Bellamy meets Geagea in Maarab, urges Lebanon to restore state monopoly over arms

French Member of the European Parliament François-Xavier Bellamy met Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea in Maarab, Lebanon, for talks focused on political and security developments in Lebanon, the wider region, and Europe. The meeting was attended by former Minister Richard Kouyoumjian, Head of the External Relations Office Elsie Aoun, and External Relations official Tony Darwish.

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Following the meeting, Bellamy said Lebanon urgently needs to restore its security and sovereignty. He said the Lebanese state must re-establish exclusive control over weapons across its territory, describing that as the only guarantee for the security of all Lebanese citizens.

Bellamy said he and others in France and Europe now believe weapons carried by militias claiming to protect Lebanon no longer serve as protection and have become the main threat. He specifically called for the disarmament of Hezbollah, saying it serves an agenda foreign to the interests of the Lebanese people.

Bellamy also said that after visiting southern Lebanon he saw the difficult conditions faced by residents in border villages. He expressed hope for the return of peace and stability, saying this can only be achieved through the restoration of full state sovereignty and monopoly over arms.

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He thanked Geagea and the Lebanese Forces leadership and members for their continuous struggle for Lebanon's sovereignty.

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