Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government gained the confidence of 95 MPs of the 128-strong parliament on Wednesday at the end of the two-day debate of its policy statement.
At the end of the deliberations, and ahead of the voting, Salam made the following remarks in response to the MPs who took the floor representing the various parliamentary blocs.
Salam stressed that despite being “diverse,” the government stands in unity, which “will be manifested through our actions.” He stated, “We are committed to adopting a language of transparency and dialogue, and our main objective is to achieve the national interest.”
While pointing out that the ministerial statement did not provide a detailed policy outline, but a declaration of principles, Salam emphasized that Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanon is “a fundamental and top priority for this government.”
He upheld the Taif Agreement as an indivisible and comprehensive political roadmap that must be fully implemented and added that political reforms must be applied on the basis of the national accord document.
Salam also vowed that his government will work on expanded administrative decentralization and rebuilding of state institutions. He promised to establish a special fund for reconstruction and to mobilize international and Arab support to rebuild the nation.
The government will make the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland a priority and will seek a revision of Lebanese-Syrian accords to ensure that they serve the mutual interests of both nations.
In the energy sector, Salam promised that his government will work to improve billing practices and combat illegal encroachments on the power grid, to enhance the overall power supply.
He also highlighted the urgency of reopening the Qlayaat René Mouawad Airport, developing Beirut and Tripoli ports, proceeding with the continued exploration of oil and gas resources, and finding just and equitable solutions to the depositors’ issue, protecting their rights and ensuring that justice is served.
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