Morcos highlights Lebanon’s political priorities
Minister of Information Paul Morcos stressed during an interview with a Pakistani that Lebanon values the diplomatic efforts undertaken by Pakistan to reduce tensions and promote dialogue and stability in the region, stressing that diplomacy remains the only path toward achieving lasting stability.
Minister Morcos noted that Lebanon welcomes every sincere initiative that brings parties to the dialogue table and advances peaceful solutions, expressing appreciation for Pakistan’s role as a diplomatic bridge for dialogue, particularly in light of its sponsorship of one of the most prominent international mediation efforts, which adds to its long record of mediation initiatives aimed at bridging viewpoints closer together and enhancing security and stability since 1971.
The Minister of Information emphasized that Lebanon places great hope in sincere diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region, in line with President Joseph Aoun's view that the negotiations held in Switzerland between the United States and Iran represent an opportunity to support a comprehensive ceasefire and create the conditions for lasting stability.
Minister Morcos also outlined, in figures, the scale of the Israeli attacks on Lebanon. He pointed out that Lebanon has paid a heavy human price as a result of the war, with the number of martyrs exceeding 4,000, and the number of wounded surpassing 12,000. In addition, around 1.5 million citizens were displaced, while thousands of homes, as well as as a number of public facilities and infrastructure, were destroyed or damaged. This makes reconstruction and the protection of civilians top priorities for the government of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
Minister Morcos stressed that Lebanon’s priorities are to consolidate the ceasefire, secure the full Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territory, ensure the release of detainees, resolve outstanding disputed points, facilitate the return of displaced persons, and rebuild their villages. The Minister also reaffirmed the friendship between Lebanon and Pakistan and welcomed military cooperation between the two countries.
