Lebanese Prime Minister stresses necessity of transitioning to activating the trilateral framework
Beirut, September 28 (KUNA) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed on Monday the necessity of moving to the implementation phase of the trilateral framework reached with the Israeli occupation, under U.S. sponsorship, in Washington last June. Salam made these remarks during his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, in the presence of Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Youssef Raji.
In a statement, the media office of the Lebanese Prime Minister said that Salam called for “translating the principles of reciprocity and phased implementation into practical steps and tangible results on the ground,” thereby enabling Lebanon to fully restore its sovereignty, achieve the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Lebanese territory, and confine weapons solely to the state across its entire territory.
He emphasized the importance of establishing a clear timeline for implementing the commitments outlined in the framework, ensuring progress in the Israeli withdrawal and the extension of state authority and weapons monopoly, alongside the creation of a reliable monitoring mechanism to follow up on implementation and verify compliance with pledges, thereby preventing non-implementation from being used as an excuse to stall the process.
He noted that the trilateral framework “is not limited to security arrangements but also includes supporting the government’s efforts in relief, recovery, reconstruction, rehabilitation of infrastructure and basic services, and creating conditions for the return and stabilization of displaced persons in their areas.” In this context, he stressed the importance of mobilizing U.S. and international support for the return and recovery process, particularly in areas affected by the war.
He also highlighted the importance of continuing U.S. support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and enhancing its capabilities “to enable it to fulfill its responsibilities and extend state authority across the entire territory.” Salam pointed out that Lebanon “looks forward to a renewed partnership with the United States that keeps pace with the project of state-building and strengthening its legitimate institutions.”
The Prime Minister’s Office statement conveyed the U.S. Secretary of State’s “commitment of the United States to support Lebanon and its legitimate institutions, continue backing the Lebanese Armed Forces and enhancing its capabilities, and reaffirm the importance of advancing the implementation of the trilateral framework to achieve stability and security.” (End) A.Y.B./M.M.J.
