Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi in Bkerke on Friday, reaffirming the government’s commitment to holding parliamentary elections on schedule and emphasizing key national security measures.

Speaking after the meeting, Salam said the elections “will take place on their constitutional date,” adding that the government is proceeding on that basis. 

"This is non-negotiable,” Salam assured. 

Acknowledging ongoing debates over Lebanon’s electoral law, Salam noted that a ministerial committee had previously identified “ambiguities and gaps” in the current legislation.

“Lebanon is a democratic country, and it is natural to have differing viewpoints on the electoral law,” he said.

Salam stressed that it is Parliament’s responsibility to pass legislation and that the government cannot undertake the process itself.

“Parliament must act swiftly to allow the elections to proceed,” he said. “We have submitted a draft law on preferential voting and another on the magnetic card system. Discussions have begun, and we have decided to resolve the matter next week.”

On national security, Salam reaffirmed the government’s stance on the State’s exclusive control over weapons, saying it is “no longer just a slogan or words we repeat; it is a decision taken by the Council of Ministers.” He noted that the Lebanese Army will issue a new progress report within a week and emphasized that there will be “no reversal on the decision regarding the exclusivity of arms.”

Addressing rising tensions and recent Israeli strikes, Salam said the government is working through the Mechanism Committee and leveraging Arab and international relations to mobilize resources aimed at halting violations and restoring the ceasefire agreement.

Salam also commented on the killing of Elio Abu Hanna, offering condolences to the victim’s family and friends.

“The process of disarming the camps continues,” he said. “More than 20 trucks of heavy weapons have already been handed over. The incident was very painful, and its victim was a young Lebanese man.”