**Lebanon's Minister of Culture Calls for International Support Amid Ongoing Crisis** In the face of escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon, and the challenges posed by Hezbollah's armed activities, Lebanon is grappling with a severe humanitarian and political crisis. To shed more light on the impact of the conflict on Lebanese society, Lebanon's Minister of Culture, Ghassan Salamé, spoke with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen. According to Minister Salamé, Lebanon's path to stability and sovereignty lies not in external intervention, but in strengthening its own institutions and capacity to govern effectively. He emphasized the need for the international community to give Lebanon the necessary space and support to enforce its authority and ensure the monopoly of armed force remains with the state. At the heart of the crisis is the complex relationship between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah. While Hezbollah has a significant presence in Lebanese politics, its armed activities have now been deemed illegal by the government. The Lebanese Army has taken steps to address this issue, redeploying troops in the south and collecting weapons. However, Minister Salamé warns that the effectiveness of these efforts depends heavily on international support and a reduction in external military pressure. For Nigerians, the situation in Lebanon serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between politics, security, and international relations in our own country. The complexity of dealing with non-state actors, like Boko Haram, and the need for a strong, effective state to maintain order and stability are issues that resonate with our own experiences. Minister Salamé's call for international support and a reduction in external pressure underscores the importance of a coordinated and sustained approach to addressing crises in fragile states. By enabling Lebanon to take ownership of its challenges and strengthen its institutions, the international community can help create a more stable and secure environment for all parties involved.