Rajji insists Beirut ‘not speaking at this stage about a peace agreement’ with Israel

BEIRUT — Foreign Minister Joe Rajji said that in the negotiations with Israel whose first session begins today in Washington Beirut is « not speaking at this stage about a peace agreement. »

Instead, he said, « the priority is to stop the attacks, end the destruction, protect civilians, and create suitable conditions for serious and sustainable negotiations. » He added: « Serious negotiations cannot take place while civilians are being killed and villages destroyed. »

In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Rajji affirmed that the Holy See and Italy's relationship is « shown by the Holy Father toward Lebanon’s suffering carries major political, moral, and humanitarian significance. »

The minister also stressed the importance of the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, allowing displaced residents to return to their homes, and addressing the issue of prisoners.

Asked about the weapons of Hezbollah, Rajji stressed that « the Lebanese people want to live in a normal sovereign state where the monopoly on military force belongs exclusively to the state and its legitimate institutions. » He emphasized that this is « not a demand to satisfy Israel or the international community, but rather a sovereign national matter. » He also noted that the Lebanese government had called on Hezbollah to disarm and considered its military actions outside state legitimacy.

Regarding linking Hezbollah’s file to the United States–Iran talks, Rajji confirmed that « the Lebanese government has decided to completely separate the two tracks, » rejecting the idea that « any other party should negotiate on behalf of Lebanon. » He added: « We are a sovereign and independent state. »