Lebanon will not 'hand over' Hezbollah arms at Gulf meeting, minister says


  • World
  • Saturday, 29 Jan 2022

FILE PHOTO: Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib gestures as he speaks during an interview with Reuters at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beirut, Lebanon November 2, 2021. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir/File Photo

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon's foreign minister said he was not going "to hand over" Hezbollah's weapons during a meeting this weekend with Gulf Arab counterparts that want Beirut to rein in the Iran-backed Lebanese Shi'ite group in exchange for improved ties.

In a nod to Gulf concerns, Lebanon will however say that the country will not be "a launchpad for activities that violate Arab countries," according to sources familiar with a draft government letter responding to Gulf terms for improved ties.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

UK police launch investigation into Mandelson over Epstein leaks
Sudan, South Sudan violence forces hundreds of thousands to flee: UN
Congo rebel leader claims responsibility for drone attack on strategic northeast city
Venezuelans rally in Caracas to demand release of Maduro, his wife
Exclusive-US authorizes US diluent supply to Venezuela oil sector
Factbox-Trump tells Minnesota to help more with US immigration enforcement. What does it already do?
Russia's largest airline posts sharp decline in adjusted earnings in 2025
1st LD Writethru: 14 killed, dozens injured in clash btw Greek coast guard and human traffickers
Preview: With largest-ever roster, can U.S. challenge for top of medal table at Milan-Cortina Games?
Disney names Josh D'Amaro as next CEO

Others Also Read