Latest news with #statebuilding
LBCI
10-08-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Lebanon's finance minister calls for exclusive army control of weapons, stronger sovereignty
Finance Minister Yassine Jaber on Sunday extended condolences to the Lebanese army's leadership, officers, soldiers, and their families, speaking from Nabatieh during the inauguration of the 'Beit El Moughtareb Al Loubnani.' 'I reaffirm, as a minister in the government, the position I have held since day one: our priority is to build the state, strengthen all its institutions, and bolster their role — foremost among them the Lebanese army and all military forces — with weapons held exclusively in their hands,' Jaber said. He said his work at the Finance Ministry, particularly in modernizing systems, curbing tax evasion, and increasing revenues, is aimed at building a state that is protective, inclusive, and just. The goal, he added, is to strengthen state authority and raise the military's capabilities so it can fully uphold sovereignty, protect all citizens, and attract expatriates and investors seeking a safe, productive environment. 'The responsibility today is greater than ever,' Jaber said, urging all Lebanese to act with sincerity, good intentions, and a belief in shared living and a common destiny. 'When the ship sinks, it takes down everyone on board,' he warned.
LBCI
06-08-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanese Justice Minister: Hezbollah cannot remain an obstacle to state establishment
Justice Minister Adel Nassar reaffirmed the need to confine all weapons to the authority of the Lebanese state, warning that the presence of arms outside state control has repeatedly dragged the country into devastating conflicts. In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Nassar said the issue of arms is not only a matter of international concern, but one that fundamentally affects the integrity and future of the Lebanese state. "The monopoly of force is essential for building a complete and functioning state," he stated. He argued that since the year 2000, weapons outside state control have failed to protect Lebanon and instead led to wars with destructive consequences. "These arms did not create a balance of terror; they only brought destruction," Nassar said. Addressing Hezbollah directly, the minister stressed that the group must recognize that its arsenal contradicts the principle of state-building. "Hezbollah cannot remain an obstacle to the establishment of the state. No party should stand in the way of this goal," he concluded.
LBCI
11-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Arab Council head voices support for Lebanon, calls Aoun's inaugural speech a roadmap for reform
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun met with Mohammad Jassem Al-Saqr, the head of the Arab and International Relations Council, who stated that the delegation received a detailed briefing on the current situation in Lebanon and shared its perspective, discussing potential ways to provide meaningful support during this phase. 'We understand Lebanon is facing major challenges, but we believe the solutions are available and clear,' Al-Saqr said. He described President Aoun's inaugural address as 'a clear roadmap for state-building,' though he acknowledged implementation would be difficult, especially due to obstacles such as the issue of weapons. 'Despite the challenges,' he added, 'we expressed hope for comprehensive solutions that would end the ongoing crises and restore stability to Lebanon.' Al-Saqr stressed the council's readiness to provide support in ways that would benefit Lebanon and its people.
LBCI
24-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
President Aoun meets Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea at Baabda Palace
President Joseph Aoun met with Lebanese Forces party leader Samir Geagea at Baabda Palace. Geagea said that from the very beginning there has been agreement and coordination with President Aoun, who has the intention and plans to establish a functioning state in Lebanon, noting that significant progress has already been made. He called for a clear timeline for the handover of Hezbollah's weapons, emphasizing support for a state with well-defined institutions. Geagea affirmed their continued advocacy for their ambitions, praising President Aoun's determination to pursue reforms and expressing support for the principle of dialogue. He added that in the past five months he has not observed any corruption in the handling of any file, describing this as a positive development that reflects a genuine intention to build the state. Geagea concluded by stating that for a state to be established in Lebanon, there must be a single army, the government must hold the decision over war and peace, and the state alone should make these decisions.
LBCI
11-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Justice Minister Nassar stresses state authority over arms, vows to shield judiciary from politics
Justice Minister Adel Nassar emphasized that building a state requires that all weapons be under the state's authority, noting significant progress on the issue since he took office. In a press conference, Nassar affirmed that weapons outside the control of the Lebanese state are unacceptable and that exclusive state control over arms is a core element of state-building. He stated: 'We worked on the Judicial Independence Law and appointments, and there is no regularity in judicial work, especially regarding the port explosion investigation and assassinations, including the killing of Lokman Slim.' He added: 'I am against politicizing or exploiting any case in the judiciary. I am here to create the conditions necessary for order, and I do not interfere in investigations.' Nassar confirmed that the Judicial Inspection Authority is highly effective and doing its job seriously, noting that results will become evident over time. He also mentioned that a large French delegation will visit Lebanon at the end of this month to support the work of the judicial institute, which is a cornerstone in preparing future judges. Nassar stressed that he is not engaged in political battles over judicial appointments and is working to keep the process free from political disputes.
