Beirut, Lebanon – President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam held a pivotal meeting at Baabda Palace on Saturday. During the meeting, they reviewed Lebanon’s readiness for the anticipated negotiations with Israel. They also discussed pressing security and diplomatic issues facing the country in the post-ceasefire period.
Diplomatic moves and efforts to solidify the truce
A statement issued by the Lebanese Presidency indicated that the meeting included a comprehensive assessment of the current situation and the ongoing efforts to solidify the ceasefire. The statement also noted the intensive contacts President Aoun had held with the US administration, including with President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In addition, Aoun contacted a number of Arab and foreign leaders to secure international support for Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty.
Confining weapons and strengthening state authority
For his part, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam explained after the meeting that the discussions focused on following up on the implementation of recent Cabinet decisions, particularly the strategic decision to strengthen state authority over the entire Beirut Governorate and confine weapons within its borders. Salam emphasized that these steps are part of bolstering state institutions and aim to guarantee internal security as a fundamental prerequisite before engaging in any future rounds of negotiations.
Return of displaced persons and reconstruction
Regarding the humanitarian situation, Salam expressed his hope for a safe and swift return of displaced persons to their homes, provided the ceasefire holds. He affirmed that the Lebanese state has developed a plan to support this return. The plan includes repairing damaged bridges, reopening vital roads, and ensuring all necessary supplies are available in areas where return is now possible. This meeting comes at a critical juncture. In this context, Lebanon is striving to unify its domestic front and prioritize its infrastructure and security needs, paving the way for negotiations that will guarantee its sovereign rights and address the repercussions of the recent conflict. This is also taking place amidst regional and international anticipation of the role Beirut will play in shaping the next phase.
