Speech by the President of the Council of Ministers of Lebanon, Dr. Nawaf Salam, during his meeting with Arab and foreign ambassadors accredited to Lebanon, in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raji and Minister of Social Affairs Hanine El-Sayed, to brief them on the latest developments and to mobilize all forms of diplomatic and humanitarian support in light of the current circumstances:
“Lebanon faces a dangerous and trying moment.
Our country has been drawn into a devastating war that we did not seek and did not choose. It was a war imposed upon us.
The priority of the Lebanese government is to stop this war. Our duty is to protect our country and our people.
Today, Lebanon is dragged further into an abyss. Its descent into further violence and chaos has to stop.
We continue to call for unity and responsibility.
We hear the outcry of our people, and we have an obligation to safeguard their lives and prevent further destruction.
We will continue to work with all our international friends and partners and pursue every diplomatic effort to stop escalation and defend Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Every step we take is guided by one principle: protecting our country and the safety and dignity of our people.
We did not choose this war, but we will stand firm in defending the integrity of our country and the unity of its people.
In this spirit, we reaffirm our unequivocal position: decisions on war and peace must rest exclusively within the legitimate institutions of the state.
This is the motivation that informs our decision to ban the security and military activities of Hezbollah and all non-state actors, Lebanese and foreign.
You are all aware that Israel has issued an evacuation order to all residents of the southern suburbs of Beirut.
I am sure you have seen how massive the forced displacement is of Lebanese citizens from the South of Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut.
The situation is grave, and our responsibility is high.
The consequences of this displacement, at the humanitarian and political level, may well be unprecedented.
A humanitarian disaster is looming.
Our government has relentlessly worked on alleviating the burdens of displacement.
We have not spared any effort, and we will not.
But the immensity of the problems we face and the limited means at our disposal call for a more active expression of solidarity.
Those who were forced to leave their homes are not, and should not be, held responsible for the suffering inflicted on them.
They are victims of the Israeli war on Lebanon, but also of those who offered a pretext for the Israeli aggression.
The present cycle of violence has proven to be catastrophic for Lebanon, and for all Lebanese irrespective of their community affiliation.
A significant part of our population is paying the heaviest price, but the whole of Lebanon is the victim.
Our government was primarily motivated by its commitment to ease the suffering of the Lebanese people when it made clear from the outset — and this is worth reaffirming — that we reject any military action carried out from Lebanese territory outside of our legitimate institutions.
For the sake of all Lebanese, we will continue to affirm state sovereignty on its territory and its monopoly of arms. In this view, our government has also expressed its willingness to resume all necessary negotiations.
Today, we appeal to you, friends of Lebanon, to support us in this endeavor and in demanding loud and clear that Israel end military attacks and the population’s displacement. It is equally crucial that the infrastructure of Lebanon be spared.
In addition, every assistance you may be able to extend to us in providing relief to the population is precious to us, and we will remain grateful for your support.
I would also like to ask Minister Haneen El-Sayed to brief you on the humanitarian situation.”