Category: Government Policy

Caretaker Minister of Information, Ziad Al-Makary, on Thursday welcomed in his office at Tele Liban, Head of the General Labor Confederation (GLC), Bechara Al-Asmar, in the presence of head of Tele Liban’s Employees Syndicate, Mirna Chidiac, and a number of heads of TL departments.

Discussions reportedly touched on the current conditions of Tele Liban employees and ways to improve them.

On the other hand, Minister Makary received a delegation from Al Maaref University, including University President Professor Ali Alaeddine.

Alaeddine invited Minister Makary to patronize the second international conference on ‘Digital Journalism and the Innovative Media Industry,’ which is organized by the University’s Faculty of Media and Arts on the university campus on December 8 and 9, 2023, within the framework of the ‘Beirut, Capital of Arab Media 2023’ activities.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Justice, Judge Henry Al-Khoury, on Thursday received at in his ministry office, the Algerian ambassador to Lebanon, Belbagi Rachid, where they discussed the overall general developments in Lebanon and the region, including the situation in Gaza.

Discussions also reportedly touched on strengthening the bilateral relations between Lebanon and Algeria within the framework of existing cooperation between the two countries at several levels.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, on Thursday received at his Yarzeh office, the British Chief of Defense Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, who began his visit by laying a wreath at the memorial in the courtyard of the Ministry of National Defense.

During his meeting with General Aoun, Admiral Sir Radakin stressed ‘the important role of the military institution in preserving Lebanon’s security and stability during this exceptional stage,” pointing out “his country’s continued support for it.”

In turn, the Army Commander expressed his ‘appreciation for the continued British support,’ stressing “continuing cooperation between the Lebanese and British armies.”

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Future Movement’ Secretary General, Ahmad Hariri, on Thursday welcomed United Nations Special Coordinator in Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, at his residence in Beirut.

Discussions reportedly touched on regional and international developments, repercussions of the Israeli war on Gaza and southern Lebanon, as well as Lebanon’s commitment to Resolution 1701.

The pair also discussed local updates regarding the presidential election file, efforts to prevent a vacuum in security and military institutions, and the path of reforms in state institutions.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

The Finance and Budget Committee, led by MP Ibrahim Kanaan and attended by Caretaker Finance Minister, Yusuf Khalil, is currently in a meeting to review and assess the 2024 state budget proposal.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Kataeb Leader Samy Gemayel received on Thursday French Presidential Envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian at the Kataeb Headquarters in Saifi.

‘Today’s meeting was positive, marked by a heartfelt exchange that led to a significant breakthrough in the French stance,’ Gemayel said in a press conference.

‘We all support the idea of a consensus presidential candidate, while Hezbollah refuses to engage in dialogue with others and insists on imposing its own candidate. Therefore, there can be no equality between the obstructive, the hesitant, and those in favor of ‘consensus’ who attend sessions,’ he went on saying.

‘Today, it has become clear and understood where the obstruction comes from, and the ball is now in the court of Hezbollah and its allies. We call on them to meet us halfway on the presidential front, rising above the logic of obstruction. Today, the only option lies in consensus candidates who garner the confidence and support of all parties,’ Gemayel noted.

‘We discussed all possible presidential scenarios wi
th the French envoy and also warned against any regional settlements detrimental to Lebanon’s interests. I spoke about this in the French Parliament, and it will also be the focus of my speech in Washington,’ he affirmed.

Gemayel emphasized that the concern regarding Lebanon and its security is significant, stating: ‘We are in a state of war and need a unified and strong military institution capable of protecting Lebanon and playing a crucial role in implementing UN Resolution 1701 and asserting Lebanon’s sovereignty.’

‘Implementing international resolutions and asserting the sovereignty of the state over all our country remains our priority. We are in a state of war, and southern Lebanon has been under bombardment for two months. What amazes us that we have not heard any statements from any government official and that the Minister of Defense is conspicuously absent from the scene.”

Regarding Gaza war and its repercussions, Gemayel stated: The region is on the brink of significant changes. Now, more than
ever, there is an urgent need to unite the believers in the freedom and sovereignty of this country, forming a unified front to protect Lebanon from the impending shifts.’

The Kataeb Leader called upon all sovereign forces to consolidate their positions in a transcendent manner beyond sectarian boundaries.

‘We, as Kataeb Party, do not endorse any sectarian approach; rather, our proposals are comprehensive and transcend sectarian divides. Our sole concern is the best interests of Lebanon, aiming for the restoration of order in institutions,’ he stressed.

Gemayel believed that Lebanon’s historical challenge had been the absence of sovereignty.

‘We strive to demarcate our borders and secure sovereignty, distancing ourselves from the proliferation of militias,’ he indicated.

‘Amid the current presidential vacuum and the political crisis, we are experiencing, we firmly reject the appointment of a new army commander without a head of state,’ he said.

‘We advocate for postponing the retirement of the current a
rmy commander until the election of a president,’ he emphasized.

Regarding legislative sessions, Gemayel said: ‘Our stance is principled and constitutional regarding this issue. We believe that the decision to postpone the retirement of the army commander can be made by the government.’

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Bukhari, on Thursday welcomed a delegation from the Lebanese-Saudi Business Council, headed by its president, Raouf Abu Zaki, who congratulated Saudi Arabia on winning bid to host the World Expo 2030 in Riyadh.

Abu Zaki said: ‘The Kingdom’s selection to host this event is an international testimony to the progress it has achieved over the past ten years, and an indication of sophistication and openness, an international recognition of the achievements and transformations that have taken place, and a culmination of the economic diplomacy led by the Kingdom’s wise leadership.’

Abu Zaki pointed out that “this success came to crown the comprehensive progress achieved in the Kingdom in various economic and social fields and in assuming a prominent leadership position at the regional and international levels.”

In turn, Ambassador Bukhari appreciated ‘Lebanon’s position on the Expo elections, which came as a comprehensive support for the Kingdom,’ hailing the position of ‘all L
ebanese leaderships in this regard.’ Ambassador Bukhari thanked Lebanon specifically for giving approval in the first round despite all the temptations presented to it by competing countries. Bukhari stressed that ‘Lebanon deserves all thanks,’ hoping that ‘the Lebanese pavilion will be one of the most distinguished pavilions at the Expo.’

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Kataeb Leader Samy Gemayel received European Union Ambassador to Lebanon, Sandra De Waele who came on an acquaintance visit.

The visit touched on the latest developments in the region and their repercussions on Lebanon

as well as ties between Lebanon and the European Union.

Gemayel reiterated to his visitor the Kataeb’s stance, emphasizing the call to protect Lebanon and prevent any internal or external party from involving it in regional conflicts and dragging it into a war unwanted by its people.

He also underscored the importance of implementing international resolutions, especially UN Resolution 1701.

Gemayel stressed the necessity of reviving institutions and moving towards the election of a president, marking the beginning of a process to restore authority and make the state the primary guarantor of its security and people.

The meeting was attended by Vice President of the Kataeb Party Dr. Bernard Gerbaka, Kataeb Political Bureau Member Alain Hakim, Head of Kataeb Foreign Affairs Department Marwa
n Abadallah, as well as Member of Kataeb Foreign Affairs Department Ghiwa Kosseifi.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati is currently in a meeting at the Grand Serail with French envoy, Jean-Yves Le Drian, accompanied by French Ambassador to Lebanon, Hervé Magro.

Further details regarding the outcomes of the meeting are anticipated to emerge shortly.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Information Minister, Ziad Makary, on Wednesday held a meeting with Xinhua’s Beirut office Director, Xie Hao.

Discussions between the pair revolved around the current state of Lebanon’s media industry, emphasizing existing collaborations and partnerships between Lebanon and various sectors of the Chinese media.

Exploration also delved into avenues where media outlets could contribute to fostering connections and understanding between the Lebanese and Chinese people.

Additionally, the potential utilization of technology to strengthen media relations between both nations was explored. The meeting also addressed areas for potential expansion in media cooperation between Lebanon and China.

Furthermore, discussions touched upon the challenges hindering the enhancement of media cooperation between Lebanon and China, while contemplating the future prospects of media collaboration between the two countries.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon