suffering of Yarine and neighboring villages, including Zalloutiyeh, Al-Bustan, Marwahin, Dhayra, and Tayr Harfa, describing what they endured as a "real catastrophe" after years of neglect and recent destruction.
"The modern state we seek does not distinguish between the son of Yarine and the son of Beirut," Salam said, adding that the government stands by southern communities so they can remain on their land.
Despite ongoing attacks and daily anxiety among residents, Salam emphasized that steadfastness remains the priority, pledging continued state support.
He announced the launch of several reconstruction projects in Yarine, including road rehabilitation, restoration of telecommunications and water networks, rebuilding the local public school, and support for agricultural greenhouses.
In Tayr Harfa, Salam said the town had paid a heavy price and confirmed similar projects would begin there, including infrastructure repairs, rebuilding the public school, restoring water networks with solar-powered pumping, and supporting agriculture.
"The presence of the state today is a message in the face of massive destruction," Salam said. He stressed that restoring state authority goes hand in hand with rebuilding schools, health centers, roads, water, electricity, and communications.
Salam concluded that recovery and reconstruction will follow an integrated approach based on relief, reconstruction, and economic and social development, affirming: "The state is here to stay, not to visit and leave."