Beirut: After laying a wreath at the Martyrs' Statue in downtown Beirut to commemorate the 50th anniversary of April 13, marking the Lebanese civil war, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam underscored the vital role of the state in safeguarding its citizens. He emphasized, "Our state is the only one that can protect us all with its army and the trust that can be reborn between the Lebanese and their state."
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Prime Minister Salam reflected on the significance of Martyrs' Square, a historical site of division during the civil war, now serving as a symbol of unity. He stated, "Today, we are...a moment of contemplation and reflection after 50 years of war, in Martyrs' Square, because it is the square of the martyrs of all Lebanon, and it is the square that divided us throughout the war and formed a line of contact. Thank God it brought the Lebanese together. What matters to us today is that the Lebanese meet again with their state, and that we regain their trust in what we are doing, whether through reform or any other steps aimed at restoring the confidence of all Lebanese."
Addressing concerns about the potential recurrence of conflict, Salam reassured citizens by stating, "It is remembered, but will not be repeated. The more we remember it, the more we learn from its experiences, and thus we confirm that it will not return."
Highlighting recent governmental reforms, Salam mentioned the approval of two significant laws. "The first law that was approved is related to lifting banking secrecy, and it is distinguished from previous laws by its seriousness, and the duration of lifting banking secrecy for ten years," he explained. This legislation aims to differentiate between legitimate and illegitimate deposits, particularly those linked to illicit activities. The second law, concerning the restructuring of banks, prioritizes the return of small deposits tied to essential funds, followed by all other deposits.
During his upcoming visit to Damascus, Salam plans to address the issue of Lebanese detainees in Assad's prisons, expressing hope for positive developments. "I will discuss this matter during my visit to Syria, hoping to be able to return with good news," he stated.
On the topic of Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon, Salam asserted the government's proactive stance. "The government has not been negligent in this matter, using all its diplomatic and political power to end this occupation," he noted. He emphasized the irrelevance of traditional military positioning in an era dominated by advanced surveillance technologies.