Salam: Diplomacy Is Not Weakness, We Will Seize the Opportunity
4/21/2026 3:48:23 PM
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed that “the option of diplomacy is not a sign of weakness, but rather an expression of national responsibility aimed at leaving no avenue unexplored to restore our country’s sovereignty and protect its people.”
In his speech before EU foreign ministers, he said: “Our goal is not symbolic engagement; on the contrary, we are determined to seize this opportunity to work toward a lasting solution.” He added: “Through this diplomatic track, my government seeks to end the occupation, ensure the release of our prisoners, and secure the return of displaced people to their homes and villages.”
He continued: “In addition, our commitment to enshrining the state’s monopoly over weapons and ending regional interference in our internal affairs must no longer be in question.”
He concluded: “The scale of the challenges we face is enormous and requires greater international solidarity. Lebanon today needs its European partners more than ever:
First, to continue supporting us in addressing the unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
Second, to strengthen support for the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces. The equation is clear: the stronger the Lebanese Army becomes, the weaker illegal armed groups become.
Third, to support recovery and reconstruction efforts as a cornerstone of long-term stability in Lebanon—and in the region as a whole.”
In his speech before EU foreign ministers, he said: “Our goal is not symbolic engagement; on the contrary, we are determined to seize this opportunity to work toward a lasting solution.” He added: “Through this diplomatic track, my government seeks to end the occupation, ensure the release of our prisoners, and secure the return of displaced people to their homes and villages.”
He continued: “In addition, our commitment to enshrining the state’s monopoly over weapons and ending regional interference in our internal affairs must no longer be in question.”
He concluded: “The scale of the challenges we face is enormous and requires greater international solidarity. Lebanon today needs its European partners more than ever:
First, to continue supporting us in addressing the unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
Second, to strengthen support for the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces. The equation is clear: the stronger the Lebanese Army becomes, the weaker illegal armed groups become.
Third, to support recovery and reconstruction efforts as a cornerstone of long-term stability in Lebanon—and in the region as a whole.”