Category: Politics

Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, today received a phone call from Hanke Bruins Slot, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The conversation focused on developments taking place in the region, efforts for de-escalation to prevent the expansion of regional and international conflicts, and steps to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and tackle the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the Strip.

The two sides also stressed the importance of addressing the real causes of the conflict, the need to find political solutions through constructive dialogue and the involvement of all parties concerned.

The two sides agreed to continue coordination and consultation and support the development of friendly relations and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Source: Oman News Agency

Member of Parliament, Farid Haikal Al-Khazen, on Thursday visited Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi, in Bkerki, with whom he discussed the general situation in the country, according to MP Al-Khazen’s media office.

Following the meeting, MP Al-Khazen stressed that ‘the campaign against Patriarch Rahi is denounced and rejected, as Bkerke is a national edifice that brings together all the Lebanese.’

On the other hand, Patriarch Rahi met with MP George Atallah, who said on emerging that ‘The discussion dealt with various current matters locally and regionally.’

The Patriarch later received in Bkerki, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, with whom he discussed the current developments on the local and regional arenas.

Among Bkerki’s itinerant visitors for today had been Head of the Mount Lebanon Intelligence Bureau, Brigadier General Tony Moawad.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Acting Director General of General Security, Brigadier General Elias Baissari, on Thursday received in his office, the new Algerian Ambassador to Lebanon, Rachid Belbaki, who came on an acquaintance visit.

Discussions between the pair reportedly touched on the general situation and ways of coordination between the Algerian Embassy and the General Directorate of General Security.

Maj. Gen. Al-Baissari wished the Algerian ambassador success in his new mission.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Lebanese Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, on Thursday welcomed British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, alongside Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Baron Ahmad of Wimbledon, Tariq Ahmad, in his office at the Yarzeh headquarters.

The meeting was also attended by British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell.

Discussions centered on the general situation in Lebanon and the region, with a specific focus on developments along the southern borders.

The visiting delegation expressed their country’s unwavering support for the Lebanese Army during the exceptional circumstances facing Lebanon.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

House Speaker, Nabih Berri, on Thursday welcomed at the Second Presidency in Ain el-Tineh, British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, in the presence of British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell, and the accompanying delegation of the British Minister.

Discussions reportedly touched on the latest developments in Lebanon and the region.

Speaker Berri stressed to the British Foreign Minister that “Israel is targeting civilians and residential neighborhoods in the southern border villages and towns, bypassing the UN Resolution 1701 area and the rules of engagement, and that Lebanon is adhering to and awaiting the implementation of this resolution since its issuance in its entirety.”

On the presidential election entitlement, Berri stressed the need for ‘consensus among the Lebanese, given the specificity of Lebanon and the Lebanese system, to elect a president of the republic to complete the required reform and economic advancement.’

On the other hand, Berri received a delegation from the General Directora
te of the Presidency of the Republic, which included: the Director-General of the Presidency of the Republic, Dr. Antoine Choucair, Director General of Protocol and Public Relations, Dr. Nabil Shedid, and Chairman of the Honorary Council, Ali Hamad.

Choucair handed Speaker Berri the annual reports of the General Directorate of the Presidency of the Republic for the years 2020 – 2021 and 2022.

Discussions also touched on the situation of the General Directorate of the Presidency of the Republic.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdallah Bou Habib, on Thursday declared Lebanon’s stance against partial solutions in southern Lebanon.

During a conversation with journalists, Bou Habib emphasized that the Israeli project aims for Hezbollah’s withdrawal from the north to enable settlers’ return ‘a proposition Lebanon rejects.’

Bou Habib then asserted Lebanon’s pursuit of a comprehensive solution, delineating borders based on the 1923 demarcation affirmed in the ceasefire agreement.

“We seek the restoration of Shebaa Farms and Kfarshuba Hills, which are Lebanese territories, and demand Israel cease its aerial, maritime, and land violations,” Bou Habib stated.

The Foreign Minister then expressed readiness for indirect negotiations but insisted on refraining from signing any agreements before the presidential election. He highlighted the potential for negotiation akin to the maritime delineation agreement, advocating for boundary clarity, a request reiterated during discussions with th
e United Nations Secretary-General and thirteen other foreign ministers in New York.

“Lebanon desires complete peace, not partial solutions,” he emphasized, referencing discussions with US officials, as well as the ambassadors of France and the US in Lebanon.

Furthermore, Bou Habib discussed the matter with Hungary’s Foreign Minister, stressing Hungary’s interest in maintaining Lebanon’s diversity and requesting support for the implementation of UN Resolution 1701.

Responding to inquiries regarding the involvement of Hungary in conflict resolution efforts, Bou Habib acknowledged the challenges posed by Israel’s friendships with several European nations but emphasized leveraging good relations, such as with Germany, to achieve Lebanon’s objectives.

Regarding the United Nations’ role in implementing Resolution 1701, Bou Habib reiterated Lebanon’s demands for border clarity, Israel’s withdrawal to delineated borders, and the cessation of all violations.

On the topic of negotiations, Bou Habib indicated a wi
llingness to commence negotiations even without a president in place. However, he stressed Lebanon’s consensus on border delineation, withdrawal from Shebaa Farms and Kfarshuba, and halting violations.

Regarding the potential return of the US envoy, Bou Habib suggested significance in his return, which might hint at undisclosed developments.

In response to claims of Hezbollah’s exclusive control over indirect negotiations, Dr. Bou Habib affirmed ongoing dialogue between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah, with Hezbollah acknowledging the state’s responsibility for negotiations.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Thursday convened with Caretaker Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Judge Bassam Al-Mawlawi, at the Grand Serail. The meeting, attended by Beirut Governor Judge Marwan Abboud and Colonel Khaled Youssef, focused on an array of ministerial affairs.

Additionally, Prime Minister Mikati met with MP, Hadi Abu al-Hassan, and President of the Council for Development and Reconstruction, Nabil Al-Jisr, to discuss developmental initiatives.

Following the meeting, MP Abu al-Hassan stated, “Today’s visit to Prime Minister Mikati had a developmental nature, emphasizing the government’s obligation to initiate the implementation of Law No. 174/2020, authorizing the government to commence studies for the construction of the Beirut-Bekaa highway and tunnel.”

Abu al-Hassan further elaborated that discussions, in the presence of Nabil Al-Jisr, centered on initiating the first practical steps for conducting studies.

In turn, Prime Minister Mikati pledged full cooperation in la
unching the initial phase and tasked Al-Jisr with necessary preparations. Subsequent tangible steps are expected to follow to commence the study’s execution.

“This vital developmental project, with its strategic and developmental dimensions, must come to fruition. We must start with the crucial first step of conducting the study, a commitment appreciated from the PM,’ Abu al-Hassan emphasized, heralding positive news for the Lebanese people.

Addressing the aftermath of the recent storm and its impact on Lebanon, discussions stressed the urgency of bolstering the Higher Relief Commission and augmenting the Ministry of Public Works budget, echoing sentiments expressed during the recent budget session.

Moreover, discussions covered the general situation in the country, including the risks posed by Israeli aggression in the south. Emphasis was placed on fortifying internal stability, with hopes for potential breakthroughs amidst the current political landscape.

In a separate meeting, Prime Minister Mikati rec
eived MP Mohammad Sleiman to address general affairs and matters pertaining to the Akkar region.

Prime Minister Mikati finally welcomed, Ruba Al-Jardat, the Regional Director of the International Labour Organization.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Lebanese Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, on Wednesday received at his Yarzeh office, the Syriac Catholic Patriarch Mor Ignatius Youssef III Younan, with whom he discussed various issues.

The army commander later received Tunisian Ambassador to Lebanon, Bouraoui Limam, accompanied by the Military Attaché, Brigadier General Qaiser Safta.

Discussions reportedly touched on the cooperation relations between the armies of both countries.

Maj. Gen. Aoun also met respectively with Chairman of the Parliamentary Defense, Interior and Municipalities Committee, MP Jihad Samad, and MP Mark Daou, over the general situation in the country.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of National Defense, Maurice Sleem, on Wednesday met at his office in Yarzeh, with with MP Ashraf Rifi, with whom he discussed the general situation and the latest developments in the country.

Caretaker Minister Sleem later received German Ambassador to Lebanon, Kurt Georg Stoeckl-Stillfried.

Discussions between the pair reportedly touched on the Bilateral relations and military cooperation between the two countries, in addition to the situation in Lebanon and the region.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Information, Ziad Makary, on Wednesday welcomed Yemeni Ambassador to Lebanon, Abdullah Al-Duays, with whom he discussed bilateral relations and regional developments.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Wednesday welcomed at the Grand Serail Caretaker Agriculture Minister, Abbas Hajj Hassan.

On emerging, Hajj Hassan stated that he had briefed the PM on the latest developments in the agricultural sector, particularly after the crises that have affected the sector due to the ongoing Israeli aggression for more than three months, as well as the consecutive storms that have caused significant damage, whether along the coast or inland.

‘I also informed the PM about the preparations underway for signing a Lebanese-Iraqi memorandum of understanding next week, as the Iraqi Minister of Agriculture will be visiting Beirut and Lebanon. In this context, the President affirmed that the relationship with Iraq is strategic and fraternal, given the history of relations between the two countries and Iraq’s support for Lebanon,’ he added.

Hajj Hassan also briefed Mikati on the Ministry of Agriculture’s efforts regarding the wheat file and emphasized that some files in the agricul
tural sector should be prioritized through international and domestic support.

Regarding the question about importing Egyptian potatoes, the Minister of Agriculture said, “We are committed to the agreement signed between the two countries, with imports starting from February 1 until March 31. We discussed the matter extensively, whether with farmers, traders, or exporters. Today, we hope for smooth proceedings in this regard, especially since our relations with our brothers in Egypt are very strong and strategic. Egypt has stood by us, as most of the summer fruits were exported to Egypt, which is positive and very beneficial as we are now rebuilding trust between Lebanon and Arab countries and the world.”

Prime Minister Mikati also met with Lebanese University President Bassam Badran and the Executive Board of the Association of Part-Time Professors to discuss the university’s situation and demands.

The Prime Minister then had an audience with MP Waddah Sadek, who clarified that he discussed with Prime Min
ister Mikati the housing project in Naameh, which poses a threat to its residents.

He noted that about a hundred families are at risk of displacement.

“The Governor of Mount Lebanon issued an order to evacuate the project, and he has the right to do so. Prime Minister Mikati was responsive, and we will work with the Higher Relief Commission to try to find a solution,’ Sadek said.

He added, “We also discussed the importance of paving the streets in Beirut and how to improve Beirut Municipality’s revenues by utilizing the advertising billboards on bridges.”

The Prime Minister also met with Acting Governor of the Banque du Liban, Walid Mansouri.

He also contacted Minister of Health Firas Abiad and instructed him to “take utmost care of the artist Salah Tizani (Abu Salim), who was admitted to the hospital after experiencing a health emergency.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Ali Hamieh, on Wednesday met with Bassam Tleiss, head of land transport unions in Lebanon, with who he discussed issues within the transportation sector.

Hamieh highlighted the sector’s importance and ongoing efforts to address challenges, including determining public transportation tariffs amidst currency fluctuations.

Tleiss praised the ministry’s efforts and emphasized the need for temporary tariff issuance and regular evaluation.

In turn, Hamieh instructed the Directorate of Land and Maritime Transport to collaborate with unions to propose tariff values for further review, ensuring the interests of all stakeholders are considered.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon