Lebanese Prime Minister Warns of Rising Military Spending Over Development

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam asserted at the United Nations General Assembly that without mutual trust, security and cooperation among nations cannot be solidified. He stated that the world is experiencing an increase in wars and conflicts, with the cost of armaments now exceeding development budgets.

Salam underscored that national sovereignty should be non-negotiable and that international law should be applied equally to all countries, without exception. He identified Lebanon’s priority as regaining its national decision-making authority, ensuring that no power supersedes the state’s authority and no weaponry exists outside its armed forces.

He added that all decisions regarding war and peace must be made within the framework of the state’s constitutional institutions. Prime Minister Salam also drew attention to the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territories, affirming that Resolution 1701 remains the fundamental reference for Lebanon-Israel relations. He pledged efforts to reclaim Lebanese lands from Israeli occupation and extend Lebanese sovereignty over the entire country.

The Prime Minister reiterated the state’s monopoly on weapons and the authority of its constitutional institutions over decisions of war and peace. He noted that Lebanon faced a war that was imposed upon it rather than chosen. Salam emphasized that Lebanon is affected by regional events and stated that the country must not become a battleground for others or a bargaining chip in their hands. The future of Lebanon cannot be determined in its absence, and its security and stability should not be contingent on agreements made without its participation.

The Lebanese Prime Minister called for a stable ceasefire and the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from Lebanese territories.