Beirut: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, on Monday received the ambassadors of the Quintet Committee, comprising Saudi Arabia's Ambassador Walid Bukhari, France's Ambassador Herv© Magro, Qatar's Ambassador Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Egypt's Ambassador Alaa Moussa, and United States Ambassador Michel Issa.
According to National News agency - Lebanon, following the meeting, Prime Minister Salam expressed gratitude to the Quintet ambassadors for their visit and ongoing support of the government's reform initiatives. He highlighted the ambassadors' commendation of the financial regularization and deposit recovery bill submitted to Parliament and acknowledged their support for the Lebanese Army's completion of the first phase of the arms control plan south of the Litani River. Salam reiterated the government's commitment to implementing the subsequent phases of the plan.
Ambassador Alaa Moussa, representing the Quintet Committee, emphasized the importance of the economic reforms and the financial regularization law proposed by the Lebanese government. He conveyed confidence in Prime Minister Salam and the Lebanese government, stressing the law's significance in restoring international trust and encouraging constructive discussion in Parliament. The ambassadors reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Lebanon's economic milestones.
The discussions also covered the completion of the first phase of arms control and the government's plans to initiate the second phase by February. Moussa stated the Quintet Committee's continued support for Lebanon's arms control efforts and praised the Lebanese state's progress in this domain.
Parliamentary elections were another focal point, with Moussa expressing the hope that they would proceed on schedule, reflecting a shared demand across Lebanese institutions. The ambassadors underscored the importance of timely elections in restoring institutional regularity in Lebanon.
In response to inquiries about international support for Lebanon, Moussa highlighted the importance of parallel reforms by the Lebanese state. He noted the financial regularization law's role in facilitating an agreement with the International Monetary Fund and restoring confidence in the Lebanese economy. The Quintet countries and international institutions remain steadfast in their support, contingent on Lebanon's continued adherence to reform pathways.
On arms control, Moussa reiterated the urgency of concluding the matter swiftly, with plans for the second phase to be presented soon. He emphasized that the Lebanese state's progress in this area is encouraging.
Regarding the situation in southern Lebanon following UNIFIL's eventual departure, Moussa acknowledged ongoing discussions to ensure stability and security in collaboration with the Lebanese Army and other partners. He confirmed the government's commitment to initiating the second phase of arms control and highlighted the Egyptian initiative's role in reducing regional escalation.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the collaborative efforts between the Lebanese state, its army, Egyptian initiatives, and the support of Lebanon's international friends, all contributing to a reduction in potential escalation and the advancement of reforms in Lebanon.