Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized that "every site where the military is stationed in the south is a site where the state reclaims its authority and prestige," asserting that "regaining sovereignty is only achieved by building a capable state, and a capable state cannot exist without a strong, unified army."
During his visit to the Benoit Barakat barracks in Tyre, Salam stated, "We want the south, like all of Lebanon, to be under one authority. A Lebanese citizen should feel secure because he has an army to protect him, and the country should enjoy stability as the state and its constitutional institutions recover the decision for war and peace."
He added, "I understand the challenges the army faces, and the burdens it bears, as Israeli assaults continue to threaten our cities, villages, and people," affirming that "true sovereignty is neither taken nor granted; it is built."
Salam pointed out that the "Government of Reform and Rescue committed itself in its ministerial statement to building a national state loyal to the constitution," adding: "We remain committed to our pledge, and enhancing the army is not a secondary agenda for our government; it is a strategic choice at the core of our project to restore the state."
(Photo: Abbas Salman)
He noted that the government "continues to work by mobilizing all Arab and international support to develop the army's capabilities, improve its equipment, and the living conditions of its members," highlighting that "the army is one of the few institutions where Lebanese people unite."
Salam addressed the military personnel, saying, "Preserve the unity of the army, do not allow political whims to divide you, and accept only the constitution and law as your reference," adding, "Do not allow sectarian evils to infiltrate your ranks."
He continued, "If the Lebanese want to succeed in getting the country out of its slump, they have no choice but to have one army, one flag, and one state."
He concluded, "We stand in reverence to commemorate the military institution's martyrs who gave their utmost in defending the nation," addressing the families of the army's martyrs by saying, "Your sons are not only martyrs of the military institution but martyrs of the entire country."
Salam affirmed that "the state's return to the south is not limited to the deployment of the army but extends to all sectors, such as education, reconstruction, and everything," emphasizing that "we stand by the army and are committed to providing all the elements of success for the military institution's mission."
He concluded by sending greetings to the people of the south, affirming the state's unwavering efforts to achieve a total withdrawal of Israel from Lebanese territories, recover detainees, and advance reconstruction efforts."