Raji: No Stability in Lebanon with Weapons Outside State Authority

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raji accepted an invitation from the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington to a dialogue meeting chaired by Elliott Abrams, attended by several council members, media representatives, and think tank officials. The discussion covered the situation in Lebanon, reasons for delays in implementing the framework agreement, the file of "Hezbollah" weapons, the future of UNIFIL, and relations with the new Syrian government.

At the beginning of the meeting, Raji thanked the Council for its invitation, praising "Elliott Abrams' supportive role in the Cedar Revolution," and said: "Lebanon's priority is ensuring stability; Lebanese people want to restore Lebanon as a cultural, tourist, and economic hub in the region, but this will not be achieved in the presence of parallel arms alongside legitimate weapons."

He described the government's decision to "restrict weapons to the hands of the state" as "brave," stressing that "stability and prosperity in Lebanon require ending the occupation and Hezbollah handing over its weapons," clarifying that "implementation of government decisions is progressing," and saying: "We want peace with all our neighbors."

He affirmed "the necessity for Iran to stop interfering in Lebanese affairs," considering that "the Lebanese Army is the only hope," praising "US aid to the military institution," wishing for "continuation of this support," and reiterating "the government's commitment to direct negotiations under US sponsorship," viewing them as "the only way to recover territories and return residents to their villages."

In response to a question about the importance of expatriates, Raji noted their "absolute support for Lebanon wherever they are," pointing out "the emigration of skilled professionals and youth," and confirming that "their return requires rebuilding the state."