NNA – Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, on Monday met with the ambassadors of the Quintet Committee at the Grand Serail. The delegation included Saudi Ambassador Walid bin Abdullah Bukhari, French Ambassador Hervé Magro, Qatari Ambassador Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Egyptian Ambassador Alaa Moussa, and U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson.
Following the meeting, Egyptian Ambassador, Alaa Moussa, described it as the first official engagement between the Quintet Committee and PM Salam since the formation of the new government.
“We were keen to hold this meeting following the government’s establishment, and we hope that in the coming hours, the ministerial statement will be finalized, paving the way for a vote of confidence in parliament,” Moussa said.
The Egyptian diplomat acknowledged the significant challenges ahead, noting that discussions covered a broad range of critical issues, including reform and economic recovery.
“The coming period will bring many challenges, and we discussed key upcoming files with the Prime Minister, primarily those concerning reform and economic rescue, which are a priority for all stakeholders,” Moussa said.
Moussa also highlighted the urgency of financial, economic, and judicial reforms, as well as Lebanon’s post-war reconstruction. He pointed to the February 18 deadline for Israel’s full withdrawal from Lebanese territory as a top priority.
“We reaffirmed the necessity of ensuring that this withdrawal happens as swiftly as possible and hope that Israel will fully comply with its commitments,” Moussa added.
Regarding economic recovery and reconstruction efforts, Moussa mentioned ongoing French-led efforts to organize a Paris conference dedicated to Lebanon’s rebuilding process.
“Prime Minister Salam highlighted France’s initiatives to host a conference for Lebanon’s reconstruction, currently being coordinated with international partners. A suitable date for the conference will be determined in the coming days,” Moussa said, reiterating the Quintet’s commitment to supporting Lebanon, emphasizing that “the group remains a forum of Lebanon’s many friends.”
Responding to questions about international pressure on Israel to uphold its withdrawal commitments, Moussa underlined two key points of concern. “First, the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon is completely unacceptable, as Prime Minister Salam emphasized. These attacks violate Lebanon’s sovereignty and further escalate the costs of reconstruction,” he said.
“The second unacceptable matter is Israel’s continued occupation of Lebanese land,” Moussa continued. “The Quintet and Lebanon’s allies are committed to ensuring that this occupation ends as soon as possible.”
==========R.H.
