Lebanese Prime Minister Salam’s Government Gains Confidence Amid…

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s new government has gained parliamentary confidence, receiving congratulatory messages from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. The government’s support includes 95 MPs, while challenges remain regarding Israeli withdrawal and reconstruction efforts. Salam pledges to prioritize national stability, economic interests, and the refugee situation as key focuses for his administration.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has received congratulations from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman following the formation of his new government, which recently gained parliamentary confidence. The Crown Prince expressed his wishes for Salam’s success and prosperity for the Lebanese people and emphasized the importance of this governance transition.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry also extended its congratulations, asserting that the Lebanese government’s achievement of parliamentary support heralds a new phase aimed at restoring stability and security in Lebanon. Salam’s government gained the confidence of 95 Members of Parliament (MPs), including support from Hezbollah, while 12 MPs expressed no confidence, mostly from the Free Patriotic Movement, and four abstained from voting.

This parliamentary vote concluded after extensive sessions focused on the government’s ministerial statement, which acts as a blueprint for its impending 15-month term until the next parliamentary elections. President Joseph Aoun praised the confidence awarded to the government while recognizing the validity of opposition within Lebanon’s democratic framework.

In response to the parliamentary discussions, Prime Minister Salam assured the legislators that his cabinet would take their feedback seriously and assured a commitment to restoring public trust in the government. He emphasized the importance of engaging in constructive dialogue and avoiding sectarian tensions.

Significantly, Salam highlighted the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territories as a crucial priority for his administration. He reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to the 1949 truce agreement and the need for international support in ensuring Israel’s compliance with Resolution 1701.

Additionally, the Prime Minister detailed plans for establishing a transparent reconstruction fund to address the needs of war-damaged areas, ensuring that no political strings would be attached to foreign aid. He further announced that communications regarding oil and gas exploration have begun, aiming to benefit Lebanon’s economy.

In discussing the return of Syrian refugees, Salam stressed the necessity for structured plans and ongoing dialogue with Syrian authorities and relevant UN agencies. Meanwhile, reports emerged regarding the Lebanese Armed Forces’ discovery of Israeli spying devices in southern Lebanon, urging citizens to maintain distance from these dangerous objects.

Furthermore, Hezbollah has been conducting burials for its members whose remains have been recovered from areas previously controlled by Israeli forces, amidst ongoing tensions in the border region. Israeli military presence continues to dominate strategic areas in southern Lebanon, leaving questions around their intended timeline for withdrawal unanswered.

The recent formation of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government in Lebanon, bolstered by significant parliamentary confidence, is viewed as a pivotal moment that could lead to increased stability and cooperation within the country. Both Saudi Arabia and Egypt have voiced support, emphasizing the potential for a renewed phase of governance aimed at addressing pressing national issues. Salam’s commitment to essential reforms, including security, economic recovery, and the handling of foreign relations, underlines a proactive approach toward the challenges Lebanon faces.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com