Salam from the UAE: No weapons outside the state and change is starting to appear, especially on the airport road

Peace from the UAE: No weapons outside the state and change is starting to appear, especially on the airport road

In a frank and comprehensive speech to the Lebanese community in the United Arab Emirates.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized his adherence to the project of reform and restoration of sovereignty.

He emphasized that “there are no weapons outside the state” and that the current government is committed to rebuilding the state on a transparent and just basis.

Salam’s remarks came during a ceremony held at the Lebanese Consulate in the UAE, attended by a crowd of Lebanese community members, who reacted to Salam’s positions that promised radical change.

and optimism that the state can regain its role and prestige, despite the difficult circumstances the country is going through.

Salam from the UAE: Supporting the Lebanese community abroad

President Salam began his speech by greeting the Lebanese community in the UAE.

praising their important role in supporting Lebanon Over the past years.

especially in light of the recurring crises that have plagued the country.

He emphasized that their presence in the UAE has been an economic and social lever for Lebanon.

He pointed out that migration was a forced choice as a result of successive wars and collapses.

Salam said:

“I know that most of you left Lebanon because of the abnormal conditions that the country lived in for decades.

But your role from abroad has been and continues to be essential in supporting the Lebanese economy and keeping the Lebanese connected to their motherland.”

Missing historic opportunities

In a historical review of underutilized opportunities.

Salam spoke of milestones where Lebanon could have made qualitative leaps.

However, political mismanagement prevented this. He noted that the Taif Agreement was implemented selectively, which weakened confidence in political institutions. He also noted that Lebanon did not benefit properly from the Israeli and Syrian withdrawals, which contributed to the continued fragility of the state.

He added:

“We lost a lot of opportunities due to the lack of a unified vision. Today we have a new opportunity to rebuild, and we must not waste it as we did before.”

Salam from the UAE: The government’s project is reform first

Salam emphasized that the government, which received confidence only three months ago, has already started implementing key reforms, despite obstacles and challenges. The most prominent of these reforms was the amendment of the banking secrecy law, which was passed in parliament, which will contribute to fighting corruption and revealing the sources of legitimate and illegitimate funds.

He also noted that the government is in the process of completing the project to restructure the banking sector, address the financial gap, and restore confidence in Lebanese banks. He added:

“We are also working on strengthening the independence of the judiciary, and we have launched projects in this framework that we hope will be issued soon.”

Transparency in administrative appointments

Salam touched on the issue of appointments in the state, noting the adoption of a new mechanism based on transparency, competitiveness and efficiency, emphasizing that future appointments, including the Council for Development and Reconstruction, will be made through this mechanism. Two regulatory bodies for the telecommunications and electricity sectors were also launched, as a prelude to reforming these two vital sectors.

Sovereignty First: No Weapons Outside the State

In one of his sharpest and clearest statements, Salam emphasized that extending the state’s authority over all Lebanese territory is an irreversible goal, and stressed the need to limit weapons to the Lebanese state only, in line with the Taif Agreement and the government’s ministerial statement.

He said:

“We have dedicated three paragraphs in the ministerial statement that emphasize extending the full sovereignty of the state, restoring the decision of war and peace, and not allowing any weapons outside the framework of official institutions.”

He explained that the continued Israeli occupation of some points in southern Lebanon, along with satellite and balloon espionage and networks of agents, hinders the process of restoring full sovereignty.

Municipal and legislative elections

Regarding constitutional entitlements, Salam emphasized that the government completed the municipal elections on time and is preparing to hold parliamentary elections in less than a year. He also revealed the government’s intention to submit a project to amend the electoral law, addressing current loopholes and promoting transparency and integrity.

Tangible changes on the ground

Referring to the gradual improvement in the country, Salam said that visitors to Lebanon in the coming weeks or months will notice real changes, especially in infrastructure.

He said:

“A large number of expatriates are expected to visit Lebanon this summer, and I promise you that you will see a real change, and the most prominent evidence of this is the organization and improvement of the airport road.”

Deposits and Banks

To conclude his speech, Salam touched on the issue of bank deposits, one of the most prominent issues troubling the Lebanese at home and abroad. He noted that the new law on banking secrecy will help distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate funds, paving the way for a transparent and fair mechanism to return depositors’ money.

He emphasized that reforming the banking sector is a prerequisite for restoring the confidence of the Lebanese and the international community, and for relaunching the economic wheel.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s speech in the UAE carried clear and direct political messages, most notably emphasizing the priority of reform, rebuilding the state, and limiting weapons to its hands, in addition to the government’s commitment to conducting electoral entitlements, fighting corruption, and promoting transparency. Will this government be the beginning of a new path that restores Lebanon’s dignity and role in its Arab and international surroundings?

Lebanon Today

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