Beirut, Aug. 21 (SANA) Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Friday that strengthening the army is a strategic priority for restoring state sovereignty, stressing the need for one authority and one decision on war and peace.
During a visit to the Benoit Barakat Barracks in Tyre, Salam said the army’s presence in southern Lebanon represents the return of state authority, adding that sovereignty requires a capable state backed by a single, strong army.
He called for preserving the army’s unity and keeping political and sectarian divisions out of its ranks, stressing that Lebanese people have no alternative to “one army and one state.”
Salam said his government is seeking Arab and international support to strengthen the army, modernize its equipment and improve military personnel’s conditions.
He also said continued Israeli attacks threaten Lebanon and that the government is working to secure a full Israeli withdrawal, the release of detainees, the return of residents and reconstruction.
Salam added that restoring state authority in the south also requires stronger services and economic, social and development institutions.
His remarks came amid continued tensions in southern Lebanon despite a U.S.-sponsored framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel on June 26 and ongoing talks in Rome aimed at consolidating security arrangements.
kA/MF
