PM Salam: Lebanese Army should not be set against anyone, no rollback on arms monopoly decision

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the demand for a ceasefire is not new and that an agreement has already been reached, but it has not been fully implemented.

He explained that negotiations were held with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein in 2024 for two months prior to the ceasefire, and that meetings in Washington will continue.

Salam added that negotiations have not yet formally begun, describing the Washington meetings as preparatory, and said a statement by the U.S. State Department was given more weight than necessary. He stressed that the Lebanese side expressed a unified position agreed upon in the Parliament. 

He also underlined that there is ongoing communication between him and the other Lebanese leaders, based on respect and cooperation.

Salam said: “It is not required to put the Lebanese army in confrontation with anyone, but what is required is that everyone abide by state decisions.”

He noted that border crossings are under control, adding that smuggling operations may exist but are far below previous levels.

He said: “Our decisions are being implemented, and we need to be stricter in enforcing them. We wish implementation had been faster, but these are our capabilities. As for negotiations, there are no negotiations yet; what is happening are preparatory meetings.”

Salam stressed the need to strengthen security measures in Beirut and deter violators.

He concluded that the country is on a new path and reaffirmed that there will be no backtracking on the decision to ensure the exclusive monopoly of arms in Beirut.