Hariri Recites Policy Statement: Lebanon Has Non-Recurring Opportunity for Salvation, Reform

Prime Minister Saad Hariri recited the Cabinet’s policy statement on Tuesday during a parliament session dedicated for a government vote of confidence.

Hariri recited the policy statement, saying: “We want it (the new government) to be a government of deeds, a government that addresses the suffering of the Lebanese and the aspirations of young people and prioritizes the political and security stability and social security of all Lebanese.”

“We have a non-recurring opportunity for salvation and reform, and this opportunity rests with all partners in power and with positive integration with the role of the opposition,” he added.

“The Taef Accord is the basis for maintaining stability and civil peace and the only regulator for relations between constitutional institutions. We affirm support for the military and security institutions to combat terrorism,” Hariri said reciting the statement.

He added that the government “adheres to the policy of dissociation that does not harm Lebanon’s relations with the Arab countries.”

The government will “work on approving the 2019 budget and commitment to reducing the budget deficit by at least 1% per annum over 5 years by increasing revenues and reducing spending.”

The statement also stressed: “The need for Lebanon to distance itself from external conflicts and to respect the Charter of the Arab League, and the adoption of an independent foreign policy based on Lebanon's supreme interest and respect for international law to preserve the country as a peace forum.”

The statement also said that Lebanese citizens have the right to "resist Israeli occupation and repel its aggression." This was in reference to the right of Hizbullah group to keep its weapons.

The new Cabinet was announced late last month, breaking a nine-month deadlock that had deepened Lebanon's economic woes.