Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has received congratulations from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after securing parliamentary confidence. His government identified the withdrawal of Israeli troops and reconstruction as main priorities. The Lebanese Armed Forces discovered Israeli spy devices, and Salam also emphasized the importance of facilitating the sustainable return of Syrian refugees.
Beirut – Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has received congratulations from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after his government achieved the confidence of the parliament. The Crown Prince expressed his wishes for Salam’s success and the continued prosperity of the Lebanese people. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry also acknowledged this milestone, stating that it represents the beginning of a new phase towards restoring stability in Lebanon.
Salam’s government gained the support of 95 MPs, including those from Hezbollah, while 12 voted against it, primarily from the Free Patriotic Movement, and four abstained. The confidence vote followed extensive parliamentary discussions focusing on a ministerial statement, which sets forth the government’s action plan for the upcoming term until the next elections.
President Joseph Aoun commended the confidence awarded by the MPs and recognized the validity of opposition views in a parliamentary democracy. Prime Minister Salam acknowledged the deputies’ comments and committed to taking them seriously, promising to enhance trust among parliament and the populace.
The Prime Minister identified the withdrawal of Israeli troops and national reconstruction as top priorities for his government. He stated, “Achieving the complete withdrawal of the Israeli troops from Lebanese territories is a top priority for our government.” He emphasized the government’s clear stance on this issue and its commitment to garnering international support for the implementation of relevant resolutions.
Salam announced plans to establish a transparent reconstruction fund to rebuild war-damaged areas and mitigate social issues stemming from conflict, rejecting any political conditions tied to reconstruction aid. He also disclosed ongoing initiatives for oil and gas exploration, aiming to expedite extraction processes for Lebanon’s economic benefit.
Addressing the return of Syrian refugees, Prime Minister Salam highlighted the importance of a coordinated effort with Syrian authorities and relevant UN agencies to ensure their sustainable return. He underscored the need for a clear plan and dialogue to facilitate this process.
On another note, the Lebanese Armed Forces announced the discovery of two Israeli spy devices in southern regions, warning citizens to avoid them and report their locations for safety. Additionally, Hezbollah continues to mourn its members whose remains were found following the Israeli withdrawal from certain villages, as tensions remain high in the border areas with Israel still controlling strategic positions.
In summary, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government has successfully garnered parliamentary confidence, which has elicited congratulatory messages from both Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The government prioritizes the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the establishment of a reconstruction fund while aiming for renewed relations with Syria concerning refugees. The Lebanese Armed Forces remain vigilant regarding Israeli espionage activities, highlighting ongoing security concerns in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
