Beirut, Lebanon – Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reaffirmed today his government’s unwavering commitment to extending the authority of the Lebanese state over all national territory. He asserted that the full implementation of the Taif Agreement is the cornerstone of the reform and stability process in the country.
Salam’s remarks came during the inauguration of the rehabilitation and operation project for President René Moawad Airport in the Quleiat area of Akkar Governorate, northern Lebanon.
Sovereignty and state decision
In a firm and responsible address, Salam emphasized that the state’s extension of its authority through its own forces, as stipulated in the Taif Agreement, is a non-negotiable demand. He also noted that confining the decision of war and peace to legitimate institutions is the only guarantee for protecting the nation.
The Prime Minister added that this national path necessarily goes hand in hand with working to achieve balanced development across all governorates. This is essential to ensuring social justice and comprehensive economic growth.
Salam affirmed that the state is committed to its full rights to its land, sovereignty, and the security of its citizens. He also indicated that the completion of this political process is intrinsically linked to the necessity of Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territories. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of restoring security and stability to the south as a prelude to launching the national reconstruction effort.
North and South: A shared destiny
In a humanitarian and patriotic gesture, Salam said, “We meet today in the north of the country, but our eyes and hearts are fixed on the south.”
He affirmed that the suffering of the people of the southern villages and towns is the suffering of all Lebanese. In this context, he stressed that Lebanon will not enjoy stability as long as the south remains under threat. He also explained that it will not recover if deprivation continues in Akkar or the Bekaa Valley. He added, “The state will not abandon its duty towards any part of its territory, for development and sovereignty are two parallel paths to progress.”
The airport…a gateway to balanced development
On the development front, the Prime Minister considered the project to rehabilitate and operate President René Moawad Airport not merely an economic investment, but a “political and developmental decision par excellence.”
He explained that this step is central to the state’s responsibilities towards its citizens in Akkar. It also aims to bolster local development and create new job opportunities, in line with the requirements of economic recovery.
Salam concluded by emphasizing that the launch of the airport project embodies the government’s commitment to achieving balanced development that addresses the needs of long-marginalized regions. He further affirmed that the next phase will witness more projects aimed at strengthening the state’s presence throughout the country, thereby consolidating justice and genuine citizenship.
