Raji: Iranians Have Not Yet Realized That the Decision Is in the Hands of the Government

Foreign Minister Youssef Raji confirmed that Lebanon will raise during the upcoming meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday the formation of an international force to replace UNIFIL.

In statements to Sky News Arabia, he clarified that the efforts made by the state did not lead to an extension of the UNIFIL mission, noting that this file will be among the issues discussed.

Raji said that the Iranians "have not yet realized that the decision has returned to the Lebanese government alone," pointing out that the meeting with the Iranian delegation in New York was diplomatic, and that the Lebanese side said "what must be said" during it.

Regarding the restriction of weapons, the Foreign Minister affirmed that Hezbollah's responsibility is greater because it refuses to discuss the issue of restricting arms, stressing that the Lebanese state's effort to extend its control over all its territories "will not lead to a civil war."

He added that Israel and Hezbollah are "both uncooperative in facilitating the path of negotiations," affirming that Lebanon negotiates directly for itself and does not need anyone to negotiate on its behalf.

He indicated that the "framework agreement" came as a result of the two support wars opened by Hezbollah in the south.

The Foreign Minister confirmed that the state continues its efforts to extend its sovereignty over all Lebanese territories, while adhering to the diplomatic track to address pending files.