Salam Warns Against Dragging Lebanon into Regional Conflicts and Condemns Intervention in Yemen

Republic President Joseph Aoun received Council of Ministers President Nawaf Salam, reviewing with him the general situation in the country and the region, as well as the agenda for tomorrow's cabinet session at the Grand Serail.

After the meeting, Salam said: "In light of the risks of renewed war in the region, I repeat the warning against the danger of dragging Lebanon into any new absurd adventure serving external interests and involving it in confrontations it cannot afford to bear the consequences of. The Lebanese people, especially our people in the south, have paid a heavy price in lives, livelihoods, and homes. They have the right to live in safety and build their future away from the vortex of wars, displacement, and destruction. Protecting Lebanon is a national responsibility that requires prioritizing its supreme interest over any other calculation, and committing to ensuring that the decision of war and peace rests exclusively with the state and its constitutional institutions. We will not accept imposing on the Lebanese a fate they did not choose, or allowing their homeland to once again become an arena for others' conflicts; our duty is to preserve its sovereignty, protect its people, and make every effort to spare them a new war."

He added: "In this context, I strongly denounce and condemn any Lebanese elements or groups intervening in the internal affairs of Arab brothers, particularly by undertaking any form of military activities that threaten the security and safety of their countries, most recently what was announced by the government of brotherly Yemen. These actions can only result in harm to Lebanon and the interests of its citizens. We are keen to respect the sovereignty and security of our brothers and prevent harm to them, just as we look forward to strengthening and developing our relations with them on solid foundations of mutual trust."