Category: Government Policy

– 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

Caretaker Minister of National Defense Maurice Sleem, on Wednesday met at his Yarze office, with the Chairman of the Parliamentary Defense, Interior, and Municipal Affairs Committee, MP Jihad Al Samad.

Discussions between the pair reportedly touched on the general situation in the country, as well as affairs related to the institutions of the Ministry of National Defense.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Information Minister, Engineer Ziad Makary, on Wednesday welcomed the presidents of ‘ALREC’ and ‘International Expert Solidarity’ system, who briefed the Minister on the international organization’s projects and on the imminent opening of its office in Lebanon. Both presidents also briefed Makary on the activities of the ‘Oscars for the Creators of Arabs and Africa’ competition, organized by the aforementioned association and the African Youth Parliament, and sponsored by the Ministry of Information.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdullah Bou Habib, on Wednesday met with Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani.

The pair discussed regional developments, especially the situation in Gaza.

‘Israel is not defending itself today, but is it’s obsessed with blind revenge,’ Bou Habib told his Iranian counterpart.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdullah Bou Habib, on Wednesday met with Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani.

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

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, on Monday received, in Bkerke, US Ambassador to Lebanon, Dorothy Shea, who stressed ‘the necessity of preserving security stability in Lebanon and seeking to stabilize it at all levels,’ underlining ‘the importance of neutralizing Lebanon from the ongoing war in Gaza strip.” In turn, Patriarch Rahi stressed that ‘Lebanon’s stability and security as well as the return of normal life to its institutions begin with the election of a President of the Republic who will play his role and ensure the implementation of the Constitution, which has the last say on any national entitlement.’ Rahi also emphasized ‘not to have a new vacuum in the country, especially in the leadership of the military establishment, as it is the safety valve today for Lebanon and the Lebanese.”

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon