Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Mitri confirmed that the government’s decision affirms the concept of the state and we will not back down from it, stressing that the government does not wish to implement its decisions by force, in order not to endanger national unity. Mitri said that Lebanon considers any Iranian interference in its affairs an attack on its sovereignty, stressing that Beirut wants to negotiate on its own behalf in order to fully restore its sovereignty and stabilize civil peace. He pointed out that any general settlement in the region that leads to an end to the wars would be in Lebanon's interest, stressing that the people of the south are Lebanese citizens and have rights before the Lebanese state. Regarding the situation in the south, Mitri said that Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s visit to the region represents a message of support for the army and security forces, expressing his hope that opportunities for international support for the Lebanese army will improve during the next stage. He added that the army is ready to take over the Ali Al-Tahir Heights in the south of the country. Regarding the negotiations with Israel, Mitri believed that Israel is not ready to show good faith regarding the negotiations and the framework agreement, pointing out that a group of countries have expressed their willingness to assist the Lebanese army when it enters the experimental areas, while Israel objects to many countries wishing to provide assistance to the army in southern Lebanon. Mitri stressed that Lebanon does not want the south to remain without an international body monitoring developments there. Regarding the Syrian file, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the judicial agreement with Damascus will contribute to the release of many detainees, stressing that the decision to hand over some Syrian officers to Damascus is a judicial decision and not a political one. He added that Lebanon has the right to hesitate to hand over any detainee sentenced to death in its country, after Lebanon abolished the death penalty, stressing that Beirut wants normal relations with Syria based on mutual respect and protection of the sovereignty of the two countries.