A new space of hope for Lebanon and the Lebanese
Yesterday, France extended its warmest congratulations to Mr. Nawaf Salam on the occasion of his appointment to the position of Prime Minister of the Lebanese Republic following the parliamentary consultations held on January 13. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs considered that this appointment, following the election of President Joseph Aoun last week, represents a new window of hope for Lebanon and the Lebanese, and hoped to form a strong government capable of uniting Lebanon in all its diversity as soon as possible in order to carry out the necessary reforms to revive Lebanon, and in order to allow the return of prosperity. For the Lebanese, establishing security and preserving Lebanon’s sovereignty throughout its territory.
In this context, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken indicated that Hezbollah had retreated to the north of the Litani River, pointing out that Iran had lost the ability to supply the party with weapons. He said in a press conference about the situation in the Middle East: Hezbollah lost and became a thing of the past, and its attacks harmed the Lebanese and Israelis.
In turn, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy affirmed that we are ready to contribute to supporting the Lebanese army to the fullest extent, adding that the international community must seize the opportunity of Hezbollah’s diminishing capabilities in Lebanon.
It is noteworthy that the British Foreign Secretary’s speech came days after the publication of a document through Reuters indicating that the administration of US President Joe Biden will transfer $95 million in military aid allocated to Egypt to Lebanon, which is implementing a ceasefire with Israel.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati received US Ambassador Lisa Johnson at the palace, and the current situation was reviewed.
Ambassador Johnson conveyed the United States’ welcome to the election of General Joseph Aoun as the new president of Lebanon, and the nomination of Judge Nawaf Salam as head of the government and his assignment to form it. She expressed her country’s aspiration to work with the elected President of the Republic and with the Prime Minister and members of the new Lebanese government to enhance constructive cooperation between the two countries and support stability in Lebanon.
