The speaker of the Lebanese government in exile, Najib Mikati, stated in Paris on Thursday that arms should be under the control of the state. He also emphasized the importance of continuing efforts aimed at restoring stability in the country after a series of crises, including the explosion in the port of Beirut in August 2020.
"I want to be absolutely clear: weapons must remain in the hands of the state," Mikati said after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. "No one else can interfere or have a say in the management of weapons, except for the legitimate state."
Mikati expressed hope that Lebanon would be able to overcome the difficulties and return to normal functioning thanks to the efforts of the people. "I believe that the Lebanese have the ability to restore and build," he added.
