On the eve of his departure for Baghdad to lead the Lebanese delegation at the Arab summit, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam issued a firm message outlining his government’s intentions to reestablish Lebanon’s standing in the region.
“Lebanon intends to fully reconnect with its Arab environment and regain its place on the regional scene,” Salam declared in an interview published Friday by Asharq al-Awsat.
The summit, set to convene Saturday in the Iraqi capital, comes amid shifting regional dynamics – notably the recent lifting of US sanctions on Syria, a decision announced Tuesday by President Donald Trump during a visit to Saudi Arabia.
Salam praised Iraq for hosting the gathering, commending its role in fostering Arab dialogue. He reiterated Beirut’s unwavering stance on national sovereignty, emphasizing that “there will be no going back on the state’s monopoly of arms.”
“Only the Lebanese state can decide on war or peace,” he said, underscoring his government’s position against non-state military actors.
In his remarks, the prime minister called on summit participants to back Lebanon’s demand for “Israel’s total withdrawal from the entire territory,” citing ongoing efforts by the Lebanese Army to strengthen control over the southern borders and combat cross-border smuggling.
Salam also addressed Lebanon’s worsening domestic challenges, acknowledging the gravity of the economic and social crises gripping the country. He stressed the importance of rebuilding public trust and restoring international and regional confidence in the Lebanese state.
“Our priority is to restore the confidence of citizens in their state,” he noted, highlighting recent government initiatives to improve infrastructure, enhance public services, and attract Arab visitors.
In closing, Salam appealed for continued Arab support, framing Lebanon’s recovery as both a national necessity and a regional interest. “We carry a message of hope and reconstruction,” he concluded.
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