Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the government is preparing a unified response to U.S. envoy Tom Barrack’s proposals, stressing that Lebanon’s position will be based on constitutional principles and national consensus, particularly regarding Hezbollah’s weapons and border security. 

“A number of unresolved files are on my desk that require answers. They cannot be set aside,” Salam told Annahar newspaper. “The first among them is our official response to U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, and it will be issued from the Grand Serail.”

Barrack is expected to return to Beirut next week. In the meantime, Lebanon’s official institutions are working to finalize a single national reply. Salam said preparations are advancing in coordination with President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, describing the atmosphere as “positive.”

Salam stressed that Lebanon’s approach to the issue of Hezbollah weapons will remain anchored in the ministerial statement and the president's inaugural speech, both of which reflect the framework of the Taif Agreement.

“These are foundational principles I believe in and will not deviate from,” he said.

However, the prime minister underlined that Lebanon must obtain real U.S. guarantees that would ensure Israel’s withdrawal from the remaining occupied territories in the south and an end to its repeated violations of Lebanese sovereignty.

“These are constants,” he said, also emphasizing the importance of rebuilding southern Lebanon.

Salam described his relationship with Berri as “open and long-standing,” adding, “I’ve known him for fifty years.” He said the same positive dynamic applies to his relationship with President Aoun, “whom I didn’t know before his election.”

The prime minister also pushed back against political statements and media narratives portraying Barrack’s proposal as confrontational.

“Barrack presented his vision. It was not a warning,” Salam said. “We are preparing a set of ideas and observations to respond to him.”

Salam also said Barrack inquired about the government’s reform track and whether he was satisfied with his cabinet’s performance. The prime minister admitted he had concerns about the slow progress of financial reforms but emphasized strong coordination with Finance Minister Yassine Jaber, particularly in addressing the country’s fiscal deficit.

While attention remains focused on how Hezbollah will respond to Lebanon’s eventual position, Salam said his government is equally focused on ensuring that the upcoming parliamentary elections are held on time.

“We are fully committed to holding the elections as scheduled, just like we did with the municipal vote. I am determined to see it through," Salam said.