Category: Politics

Australia and Southeast Asian nations urged for calm in the disputed South China Sea and a long-lasting truce in the Gaza Strip as they concluded a three-day summit today.

Australia hosted a summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Melbourne to mark the 50th anniversary of its ties to the bloc, even as differences remained across the 10 members on China’s plans to extend diplomatic and military presence in the region.

A joint statement by Australia and ASEAN called for a “rules-based” order in the Indo-Pacific, as Beijing looks to increase its presence in the South China Sea.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the situation in South China Sea was generally stable and China’s position on the disputed area was consistent and clear.

The joint statement also reiterated concern over the “dire” humanitarian situation due to Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, as well as calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas, a Palestinian resistance movement.

“We condemn at
tacks against all civilians and civilian infrastructure, leading to further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza including restricted access to food, water, and other basic needs,” the statement said.

It added, “We urge for an immediate and durable humanitarian ceasefire.”

Source: Oman News Agency

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Wednesday welcomed UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro, with whom he discussed the situation in southern Lebanon and the ongoing cooperation between the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL.

Prime Minister Mikati also welcomed World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, Ferid Belhaj, along with the Regional Director for the Middle East at the World Bank, Jean-Christophe Carret.

Belhaj stated after the meeting, “Today, I had a meeting with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, marking my latest official visit to Lebanon. It provided an opportunity to discuss regional issues, particularly economic, social, and security conditions. We discussed upcoming projects to be reviewed by the Cabinet and Parliament for their approval and implementation.”

“We’ve also discussed a study conducted by the World Bank on the economic and social impact of Syrian refugee influx into Lebanon. A similar study was conducted ten years ago, presented
to the Security Council, which rallied support for Lebanon. This new study evaluates the economic and social repercussions and will be presented to donors and the Lebanese public to understand the budgetary pressures, economic, and social contractions in Lebanon,’ Belhaj explained.

Regarding the cost of the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon, Belhaj said that the cost amounted to approximately $1.5 billion, and that it was imperative for all stakeholders or donors to contribute significantly, as Lebanon alone couldn’t bear this cost.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Mikati held discussions with Minister of Telecommunications, Johnny Corm, and the Director-General of OGERO, Imad Kreidieh, to address ministry affairs.

Mikati also welcomed Marwan Sehnaoui, President of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Malta.

“We’ve discussed the upcoming visit of Prime Minister of Malta, Ricardo Paterno, with a delegation to Lebanon in April,’ Sehnaoui said, outlining the details of the visit and the scheduled meetings.

M
oreover, Premier Mikati welcomed at the Grand Serail, a delegation from the ‘National Moderation’ bloc, which included MPs: Walid Al-Baarini, Ahmed Al-Khair, and Ahmed Rustom, in addition to the Bloc’s Secretary, Hadi Hobeish, in the presence of MP Bilal Al-Hashimi.

The delegation briefed the Premier on their presidential election initiative, and raised with the PM affairs related to the Akkari district.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Australia and Southeast Asian nations urged for calm in the disputed South China Sea and a long-lasting truce in the Gaza Strip as they concluded a three-day summit today.

Australia hosted a summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Melbourne to mark the 50th anniversary of its ties to the bloc, even as differences remained across the 10 members on China’s plans to extend diplomatic and military presence in the region.

A joint statement by Australia and ASEAN called for a “rules-based” order in the Indo-Pacific, as Beijing looks to increase its presence in the South China Sea.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the situation in South China Sea was generally stable and China’s position on the disputed area was consistent and clear.

The joint statement also reiterated concern over the “dire” humanitarian situation due to Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, as well as calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas, a Palestinian resistance movement.

“We condemn at
tacks against all civilians and civilian infrastructure, leading to further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza including restricted access to food, water, and other basic needs,” the statement said.

It added, “We urge for an immediate and durable humanitarian ceasefire.”

Source: Oman News Agency

Lebanese Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, on Wednesday received at his Yarzeh office, George Okais, with whom he discussed the current general situation in the country.

The army chief later received the President of the Alawite Islamic Council, Sheikh Ali Qaddour, with an accompanying delegation, with various affairs featuring on their talks.

Maj. Gen. Aoun also received the Head of the Mediterranean Region at the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Julien Simon, with a delegation.

Discussions reportedly touched on cooperation means between the Centre and the Lebanese Army.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, on Tuesday received at his Yarzeh office, MP Hadi Abou El-Hessen, with whom he discussed the country’s general situation.

The Army Chief also received a delegation from the Armed Forces Retirees Association, headed by retired Major General Nicolas Mezher.

Discussions reportedly touched on affairs related to the retired military personnel.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, on Monday received, in Bkerke,, MP Michel Douaihy, with whom he discussed the current developments locally and regionally.

Patriarch Rahi then received in Bkerke the head of the Tripoli Bar Association, Sami Al-Hassan, on top of a delegation from the Association, who paid him a protocol visit.

Discussions reportedly touched on the current general situation.

Following the visit, Al-Hassan stressed “the necessity of speeding up the election of a President of the Republic in order to regularize work in all institutions, and to preserve public liberties and freedom of expression.”

Al-Hassan added, “We also touched on the existing conflict and dispute in Qornet al-Sawda between the towns of Bsharri and Bekaa Safrin and the necessity of cooperation to end this dispute in accordance with the law and personal and tribal reconciliation in order to preserve coexistence.”

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

House Speaker, Nabih Berri, received on Tuesday at the second presidency headquarters in Ain al-Tineh, MP Faisal Karami, with whom he broached the latest political and field developments, in addition to legislative affairs.

Speaker Berri later later met with the Regional Director for the Near and Middle East for the International Committee of the Red Cross, Fabrizio Carboni, in the presence of Head of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Delegation for Lebanon, Simone Casabianca Aeschlimann.

Discussions touched on the general conditions and the ICRC work programs in Lebanon and the region, in light of Israel’s continued aggression against Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Public Works and Transportation Minister, Dr. Ali Hamieh, on Tuesday emphasized that “the experience and knowledge gained from the twinning project constitute a solid foundation upon which we will continue to build, by maintaining partnership with the European Union and other stakeholders.”

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the twinning project between the European Union, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Lebanese Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Hamieh stated, “The aim always remains to ensure the safety and security of Lebanon’s skies for everyone, especially since the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recently issued Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) 2022-02R on November 6, 2023, addressing the issue of interference in the Global Positioning System (GPS) in the Eastern Mediterranean region, which already poses a significant risk to all airlines including European ones. It is no secret that the source of this interference comes from the Israeli enemy, which violates our n
ational sovereignty and disregards the safety of aviation in our airspace, regardless of who is affected by it.”

“Therefore, we call on the European Union to make concerted efforts to take drastic measures to remove this serious threat to aviation safety in the entire region, as it jeopardizes international standards and operations and risks people’s lives,” Hamieh said.

“Once again, we appreciate the efforts of the European Union in this field and value its cooperation, looking forward to its continuation in the future,’ Hamieh concluded.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Monday presided over the closing ceremony of the twinning project between the European Union, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Lebanese Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

The event aimed to bolster Lebanon’s civil aviation authorities’ capacities in safety and security.

Held earlier on Tuesday at the Middle East Airlines Training and Conferences Center, Mikati delivered a keynote speech, hailing the day as a pivotal moment in Lebanon’s aviation history.

Mikati emphasized the significance of international cooperation in enhancing Lebanon’s capabilities in safety and security, citing the twinning project as a model for such collaboration. He highlighted the evolving role of aviation beyond mere transportation, emphasizing its role as a bridge between people, cultures, and economies. Mikati underscored that aviation challenges transcend national borders, necessitating collective efforts and international cooperation.

Issues like safety, security, su
stainability, and innovation in aviation are shared concerns that affect everyone, regardless of geography or nationality, Mikati noted. Through collaborative research and development, sharing best practices, and investing in cutting-edge technologies, significant strides can be made in improving air travel efficiency, safety, and its environmental impact.

Mikati further reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to actively participate in global aviation efforts, aiming to strengthen relations with international partners and contribute to multilateral forums and dialogues on aviation. He expressed gratitude to the European Union, Italy, and the Lebanese authorities involved, particularly the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Middle East Airlines, for their unwavering support and dedication.

Mikati finally called for the European Union to diligently prevent any disruptions to communication systems and ensure their safety in the Eastern Mediterranean region, renewing Lebanon’s commitment to international aviat
ion standards and cooperation.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Former Prime Minister, Tammam Salam, on Tuesday welcomed at his Mseitbeh residence, MP Mohammed Suleiman, with whom he discussed various matters and the country’s latest developments.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Antelias’ Cultural Movement on Monday evening honored Professor Mohammad Jawad Khalifeh, Lebanon’s former Minister of Health, during a ceremony held at the Rahbani Brothers Theater in Deir Mar Elias as part of the 41st Lebanese Book Festival.

The event began with journalist Malek El-Sharif commending Professor Khalifeh, highlighting his dedication to healing and rebuilding the nation post-war.

El-Sharif emphasized Professor Khalifeh’s pivotal role in revolutionizing Lebanon’s healthcare system during his tenure from 2004 to 2010, transforming public hospitals, modernizing healthcare infrastructure, and implementing electronic healthcare systems, as well as significantly reducing medical expenses.

El-Sharif hailed Professor Khalifeh as a global leader in healthcare, whose innovative approaches continue to influence health financing projects worldwide. He praised Professor Khalifeh’s ability to unite Lebanon amid its divisions and credited him for prioritizing national interests over political affiliations.

I
n his acceptance speech, Professor Khalifeh expressed pride in being honored by the Cultural Movement, ‘which was born from the turmoil of war.’ He praised Antelias’ resilience and commitment to preserving cultural heritage amidst adversity, urging a return to unity and solidarity.

Moreover, Professor Khalifeh warned against the pitfalls of digital advancements, cautioning against the loss of human connection and creativity in an increasingly technology-driven world. He urged a revival of traditional values and emphasized the importance of empathy and genuine human interaction.

In conclusion, Professor Khalifeh emphasized the need for genuine compassion and solidarity, transcending political divisions. He underscored the belief that the cure for societal ailments lies within the community itself, urging a collective commitment to fostering hope and unity.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Major General Abbas Ibrahim engaged with journalists in Sydney to discuss Lebanon’s ongoing developments. Welcoming the media, he emphasized their role in upholding truth and free speech.

Regarding Lebanon’s situation, Ibrahim expressed optimism about the nation’s future, highlighting its potential for success amid challenges. He dismissed fears of imminent war, citing regional dynamics and economic concerns.

On the presidential file, Ibrahim rejected external interference, advocating for Lebanese unity. He also endorsed national initiatives for moderation but remained skeptical about Resolution 1701’s enforcement.

Reflecting on his visit to Australia, Ibrahim emphasized dialogue with expatriates and bilateral cooperation. He underscored the need for infrastructure to facilitate Syrian refugee returns.

Ibrahim then addressed questions about his role and political aspirations, affirming his commitment to public service.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Tuesday delivered a keynote address at the “Arab Forum for Sustainable Development” held at the United Nations House – ESCWA.

The forum, themed “Working for Sustainability and Peace’, brought together dignitaries and representatives from across the Arab world to discuss strategies for achieving long-term development goals amidst regional challenges.

In his speech, Mikati expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the event, highlighting Lebanon’s pride in hosting ESCWA. He commended Dr. Rola Dashti, the Executive Secretary of ESCWA, for her leadership in fostering constructive efforts towards development.

Mikati reiterated Lebanon’s historical role as a beacon of democracy, freedom, and coexistence, reaffirming the country’s commitment to serving as a model for the region despite facing ongoing crises and conflicts.

He stressed the importance of collaboration among nations to address pressing issues, emphasizing the need to integrate social justice
into sustainable development agendas to ensure equitable progress for all.

Mikati called for an end to Israeli aggression in southern Lebanon and Gaza, urging Israel to adhere to international resolutions and withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories in compliance with Resolution 1701.

Highlighting recent milestones, Mikati announced Lebanon’s submission of the final document outlining the national food system transformation pathway to the United Nations Food Systems Coordination Center. This marks a historic achievement for Lebanon and sets the stage for comprehensive collaboration in the realm of food security and sustainability.

Mikati also noted that Dr. Inaya Ezzeddine had presented a proposal for the Right to Food Law, aimed at guaranteeing access to food for all Lebanese citizens without discrimination, thereby contributing to social justice and aligning with the Sustainable Development Agenda.

In conclusion, Mikati expressed his appreciation to all participants and extended a warm welcome to Leb
anon for the esteemed guests, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to fostering peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the region.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon