Beirut: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has welcomed the announcement by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lebanon, Nawaf Salam, regarding the Council of Ministers' decision to ensure the state's exclusive possession of weapons throughout Lebanon.
According to Qatar News Agency, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed that the decision represents a significant step toward strengthening the sovereignty of the Lebanese state, consolidating stability and security for the brotherly Lebanese people, and enhancing the effectiveness of its institutions.
Albudaiwi noted that advancing on this path, alongside the necessary reforms, will greatly contribute to bolstering the confidence of the international community and multilateral partners, while creating a more attractive investment environment, including for the private sector.
The Secretary-General reiterated the GCC's steadfast support for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability, as well as its backing for the reform and state-building process.
He also stressed the importance of implementing UN Security Council resolutions concerning Lebanon, particularly Resolution 1701, along with the Taif Agreement, to achieve lasting security and stability, ensure respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity, political independence, and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders, and enable the Lebanese government to exercise full authority over all Lebanese territory in order to meet the aspirations of the Lebanese people for a more secure, prosperous, and stable future.