Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Tuesday stressed that there is no rupture in his relationship with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing State control over weapons, implementing the army’s disarmament plan, and advancing the objectives outlined in U.S. envoy Tom Barrack’s roadmap.

“There has never been a break with Speaker Berri. I am very committed to the principle of separation of powers and to cooperation,” Salam said following talks with Berri in Ain al-Tineh, adding that the meeting focused on political files and collaboration between the government and Parliament.

Salam underscored the government’s adherence to the Taif Agreement and the ministerial statement, emphasizing the State’s authority over all Lebanese territory and the exclusivity of arms.

“The Council of Ministers has been clear, whether in the August 5 or September 5 sessions. Our starting point is the Taif Agreement, which we have delayed implementing, and which calls for the extension of State authority across the entire country. Similarly, the government’s ministerial statement emphasizes the exclusivity of State arms and the restoration of decisions on war and peace,” he stated.

“We are fully committed to the ministerial statement, on the basis of which Hezbollah granted the government confidence. We will follow up on the army’s plan monthly. We welcomed it, we are engaging with it positively, and there will be no backing down on our decisions regarding the exclusivity of arms,” he added.

The prime minister clarified that the government’s strategy focuses on national security rather than a defensive posture.

“We have never discussed a defensive strategy; rather, it is a national security strategy, which includes multiple dimensions. Decisions are made within constitutional institutions, and no one can take us elsewhere through side dialogues,” Salam said.

He also highlighted the army’s need for enhanced equipment, increased financial support, and higher salaries, noting that Lebanon looks forward to a new international conference to bolster military capabilities, similar to the one previously held in Rome, and in line with promises made by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Regarding Israeli violations, Salam condemned the continued breaches of the ceasefire, demanding full adherence to the cessation of hostilities, Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory, and the release of prisoners.

“I will not keep repeating this every day. On August 7, we agreed on the objectives of the American envoy Tom Barrack’s roadmap, which I am confident no citizen would oppose,” he said.

Salam expressed hope that the roadmap’s goals would be implemented immediately, particularly the withdrawal and prisoner release, and noted that Lebanon will work with friendly and sister countries in the coming weeks to enhance the army’s capabilities.