Khaberni - Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed «There will be no retreat from our stance on regaining the decision of war and peace and ending the new supporting adventure which only brought us more victims, destruction, and displacement»; referring to Hezbollah's engagement in the battle to support Iran, asserting that «under no circumstances can we accept Lebanon to be a free playground for others’ wars».
Salameh’s statement came in a speech addressed to the Lebanese on Thursday evening, coinciding with Israeli threats to bomb buildings in the heart of Beirut, one of which is close to the governmental Serail in the center of the Lebanese capital.
Salameh said: «I address you today, as Beirut is being bombed, as well as its suburbs, our South, and our Beqaa. More than ten days have passed since the outbreak of this war, which we have long warned against dragging Lebanon into... We have sought by all means to avoid it. It is a war we did not want, on the contrary, we work day and night in order to stop it».
He continued: «Under no circumstances can we accept that Lebanon becomes a free playground for other's wars, and for this purpose, the President of the Republic (Joseph Aoun) launched his initiative regarding negotiation aimed at pulling Lebanon out of the crisis it was thrown into».
Salameh reiterated that all Lebanese «look forward to our army playing its full role in extending the state's authority over its entire territory», refuting fake news about a supposed statement promoted by a group called «the national officers».
He addressed «hundreds of thousands of our people in the South, Beqaa, and the suburb who were forced to leave their homes and land, seeking safety», saying: «All of Lebanon is your home and the state is by your side».
He announced: «We have been working over the past few days to secure shelter centers in all areas and prepare them, but we fully realize that what we can provide, no matter how much, cannot compensate for your homes nor the precious land you were forced to leave».
He affirmed: «We are working around the clock to stop this war, and enable you to return to your homes as soon as possible, a safe and dignified return».
He addressed all Lebanese saying: «I respect and understand the concern that troubles many of you also about the future of the country. You too are paying the price, albeit indirectly, for a war you did not choose. I realize your anxieties, and I confirm to you that there will be no retreat from regaining our decision of war and peace, and ending the new supporting adventure which only led to more victims, destruction, and displacement».
