Lebanese PM urges Hezbollah to disarm, back government-led peace efforts

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has called on Hezbollah to cooperate with state authorities, support ongoing diplomatic efforts, and place Lebanon’s national interests above regional considerations.

In remarks released by the government’s press service, Salam urged the Iran-backed group to support peace discussions being conducted with Israel through diplomatic channels in Washington, arguing that such efforts are essential to securing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

“Hezbollah should support the peace talks we are conducting and put Lebanon’s interests first,” the prime minister said.

Salam also expressed support for any agreement between the United States and Iran that could help reduce tensions and end hostilities in southern Lebanon. However, he stressed that only the Lebanese government has the authority to negotiate on behalf of the country.

The prime minister reiterated his government’s position that Hezbollah should relinquish its weapons and transition into a conventional political party operating within Lebanon’s state institutions.

“As for Hezbollah, it must lay down its arms and become a regular political party,” Salam said, adding that the government expects the group to comply with decisions adopted by Lebanese authorities.

By Sabina Mammadli