Beirut: Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, on Monday met with a U.S. Congressional delegation led by Rep. Darine Lahoud and Rep. Steve Cohen, in the presence of U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson, at the Grand Serail. Lahoud praised Lebanon's initiatives towards state sovereignty, arms control, and judicial and financial reforms, emphasizing efforts in Congress to maintain support for the Lebanese Army. Discussions also underscored the necessity of renewing UNIFIL's mandate.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, PM Salam reiterated the call for Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories to enable the full deployment of the Lebanese Army in the South. Salam emphasized that the army is essential for national unity and stability.
Additionally, Salam met with Mufti Bakr Al-Rifai of Baalbek-Hermel, who highlighted the importance of institutional respect and urged the resolution of disputes within state frameworks, commending the Prime Minister's leadership amidst national challenges.
MP Bilal Al-Hashimi also conferred with Salam, supporting the government's decision to limit arms to state control. He urged urgent reforms, particularly in education, advocating for solutions to staffing issues at Lebanese University and rejecting the reduction of public school days. Al-Hashimi also raised concerns about border security at Masnaa and urged expediting trials of Islamist detainees to resolve this sensitive issue.