00:00Iran dominating the geopolitics as this region, the Middle East and the Gulf look for answers and a way out of a diplomatic crisis that could now escalate into a full-blown military conflict between the United States and Iran.
00:15The Gulf repeating this is a time for stability, for reforms, for economic progress and certainly not war. That call was also echoed by one of the countries that could be affected by a knock-on effect if indeed there is a regional escalation and a war does take place and that is of course Lebanon.
00:32The Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam told us his country's focus on reform stability and he wants to see the same applied to the entire region.
00:40First of all, I mean we want, I mean stability of the region comes first for us. Definitely anything that could avoid an all-out war in the region is be more than welcome.
00:58As far as Lebanon is concerned, I have said and I would like to reaffirm that the question of war and peace is in the hands of the government and solely of the government.
01:12So you say perhaps this is a time to focus on the economy, reforms and not escalate on a military front. There's been already many issues over the past three years.
01:20But unfortunately, I mean we still have to take care of parts of the south that are occupied by Israel. We have to take care of daily violations of our sovereignty by Israel.
01:34And we still need to liberate a number of our citizens who have been captured by Israel and doing so only perpetuates conflict in the region, undermines my government's efforts to...
01:53No, I mean not to... State's authority over the whole country and only fuels instability.
02:02And just finally, what is your message to European leaders? They say they want to be more engaged, also help your country, help the region. What is your message now for the European Union?
02:11Okay, I'm not asking anyone to come and do our job. But definitely we need the help of all our partners in Europe and in the Arab world.
02:20And on March 6th, a conference to support the Lebanese armed forces is planned in Paris and will need their help. Because I mean the army is our main tool to enforce our goal to have a monopoly over arms in the country.
02:47And to restore state authority over all the Lebanese territory.
02:55Well, thank you so much for being so generous with your time.
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