A statement was issued by Minister of Administrative Development Fadi Makki, in which he said:
“In light of the existential crisis Lebanon is going through, it is necessary to strengthen the presence of the state and prioritize national responsibility over any other consideration. Constitutional institutions, foremost among them the Council of Ministers, remain the natural framework for making national decisions, especially in times of crisis.
Despite my opposition to the measure taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I attended the Cabinet meeting, believing that active participation is a national necessity to ensure the proper functioning of public work and address the escalating challenges.
From this standpoint, we affirm that today the priority must be to confront the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon, which involves systematic destruction, targeting civilians, medical teams, infrastructure, and essential services, in blatant violation of international humanitarian law and all relevant international conventions.
In this context, I would like to emphasize a set of principles that should guide the work of the Council of Ministers in the upcoming period:
Giving absolute priority to receiving and supporting displaced persons.
Intensifying political and diplomatic efforts to stop the systematic aggression against Lebanon, particularly in the southern villages.
Activating Lebanese diplomacy urgently and effectively to confront Israeli statements and dangerous practices regarding expansion and occupation plans, especially in southern Litani, and mobilizing international support to halt this war on Lebanon.
Emphasizing the priority of civil peace and promoting internal dialogue, as these are the only means to protect Lebanon and prevent further division and tension.
Once again, I stress that Lebanon today urgently needs decisions that unify rather than divide, and approaches that strengthen the state rather than weaken it. We have no choice but to support the state.”
