Beirut: Foreign Affairs Minister and Emigrants Minister, Youssef Rajji, emphasized that Lebanon remains resolute in its commitment to asserting full state authority, with disarmament being a non-negotiable priority.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Rajji highlighted the significance of President Joseph Aoun's recent visit to Washington, which he believes has helped break a long-standing deadlock concerning pilot areas. The Lebanese Army has already commenced deployment in the first of these areas, marking a critical step toward expanding its control across southern Lebanon.
Rajji stated that the government's priority is to ensure the continuation of these deployments and to establish a region free of weapons outside the purview of state security forces, aligning with national objectives. In an interview with the French weekly Journal du Dimanche, he reiterated that the US-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel serves as a foundation for future negotiations.
The Lebanese government, as Rajji noted, decided 18 months ago to disarm Hezbollah, declaring all its military operations illegitimate. He affirmed the government's commitment to restoring full state authority, which involves dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure and seizing its weapons. The Foreign Minister clarified that the issue is specifically with Hezbollah, not the Shiite community, describing the group as "Lebanese in name but Iranian in essence."
Rajji dismissed any distinction between Hezbollah's military and political wings, asserting that disarmament remains the top priority. He suggested that the group's potential transformation into a purely political entity is a decision for Hezbollah to make. He expressed confidence that the majority of Lebanese citizens, including a growing segment of the Shiite community, support the state's monopoly on legitimate use of force, despite many not voicing their opinions publicly due to safety concerns.
Addressing Lebanon's path to full sovereignty, Rajji stated that the current government has a clearly sovereign agenda, with Hezbollah now a minority within it. He highlighted the Lebanese Army's enhanced capabilities and Hezbollah's weakened military status, underscoring the state's determination to restore its authority.
Rajji called on the international community to support this process, emphasizing that support should reinforce the institution's responsibilities rather than act as a substitute for political decisions. He acknowledged the United States' influential role in mediating the agreement, noting Washington's capacity to influence Israel and provide assurances regarding territorial ambitions.
Regarding France's involvement, Rajji expressed optimism about Paris's potential contribution to reconstruction, strengthening institutions, and supporting economic recovery. He concluded with a hopeful vision for Lebanon's future as a rebuilt, prosperous, and democratic nation living in peace with its neighbors.