Iran security chief vows continued support for Lebanon
Mr Ali Larijani's trip to Lebanon comes after the government's plan to disarm the Tehran-backed Hezbollah.
BEIRUT - Iran's top security chief vowed in Lebanon on Aug 13 that his government would continue to provide support, after the Lebanese government ordered the army to devise a plan to disarm Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
Mr Ali Larijani's trip to Lebanon comes after Iran expressed opposition to a government plan to disarm Hezbollah, which before a war with Israel last year was believed to be better armed than the Lebanese military.
'If... the Lebanese people are suffering, we in Iran will also feel this pain and we will stand by the dear people of Lebanon in all circumstances,' Mr Larijani, the head of the National Security Council, told reporters after landing in Beirut.
Dozens of Hezbollah supporters gathered along the airport road to welcome Mr Larijani. He briefly stepped out of his car to greet them as they chanted slogans of support.
In Lebanon, Mr Larijani is scheduled to meet President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, as well as Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who is close to Hezbollah.
Iran has suffered a series of blows in its long-running rivalry with Israel, including during
12 days of open war between the two countries in June.
Hezbollah's grip on power has slipped since a war with Israel ended in a
November 2024 ceasefire and the new Lebanese government, backed by the US, has moved to further restrain it.
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Hezbollah is part of Iran's so-called 'axis of resistance' – a network of armed groups in the region, including Hamas in Gaza and Yemen's Houthi rebels, united in their opposition to Israel.
The ouster in December of Mr Bashar al-Assad in Syria, which long served as a conduit for weapons deliveries between Iran and Hezbollah, cut off the supply route to Lebanon.
Iran has declared its firm opposition to the Lebanese government's bid to disarm Hezbollah, while the movement itself has slammed the decision as a 'grave sin'. AFP
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Straits Times
8 minutes ago
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Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox In recent months, the BCA has conducted focus group discussions with MCSTs, managing agents and industry associations to better understand various perspectives. SINGAPORE – At one 48-year-old private housing estate in Upper Thomson Road, the signs of deterioration are clear. Lifts are due for replacement, there is spalling concrete and water seepage in the carpark, and the sinking fund cannot cover repair costs. But some residents say these issues might have been mitigated with early guidance on technical matters from qualified persons, as well as financial planning support. The news that the Government is reviewing the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act, to better enable management corporation strata titles (MCSTs) to upgrade their developments, is therefore welcome. 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'It is difficult to get people to join the council as it's very challenging to manage an ageing estate like ours,' said Mr Nallan Chakrawarti Raghava, 73, treasurer of the council. (From left) Lakeview Estate's MCST council chairman B.M.R Williams, professional engineer and consultant for the MCST Patrick Foong Keng Yuen, MCST council treasurer Nallan Chakravarti Raghava, and the condo's manager Abdul Shazwan. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN There are a total of 12 lifts in three blocks, each of which serves alternate floors. When one fails, residents on those floors have no lift access, which is a major inconvenience for the elderly and wheelchair users. Replacing all the lifts would cost $1.8 million, while fixing spalling concrete in the carpark would cost another $300,000 to $400,000. The sinking fund currently holds less than $1 million, said Mr Williams. 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But fewer than 10 per cent of older condos have successfully gone en bloc in the past decade. MCSTs and home owners need to think and invest for the long term with early planning and collective responsibility to ensure enough sinking funds and reserves for sustainable living environments, said Ms Wong. At Loyang Valley, a condominium in Changi with 56 years remaining on its 99-year lease, some residents are hoping for the collective sale to go through as it is the third time the condominium is being put up for such a sale . Mr Terence Lian, head of investment sales at Huttons Asia and the appointed marketing consultant for the collective sale of Loyang Valley, said: 'While the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act review may not directly address lease decay or (collective) sales, it's understandable that many home owners in older developments are making that connection.' 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Our founding leaders approached every endeavour with the intent to make it endure for generations. This National Day, we remember not just how GIC began, but why it was established – and who made it possible. Dr Goh had the foresight to imagine a different path. Dr Yong had the resolve to build it. Mr Lee had the skill to grow it. Each of them served with humility and dedication, handing down something precious: a clear purpose and a culture of integrity. Along with many others, playing roles both big and small, these pioneers contributed to growing the reserves and, in turn, securing Singapore's financial future. We are fortunate to inherit this foundation, and though they are no longer among us, we hope that the GIC of today remains a continuation of their vision and values. Many key institutions in Singapore share similar origin stories – visionary leaders and dedicated teams united by a shared purpose and the spirit of public service. In this respect, GIC is not unique. 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Straits Times
8 minutes ago
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