Day: July 9, 2024

Caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Dr. Ali Hamieh, will announce the commencement of bus services along their designated routes across Lebanese regions during a press conference scheduled for 11:00 am tomorrow, Wednesday, at the Railway and Public Transportation Authority in Mar Mikhael. Source: National news agency - Lebanon

Lebanese Forces party leader, Samir Geagea, on Tuesday released a statement challenging the call for an official dialogue led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. "Some claim that 86 MPs are ready to participate in an official dialogue chaired by President Berri. If this is true, why don't they act on their words and sit around the table as long as they wish under his chairmanship?" Geagea questioned. "For the Lebanese Forces and the opposition, what matters is the second phase involving the call for an open session with successive rounds until a president is elected. The first phase, to us, is unconstitutional,' Geagea added. The LF chief further highlighted that the Lebanese Forces and the opposition are in continuous dialogue, which has led to agreements on primary and secondary candidates. "We are also in open dialogue with the majority of parliamentary blocs, seeking to elect a president according to constitutional provisions. This dialogue is ongoing and far removed from any pompous displays or grandsta nding." "We will not, under any circumstances, participate in creating constitutional precedents through the formation of an official dialogue table before electing a president,' Geagea firmly stated. "We are in constant dialogue with other parliamentary blocs. Those seeking a theatrical dialogue for unconstitutional purposes are free to join it. However, the crucial step remains Speaker Berri's call for an open session with successive rounds until the president is elected. Had the constitution been adhered to from the beginning, we wouldn't have reached this point. Our country's situation has deteriorated due to the repeated breaches of the constitution and the adaptation to unconstitutional practices. It is no longer acceptable to continue on this declining path that has turned the state into a mere facade, the constitution into a viewpoint, and the nation into a battleground,' Geagea concluded. Source: National news agency - Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Tuesday met with the Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), General Aroldo Lázaro, at the Grand Serail. The meeting reportedly reviewed the situation along the Blue Line and discussed cooperation between the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL, particularly regarding the implementation of UN Resolution 1701. The pair also examined the report UNIFIL is preparing for UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the resolution's implementation. Additionally, Mikati held talks with Minister of State for Administrative Development, Najla Riachi, focusing on ministerial matters. Later, MP Yassine Yassine met with Mikati to discuss the chronic water issues in the West Bekaa and Rashaya regions. Yassine highlighted problems with the water network, electricity, and water storage, noting the variations between different towns. He proposed a comprehensive solution that requires further study and action, which he presented to Mikati. Mikati also welcomed a dele gation of retired military personnel, including former MP Shamel Roukoz, General Adnan Mrabeh, and Brigadiers Bassam Yassine, Majed Tarabay, and Andre Rahal. Roukoz addressed the dire conditions of retirees, their families, and the families of fallen soldiers, emphasizing that current pensions are insufficient to meet their needs. He called for a minimum 40% increase in pensions based on 2019 levels, highlighting the need for a living wage that ensures dignity and respect for those who served the nation. Roukoz added, "The Prime Minister indicated that this issue would be discussed in today's Cabinet meeting, with potential results expected next week. The government and parliament must work together to ensure fair pensions that balance necessary allowances with economic stability." Finally, former Minister Mohammad Choucair and his family met with Mikati to express their gratitude for his condolences following the death of Choucair's father, Nizar Choucair. Source: National news agency - Lebanon

House Speaker, Nabih Berri, on Tuesday received the Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major General Aroldo Lázaro, at the second presidential headquarters in Ain al-Tineh. Discussions reportedly focused on the country's general situation, particularly the ongoing field developments amid Israel's continued aggression on Lebanese border villages with occupied Palestine and the role of UNIFIL in its operational area. Speaker Berri also met with the Belgian Ambassador to Lebanon, Koen Vervaeke, with whom he discussed the country's general situation, political and field developments, as well as bilateral relations between the two countries. Berri continued his consultations on political developments and security conditions during a meeting with the Caretaker Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Bassam Mawlawi. "Our visit to Speaker Berri today is significant and necessary. We are hopeful for positive news regarding the situation in the south, with a potential ceasefire in G aza soon extending to South Lebanon, a region of heroes enduring injustice,' Mawalwi said. 'We also briefed Speaker Berri on the security situation in the country, the work of the security forces, and the operations of all Interior Ministry agencies, especially at the beginning of the summer season. We hope this season will be peaceful and stable, bringing hope and stability to the Lebanese people, who are known for their resilience and progress,' the Interior Minister added. Mawlawi concluded by highlighting the importance of Beirut International Airport, stating, "We discussed the critical issues of energy and electricity at the airport, as well as its security, which is managed by the airport security apparatus and the Interior Ministry with utmost dedication." Source: National news agency - Lebanon

Lebanese Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, on Tuesday met with Lee Chul, the Director General for International Organizations and Nuclear Affairs at the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with a delegation, in the presence of Korean Ambassador, Park IL, at his office in Yarze. Additionally, General Aoun received Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro, the Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), with whom he discussed the general situation in Lebanon, regional developments, and border developments in southern Lebanon. Source: National news agency - Lebanon

Grand Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, on Tuesday welcomed Caretaker Minister of Economy and Trade, Amin Salam, at Dar al-Fatwa. On emerging, Salam remarked, "Our visit is to extend our blessings to His Eminence on the occasion of the Islamic New Year. We wish him and the esteemed institution continuous health, peace, stability, and calm, which are crucial for the country's progress and the necessary balance during these challenging times." Salam also emphasized that their discussions covered various general topics, particularly the country's economic and social conditions. "We addressed the economic situation and the high-pitched sectarian rhetoric, which neither harms nor benefits the country. At this difficult juncture, it is essential for us to stand united as one people and one nation against the adversary lurking over Lebanon and its future,' Salam added. "We also discussed the cost of living, the soaring expenses of healthcare, and the need to control the skyrocketing prices of med ical procedures and medications," Salam concluded. Source: National news agency - Lebanon