Lebanese PM: Security and Safety Key to Return of Southerners
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed that security is essential for the return of Southerners, announcing the launch of 23 tenders for projects in Nabatieh, and stressing the necessity of complete Israeli withdrawal and state reconstruction.
Translated by Qiyas from السياسة — Original source
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam confirmed on Friday that security and stability are fundamental to the return of southerners, announcing the launch of 23 tenders for projects in the Nabatieh district in southern Lebanon. Speaking during his visit to the city of Nabatieh, Salam said, “I am returning to Nabatieh for the third time since the formation of our government, a gesture reflecting a commitment I wished to translate into follow-up and action.”
He noted that the government has worked with international institutions to secure the necessary resources to launch a recovery and reconstruction process, the path for which had been initiated months ago after securing “the first tranche of funding, paving the way for a transition from needs assessment to implementation.”
He emphasized that his presence was intended to reaffirm the return of state institutions to their operations, describing them as “an essential part of restoring life to this beloved city, and they will serve to support the resilience of its kind residents and reinforce their presence on their land.”
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He pointed out that the projects launched today might be limited relative to the scale of needs in Nabatieh and the south, clarifying that the magnitude of needs exceeds the capacity of the Lebanese state to bear these burdens alone, requiring substantial financing.
He stated, “Your priorities will remain our priorities: halting Israeli aggression, the complete Israeli withdrawal from our lands, the safe and dignified return of people to their homes, the restoration of their livelihoods, and the revival of life in the cities, towns, and villages of the south.”
He added, “The true guarantee before us is to continue mobilizing all the capabilities and support we can muster to achieve the complete Israeli withdrawal and to rebuild a capable and effective state—a single state for all its citizens, with one army and one decision, particularly regarding war and peace.” He stressed that “this is the path to ensure we do not again find ourselves facing a new war, new pretexts for aggression against Lebanon, or a new expansion of occupation.”
He continued, “As for suggesting that we can wait for a major regional settlement, in my view, that is not an option for Lebanon, because such a settlement may or may not come, or it may be delayed for years, and if it does occur, it might come at our expense.”
He noted that the presence of Finance Minister Yassin Jaber, Interior and Municipal Affairs Minister Mohammad Haidar, and security leaders during the visit was intended to underscore the role of security forces, enhance their presence, and strengthen their capacity to carry out their duties. Last September, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had visited Nabatieh, at which time he affirmed the state’s support for the people of the south and its assistance to them.
