
PM Salam to Ali Larijani: Lebanon will not tolerate interference in internal affairs
Speaking during a meeting in Beirut with Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, and his accompanying delegation, Salam stressed that decisions made by the Lebanese government 'are not to be subject to discussion in any other country,' adding that the seat of decision-making lies with the Council of Ministers and that 'Lebanon's decisions are made solely by the Lebanese people, who do not accept guardianship or dictates from anyone.'
Salam underscored that any relationship with Lebanon must pass exclusively through its constitutional institutions, 'not through any political party or parallel channel.'
He said foreign assistance is welcome provided it is delivered through official channels.
'Lebanon is a small country that has long suffered from the interference of others,' Salam said. 'It is time to turn this page. The people of Lebanon know their own affairs best, and Lebanon will not accept being used as a platform to settle scores or as an arena for regional messages.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


LBCI
5 hours ago
- LBCI
Lebanon and Syria launch push to revive trade and transport — can the lifeline be restored?
Report by Ghida Fayad, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Between Beirut and Damascus, transportation has never been just about crossing the border. It has long served as a vital lifeline, connecting Lebanon to Arab markets, carrying goods and passengers in both directions. In recent years, however, that lifeline has dwindled under the weight of high fees, complicated procedures, and political and security pressures. Now, new agreements aim to restart it by facilitating the movement of goods and passengers between the two countries. Under the agreements, Lebanese and Syrian trucks, as well as public transport vehicles from both countries, will be exempt from any fees when entering or leaving the other's territory. The two sides also agreed to implement the International Road Transport, or transit, agreement in line with the 1977 Arab Convention, and to reduce transit fees for Lebanese trucks passing through the Al-Qaim crossing from 10% to 2%. Regarding the entry of empty trucks and vehicles and loading for a third country, Syria promised to consider allowing Lebanese trucks to transport goods to countries inaccessible to Syrian trucks. Damascus also asked Lebanon to study the possibility of allowing empty Syrian buses to enter Lebanon to transport passengers, with Beirut pledging to coordinate with the relevant authorities on the condition that these buses do not operate within Lebanese territory. The understandings also call for both sides to work with their respective authorities to reduce customs clearance fees, grant an exemption for trucks carrying steel rolls weighing up to three tons, and explore reactivating the 'Orange Card' related to the unified compulsory insurance system. A direct communication unit will also be established to allow immediate coordination in resolving any problems faced by transport vehicles or trucks, whether at the border or inside either country. These agreements are not new, but rather a revival of an accord dating back to 1993 — one that has seen periods of activity and stagnation and is now returning to the forefront in an effort to breathe new life into transportation and trade between Lebanon and Syria.


LBCI
5 hours ago
- LBCI
From Kirkuk to Tripoli: Historic oil pipeline poised for comeback
Report by Yazbek Wehbe, English adaptation by Mariella Succar The U.S. Caesar Act, which imposed sanctions on Syria, had delayed efforts to revive the Iraqi oil pipeline running from Kirkuk in northern Iraq to Baniyas in Syria and then to Tripoli in northern Lebanon. The lifting of U.S. sanctions has now put the project back on track, driven by Iraq's interest in supporting Lebanon and expanding its oil exports to the Mediterranean and onward to Europe, particularly amid disputes with Turkey over exports from the Turkish port of Ceyhan. Work on the pipeline began 95 years ago by the Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC). In 1940, the Tripoli refinery was established to process imported crude oil. In the 1950s, a new line was added to the Tripoli route, with a capacity of about 400,000 barrels per day. Sources told LBCI that a technical inspection of the pipeline showed minor damage from Kirkuk to the Baniyas refinery inside Syria, while more significant damage was found between Baniyas and the Al-Buqai'a border crossing between Lebanon and Syria in the Wadi Khaled area. The remaining section from Al-Buqai'a to Tripoli requires replacement, and the Iraqi side is prepared to consider financing this work. The information also indicates that Lebanon — which has hosted two Iraqi technical delegations in the past three months — is ready to work on this file with both Iraq and Syria, fully aware of the economic benefits it would gain if the pipeline were reactivated and a modern refinery built. The Iraqi side is also studying the possibility of constructing a new pipeline from Basra in southern Iraq to Kirkuk, connecting it to the existing line to Tripoli. Before 1984, Lebanon collected transit fees on Iraqi oil, amounting to about $1 per barrel, and Iraq allocated a quantity of oil for Lebanese domestic consumption at preferential prices. The renewed oil cooperation could bring major benefits, especially if the planned Tripoli economic zone — designed to produce all types of petroleum products — is completed. As global competition intensifies over oil and gas fields, export routes, and diverse trade corridors, Lebanon's strategic geographic location could allow it to play an influential and productive role — provided it approaches the matter away from political polarization and, crucially, free from corruption.


LBCI
5 hours ago
- LBCI
New ‘red line' in Shebaa puts farmers, herders, and beekeepers at risk — the details
Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian In the Shebaa region, Israeli forces moved the Blue Line and established a new 'red line' that farmers, beekeepers, and herders are prohibited from crossing. Two days ago, Israeli forces dropped leaflets warning people not to cross the newly designated line, effectively creating a buffer zone in addition to the occupied points and other buffer areas established since the ceasefire agreement took effect. According to local residents, the 'red line' buffer zone extends from Birkat al-Naqar and the Sadana hills to the road between Kfarchouba and Shebaa, covering a large area that now poses significant risks to anyone entering it. Herders entering the area have reportedly faced gunfire and stun grenades multiple times to prevent access to pastures and livestock. Since June, Israeli forces have reinforced their positions and fortifications near Shebaa Farms. The new 'red line' buffer zone has also impacted beekeepers, with several losing hives, and some farms near Birkat al-Naqar being cleared. Previously, the Israeli army issued a notice instructing beekeepers in the Bayader area to relocate their hives to northern Shebaa. Along the farms' line, a buffer zone in Bastra has similarly affected herders and beekeepers, resulting in lost income, hives, and grazing land. Videos show significant damage to agricultural structures and property belonging to both herders and beekeepers. The buffer zone in Shebaa and Bastra add to other buffer areas along the Odaisseh-Kfarkela route and in Dhayra, as well as the five occupied points, the occupied Hadab site in Aita al-Shaab, and the newly established site in Khillat al-Mahafir in Odaisseh.