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© France 24
08:51
Issued on: 17/03/2026 - 07:53
From the show
Amid Israel's further military escalation, and Hezbollah's "illegal armed activities", Lebanon is confronted with an acute humanitarian and political crisis. To better understand the impact the conflict is having all across Lebanese society, FRANCE 24's Mark Owen is pleased to welcome Ghassan Salamé, Lebanon's Minister of Culture. According to Mr. Salamé, Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability will not be restored through external intervention but through strengthening the capacity of the Lebanese state itself.
He insists the country must be allowed the political space and the institutional means to enforce its own authority.
Mr. Salamé highlights the internal Lebanese dimension of the crisis. He says the government has taken a clear position that the monopoly of armed force must belong exclusively to the state: While Hezbollah maintains a political presence within Lebanon’s institutions, its armed activities are now considered illegal by the Lebanese government.
The Lebanese Army has begun implementing this policy by redeploying in areas of the south and collecting weapons, but Lebanon's Culture Minister warns its ability to do so effectively depends heavily on international support and on a reduction of external military pressure.
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