Lebanon opens cabinet meeting on state control over weapons

By Betul Yilmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) – An anticipated Lebanese cabinet meeting began on Tuesday to finalize discussions on the state monopoly over weapons and disarmament of non-state groups, primarily Hezbollah.

According to the state news agency NNA, the cabinet session is headed by President Joseph Aoun, with the participation of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the Baabda Palace east of Beirut.

The meeting focuses on the extension of Lebanese sovereignty all over its territories and bringing all weapons under state control, which means the disarmament of Hezbollah and other non-governmental armed groups.

The Lebanese president and the premier had a private meeting prior to the cabinet session, the agency added.