Category: Politics

Prime Minister Najib Mikati stressed today that ‘independence was effectively achieved when the Lebanese were victorious through their constitution and national charter,’ and therefore called for ‘adhering to the constitution that regulates our political life and clinging to the charter of coexistence that protects our national existence’ as the only way to renew Lebanon’s independence.

Mikati also reiterated ‘the call to expedite the election of a new President of the Republic who will restore order to the cycle of life of the exhausted body of the state,” and ‘the call to rally around the army, to preserve its presence and institution, as well as the other security forces, which we salute for the role they play in safeguarding the security of the nation and citizens.’

He considered that the 80th independence commemoration comes at a time when our homeland is in the midst of raging storms, internal and external, represented by its political and economic crises, the burden of displacement weighing on the h
earts of its cities and villages, and the continuing Israeli aggression against the southern border villages and towns and against Gaza, which resides in every living and honorable human conscience.

‘Yet, the Lebanese people, government and people, despite all the circumstances, are determined to commemorate their independence, because they believe in the meanings of freedom, sovereignty, and national unity that it carries for them, and in the hope it inspires in their souls for a better tomorrow, God willing,’ Mikati went on.

He emphasized that independence is not a memory, but rather a reality that is lived every day, expressing his deep appreciation and reverence to the Lebanese army’s leadership, officers and individuals, confirming that ‘this institution is the fence of the nation and the protector of independence, and through it our hearts grow and our souls are reassured about the present and the future.’

The Prime Minister’s words came in his delivered speech during his patronage this afternoon of
the Independence Day ceremony and the announcement of the launch of the Independence Museum at the Independence Castle in Rashaya Al-Wadi.

The ceremony was attended by Cabinet Ministers Muhammad Wissam Mortada, Abbas Al-Halabi, George Boushkian, Nasser Yassin, and MPs Wael Bou Faour and Ghassan Skaf, as well as Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, the Prime Minister’s wife, Mrs. May Mikati, Mrs. Mona Elias Al-Hrawi, and Vice President of the Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation, former Minister Laila Solh Hamadeh, who was responsible for the restoration of the Rashaya Citadel and the establishment of the Independence Museum. Several political, social, judicial, spiritual, and military figures and activists were also present at the event.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Economy and Trade, Amin Salam, held a long and fruitful meeting today with the Qatari Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al-Ghanem, with whom he discussed international agreements and their impact on Lebanese youth and on Islamic and cultural upbringing and awareness in Lebanon.

Following Minister Salam’s presentation of Lebanon’s ideas and proposals, the Qatari Minister highlighted the necessity of making frequent visits to Lebanon, as there are large areas of cooperation between both countries.

In turn, Salam said: ‘As the State of Qatar and its people have always shown us, we felt the sincerity of brotherhood and cooperation to help Lebanon, and this is what appeared and we heard it publicly today from the Qatari Minister of Endowments.’

In this connection, Salam had previously visited the Dar El-Fatwa in Lebanon on October 13, where he held a lengthy meeting with the Grand Mufti of the Republic, Abdul Latif Derian, and briefed him on the pro
gram of his visit to the State of Qatar and his expected meeting with the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in Doha.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Defense Minister Maurice Slim, representing the Lebanese Republic, laid a wreath today at the statue of Prince Fakhreddine at the entrance to the Ministry of National Defense in Yarzeh on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Lebanon’s independence.

After Slim laid the wreath, the army band played the Chorus of the Dead and parts of the national anthem and the martyrs’ anthem.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Lebanese Forces Party Chief, Samir Geagea, issued a statement on Wednesday, indicating that ‘as Hezbollah refuses to implement Resolution 1701 and hand over the borders to the army and international forces in order to avoid a war that none of the Lebanese want, its use of some Lebanese border villages in the districts of Tyre, Bint Jbeil, and Marjayoun as a platform for launching its missiles is unacceptable because it exposes these villages to great dangers.”

Geagea regretted yesterday’s unfortunate and sad incident, noting that the majority of the people of these villages do not support Hezbollah nor do they agree with its method of action, which threatens to displace them from their villages amidst these extremely difficult financial and economic circumstances.

He added: ‘Hezbollah’s insistence on its weapons and its role is not the subject of Lebanese consensus whatsoever, and therefore the least faith is to respect the will of those who do not find any benefit in what it does and to refrain from using
the villages and commons of the people for its military purposes….”

“The current government, specifically the Ministers of Defense and Interior, are required to take all necessary measures so that Hezbollah does not use these villages, which do not constitute an incubating environment for its weapons and its role,” Geagea concluded.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

On the auspicious occasion of National Day of the Republic of Lebanon, we extend heartiest felicitations to the Government and people of Lebanon.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

The Public Security General Directorate’s media office issued a statement on Wednesday, indicating that the Directorate held a symbolic celebration marking Lebanon’s 80th Independence Day at its main headquarters this morning, headed by the Acting Director General of Public Security, Major General Elias Al-Baissari.

The Director General laid a wreath on the martyrs’ monument and observed a minute of silence in memory of the fallen martyrs, after which he met with senior officers in the August 27 Hall, where he inaugurated the celebration with the national anthem and the public security anthem.

Addressing the attending officers, Al-Baissari touched on current developments in Lebanon and the region, highlighting the responsibilities shouldered by the Public Security personnel in this delicate circumstance in the nation’s history, and focusing on the importance of fortifying the Directorate through discipline and adherence to laws and instructions while giving all care and attention to the citizen who is suff
ering from the prevailing difficult situation.

Al-Baissari praised the efforts made to ensure that the Directorate continues to perform its duties to the fullest, logistically and administratively, and to secure the basic requirements of its security personnel.

Touching on the file of displaced Syrians as a fundamental dossier related to the present and future of Lebanon, he revealed that data for the displaced will soon be received, hoping that this will contribute to finding solutions to this pressing issue in Lebanon in cooperation with the relevant ministries and departments.

Al-Baissari concluded by extending his greetings to the officers and soldiers, praising their exceptional efforts in preserving and fortifying the nation and protecting the Lebanese citizens.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

The Islamic Resistance issued the following statement: “In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in solidarity with their brave and honorable resistance, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted at 12:15 PM on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, the positions of Israeli soldiers and vehicles in the vicinity of Al-Raheb site with two ‘Burkan’ rockets, causing direct casualties.”

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrant, Abdullah Bou Habib, confirmed during his meeting with Belgian Minister of Cooperation and Development Caroline Guinez that Syria’s humanitarian and social situation cannot maintain its status quo.

“Early recovery and helping the Syrians in their country is a common European-Lebanese interest so that the destination of asylum does not shift from Lebanon to Europe,” the minister indicated.

He considered that the European investment in developing and strengthening Lebanese state institutions enhances the ability of the official administration and its institutions to rise again.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed the tireless efforts of Qatar, the United States, and all the countries that supported them to reach a humanitarian truce agreement in the Gaza Strip and exchange prisoners.

The Ministry stresses the importance of this truce as a gateway to reaching a complete and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and the immediate and unconditional entry of humanitarian aid, especially food and medicine, in preparation for the return of forcibly displaced residents and their survival in their land.

The Ministry hopes that this work will entail a just and comprehensive political solution to the Palestinian issue through the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, ensuring peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East region.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

The Lebanese Press Club on Tuesday condemned the new Israeli crime that resulted in the martyrdom of Al-Mayadeen journalist Farah Omar and her colleague, photographer Rabih Maamari.

‘The Press Club calls on international entities to exert pressure and take the necessary international legal steps to protect journalists and hold those who attack them accountable,’ a statement issued by the press club said.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

Kataeb Leader, Samy Gemayel, on Tuesday recalled his late brother, Minister Pierre Gemayel, on his 17th assassination anniversary.

“In every difficulty, at every challenge, just looking at your image is enough to give us a dose of hope. The sacrifice you offered alongside our fallen heroes is a commitment that a nation, one that Lebanese people take pride in, cannot afford to forsake,’ Gemayel wrote on ‘X’ platform.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

In relation to reports of Lebanese journalists killed by Israeli strike on 21 November, UNIFIL Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told the National News Agancy that ‘UNIFIL is shocked and saddened to learn that a group of journalists was hit near Tayr Harfa, in south Lebanon.,’ adding, ‘We extend our condolences to the families and friends of those killed.’

He added, ‘Intentionally targeting journalists and civilians is a violation of international law that may amount to war crimes.’

‘We continue to urge all parties to respect their safety and avoid striking areas where they may be hurt or killed,’ stressed Tenenti.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon