Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam says the country cannot “sit and wait” for a US-Iran settlement, adding that “if it happens, that’s good. And if it doesn’t happen, are we to remain sitting and waiting”.
– According to a series of posts by his office on X relaying his remarks to Lebanese broadcaster NBN, he also said: “We are certainly affected by all regional variables”.
– “The state cannot remain in a state of waiting. We must head south and to all regions and bear our responsibilities.”
– Salam said “not a day passes” without reaffirming that Lebanon’s goal is the complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. He also called for an end to Israeli attacks, a solidified ceasefire and work toward the release of prisoners.
Lebanese PM says country wants ‘new page’ with Iran
– Lebanon’s PM Salam says the country wants to open a new chapter in relations with Iran based on mutual respect and noninterference, according to posts by his office on X relaying his remarks to NBN.
– Salam said he has accepted a meeting requested by Iran’s President Pezeshkian, adding that “we do not interfere in Iran’s affairs”. That was in response to a question asking him whether Lebanon had ever supported an opposition faction in Iran, taken sides in a domestic confrontation or interfered in Iranians’ political choices.
– Noting the long history of ties between the two countries, Salam said Lebanon would prefer that Iran appoint a new ambassador, because that would ease the move to a new stage in relations.
– He said authorities renewed the Iranian ambassador’s residence permit for three months “as a citizen” but not in his previous diplomatic capacity.
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