Lebanese PM urges logistical, financial support for Army to advance arms restriction phases

BEIRUT, Jan 8 (KUNA) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed the need to provide the Lebanese Army with logistical and financial support to enhance its capabilities and enable it to swiftly implement the second phase of the arms control plan.
In a statement on Thursday, Salam praised the significant efforts exerted by the Lebanese Army in completing the first phase of its plan to implement the government decision to restrict weapons to the state authority and extend state control across all Lebanese territory.
He emphasized that ensuring the return of residents to areas south of the Litani River represents a top priority following the successful completion of the first phase, noting that the government will accelerate reconstruction efforts in southern Lebanon in the coming weeks after the Lebanese Parliament approved a World Bank loan allocated for that purpose.
Salam reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to mobilizing Arab and international support to pressure the Israeli occupation to withdraw from the five occupied points, halt its violations, and secure the return of detainees, in a manner that would help consolidate stability and complete the extension of state authority throughout the country.
Meanwhile, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said in a post on X that achieving substantial progress requires the Lebanese Army to establish effective field control south of the Litani River.
She described the development as significant, while stressing that "much remains to be done," adding that the milestone announced reflects the commitment of Lebanese authorities and strengthens the role of the monitoring mechanism established under the November 27, 2024 ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and the Israeli occupation.
Earlier Thursday, the Lebanese Army announced that its arms control plan had reached an advanced stage after successfully and tangibly achieving the objectives of the first phase on the ground.
The army had unveiled a multi-phase plan in September aimed at enforcing the decision to extend state authority using national forces and restrict weapons to legitimate institutions, starting south of the Litani River and scheduled to conclude by the end of 2025. (end) ayb.aa