On the issue of airport security searching the Iranian delegation accompanying Larijani, MP Salim al-Sayegh framed it as a challenge to Iran's political dominance in Lebanon, asserting that legitimate Lebanon is capable and can maintain and restore sovereignty.
MP Salim al-Sayegh has also expressed concerns over Lebanon's precarious position, highlighting the interplay of international and regional pressures. He criticized Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri’s limited role in resolving the ongoing crisis, noting that US envoy Amos Hochstein is attempting to broker a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.
Al-Sayegh described the recent visit by Iranian delegate Ali Larijani as a "reminder" of Iran's influence in Lebanon, positioning it as a message against diverging from the resistance's hardline stance, led by Berri.
He also believed that “the axis of resistance seeks a ceasefire without making any concessions,” adding that meaningful solutions require granting Berri broader authority.
In response to a question about the newly elected US president's pledge to achieve peace in the Middle East, he stated that former President Trump's approach hinges on stability, fearing Lebanon could endure further devastation during the interim period.
Turning to defense and sovereignty, al-Sayegh criticized Iran for withholding military aid to the Lebanese Army, contrasting this with Saudi Arabia's $3 billion arms donation during President Michel Suleiman's tenure, which was later rescinded following hostile rhetoric from Lebanese factions.
He pointed out that “Hezbollah protected corruption” and emphasized that Lebanon's governance has become ineffective, with the state under "disguised international tutelage."
Al-Sayegh also addressed public sentiment, noting widespread rejection of the ongoing war and questioning Hezbollah's claims of defending Lebanese sovereignty.
Finally, he warned that failure to implement international resolutions would entail “one of two solutions: either we go to self-security in all of Lebanon, or those resolutions will be implemented by force under Chapter VII” of the UN Charter, signaling a potential turning point in Lebanon's political trajectory.
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