Salim: Government Committed to State Authority and Weapon Monopoly

Prime Minister Nouf Salam received U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a prominent member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, at the permanent mission of Lebanon to the United Nations in New York, alongside Lebanon's Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Mawad.

The meeting discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as Lebanese-American relations. President Salam highlighted Senator Shaheen's supportive stance toward Lebanon, particularly her ongoing backing of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

President Salam reaffirmed the government's commitment to establishing state authority, monopolizing weapons under state control, and continuing reforms, stressing the importance of sustained U.S. support for the army and enhancing its capabilities, as well as mobilizing international support for Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction path.

He also emphasized the need to avoid any vacuum that might emerge following the end of UNIFIL’s mandate, underscoring Lebanon’s need for continued international presence in the south.

In turn, Senator Shaheen stressed the importance of Lebanon continuing its path toward weapon monopoly under state authority, while affirming the necessity of the Parliament enacting the fiscal gap law and advancing required reforms to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund.