Salam meets Sleiman and delegations from Alma Al-Shaab and Akkar: Emphasis on national unity, support for the army, and the right of return

Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam received former President Michel Sleiman, who said after the meeting:

“First, I would like to express my appreciation for Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s performance and the decisions he is taking. I also reaffirm my support for the existing agreement with His Excellency the President of the Republic. Both the Prime Minister and the President constitute the two main pillars of the executive authority, and it is only natural that there be continuous coordination and understanding between them; they cannot be separated.

Cooperation with the legislative authority would also contribute to saving the country, preventing the rhetoric about overturning the government, and confronting the threats targeting the Lebanese people.

In this context, we reaffirm our support for the Lebanese Army, which yesterday lost three martyrs and had a number of wounded. It is entrusted with major responsibilities despite the significant challenges it faces. It may not be able today to accomplish all the required tasks, but the coming phase will impose even greater responsibilities upon it.

I say this out of concern over escalating regional tensions, particularly between the United States on one side and Iran on the other. While tensions between them may subside, the war in Lebanon could persist, once again turning the country into a battleground for proxy wars. This requires everyone to strengthen national unity and solidarity in order to save the country.

All parties must also refrain from rhetoric of threats, accusations, and incitement—practices that were also highlighted by His Excellency the President following today’s security meeting.”

Prime Minister Salam also received a delegation from the town of Alma Al-Shaab. Speaking on their behalf, Mayor Shadi Nayef Sayyah said:

“We briefed the Prime Minister on the situation in the town and the circumstances under which we were displaced. From the seat of the Prime Ministry, we demand our right to return to our lands. Our demand is clear: we want to return to our homes. The residents want to live in peace like all Lebanese, and we call for facilitating our return as soon as possible.

Our presence in the area is a natural right. We pose no threat; we only seek to restore our normal lives, especially with Easter approaching.

We also asked the Prime Minister about the next steps: Where are we heading, and what is the final solution?”

In addition, Prime Minister Salam met with the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Akkar and its dependencies, Basilios Mansour, accompanied by Archimandrite Youhanna Mashriqi.

Discussions focused on the conditions and affairs of the Akkar region.