PM Nawaf Salam vows Lebanon won’t serve as launchpad for attacks

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has reaffirmed that Lebanon will not be used as a platform for attacks on other countries, stressing the nation's commitment to neutrality in foreign affairs.

"We want a country that decides when there is war or peace. Our foreign policy will be neutral on Arab and international issues," Salam said during a speech in the Lebanese parliament, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

"Our country will not be a platform for attacking other countries, we will maintain neutrality," he added.

The Prime Minister also underscored the need for Lebanon's army to adopt a combat doctrine that prioritises the protection of the people while adhering to the constitution.

Last week, Salam's government approved its basic guidelines, which notably omitted any mention of "armed resistance" for the first time since the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000. This omission could impact Hezbollah's military activity, as the clause would have effectively authorised it.

In a related development, Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos highlighted that the basic guidelines include the state's exclusive right to possess weapons.

"The government will be committed to Security Council Resolution 1701 and Lebanon's neutrality in all matters concerning regional conflicts," he added.

The basic guidelines, which still require parliamentary approval, are expected to face changes even if a majority supports their passage.

By Aghakazim Guliyev