Category: Politics

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, in presence of head of the General Labor Confederation, Bishara Al-Asmar, on Thursday welcomed a delegation representing the Federation of Trade Unions and Employees in North Lebanon, headed by Shadi Al-Asmar.

‘We’ve demanded that the 2024 state budget proposed today at the House of Parliament be considerate in terms of taxes and fees because people could no longer bear the increasing financial burdens,’ the GLC head said on emerging.

The Prime Minister separately met with the Director General of Protocol at the Presidency of the Republic, Nabil Shadid, the Director General of Protocol at the House of Parliament, Ali Hamad, and a representative of the General Directorate of Protocol at the Council of Ministers.

The meeting discussed the logistical preparations intended to be made for Independence Day.

During the meeting, Mikati provided his visitors with necessary directives.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdullah Bu Habib, on Thursday met with Qatari Ambassador to Lebanon, Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman bin Faisal Thani Al Thani.

In the wake of the meeting, the Caretaker Minister affirmed that ‘the world is called upon to stop Israel’s contempt for international humanitarian law via its attacks on hospitals in Gaza, especially the Jordanian and Al-Shifa Hospitals, medical teams, patients, and newborn children.’

‘The UN Security Council resolution calling for a temporary humanitarian truce is a necessary but insufficient step on the right path to reaching a ceasefire and halting the aggression,’ Bou Habib added.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, on Thursday met with MP Ibrahim Kanaan, who visited him in the company of head of the ‘Maronite Gathering for Lebanon,’ Paul Youssef Kanaan.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, is currently chairing a cabinet session at the Grand Serail.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdullah Bu Habib, is currently meeting with Qatari Ambassador to Lebanon, Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman bin Faisal Thani Al Thani.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

An-Nahar:

Scenario for extension in today’s cabinet session?

Nidaa Al-Watan:

UNIFIL makes sure accused of killing Irishman ‘released instead of being tried’

Khamenei abandons Gaza: Iran and Hezbollah will not enter war

Al-Joumhouria:

Moscow: Lebanon and Iran do not want war

Delaying Army Commander’s dismissal sways between necessity, constitutional threat

Al-Akhbar:

US leads displacement battle: destroying north first!

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

– Kataeb Leader Samy Gemayel participated in a series of meetings and conferences in the European Parliament in Brussels, accompanied by Head of Kataeb Foreign Affairs Department Marwan Abdallah.

Gemayel made series of interventions in the European Parliament in Brussels, in the EPP Political Assembly, in the executive committee discussions with CDI member parties, and in a debate at the Wilfried Martens Centre on the ‘Multiple War Crises at Europe’s Gate – What’s Next for the International Order.’

The Kataeb Leader also met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Executive Committee of Centrist Democrat International ( IDC-CDI )

During the meeting, the Executive Committee of Centrist Democrat International IDC-CDI agreed on a proposal presented by the Kataeb Party regarding Lebanon.

The proposal calls for efforts to defuse any potential escalation on the southern borders of Lebanon and urges all parties to adhere to the full implementation of the UN Resolutions 1559 and 1701.

The proposal urges th
e Iranian regime and Hezbollah to refrain from dragging Lebanon into a war that would only lead to destruction.

It also calls on the international community to exert pressure to halt border escalation and to cease external interference in Lebanon, using it as a platform for conveying messages.

General Assembly and the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee of the European People’s Party

The Kataeb Leader affirmed that what is happening in the Middle East is the result of the international community’s failure to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Gemayel emphasized that the Lebanese people do not want to be dragged into war, saying that country is held hostage by an armed militia that seizes its decisions and institutions.

He pointed out that the Lebanese people aspire to live in peace, seek freedom and openness to the world.

‘The European Union should take a firmer and clearer stance regarding the instability in the region and in my country, Lebanon,’ he stressed.

Regarding the Syr
ian refugee crisis, Gemayel indicated: ‘Lebanon cannot sustain this burden alone. The war has ended in Syria and the Syrian refugees should return to their country.’

Gemayel called on the European Parliament to support Lebanon.

‘We have borne this burden for 12 years. It is not Lebanon’s responsibility but rather the world’s,’ he affirmed.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Responding to a question from the National News Agency on the release of the individual accused in the killing of Pvt. Rooney, UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said: ‘We are aware of reports that the Lebanese authorities last night released the individual they had detained in the attack that killed UNIFIL peacekeeper Seán Rooney due to his deteriorating health.’

He added, ‘We are working to confirm this information with the military court.’

‘The Government of Lebanon has on several occasions stated its commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice. We continue to urge that all perpetrators be held accountable, and for justice for Private Rooney and his family,’ stressed Tenenti.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

House Speaker, Nabih Berri, on Wednesday met, at the Second Presidency in Ain El-Tineh, with a delegation from the ‘National Moderation’ bloc, which included MPs: Walid Al-Baarini, Mohammed Sleiman, Sajih Attieh, Ahmed Al-Khair and Ahmed Rustom.

Discussions reportedly touched on the current general situation and political, security and field developments, in light of the escalating Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

Talks also dwelt on legislative affairs.

Speaker Berri later met with MP Abdel Aziz Al-Samad.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon