Prime Minister Nawaf Salam Urges Hezbollah to Fulfill Its Commitments

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received a delegation from the Press Syndicate, led by Captain Aouni Al-Kaaki. During the meeting and in response to the delegation's questions, Salam addressed several critical issues.

Regarding the negotiation process, Salam explained that Lebanon was informed about the committee formed in Switzerland, of which Lebanon is a part, aimed at establishing a ceasefire. However, he noted that the Washington negotiation track differs from this committee. Lebanon engaged in talks in Washington because it represents the least costly option for the country. When asked whether an agreement would be reached, Salam stated that no one can predict the outcome of negotiations in advance but affirmed that Lebanon's clear objective is the full Israeli withdrawal.

He added that Lebanon will not accept the retention of five or two points and also demands the release of prisoners and the resolution of outstanding border issues. He acknowledged that the Israeli side might propose security arrangements, which Lebanon will evaluate to determine what is acceptable. Salam expressed optimism about the process.

On the subject of the exclusivity of arms and the implementation of the Taif Agreement, Salam emphasized the indisputable nature of the matter. He said the Taif Agreement addresses Israeli withdrawal, reforms, and the extension of state authority. Lebanon is 36 years behind in extending state authority and implementing several reforms since the agreement was ratified.

Salam stated that his sole request from Hezbollah is to fulfill its commitments. He recalled that Hezbollah, as part of the 2006 government, committed to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for completing the extension of state authority over all Lebanese territory and applying the Taif Agreement. Importantly, it includes designating the area south of the Litani River as a weapons-free zone. He also noted that in 2024, under Prime Minister Najib Mikati's government, Hezbollah reaffirmed its commitment to the exclusivity of arms through a ceasefire agreement, which specified that only six entities are authorized to bear arms.

Salam clarified that the restriction on arms is not to appease Israel but is an independent Lebanese matter agreed upon domestically. He remarked that Lebanon has delayed implementing this since the Taif Agreement was adopted.

He described the Taif Agreement as a comprehensive package that was implemented selectively. Its significance lies in renewing Lebanon's social contract and ending the war. However, administrative decentralization has not been applied, nor has judicial independence been achieved. The abolition of political sectarianism is stipulated as a fundamental national goal requiring efforts to establish a national body tasked with planning and studying its phased elimination, as outlined in Article 95 of the constitution.

Salam called for completing the implementation of the Taif Agreement, correcting deviations from its text, addressing gaps that have emerged, and preparing to develop it as necessary.

He recalled that from 1975 to 1989, dialogue occurred, sometimes amid conflict, culminating in the Taif Agreement. Therefore, he asserted there is no need for new negotiations to implement the agreement. Issues related to it are discussed within the Parliament or Cabinet, institutions whose roles Lebanon is working to restore. Among these issues are the draft law on administrative decentralization and other reform bills. However, Salam stressed that Lebanon will not negotiate the implementation of the Taif Agreement itself.

Regarding the continuation of the international forces' mission in southern Lebanon, Salam stated that there remains a need for an international presence to perform three main tasks: monitoring, reporting, and coordination and communication. He said that even if an agreement with Israel is reached, this role will still be necessary due to the history between the two countries.

Salam mentioned that the UN Secretary-General has proposed three options concerning this matter, with the final decision resting with the Security Council. He noted that these options can be modified to align with any agreements reached during negotiations and the military arrangements accompanying the Israeli withdrawal.