Cease-fire is not enough without a roadmap toward lasting peace, says International Movement of Lebanese Enterprises

BEIRUT — The executive council of the International Movement of Lebanese Enterprises (MIDEL) met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the Grand Serail, welcoming ongoing efforts in favor of a cease-fire while stressing that a truce alone would not suffice "without a clear roadmap toward lasting peace."

“While we warmly welcome the ongoing efforts toward a cease-fire, we stressed that a truce alone is not enough. Without a clear roadmap toward lasting peace, long-term stability and security, it risks being nothing more than a new temporary pause in a cycle we have seen repeated far too many times,” MIDEL warned in a statement released Friday. On Wednesday night, Beirut and Tel Aviv agreed to “implement a cease-fire” and the creation of “pilot zones” under the control of the Lebanese Army, as the war that resumed on March 2 continues.

The MIDEL representatives also paid tribute to the leadership, wisdom, and courage of the head of government “during one of the most difficult periods Lebanon has experienced in recent years.” They also declared themselves ready, as entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders in Lebanon and abroad, to invest, rebuild, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s recovery. However, they emphasized that “investment requires trust, and trust requires stability,” adding that sustainable reconstruction can only be built on “solid and secure” foundations.

According to the statement, discussions were “transparent, constructive, and forward-looking.” MIDEL members said they were encouraged by the prime minister’s commitment to do “everything possible to bring Lebanon toward greater stability and renewed confidence.” “Lebanon has exceptional human capital, significant entrepreneurial talent, and numerous opportunities. What it needs today is a sustainable environment of peace, trust and predictability that will allow it to fully unlock its potential,” the statement concluded.

« Un cessez-le-feu ne suffit pas sans feuille de route vers une paix durable », estime le Mouvement international des entreprises libanaises