Lebanon PM Salam Urges Unity, Warns Against Divisions Amid Israel-Hezbollah War

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam delivered a comprehensive address on the 51st anniversary of Lebanon's civil war outbreak.

“Lebanese have begun, since April 13, the commemorations of the fiftieth anniversary of the civil war that set the country ablaze for fifteen years”

L'Humanité

He acknowledged that many committed errors including burdening Lebanon with more than it could bear.

L'Humanité

Salam called for implementing the Taif Agreement in full to build a just and strong state.

He pledged that the South will not be left to face fear and destruction alone.

His remarks came as Lebanon faced escalating casualties from the renewed conflict.

Salam acknowledged the anguish of those who have lost loved ones and homes.

He drew an implicit parallel between the civil war and the present hostilities.

Le Grand Continent

He emphasized the need for a unified and capable state.

He reaffirmed efforts to halt the war and secure Israeli withdrawal.

Israeli strikes had killed more than 2,055 people since March 2.

April 13, 1975 is generally regarded as the civil war's starting point but other dates also hold significance.

“How would you define the day of April 13, 1975”

Le Grand Continent

The day saw simultaneous events that escalated into clashes.

The police were unable to impose order despite multiple warnings.

L'Humanité noted that no one agrees on anything except the date.

The war ended with the Taif Agreement, which Salam called to implement fully.

The country remains deeply divided with sectarian fault lines.

شفق نيوز

Salam's speech was a subtle rebuke of Hezbollah.

His willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Israel has drawn criticism from Hezbollah circles.