Salam: Resistance role ended in 2000, only state and army can protect Lebanon today

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated overnight that the role of the Resistance (Hezbollah) had ended in 2000 with the liberation of south Lebanon from Israeli occupation, asserting that "what protects Lebanon today is the State and the Lebanese Army.”

“We want one state for all Lebanese; the decision of war and peace must be in the hands of the State alone, and the exclusivity of arms must serve all citizens and not be directed against anyone," Salam added, in an interview on MTV.

Salam clarified: "We did not invent the issue of the ‘exclusivity of arms’ in this government; it is mentioned in the Taif Agreement under the phrase ‘the State extending its authority over all Lebanese territories by means of its own forces.’"

He added: "The government has achieved a lot in administration through appointments and regulatory bodies, as well as regarding the exclusivity of arms and reclaiming the decision of war and peace. This was evident in today’s cabinet session, as for the first time, the army has full authority south of the Litani River."

Salam continued by saying that the State is “working on organizing a conference to support the army in Paris this February, which is vital to enhancing its capabilities through support from brotherly and friendly nations.”

“In light of these resources, the army will be able to move forward with its plan to restrict arms,” the premier added.