Category: Politics

Caretaker Minister of National Defense Maurice Sleem, on Wednesday met at his Yarze office, with the Chairman of the Parliamentary Defense, Interior, and Municipal Affairs Committee, MP Jihad Al Samad.

Discussions between the pair reportedly touched on the general situation in the country, as well as affairs related to the institutions of the Ministry of National Defense.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Information Minister, Engineer Ziad Makary, on Wednesday welcomed the presidents of ‘ALREC’ and ‘International Expert Solidarity’ system, who briefed the Minister on the international organization’s projects and on the imminent opening of its office in Lebanon. Both presidents also briefed Makary on the activities of the ‘Oscars for the Creators of Arabs and Africa’ competition, organized by the aforementioned association and the African Youth Parliament, and sponsored by the Ministry of Information.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdullah Bou Habib, on Wednesday met with Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani.

The pair discussed regional developments, especially the situation in Gaza.

‘Israel is not defending itself today, but is it’s obsessed with blind revenge,’ Bou Habib told his Iranian counterpart.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdullah Bou Habib, on Wednesday met with Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Wednesday met at the Grand Serail with Caretaker Minister of Public Health, Dr. Firas Al-Abiad.

In the wake of the meeting, Abiad said: ‘We’ve discussed an array of topics, including the Ministry of Health’s preparation of an emergency plan to boost the Lebanese health sector’s readiness amid the prevailing circumstances.’

Talks between the pair also touched on the measures being taken to provide treatment to the victims of Israeli attacks in the southern Lebanese region.

The Prime Minister then met with Caretaker Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Judge Bassam Mawlawi.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Southern confrontation at decisive crossroads in two weeks

Nidaa Al-Watan:

Cabinet session postponed due to ‘immature’ mandate extension

The ‘Military’ releases person accused of killing Irishman

Deep international concern for South Lebanon

Al-Joumhouria:

South Lebanon under violent bombardment, threats

Military deadline faces three scenarios

Al-Akhbar:

Extension of Aoun’s term, Corm deal disrupt cabinet session

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Information, Ziad Makary, welcomed on Wednesday in his office at the ministry, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Ivo Friesen.

Discussions reportedly touched on the displaced Syrians’ dossier.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, on Monday received, in Bkerke, US Ambassador to Lebanon, Dorothy Shea, who stressed ‘the necessity of preserving security stability in Lebanon and seeking to stabilize it at all levels,’ underlining ‘the importance of neutralizing Lebanon from the ongoing war in Gaza strip.” In turn, Patriarch Rahi stressed that ‘Lebanon’s stability and security as well as the return of normal life to its institutions begin with the election of a President of the Republic who will play his role and ensure the implementation of the Constitution, which has the last say on any national entitlement.’ Rahi also emphasized ‘not to have a new vacuum in the country, especially in the leadership of the military establishment, as it is the safety valve today for Lebanon and the Lebanese.”

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Prime Minister Najib Mikati received at his residence this evening a delegation of opposition members of parliament, including MPs Sami Gemayel, Ghassan Hasbani, Bilal Hosheimi, Ashraf Rifi, Mark Daou, Wadah Sadiq and Michel Moawad. Following the meeting, MP Gemayel said: ‘We came as opposition deputies in the parliament to deliver a clear message to PM Mikati regarding the imminent danger to the army institution. We are keen on this institution and its members and officers, and we see that there is great confusion and danger to it. We are keen for this matter to end as quickly as possible, and that is why we came here to suggest to the Prime Minister that a quick decision be taken in the government to postpone the step down of the Army Commander for a year, in order to preserve the status of the army and its leadership, this institution that has the consensus of the Lebanese…’ He added: ‘Today, all Lebanese, of all sects and affiliations, believe in this institution, and it is the duty of all of us to p
reserve it. Any option outside of this is unconstitutional and illegal.’ Gemayel continued, ‘We consider that the greatest responsibility in this matter falls on the government, and the Minister of Defense must play this role and issue a decision to postpone the dismissal of the Army Commander, because in the absence of a President of the Republic there is no ability to appoint…But if the Defense Minister is not ready to carry out this duty, then the government and the Prime Minister must assume their responsibility…’ He considered that even in normal times, vacuum cannot be allowed in the army, so how about such a critical situation in which we are living, where Lebanon is in a state of war? ‘We are in dire need of a strong, cohesive army capable of fulfilling its role and assuming its responsibilities towards all the Lebanese,’ Gemayel underlined, stressing that the army ought to be the subject of consensus and away from political quarrels and disagreements. ‘It is our duty to protect the army and p
reserve this institution, which remains the guarantor and unifying institution and the symbol of this country, its unity, survival and continuity,’ he affirmed.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Manama, Mohammed bin Thamer Al Kaabi, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, received Jama Hassan Khalif, Minister of Communications and Technology of the Federal of Somalia.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the ITU Regional Development Forum for Arab Region 2023 held in Bahrain.

They reviewed ways to enhance bilateral relations in various sectors, especially in communications and information technology.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Ali Hamieh, on Thursday welcomed Cypriot Ambassador to Lebanon, Maria HADJITHEODOSIOU, with whom he discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the region. The pair also discussed Lebanese-Cypriot bilateral relations. For his part, Hamieh affirmed to the Cypriot diplomat ‘Lebanon’s keenness on maintaining continuous communication with Cyprus over all the issues that are of mutual concern.’

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Manama, Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam sent a cable of congratulations to Khalid bin Hilal bin Nasser Al Maawali, on his election as Shura Council Chairman of Oman.

Al Musallam affirmed that Al Maawali’s success in winning the election uncontested reflected the parliamentary confidence in him thanks to his competence, contributions and continuous efforts in developing parliamentary work, as well as enhancing joint Gulf Cooperation Council, Arab, and international parliamentary action.

He affirmed the keenness of the Council of Representatives to strengthen cooperation with Oman’s Shura Council in various sectors.

Source: Bahrain News Agency