Lebanese Justice Minister: Hezbollah's Weapons Have Brought Only Disasters and Reckless Adventures
Washington informs Beirut of the resumption of “Framework” talks mid-month... and a US commitment to keep Lebanon out of Iran’s grip
Beirut – “Al-Siyasa” by Omar Al-Bardan
Lebanese Justice Minister Adil Nassar expressed his conviction that Hezbollah’s weapons will be handed over to the state through logic and with the least possible harm, but he stressed that time is running out for Lebanon. He emphasized that the state’s interest lies in monopolizing weapons, noting that Hezbollah’s arsenal has only brought disasters and reckless adventures. He warned that its continued presence leads only to destruction and death without any prospect, adding that its persistence either aims to derail talks to reclaim land and stop aggression, or it seeks to ignite a new proxy war, which would mean sacrificing Lebanon for the sake of external interests.
Nassar stated that claims that this issue affects the Shia community are untrue. He said, “Our goal is to ensure the security of all Lebanese, reclaim the land, protect all regions, rebuild, and build the state. This is not directed against any sect. However, if a group hides behind its sect to preserve its weapons, that is an unacceptable position.” He stressed that “Lebanese cannot live with the fear of war returning. Even Hezbollah’s leadership receives decisions made elsewhere, and this fear is rejected. The matter of monopolizing weapons within the state must be implemented as soon as possible.” He added that the investigation into the port explosion has followed the correct course and was one of our key objectives. The Public Prosecution has issued its requests, and we are awaiting the completion of the work by Investigating Judge Tariq Bitar. I pay tribute to him and expect the indictment to be issued before the end of the year.
Meanwhile, as part of its efforts to continue the negotiation process between Lebanon and Israel, and in line with a US commitment conveyed to the Lebanese delegation that visited the United States, led by Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the US pledged to keep the Iranian grip off Lebanon, considering negotiations the appropriate means to achieve this goal. The United States informed Beirut of the resumption of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel under US sponsorship in Tampa, Florida, before the Israeli elections, with expectations that October 20 will be set as the date for the new round of talks. The Lebanese delegation will be led by Ambassador Simon Karam, alongside Ambassador Nadya Hamada Maawad.
This move comes after a period of relative stagnation surrounding the negotiations, reopening the door to the resumption of direct meetings, amid Lebanese contacts at the level of the delegation’s leadership with decision-making capitals and countries concerned with the file. Pending Ambassador Karam’s return to Beirut, attention remains focused on the deadline for the eighth round and whether ongoing contacts will lead to officially confirming October 20 as the date, or if negotiations will require more time before returning to the table.
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President Salam confirmed, on the last day of his Washington visit, that he met with Finance Minister Yassin Jaber, Energy Minister Joe Saida, and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. “We discussed the progress achieved in the path of financial and banking reforms and negotiations with the Fund. We agreed that a Fund delegation would visit Lebanon after the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank to resume negotiations, with the aim of making progress toward reaching an agreement.” He also met in the US Senate with Senator Jim Riche, Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senator Chris Coons, and Senator Tim Kaine. They discussed Lebanese-US relations and developments in Lebanon and the region, supporting the path of extending state authority and restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty, alongside economic reform and recovery.
In the context of UN engagement with Lebanon, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix is set to travel to Beirut in the second week of this month. The visit carries special significance as the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) nears its end and serious discussions begin regarding the arrangements that could replace it in the south. Lacroix is expected to meet with all Lebanese authorities during his visit, while international consultations intensify concerning the future of the international presence in the south and the missions that should be maintained after UNIFIL’s mandate concludes, particularly monitoring, observation, reporting to the Security Council, and supporting the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri met with Jacques de La Gorce, the economic envoy of French President Emmanuel Macron, in the presence of French Ambassador to Lebanon Patrick Dorlhiac. The meeting discussed the general situation and the legislative reforms enacted by Parliament, particularly in the financial and economic sectors, as well as bilateral relations between Lebanon and France.
In a related development, as UNIFIL’s mandate in southern Lebanon is expected to end later this year, a senior European diplomatic official confirmed that the European security mission in Lebanon will not replace UNIFIL. He clarified that the European mission will support the Lebanese Armed Forces in disarming Hezbollah.
Talks about this mission began some time ago, with more than 10 countries expressing readiness to provide resources, personnel, training, and logistical support to the Lebanese Armed Forces and security forces, especially given the conclusion and non-renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate by the United Nations. The mission’s work will focus on supporting and developing the capacities of the Internal Security Forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces to enable them to maintain stability.
