Category: Government & Politics

Acting Director General of General Security, Brigadier General Elias Baissari, on Wednesday received in his office, MP Michel Mouawad, with whom he discussed the latest developments on the internal arena. Brigadier General Baissari later received in his office, President of Caritas Lebanon, Father Michel Abboud, with whom he broached the latest developments in Lebanon and the region. Discussions also touched on ways of coordination and cooperation between the Organization and the General Directorate of General Security. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

The head of the "Lebanese Forces" party, Samir Geagea, met in Maarab with the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. The meeting took place on the eve of Security Council consultations on the implementation of Resolution 1701 and the discussion of the UN Secretary-General's report on this matter. A statement from the "Lebanese Forces" party noted that during the meeting, Hennis-Plasschaert heard the party's position, which has been calling for the actual implementation of Resolution 1701 since the start of the Gaza war. The statement affirmed: "Hezbollah's opening of the southern front has led to more wars, tragedies, and destruction in the south and its people, without being able to spare Gaza from invasion, near-total destruction, and displacement." According to the statement, the discussion also covered presidential elections and the obstruction practiced by the Hezbollah-Amal Movement duo. "The solution lies in the Speaker of Parliament adhering to the constitutio nal process and calling for consecutive election sessions. The 'Lebanese Forces' have no objection to consultations between blocs between election rounds until a president is finally elected without violating the constitution," it added. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

President of the Iraqi Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, on Tuesday received, at Baghdad Palace, Caretaker Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Judge Bassam Mawlawi, and his accompanying delegation. The meeting touched on the participation of friendly and brotherly countries in the "Second Baghdad International Conference on Drug Control,' as the Iraqi President stressed the importance of coordination and joint cooperation to confront th scourge of drugs that threatens the security and stability of countries, and the future of their children. The Iraqi President also pointed out 'the deep historical ties that bind the two brotherly countries, stressing 'Iraq's support for Lebanon in various fields.' He also underlined "the need to unify efforts to confront the challenges surrounding the region and enhance cooperation and coordination between countries on issues of common interest, in a way that achieves their interests and aspirations in consolidating security, stability and peace." For his part, Min ister Mawlawi stressed "the importance of electing a president of the republic who will lead the state-building process," pointing out "the necessity of implementing international resolutions, especially Resolution 1701, which contribute to achieving stability in the country." Mawlawi also thanked "Iraq's positions towards Lebanon and its continued support for it in all fields, and Baghdad's hosting of the Second International Conference on Drug Control," expressing "keenness to strengthen joint cooperation with Iraq in the security aspects, in a way that serves the interests of the two brotherly countries." Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

Free Patriotic Movement leader, MP Gebran Bassil, on Tuesday welcomed at his Bayada residence, Swiss Ambassador to Lebanon, Marion Weichelt, in the presence of former MP Eddy Maalouf and FPM Diplomatic Relations Department official Rami Moneim. Discussions reportedly touched on the repercussions of the war in Gaza and the south and how to protect Lebanon, in addition to ways to resolve the presidential vacuum crisis and the FPM's position in this context. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

The Kataeb Party's political bureau held a meeting under the chairmanship of Party Leader Samy Gemayel. After discussing the latest developments, the following statement was issued: Remaining silent about what is happening in southern Lebanon and the suffering endured by its residents has become a crime against a country whose sovereignty and the security of its people are being violated in every way. The stockpiles of weapons hidden among residential areas, such as those discovered in Adloun, do not support the so-called Gaza resistance in any way. Instead, they invite Israeli attacks and turn Lebanese citizens into human shields to protect the weapons. The Kataeb Party holds the government responsible for the deteriorated situation the country is experiencing by ignoring the fact that the south has become a battleground under the eyes of a State incapable of protecting the Lebanese and safeguarding their security, and even refusing to bring the issue to public discussion. It also emphasizes the need to respond to the petition filed by Opposition MPs, demanding Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri to convene a session to discuss the ongoing war and its repercussions. This essential requirement was highlighted by the Kataeb's Leader during the European grant discussion session on May 15, over two months ago, but it has fallen on deaf ears. The Kataeb Party reiterates the urgent need to put an end to military operations originating from Lebanon, declare a state of emergency in the south, hand over control to the army, task it with repelling any aggression against Lebanon, and work towards implementing international resolutions that guarantee the protection of Lebanon and the Lebanese, particularly UNSC Resolutions 1559 and 1701, and return to the 1949 Armistice Agreement. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

Caretaker Industry Minister, George Bouchikian, on Tuesday received at his ministry office, US Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa A. Johnson, with whom he discussed the bilateral relations between Lebanon and the United States, and how to help enhance Lebanese industrial and production exports to American markets. Discussions also touched on the situation in Lebanon and the region. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, on Tuesday received at his Yarze office, the Ambassador of Sweden to Lebanon, Ann Dismorr, who paid him a farewell visit upon winding her diplomatic mission in Lebanon. The army commander also received MP Wael Abou Faour, with whom he broached the general situation in the country. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Tuesday held a meeting at the Grand Serail, with Caretaker Water and Energy Minister, Dr. Walid Fayyad, and the Director General of Electricite Du Liban (EDL), Kamal Hayek. Minister Fayyad said that the meeting followed up on the outcome of the positive visit to Iraq last Sunday. Prime Minister Mikati also received at the Grand Serail, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa, who said that they discussed the overall situation and developments in the region and Lebanon, and they exchanged views reggarding the latest developments. Premier Mikati then received Acting Director General of General Security, Brigadier General Elias Baissari, with whom he discussed the security situation in the country. The Premier later received respectively MPs Bilal Al-Hashimi, Walid Al-Baarini, Ihab Matar, Ahmed Al-Khair, and Ghazi Zoaiter, over relevant district demands and developmental affairs. Amon Premier Mikati's itinerant visitors for today had be en a delegation from the New Mazloum Hospital. Mikati later received the Secretary General of the United Cities and Local Governments Organization - Middle East and West Asia Section, Dr. Mehmet Duman. Discussions touched on the activities provided by the organization and the possibility of providing support and assistance to Lebanon. Mikati then welcomed at the Grand Serail, Lebanon's Ambassador to Italy, Mira Daher. The Premier then received the Head of American Task Force for Lebanon, Edward Gabriel. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon