Cherri to Raggi: Respect Lebanon’s Sovereignty

Hezbollah–Salam Relations Based on Friendship

MP Amin Cherri, a member of the Loyalty to the Resistance parliamentary bloc, criticized Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi during an interview with “Voice of All Lebanon” radio, stating that Raggi was behaving as if he were not Lebanon’s foreign minister by holding Hezbollah responsible for the failure to implement UN Resolution 1701 — effectively providing Israel with a pretext to continue its attacks.

Addressing Raggi directly, Cherri said: “Respect Lebanon’s sovereignty. Adhering to the state’s policy and decisions of its government is a fundamental duty.”

He stressed that “Lebanon cannot be secure while the South remains in pain and its wounds are left unhealed.”

Cherri also pointed out that “relations between Hezbollah and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam are rooted in friendship and have not been severed. Channels of communication remain active,” urging an end to attempts to sow discord.

Describing the atmosphere during the bloc’s recent meeting with the President of the Republic in Baabda, Cherri said it was “excellent and positive,” focused on effective mechanisms to sustain Lebanon’s national policy and safeguard its unity.

He called for maintaining the integrity of relations with the President and expressed hope that this integrity would extend to ties with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. “The joint stance of the three presidents remains firm,” Cherri said, “and this consensus will be conveyed to the U.S. envoy, Morgan Ortagus. Otherwise, we risk being devoured by the black bear.”

Cherri affirmed that all parties strive for a strong Lebanon — with a strong army and robust institutions — and reiterated Hezbollah’s commitment to working with the President to formulate a national defense strategy that upholds sovereignty and ensures stability.

“Hezbollah does not operate from a place of isolation,” he added, “but rather extends its hand to political rivals when national interest requires it. It is guided by a vision that sees agreement on key reform priorities not as weakness, but as a national responsibility.” He cited the Beirut municipal elections as a vivid example of this pragmatic approach.

He further emphasized that “the post-ceasefire agreement did not end the war, but rather shifted it into new forms, with Israel continuing its aggression, occupation, and refusal to release detainees.”

“This situation demands a unified national stance that rises above political differences and leads to constructive agreements through a national dialogue — particularly around the commitments outlined in the ministerial statement,” he added.

Cherri criticized internal political discourse for focusing too narrowly on the issue of arms monopoly, while ignoring equally critical priorities such as territorial liberation and ending Israeli aggression — both of which are clearly stated in the ministerial declaration and the president’s inaugural address.

He also noted that “despite their efforts, UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army have been unable to deter Israel’s deliberate escalation, while Hezbollah has adhered to agreements and resolutions.” He concluded by placing responsibility on the Lebanese state, “which, to date, has failed to rise to the occasion and shoulder its responsibilities in this regard.”