The Lebanese Cabinet held on Thursday a session at the Baabda Presidential Palace under the chairmanship of President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, mulling the Lebanese Army monthly report pertaining to arms control in South Litani area.
In the aftermath, the Information Minister Paul Morcos indicated that the council of ministers endorsed the Army statement, adding that the cabinet will convene in February to tackle the new Army report which is expected to review all the circumstances of the upcoming stages.
Following today’s cabinet session, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam issued a statement, saying: “I highly value the tremendous efforts exerted by the Lebanese Army, its leadership, officers, and personnel, in completing the first phase of its plan to implement the government’s decision on exclusive state control of weapons and extending its authority across all Lebanese territory. I also salute the Lebanese army’s martyrs who fell while carrying out their national duty in order to achieve these national goals.”
“I emphasize the urgent need to support the Lebanese army logistically and financially, in order to enhance its capabilities to implement the second phase of the plan extending between the Litani River and the Awali River, and the subsequent phases, as quickly as possible.”
“I also affirm that ensuring the return of residents to the South Litani region is a priority after the completion of the objectives of the first phase. On this basis, the government will accelerate the pace of reconstruction efforts in southern Lebanon in the coming weeks after Parliament approves a World Bank loan allocated for this purpose.”
“I also affirm that the Lebanese state continues to mobilize Arab and international support to pressure Israel to withdraw from the five occupied points, halt its ongoing attacks, and secure the return of our prisoners, thus enabling the consolidation of stability and the completion of the state’s authority across all its territories.’’
The Lebanese Army declared on Thursday that the first phase of a plan to control weapons south of Litani River was completed, warning that the continuation of the Israeli attacks and occupation of Lebanese territory hinders the plan.
Source: Al-Manar English Website