Salam Calls to Spare Lebanon from Futile Wars and Uphold State Monopoly on Arms

Beirut, Nov 8 (KUNA) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed on Sunday the necessity of sparing Lebanon from external entanglements that drag it into senseless wars, emphasizing that nothing can protect Lebanon except the collective commitment to keep the decision on peace and war, as well as the monopoly on arms, in the hands of the state.

In a press statement, Salam called for reliance on reason and Lebanon’s supreme interests, noting that in light of rumors about instability abroad, the government is sparing no effort or means, whether through its own strength or through Lebanon’s friendships with allied countries, to maintain a safety net that shields the country from dangers.

Salam added, “Let us be done with entanglements that repeatedly plunge Lebanon into the throes of senseless wars, which will only provide further excuses for the expansion of the Israeli occupation in the south and intensify destruction, killing, and displacement.”

He continued, “It is very regrettable that Lebanese people are being misled by talk of the government’s loss or confusion, as if it were relying on external bets and illusory calculations. Others tie their interests to the outside, while others bet on external actors.”

He affirmed that the government rules with the full authority of the constitution and the law, backed by parliamentary confidence granted to it twice by the Chamber of Deputies, and in accordance with its ministerial declaration. (End) A.Y.B. / H.S.S.