Charles Arbid urges restoration of state authority as key to Lebanon's salvation at French Economic Council

The President of Lebanon's Economic, Social, and Environmental Council, Charles Arbid, stressed that the only path to salvation is through returning to the state and its institutions and extending its sovereignty across the entire territory.

He emphasized the urgent need to implement the international initiative aimed at launching political, humanitarian, economic, and social dynamics to support Lebanon.

Speaking on Tuesday as a guest of honor at the French Economic, Social, and Environmental Council in Paris, at the invitation of his counterpart Thierry Beaudet, Arbid highlighted the political dimension of the initiative.

He called for efforts to halt the violence and fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates the deployment of the Lebanese Army alone, strengthening its role, and supporting it while praising the courage and resilience of UNIFIL.

Arbid stressed the need to resolve the presidential election impasse and elect a president capable of bringing together various political factions for a national dialogue. 

He emphasized that the dialogue, in any form, should be conducted in the spirit of national understanding and in accordance with the Taif Agreement, the founding document of the Lebanese Republic's Second Republic.

Arbid urged the re-establishment of state authority in line with the will of the majority of Lebanese citizens and the need to build a state governed by the rule of law and respect for democratic and republican values. 

He added that preparations for the post-war phase should start now, ensuring the coordination of initiatives and maximizing the impact of international solidarity.

He further highlighted the importance of implementing reforms to rejuvenate Lebanon's banking and financial sectors, as well as establishing effective and responsible political governance.

At the conclusion of the session, both councils agreed to continue their cooperation through a joint working group to propose solutions and measures aimed at reviving the economy and strengthening the social fabric in the post-ceasefire phase.