Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Monday that Lebanon’s engagement with U.S. envoy Thomas Barak is grounded in the government's ministerial statement, which outlines core national principles that earned it the confidence of Parliament.

Speaking after meeting Barrack at the Grand Serail, Salam emphasized that the Lebanese government’s position is based on several non-negotiable priorities: full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, a complete cessation of hostilities, the launch of reconstruction efforts, and the return of all Lebanese detainees.

He reaffirmed the government’s firm stance on asserting the state’s authority across all Lebanese territory, ensuring the exclusive possession of weapons by state institutions, and restoring the state’s sole authority over decisions of war and peace.

“These are the premises upon which we are negotiating with Mr. Barrack,” he stated.

Responding to speculation about power-sharing dynamics among Lebanon’s top three leaders, Salam dismissed any notion of a “troika” arrangement.

“There is no troika. What exists is ongoing consultation and communication among the country's top officials,” he said, adding that a new set of Lebanese proposals had been presented during the talks.

He also clarified that all decisions on the matter would be made collectively by the Cabinet. Barrack’s paper, Salam said, includes a framework for ending hostilities and placing arms solely under state control, starting with southern Lebanon.

Barrack was handed Lebanon’s official response by President Joseph Aoun, Salam said, noting that the document also included input from Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and himself.

“It explicitly reaffirms the need for the state to reclaim exclusive authority over matters of war and peace,” Salam added.

Salam noted that Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem continues to support the Taif Accord and the cessation of hostilities, as laid out in the ministerial statement.

“All Hezbollah MPs signed off on this statement, which forms the basis of our current position,” he said.

He also revealed that the government has formally requested the reactivation of the ceasefire coordination committee, reaffirming commitment to the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Salam condemned the ongoing Israeli drone activity and strikes in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, describing them as “widely condemned by all Lebanese political factions.”

Salam said the government is working to mobilize Arab and international diplomatic support to pressure Israel into halting its violations, which have intensified in recent months.