Lebanese Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam said that Lebanon “will not sign any agreement that does not include a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces,” rejecting any arrangement that maintains a buffer zone in southern Lebanon.
In remarks to The Washington Post, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated: “We cannot coexist with what is called a buffer zone, where displaced persons are not allowed to return to their cities and villages.”
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called on the administration of US President, Donald Trump to pressure Israel to reduce its demands and end its occupation.
He added: “We have taken bold decisions and made progress in confiscating weapons, banning Hezbollah’s military operations, and ensuring the state’s monopoly on weapons. This is in Lebanon’s interest… as a state cannot have two armies.”
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Salam said that disarmament “is a process that cannot happen overnight,” but stressed that Lebanon has demonstrated seriousness, appealing to Washington and Paris to support and strengthen the Lebanese army, which faces financial challenges in equipment and training.
He also called for international support to address the humanitarian situation and reconstruction needs in Lebanon.
A temporary ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States, came into effect on April 16 for a period of 10 days to facilitate negotiations.
Lebanon has reiterated its position that any agreement must include a complete Israeli withdrawal, rejecting a buffer zone and linking the continuation of the truce to progress in negotiations and the restoration of state sovereignty.
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