Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam responded to US envoy Tom Barrack, saying:
"I am surprised by the recent statements made by Ambassador Tom Barrack, which cast doubt on the seriousness of the government and the role of the army. I affirm that the government is committed to fully implementing its ministerial statement, particularly regarding the reforms it has pledged and the extension of state authority over all Lebanese territory through its own forces, as well as maintaining the monopoly of arms solely in the hands of the State, as reflected in the Cabinet decisions on this matter."
He added: "In this regard, I have full confidence that the Lebanese Army is fulfilling its responsibilities in protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring its stability, carrying out its national duties, including implementing the plan it presented to the Cabinet on September 5. On this occasion, I call on the international community to intensify its support for the Lebanese Army and to pressure Israel to withdraw from the territories it occupies and to halt its repeated attacks, in accordance with the ceasefire declaration issued in November 2024."
He concluded: "I also reaffirm Lebanon’s deep belief in the possibility of achieving lasting peace in the region based on the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, as it rests on principles of justice, international law, and United Nations resolutions, and calls for enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination, including the establishment of their independent state."
"I am surprised by the recent statements made by Ambassador Tom Barrack, which cast doubt on the seriousness of the government and the role of the army. I affirm that the government is committed to fully implementing its ministerial statement, particularly regarding the reforms it has pledged and the extension of state authority over all Lebanese territory through its own forces, as well as maintaining the monopoly of arms solely in the hands of the State, as reflected in the Cabinet decisions on this matter."
He added: "In this regard, I have full confidence that the Lebanese Army is fulfilling its responsibilities in protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring its stability, carrying out its national duties, including implementing the plan it presented to the Cabinet on September 5. On this occasion, I call on the international community to intensify its support for the Lebanese Army and to pressure Israel to withdraw from the territories it occupies and to halt its repeated attacks, in accordance with the ceasefire declaration issued in November 2024."
He concluded: "I also reaffirm Lebanon’s deep belief in the possibility of achieving lasting peace in the region based on the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, as it rests on principles of justice, international law, and United Nations resolutions, and calls for enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination, including the establishment of their independent state."
