BEIRUT

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam vowed Tuesday to ensure the state has a monopoly over weapons, war, and peace decisions.

"We want a state that holds the exclusive authority over war and peace decisions, a state loyal to the constitution and national accord," Salam said in a ministerial statement before Parliament.

The premier said his government is committed to protecting Lebanese freedoms, security, and fundamental rights.

Salam vowed to take all necessary measures to liberate Lebanese territories from Israeli occupation and to uphold state sovereignty using only national institutions.

A ceasefire agreement has been in place in Lebanon since Nov. 27, ending months of cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah that escalated into a full-scale conflict in September.

Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 after Israel refused to comply, as it still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar