Baghdad: In his delivered speech on behalf of Lebanon at the 34th Arab Summit held in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed deep appreciation to the Iraqi brethrens for the warm welcome and generous hospitality, and congratulated His Excellency the President on chairing the summit, wishing him success in his leadership amidst the challenges in the region.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Salam also thanked the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain for its commendable efforts during the previous session and expressed his gratitude to the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States for its tireless work to convene and ensure the success of the League's meetings.
Expressing deep appreciation for Iraq's continuous support for Lebanon, Salam stated that today's meeting in Baghdad comes at a time when Lebanon is opening a new page in its history by adopting a clear and resolute policy committed to reform in all areas. This policy is based on imposing the sovereignty of the Lebanese state over all its territory, restricting the use of weapons to the state, and affirming that it alone possesses the power to decide peace and war.
"As much as the duality of reform and sovereignty is a Lebanese responsibility, first and foremost, the support and accompaniment of our Arab brothers in this process is a fundamental factor in its success, and we highly appreciate it," Salam underlined.
The Prime Minister explained that the Lebanese state is working to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, based on its commitment to international legitimacy, restoring its sovereignty, enhancing its security, and its keenness on rebuilding the country. However, Salam referred to the continued Israeli occupation of parts of Lebanese lands, daily Israeli violations of Lebanon's sovereignty, the obstruction of citizens' return to their towns, and the refusal to release Lebanese prisoners. He urged Arab leaders to pressure the international community to compel Israel to halt its attacks and withdraw immediately and completely from all Lebanese territories.
On the displaced Syrians' issue, Salam expressed Lebanon's readiness to cooperate with the Syrian Republic to ensure their return to their towns and villages that have become safe. He called on brotherly and friendly countries to help secure their basic necessities of life in Syria, thus making conditions more conducive to their dignified return. He also emphasized the need to control the borders and prevent smuggling in all its forms, as this serves the common interest of both countries.
On the Palestinian issue, Salam reiterated Lebanon's commitment to supporting this cause and strongly condemned the Israeli policy of systematic killing, mass destruction, deliberate starvation, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and the attempt to displace the Palestinians from their land.
Salam concluded by emphasizing that Lebanon firmly believes in the importance of joint Arab action, stating that regional and international circumstances are complex and troubling. He called for the highest levels of coordination, cooperation, and solidarity from all Arab nations, stemming from their responsibility toward their peoples and to safeguard collective Arab security.