BEIRUT: Lebanon entered a new phase on Thursday evening after approving the restriction of all weapons to state control, including those held by Hezbollah and other militias, and endorsing the objectives outlined in the US-brokered executive mechanism.
President Joseph Aoun underscored this shift on Friday, stressing the importance of “linking Lebanon to its regional environment,” adding that though reform is underway, “no one can deny that the road ahead will be difficult.”
Following Tuesday’s marathon session, the Lebanese Cabinet reconvened on Thursday evening to continue discussing US Special Envoy Thomas Barrack’s proposal to “ensure that the possession of weapons is restricted solely to the state.”
All ministers were present, including representatives of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement.
The Cabinet ultimately approved the proposal’s objectives after four ministers aligned with Amal and Hezbollah left in protest, claiming the government had “insisted on approving this section” without granting them ”the opportunity to review it.”
