Salam after Rubio meeting: Time to activate tripartite framework
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the US State Department in Washington, in the presence of Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi, US State Department Adviser Dan Holler, Lebanon’s Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad, and US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa.
The meeting addressed developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as efforts to restore Lebanon’s full sovereignty.
Salam stressed that Lebanon is looking to renew its partnership with the United States in support of the state’s reconstruction and the strengthening of its legitimate institutions.
He stressed the need to move to the phase of activating the tripartite framework and translating the principles of reciprocity and phased implementation into practical steps and tangible results on the ground, leading to the restoration of Lebanon’s full sovereignty, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, and exclusive state control over weapons across the country.
In this context, Salam underscored the importance of establishing a clear timetable for implementing the commitments set out in the framework, ensuring progress on both the Israeli withdrawal and the extension of state authority and exclusive state control over weapons. He also called for a credible verification mechanism to monitor implementation and ensure compliance with commitments, preventing non-implementation from being used as a pretext to derail the process.
Salam stressed that the tripartite framework is not limited to security arrangements, but also includes support for the government’s relief, recovery and reconstruction efforts, the rehabilitation of infrastructure and essential services, and the creation of conditions for displaced people to return and remain in their areas. He emphasized the importance of mobilizing US and international support for the return and recovery process, particularly in areas affected by the war.
He also stressed the importance of continued US support for the Lebanese Army and efforts to strengthen its capabilities, enabling it to carry out its responsibilities and extend state authority across the country.
For his part, Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Lebanon and its legitimate institutions, as well as continued support for the Lebanese Army and efforts to strengthen its capabilities. He also stressed the importance of moving forward with implementation of the tripartite framework to promote stability and security.
