Latest news with #TaifAgreement
Nahar Net
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Salam says no turning back on arms monopoly decision
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said there will be no turning back on the state's decision to be the sole bearer of arms, as pressure increases from Washington and domestically to disarm Hezbollah. In an interview, published Thursday in Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Salam said that it is natural for the state's monopoly on arms to be discussed in the next cabinet session, in implementation of the Taif Agreement and the ceasefire agreement reached in late November with Israel. He said U.S. envoy Tom Barrack's paper provided practical ideas for this. President Joseph Aoun also called Thursday for Hezbollah to give up its weapons, a day after the group's chief doubled down on its refusal to disarm. He said the U.S. presented Lebanon with "draft ideas to which we have made fundamental amendments that will be presented to the Cabinet early next week." Under the Lebanese proposal, there would be an "immediate cessation of Israeli hostilities" in Lebanon, including airstrikes and targeted killing, a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israel, Aoun said. Lebanon, for its part, would implement the "withdrawal of the weapons of all armed forces, including Hezbollah, and their surrender to the Lebanese Army." Salam denied any disagreements between the Lebanese officials regarding the state's monopoly on arms and said he is in "full and continuous consultations" with Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. He added that disarming Hezbollah and other armed groups is "not a provocation to anyone but a fundamental part of the President's inaugural speech and the government's ministerial statement." Hezbollah and ally Amal MPs gave twice their confidence to Salam's government and backed President Aoun in a second round of voting last January.
Ya Biladi
a day ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun highlights Morocco's role during Algeria visit
At the invitation of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun embarked on an official visit to Algeria on Tuesday. The visit focused on discussions surrounding the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure in southern Lebanon. During a joint press conference with President Tebboune, the Lebanese leader expressed his gratitude for Algeria's unwavering support for Lebanon. He also highlighted Morocco's significant role in Arab efforts aimed at resolving the Lebanese crisis. In the presence of several Algerian officials, he remarked, «Lebanon remembers Algeria's steadfast support. Algeria has consistently been a key player in Arab initiatives to help Lebanon overcome its internal and external crises. Notably, Algeria's involvement in the Arab High Committee, alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Morocco, was instrumental in the efforts that culminated in the approval of the Taif Agreement in Taif City». Continuing in a diplomatic tone, the Lebanese president underscored the importance of Arab unity, stating, «The primary requirement for Arab support is for Arab nations to stand together in brotherhood for truth, goodness, and peace. This is our hope, and with this motivation, we aim to engage with every Arab country and household with love and fraternity, without interfering in each other's affairs». Although Algerian officials refrained from commenting on the Lebanese president's remarks, his mention of Morocco was likely awkward for them, given their usual reluctance to acknowledge the Kingdom.
Morocco World
a day ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Lebanese President Credits Morocco's Key Role in Historic Taif Agreement
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has hailed Morocco's historic diplomatic efforts in securing the Taif Agreement. Aoun, who is on a visit to Algeria, commended Morocco's crucial role in ending Lebanon's devastating civil war in the late 1990s. Speaking at a joint press conference with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers, Aoun recognized Morocco's significant contributions to Lebanese unity and stability. The Taif Agreement paved the way for ending one of the Middle East's most destructive conflicts. Speaking of Algeria's 'supportive positions' toward the Lebanese stability, Aoun didn't miss the chance to recognize other Arab countries' role and efforts 'aimed at getting Lebanon out of its crises and ending its complex wars between internal and external forces.' The Lebanese president specifically acknowledged Algeria's participation alongside Saudi Arabia and Morocco in the Higher Arab Committee that led to the Taif agreement's approval in the Saudi city of Taif. Morocco's diplomatic leadership The Lebanese president pointed out how the Taif Agreement transformed into Lebanon's political constitution, establishing the foundation for national peace, Lebanese Arab identity, and complete sovereignty. Morocco played a crucial role in the diplomatic process under the leadership of the late King Hassan II, who worked tirelessly through Arab summits to help the Lebanese people overcome their crisis. Strategic partnership Aoun stressed that Arab nations should unite around shared Arab interests to achieve prosperity for people across the region and the wider world. He stressed that remembering the Taif Agreement milestone reinforces the conviction that Arab solidarity remains essential for his country's strength, unity, sovereignty, and independence. Aoun's statements echo King Mohammed VI's call for Arab unity The statements of the Lebanese president echoed calls from King Mohammed VI for a united Arab action to overcome both internal and external hurdles that hamper their development. In his Throne Day speech, King Mohammed VI reiterated calls for a reconciliation with Morocco's neighboring country of Algeria. 'I wish to reiterate my resolve to remain open to our regional environment, especially our immediate neighbors and the relationship with our brothers and sisters in Algeria,' the King said. 'My position, as the King of Morocco, is as clear as it is consistent: the Algerian people are our brothers and sisters; they share deep-rooted human and historical ties with the Moroccan people. The bonds of language, religion, geography, and a common destiny unite us.' Morocco's role in the Taif Agreement stands as a testament to the country's commitment to Arab unity and regional stability, demonstrating how diplomatic leadership can help resolve complex conflicts and build lasting peace. Read also: Throne Day 2025: Royal Olive Branch to Algeria as Sahara Winds Blow in Morocco's Favor Tags: Morocco leadershipMorocco LebanonTaif agreement
L'Orient-Le Jour
a day ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
'Lebanon's future will be bright, God willing': Bukhari
The Saudi ambassador to Lebanon, Waleed Bukhari, said Wednesday he was convinced that 'Lebanon's future will be bright, God willing,' after praising 'the model of coexistence in all Lebanese regions' and emphasizing 'the importance of preserving all of the country's components.' The diplomat was speaking on the sidelines of a tour in Akkar (north), where he visited the region's mufti, Sheikh Zayd Bakkar Zakaria, at his residence in the village of Qornet Akkar, according to a statement relayed by the National News Agency (NNA). He then visited the Dar al-Fatwa office in Halba, where an expanded meeting was held in the presence of several religious, parliamentary, administrative and social figures. 'The kingdom's message is clear: It is about preserving all the components of every country and respecting their specificities, which I have personally observed, whether during the presidential vacancy or regarding the Taif Agreement,' he said, in reference to the period between the end of Michel Aoun's term on Oct. 31, 2022, and the start of Joseph Aoun's term on Jan. 9, 2025, as well as the agreement that ended the 1975-1990 civil war. 'The kingdom is keen on all communities — Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian — without favoring one side over another,' said the mufti. He also expressed hope that 'agreements should soon be signed between the Lebanese and Saudi governments,' referring to the warming of diplomatic relations between the two countries since the start of Joseph Aoun's term. Saudi Arabia, however, still has not authorized its citizens to travel to Lebanon, unlike other Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates.
L'Orient-Le Jour
3 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Geagea warns against 'a dirty summer' in Lebanon
The head of the Lebanese Forces (LF), Samir Geagea, warned Tuesday in an interview with Asharq al-Awsat against the inability of Lebanese government to resolve the issue of Hezbollah's weapons, which he said have become "useless for the protection of Lebanon and bring only damage and destruction." He also said that Lebanon faces two options: either a government decision to dissolve armed organizations or having to face "a dirty summer." Asked about security risks in Lebanon this summer, at a time when the government still has not started disarming Hezbollah, Geagea said he did not know if the coming months would be marked "by a large-scale Israeli war, or broader military escalation ... but what is certain is that if we continue like this, we will have a dirty summer." The paper also reported "rumors concerning the August 1 deadline set by the United States for the start of the process leading to a state monopoly on weapons." "Why does Hezbollah cling to these useless objects it possesses? Why does it cling to a military organization parallel to that of the state?" he questioned. "Saying these weapons are meant for the defense of Lebanon is just empty rhetoric. Where is the defense?" adding that the party "is trying to maintain a military and security structure that has no positive impact whatsoever on Lebanon's defense — on the contrary, only a negative one." The question of Hezbollah's disarmament polarizes the entire Lebanese political scene, as international pressure increases following the Nov. 27, 2024 cease-fire that ended the war between Hezbollah and Israel. The United States is demanding a precise timeline and a clear, public position regarding the surrender of weapons and the modalities of implementation. Hezbollah, which continues to refuse handing over its arsenal or set a timetable for doing so, remains adamant in its rejection of a new agreement, insisting on the need to force Israel to implement the cease-fire. Disarming Hezbollah, a 'Lebanese demand' Geagea also criticized the "logic" that disarming the party without its consent could trigger a civil war in Lebanon. "I reject this statement. The president was elected with a large majority, and the current government has twice obtained the confidence of the legitimately elected Parliament. These authorities must decide on the course of action, not invoke such excuses," he stated. The LF leader said that "the demand to disarm the party and dissolve its military forces is not so much an international demand as a Lebanese one, stipulated in the inaugural address, the government's ministerial statement, and the Taif Agreement." "What is needed is for the government to meet now and decide to dissolve all the country's armed organizations within a period of one, two or four months, and to instruct the Lebanese army to implement this decision," he said. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated in mid-July that his group "will not give up its strength" and that it was "ready to face" Israel. The party continues to link opening dialogue about its weapons to the end of daily attacks by the Israeli army in southern Lebanon and to the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from the five positions still occupied. "We will continue our political pressure. We are in continuous contact with the president and the prime minister. We are in talks with the main political parties in the cabinet for a decision banning all armed groups." He also criticized the process of having Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri discuss with Hezbollah before reporting back to the government. "That means the state does not wield its full authority," he stated. Parallel with Syria "We see everyone putting pressure on Israel to stop the war in Gaza, but no one talks about what Israel is doing in Lebanon. We must make use of our ties with Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, with the West and the United States, to put an end to Israeli hostilities and expel Israel from our land," said Geagea. "We run the risk of seeing our friends turn their backs on us." He also expressed fear of a halt to funding for UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army, "if the situation remains as it is." "France had promised a conference to help Lebanon, but it has set no date because of the American refusal. The conference scheduled for autumn might not take place because the outside world is tired of our situation," he stated. "There are Arab projects in Syria worth tens of billions of dollars, while we wait for Berri and [US envoy] Tom Barrack," he said. Addressing the security situation in Syria and the fear of spillover into Lebanon, Geagea said that "the Moumanaa axis (supporters of Hezbollah) is trying to find excuses to keep its weapons." Barrack has made several visits to Beirut during which he has called on the Lebanese government to fully assume their responsibilities regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah.
