Salam says 'things positive' as to Lebanese response to US paper

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has said that “things are going in a positive manner with President Joseph Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri” regarding Lebanon’s response to the U.S. paper of demands.

In an interview with An-Nahar newspaper, Salam said he has stressed to U.S. envoy Tom Barrack and his administration the need to “obtain real guarantees that truly lead to Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied territory and halting its attacks and violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty in a permanent manner.”

The premier also emphasized the need to rebuild the destroyed towns in south Lebanon, speaking of an “open understanding” with Berri and Aoun.

He added that “reaching a unified Lebanese response and presenting it to Barrack is in the country’s interest,” describing the current atmosphere as “acceptable.”

Speaking at an economic meeting later on Wednesday, Salam said: "We are intensifying pressures to implement Resolution 1701 and the state is continuing its efforts to extend its authority across its territory, in order to monopolize weapons, curb smuggling, and boost safety at the airport."