Beirut, March 23 (SANA) Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Sunday, in an interview with Al Hadath TV, that the government will not back down from its decision to confine arms to state control, stressing that the state remains the only refuge for all Lebanese.
Salam said Lebanon rejects being used as a platform to harm Arab states, adding that threats from Hezbollah will not deter the government from carrying out its duties. He said the group’s rockets have affected the government’s credibility.
He noted that the ongoing war was imposed on Lebanon and was not its choice, calling for restraint and responsibility to avoid escalation that could expose the country to serious risks.
Salam said accusations that the government has failed in handling the displaced persons file aim to deflect accountability from Hezbollah, adding that the government is addressing the issue within its available capacities.
On the political track, Salam announced that the government has lifted a ban on negotiations with Israel, noting that no specific agenda has yet been set. He said the objective of any talks is to reach a ceasefire and secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.
The remarks come as Lebanon faces escalating tensions alongside ongoing political and economic crises, with the government seeking to reinforce state sovereignty.
Earlier this month, the government approved a package of measures aimed at strengthening state authority, including banning any military or security activity by Hezbollah and requiring the group to hand over its weapons to the state.
K.A.R
