28-03-2024 11:39 PM Jerusalem Timing

Salam: Release of Kidnapped Soldiers Must Respect Lebanon’s Rights, Dignity

Salam: Release of Kidnapped Soldiers Must Respect Lebanon’s Rights, Dignity

Lebanese PM Salam decried the Lebanese current situation in comparison with the modern history represented in independence men, considering the country’s present status initiates from accumulated malpractices over the years.

SalamPrime Minister Tammam Salam decried the Lebanese current situation in comparison with the modern history represented in independence men, considering the country's present status initiates from accumulated malpractices over the years.

"Nobody is exempted from the situation that Lebanon is currently suffering from, but responsibility falls upon the leaders," Salam told "Voice of Lebanon" radio on the "Independence Day".

Salam added that he has been trying to put things on the right track although "it is a tough and hard" task.

"Despite that, present situation in Lebanon is sound so far," the PM said, expressing his concerns over the immature political performance of some leaders which might disrupt accomplishing any political solutions for the current crisis and would drive the country to a deadlock.

Commenting on claims that settlements won't build a country, Salam said, "In a diversified country like Lebanon, settlements among its citizens are basic to keep it healthy."

Talking about the causes that lie behind the failure of the Lebanese-Lebanese consensus to reach a settlement, Salam noted that foreign countries play an important role in the achievement of such settlements, adding that foreign forces are currently occupied in more dangerous issues of more priority than Lebanon.

Salam stressed on the importance of the internal agreement among all parties for "no party can triumph over the other," underscoring that agreement has characteristics on top of them dialogue, openness and recognition of the other.

Talking about U.N. Security Council statements which called upon the Lebanese to speed up the election of a new President, Salam said "It seems that the international references are keen on treating the situation in Lebanon in a positive manner."

Responding to a question about the extent to which Speaker Nabih Berri's call to a dialogue between "Future" movement and Hezbollah has succeeded, Salam confirmed that Speaker Berri "enjoys a special place that enables him to follow up on this issue (…) and employ his capabilities to find appropriate solutions."

Talking about the economic situation, Salam considered that power void negatively affected the economic situation not to mention the Syrian displacement repercussions on Lebanon.

Tackling the kidnapped security members and soldiers' issue, Salam stressed "cabinet permanent keenness on adopting all means possible to set our sons free," supporting any mean that might contribute in releasing them provided it respects the state's dignity and rights.

Talking about the possibility of reaching an agreement with Iran on its nuclear file and the impact of that on Lebanon, Salam confirmed that any agreement of the kind would reflect positively on all countries and would result in more stability in the region.