Can Lebanese PM End Israeli Occupation and Rally Global Support?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Lebanon is committed to ending Israeli occupation.
- Calls for global diplomatic pressure are intensifying.
- Focus on improving citizen welfare and economic conditions.
- Reconstruction plans are underway, with international funding secured.
- Strengthening the Lebanese army is a priority amid growing challenges.
Beirut, April 29 (NationPress) Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized on Tuesday Lebanon's determination to eliminate the Israeli occupation of all Lebanese lands and urged for enhanced diplomatic efforts to cease ongoing violations.
"Lebanon aims to put an end to all such infringements and fully restore its territory," he stated, as reported by the official National News Agency.
Salam condemned the recent assault on Beirut's southern suburbs along with other Israeli aggressions, labeling them as "a violation of the ceasefire agreements." He stressed the immediate need for "activating a monitoring mechanism to halt these infringements."
During a meeting with representatives from the Press Syndicate, the Prime Minister reiterated Lebanon's commitment to the current agreement and called upon Israel to reciprocate.
Salam disclosed that Lebanon is proactively engaging with influential global players to exert diplomatic pressure, as reported by Xinhua news agency. "We are in continuous dialogue with the Americans, the French, and other key Arab and European nations to intensify these efforts," he mentioned.
He also underscored the government's commitment to addressing the needs of its citizens. "We are dedicated to staying connected to the people and tackling their security and livelihood issues, especially by enhancing economic and living conditions."
Furthermore, he pointed out that the Lebanese government has initiated a reconstruction strategy, starting with infrastructure. "We have completed damage assessments and are now mobilizing resources," he said. "Negotiations with the World Bank have already secured 325 million US dollars, and we are working to increase this amount."
Salam also stressed the necessity to strengthen the Lebanese army amidst growing responsibilities. "We need to bolster army ranks through additional recruitment, particularly as deployments expand in the south and along the northeastern border," he asserted, noting that support is also essential for security forces operating in vital facilities, including the port and airport.