Salam urges international support as Lebanon plans to disarm Hezbollah

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has called on the international community to provide financial support to his government and to the Lebanese army as Lebanon works on implementing a plan to disarm Hezbollah.

In an interview published Friday in the Financial Times, Salam said that his government has taken the necessary steps, but now requires Arab and international backing to move forward.

"We need support in terms of equipment and funds for the army, as well as financial support for reconstruction and recovery," Salam said. "We are planting the seeds of a strong state, you need to water them, and you need to give them some time to grow."

Salam said he has faced criticism for being stubborn and undiplomatic. However, he remains committed to his principles and hopes that the people of Lebanon will give his approach a chance.

"People want 24-hour electricity today. They want inflation to stop, but I can’t give them that! You can’t build a house without foundations. And right now, we are laying the foundations," he said.

Salam said he has told U.S. envoy Tom Barrack that Israel needs to take a real step in return for the government's decision to disarm Hezbollah. "They need to show us they’re willing to start withdrawing from Lebanese territory, stop their daily incursions, and release the prisoners."

The PM considered breaking the weapons "taboo" a significant step forward. "You'll see, more will come soon," he said.