KUWAIT: Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa affirmed that supporting the Lebanese army in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 — which stipulates that weapons be placed solely under the authority of the Lebanese state — was the main focus of his meetings in Kuwait over the past few days. Speaking to KUNA on Wednesday at the conclusion of his official visit, Menassa said that achieving this goal requires extensive resources and equipment, which the Lebanese army currently lacks.
Asked about Lebanon’s ability to implement Resolution 1701, he explained that the army will carry out this mission, noting that the Lebanese cabinet has adopted a plan to confine weapons to the state in the south and across the entire country, removing them from armed groups. He added that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has made and will continue to make visits to Arab and European countries, especially in the Gulf, to secure the necessary support for the army.
On bilateral relations, Menassa praised the deep-rooted ties between Lebanon and Kuwait, recalling Kuwait’s longstanding support during Lebanon’s wars and crises, describing Kuwait as “the first to help Lebanon in its political and humanitarian ordeals”. He also highlighted Lebanon’s stance during the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, noting that Lebanon was the first Arab country to condemn the invasion — a position Kuwaitis still remember.
He said his talks with Kuwaiti leaders were “positive and constructive”,
stressing that officials expressed readiness to support Lebanon, its government, and its army. Discussions also covered follow-ups to agreements reached during the Lebanese president’s recent visit to Kuwait.
Regarding Lebanon’s tourism sector, the minister emphasized that efforts are underway to restore the country’s position as a regional destination. He said security measures have been enhanced over the past two months, from the airport to the streets and neighborhoods, making visitors notice clear improvements. On the issue of reconstruction, Menassa noted it was not raised during this visit, which was focused solely on supporting the army, but expressed confidence that Arab and Gulf states would assist Lebanon in this matter in the future. “Our priority now is to establish security and stability,” he stressed.
The minister expressed his gratitude to HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah and Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ali Al-Sabah for the warm welcome and hospitality he received.
Sheikh Fahad earlier held talks with Menassa on means of activating mutual cooperation as a means to bolster regional security and stability. Sheikh Fahad hailed depth of the brotherly relations between the two countries and noticeable development in various sectors, stressing on the necessity of enhancing coordination and expertise exchange at the military and security levels. – KUNA
