GCC Secretary-General welcomes Lebanese government’s decision on exclusive state control of weapons

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi welcomed the announcement by Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam regarding the Cabinet’s decision to ensure that the possession of weapons is exclusively limited to the state throughout Lebanon. 

The decision is based on the Taif Agreement and relevant international resolutions, and aligns with the inaugural address of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

Al-Budaiwi stated that this decision represents a significant step toward strengthening Lebanese state sovereignty, reinforcing stability and security for the Lebanese people, and activating the country’s institutions. 

He noted that progress on this path, along with the necessary reforms, would greatly boost international and multilateral partners’ confidence, and pave the way for a more investment-friendly environment, including in the private sector.

He also reiterated the GCC’s firm position in support of Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability, and its ongoing backing for the country’s reform and state-building efforts. 

He emphasized the need to implement United Nations Security Council resolutions on Lebanon — particularly U.N. Resolution 1701 — and the Taif Agreement to achieve lasting security and stability, safeguard Lebanon’s territorial integrity, political independence, and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders, and extend the government’s authority over all Lebanese territory, in line with the aspirations of the Lebanese people for a more secure, prosperous, and stable future.