Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji calls for state arms monopoly in Canada

During a visit to Canada, Lebanese Foreign Minister and Emigrant Affairs Minister Youssef Raji met with Canadian Senate President Raymonde Gagné to discuss bilateral relations, the situation in Lebanon, and the future of international presence following the conclusion of the UNIFIL mission.

Raji emphasized that stability and prosperity in Lebanon are impossible while armed groups operate outside of state legitimacy. He called on Canada to continue supporting the Lebanese Army and to assist the government in efforts to end Israeli occupation, stop aggressions, and ensure that all weapons are held exclusively by the state.

In Ottawa, Raji also met with Arab ambassadors. Jamal Al-Sallal, the Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Yemen, expressed Arab support for Lebanon to extend state authority over its entire territory and to maintain a monopoly on decisions regarding war and peace. Raji further stated that Lebanon seeks to live in peace and regain its regional role without supporting or opposing any specific parties, noting that the framework agreement with Israel serves as a basis for future negotiations rather than a final treaty.