Arab League Secretary-General Reaffirms Full Commitment to Supporting Lebanon
Nabil Fahmi reaffirmed the Arab League's support for Lebanon, while Nawaf Salam called for a complete Israeli withdrawal and attracting investments.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Beirut, October 19 (KUNA) -- Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy affirmed today, Monday, the League’s full commitment to supporting Lebanon, its sovereignty, and its national institutions, foremost among them the Lebanese Armed Forces. This came in a press statement issued by Fahmy following talks held in Beirut, the most prominent of which was his meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, which covered the latest field and political developments in Lebanon and the region.
Fahmy said the Arab League’s position “is firm regarding the presence of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) under formal political cover from the United Nations,” considering it “the best option.” He clarified that his visit to Lebanon aims to implement the decision of the Arab League’s recent ministerial council, which supports Lebanon as a state, its institutions, and its citizens, and noted that he will undertake a field tour of southern Lebanon tomorrow, Tuesday.
He stressed that his upcoming field visit to the south underscores the rejection of Israeli occupation practices and attacks against Lebanese institutions and citizens, adding that it should serve as a catalyst for Arab and international political and diplomatic mobilization to secure the state’s needs and foster economic recovery.
For its part, the Lebanese Prime Minister’s Office stated in a bulletin that Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized during the meeting the importance of continuing Arab support for the Lebanese state’s efforts to rebuild, achieve the complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation, and extend its authority over its entire territory using its own forces. Salam also called for encouraging Arab investments in infrastructure projects and regional connectivity to support the national economy and facilitate Lebanon’s integration into its Arab environment.
Fahmy also held another meeting with Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, discussing recent developments, alongside a series of meetings with several members of parliament and Lebanese officials to obtain a comprehensive assessment of Lebanese priorities. (End) F.Z. / F.D.S.
