'You are not alone', Salam tells southerners
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has stressed that "the State cannot remain in a waiting state.”
“We must head to the South and to all regions, and assume our responsibilities. At the same time, we say every day: Israeli aggression must stop, the ceasefire must be consolidated, Israel must withdraw, and we must work on releasing the captives," said Salam in an interview on NBN television.
As for securing services for citizens in the South, he said: "God willing, when I return for the fourth time to Nabatieh and Tyre, I want to confirm with my own eyes that water has returned, electricity has returned, the contracts we launched are actually being executed, schools are being restored, and our people are returning and feeling safe.”
“Certainly, people have the right to complain. What we are able to provide is not enough given the scale of their needs, but these are our current capabilities," the premier added.
"Our primary guarantee is to rally around the state, strengthen our internal unity, work to meet people's needs, secure the Israeli withdrawal, restore our sovereignty, and extend the state's authority," Salam pointed out.
Asked about dialogue with the other parties and officials, the prime minister said: "Dialogue between me and everyone is not cut off. There are things we agreed upon, and what is required today is to implement them.”
“National unity is embodied by implementing what we agreed on. We do not need to start from scratch every time. What is required is for every party to commit to what it pledged," Salam went on to say.
He also expressed his belief that "no one today is prepared to enter into a new adventure or a new war.”
“We have all suffered, and we bear the burdens together," he added.
"I say to our people in the South: You are not alone. The state is with you, by your side, and at your service," Salam stated.
Source: Naharnet
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