Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed the urgent need to halt ongoing Israeli violations, stressing that the Lebanese government has spared no diplomatic effort to stop the aggression and push for the Israeli enemy’s withdrawal to its recognized borders.
From the city of Baalbek, Prime Minister Salam stressed the deep connection between security and development, praising the city’s unique cultural and historical heritage and reaffirming the government’s commitment to reviving its key role in tourism and economic growth.
Highlighting the inseparable link between security and development, Salam praised Baalbek’s cultural and historical significance, underlining the government’s commitment to restoring the city’s vital role in tourism and economic growth.
Municipal Elections: Transparency and Security
Salam described the municipal elections in Mount Lebanon as a “positive experience” despite minor violations and expressed confidence that upcoming elections in the Bekaa region will be equally transparent and impartial.
During a security meeting at the Baalbek Serail, Salam reviewed the situation in the Baalbek-Hermel governorate, calling for strict security measures to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
عقدنا اجتماعا لمجلس الأمن الفرعي في سراي بعلبك، حيث جرى عرض شامل للأوضاع الأمنية في محافظة بعلبك الهرمل.
شددت خلال الاجتماع على ضرورة اتخاذ كل الإجراءات الأمنية الكفيلة بضبط الأمن والاستقرار، بما يضمن إنجاز الانتخابات البلدية والاختيارية بنجاح كامل ووفق أعلى معايير الشفافية… pic.twitter.com/PxevwhRtoO
— Nawaf Salam نواف سلام (@nawafasalam) May 8, 2025
Development Plan for Baalbek-Hermel
In a separate meeting with local MPs, including Hussein Al-Hajj Hassan, Ghazi Zeaiter, Melhem Hujairi, Antoine Habchi, Jamil Al-Sayyed, and Yanal Solh, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to launching a comprehensive development plan for the region.
Salam noted that he began his tour with visits to front-line border areas, where he stressed the importance of tighter border controls to reinforce national stability. He also confirmed that the project to establish a regulatory authority for cannabis cultivation is on track, marking a shift toward a development-driven local economy.
“There can be no security without development, and no development without security.”
Infrastructure and Tourism Revival
Salam also called for a permanent solution to the Dahr Al-Baidar road, which connects Beirut to the Bekaa, and reiterated the importance of reviving Baalbek’s place on Lebanon’s tourism map—particularly its iconic festivals, which he said must resume.
He urged citizens to actively participate in the municipal elections, affirming that the government will ensure the integrity and transparency of the vote.
رئيس #مجلس_الوزراء #نواف_سلام وصل إلى بعلبك ضمن جولة في محافظة البقاع الشمالي، وقد بدأت الجولة من مركز الشعيبة في جرود بعلبك، ومن هناك تم الانتقال الى مركز بو فارس على الحدود مع سوريا، حيث تفقد رئيس الحكومة كل الاجراءات العسكرية والأمنية المتخذة، لضبط الحدود وحمايتها ومنع… pic.twitter.com/SCbVByi8Je
— رئاسة مجلس الوزراء 🇱🇧 (@grandserail) May 8, 2025
Border Security and Army Support
The Prime Minister inspected the “Bou Fares” border post along the Lebanese-Syrian frontier, accompanied by Defense Minister Michel Mansi, Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar, Public Works Minister Fayez Rassamni, and Army Chief of Staff General Hassan Ouda. He reviewed security measures in place and praised the Lebanese Army for its dedication, calling them “the nation’s shield and the embodiment of sacrifice and loyalty.”
Salam’s tour began at the “Shuayba” outpost in the outskirts of Baalbek and continued to various military and security installations. He met with officers and soldiers to receive briefings on their operations and reiterated the government’s unwavering support.
Source: Al-Manar Website
