Salam: Hezbollah’s Only Obligation Is to Honor Its Commitments
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed before a delegation from the Press Syndicate, headed by its Dean, Awni Al-Kaaki, that Lebanon was informed about the cell that was formed in Switzerland, of which we are part, and whose aim is to consolidate the ceasefire. However, the Washington track is different. We entered the negotiations in Washington because it is the least costly path for Lebanon. Will we reach an agreement? No one can know the outcome of any negotiations in advance. But we know very well what we want from them, which is a full Israeli withdrawal.
In response to the delegation’s questions, Premier Salam said: We will not accept the continued occupation of five points or even two points. We also demand the release of detainees and the resolution of the remaining disputed points along the border. At the same time, we recognize that the Israeli side may propose security arrangements, and we will discuss what is acceptable and what is not. I am not pessimistic.
On the issue of the state’s exclusive control over arms and the implementation of the Taif Agreement, Salam said: There is one issue that is not open to debate. The Taif Agreement speaks about the Israeli withdrawal, the implementation of reforms, and the extension of state authority. We are 36 years behind in extending the authority of the state and in implementing a number of reforms since the Taif Agreement was adopted.
The PM continued: I am asking nothing of Hezbollah other than to fulfill its commitments. Through the 2006 government, of which it was a part, the group committed to implementing Resolution 1701, which stipulates the completion of the extension of state authority across all Lebanese territory and the implementation of the Taif Agreement, and, most importantly, to rendering the area south of the Litani River free of weapons. It also renewed this commitment in 2024, under the government of Prime Minister Najib Mikati, through the ceasefire agreement, which affirmed the principle of exclusivity of arms, as the agreement specifically defined the six parties authorized to carry weapons.
Salam added: We are not pursuing arms’ exclusivity to satisfy Israel. This is an independent Lebanese matter that has been agreed upon, and we have been delayed in implementing it for too long- since the adoption of the Taif Agreement.
