Lebanon Seeks Interest-Based Relations with Syria, Says Nawaf Salam
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has affirmed that his government is actively pursuing the development and regulation of relations with Syria to serve the interests of both nations and their respective peoples. During a government accountability session in the Lebanese Parliament, Salam emphasized that these relations must be anchored in mutual respect for national sovereignty and shared interests, while strictly adhering to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.
Regarding bilateral cooperation, Salam noted that the Lebanese government is in the process of reviewing existing agreements with Damascus. He highlighted a commitment to upholding the principle of reciprocity across various fields. The Prime Minister underscored the ongoing collaboration between the two countries on several vital dossiers, most notably in the judicial sector. This includes the transfer of Syrian prisoners currently held in Lebanese jails to Syria to serve the remainder of their sentences, a procedure carried out in compliance with an active judicial agreement between the two nations.
On the issue of Syrian refugees, Salam stated that the government has implemented a plan aimed at facilitating their safe and dignified return to their homeland. He pointed to direct coordination with the Syrian government on this path, supplemented by diplomatic efforts to garner international support. According to the Prime Minister, these collective efforts have so far resulted in the return of approximately 700,000 Syrians to their homes.
Addressing the political and security situation in Lebanon, including ongoing negotiations involving Israel, Salam clarified the nature of the current framework. He described it as a political instrument rather than a formal legal treaty. He stressed that the framework includes explicit demands for an Israeli withdrawal and the restoration of exclusive Lebanese state sovereignty over all its territories. He further asserted that, given the continuation of Israeli aggression and the incomplete nature of the withdrawal, negotiations remain ongoing until the full restoration of rights and sovereignty is achieved.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of national unity in strengthening Lebanon’s position at the negotiating table. He rejected the notion of transforming Lebanon into an arena for settling regional scores or becoming embroiled in axes of conflict, reiterating his commitment to ending the logic of dependency. These statements follow the Lebanese Parliament’s renewal of confidence in Nawaf Salam’s government, which secured the support of 68 deputies during the session.
