We Do Not Trust the Guarantees of the Israeli Regime

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Nawaf Salam, Lebanon’s Prime Minister, during his visit to the Ministry of Interior to oversee the vote-counting process following the conclusion of the municipal elections, stated: Lebanon is continuously working to pressure the Zionist regime, through the United States, France, and Lebanon’s allies, to halt its attacks and withdraw from Lebanese territory.

In response to a question regarding reports of a prisoner exchange agreement between Iraq, Iran, and the Zionist regime, which may include Lebanese detainees, he emphasized that the Lebanese government does not trust the guarantees of the Israeli regime and continues to demand the release of Lebanese prisoners, just as it has not ceased its efforts to liberate occupied Lebanese territories.

Earlier, Arab media had reported on an agreement between Washington and Baghdad involving the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli with Russian citizenship, who is believed to be held captive by armed Iraqi groups.

The Iraqi media outlet Al-Rabia reported in an article that Iraq and the U.S. are negotiating an exchange involving an Israeli prisoner named Elizabeth Tsurkov in return for the release of an Iranian prisoner in Iraq and six others accused of attacks against U.S. interests. It was also stated that the process of their release in exchange for Tsurkov would take no more than 10 days.

The Lebanese Prime Minister also referred to the meeting held two weeks ago in Washington, which focused on Lebanon’s reconstruction, adding that an initial sum had been collected for this purpose.

He stated that Lebanon continues to cooperate with the World Bank, other aid organizations, and friendly countries to secure the necessary support for the reconstruction of areas damaged by the attacks of the Zionist regime’s army.

Nawaf Salam congratulated the Lebanese people on the successful conclusion of the municipal council elections and added that the government maintained its neutrality and succeeded in conducting the elections.

He noted that there were some shortcomings, which would be addressed for the next parliamentary elections in 2026.

The Lebanese Prime Minister stressed that the country's government is moving towards democratic reforms and will work to overcome any obstacles to ensure a more mature electoral process in the future.