Omar al-Rassi, “Akhbar al-Yawm” agency  

Reshaping Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry: A Call for Change and New approach         

Source: There is no third signature, and obstruction through the Ministry of Finance will not be repeated

Lebanon’s upcoming government must align with the significant changes occurring in the region. The country is not an isolated entity, and the rapid developments of the last quarter of the year have had an unprecedented impact.

The region has witnessed a noticeable decline in Iranian influence, particularly in Syria and Lebanon, which has reduced Hezbollah’s dominance and surplus power. At the same time, President Joseph Aoun assumed office and, in his inaugural speech, notably avoided referencing "resistance". Meanwhile, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam has emphasized his commitment to constitutional principles, rule of law, and international resolutions, particularly the updated 2024 version of Resolution 1701.

Despite the complementary relationship between the President and the Prime Minister-designate, the formation of the new government faces obstacles that prevent its completion within a short timeframe.

Moreover, according to well-informed sources, the new government must create a positive impression by reflecting the latest developments and signaling meaningful change, and taking into account the support received by the presidency at its start, both domestically and internationally.

The sources, via "Akhbar Al-Yawm", indicated that discussions are still revolving around the sovereign portfolios, emphasizing that the executive authority is limited to two signatures: the President’s and the Prime Minister’s, while the Finance Ministry's signature is merely to facilitate budget expenditures, without obstructing governmental decisions.

They added that if the finance portfolio is assigned to the Shia community as a repeat of past exceptions to avoid unnecessary tensions, it will be purely administrative and not intended for obstruction, as what the Cabinet approves will come into effect without any hindrance.

While the sources pointed out that the Interior portfolio belongs to the Prime Minister, it is not necessarily assigned to the Sunni community. Conversely, the Ministry of Defense will likely fall under the President’s purview, given his constitutional role as Army Commander of the Armed Forces and the direct link between his election and the implementation of Resolution 1701.

As for the fundamental change, the sources stressed that it should impact the Foreign Ministry, which needs a fresh approach in light of the diminishing Iranian and Syrian influence in Lebanon, aiming for diplomatic relations that strengthen Lebanon's presence in the West and repair trust with the Arabs, particularly the Gulf countries. Furthermore, the Foreign Minister should personally embody Lebanon's neutrality.

The sources concluded: When Lebanon committed to neutrality at the beginning of independence, it became the Switzerland of the East, and we must return to this neutrality.