
Parliamentary Committee meets UN Coordinator to discuss UNIFIL, border tensions, and aid conditions
Following the meeting, MP Alame stated: 'The purpose of the meeting was to clarify a number of key issues given the current circumstances, including the situation in South Lebanon and matters related to UNIFIL's role.'
He added that there were also questions raised regarding the renewal of UNIFIL's mandate, and noted that the Lebanese state had already submitted a request for its renewal.
He continued, 'The second topic we addressed was the situation on our eastern and northern borders, and what's happening in Syria and its potential impact on Lebanon, especially with the influx of displaced Syrians into the country. We also discussed how the United Nations could help in this regard.''
Alame emphasized, ''The third point focused on humanitarian aid and reconstruction assistance. It was made clear that Lebanon might not receive reconstruction aid until issues related to U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and its implementation mechanism are resolved, in addition to the need for reforms. She emphasized the importance of reform-related legislation.'
He concluded, 'We also touched on regional developments and posed questions regarding the U.N.'s role. In conclusion, there was an expressed interest and hope that Lebanon would develop a national security strategy and strengthen its army, as this is essential to building a unified and stable Lebanon and fulfilling necessary obligations before any future developments.'
Hashtags

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


LBCI
23 minutes ago
- LBCI
On the front line: Lebanese Army marks 80th anniversary
Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Through the ruins of the southern town of Kfarkela, now nearly leveled by Israeli strikes, signs of life are scarce. Amid the devastation, along the buffer zone, and just meters from Israeli military positions and the fortified border wall, the Lebanese Army maintains a steady presence. From a strategic hilltop position once held by Israeli forces and reclaimed by the Lebanese Army after the withdrawal, soldiers carry out their duties with full awareness of the risks. During the current war of support, 47 Lebanese soldiers have lost their lives, and many patrols and outposts have been targeted by Israeli fire, including the Aamriyeh outpost, where one soldier was killed and others wounded in a direct strike. Soldiers stationed there carry both physical and emotional scars. One soldier, who continues his mission with shrapnel lodged in his leg, says every step he takes is a reminder of the violence they have endured. Despite these hardships, the army's mission continues. The war has altered some of the army's roles under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. Since the cessation of hostilities, the military, in coordination with UNIFIL, has conducted more than 5,364 missions to uphold the ceasefire. The Fifth Brigade, Fifth Intervention Regiment, and Seventh Brigade are deployed across western, central, and eastern sectors south of the Litani River. Following the recent escalation, the Second Intervention Regiment was also mobilized to reinforce the army's presence. Throughout all phases, military intelligence—which has lost personnel in the line of duty—has provided critical security support. The Lebanese Army's deployment has been essential in helping displaced residents return to their homes and lands, even in areas where destruction is severe. In Wazzani, deep near the occupied village of Ghajar, civilians remain without basic services. In Aita al-Shaab, the army supports farmers determined to cultivate their lands and protect their livelihoods. Despite limited resources, complex challenges, and a broad operational mandate that stretches across the nation, the Lebanese Army, now marking its 80th anniversary, continues to symbolize unity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to protecting the country and its people.


LBCI
23 minutes ago
- LBCI
Political deliberations: Lebanese Cabinet to tackle controversial arms control
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi All eyes are on the Lebanese Cabinet's upcoming session scheduled for Tuesday, with a key agenda item set to address the contentious issue of exclusive control over weapons. The session may proceed in the absence of Ministers Yassine Jaber and Mohammad Haidar, both of whom are close to Hezbollah and currently abroad on pre-scheduled travel. Ministers are expected to continue discussions on the implementation of measures to assert state sovereignty across Lebanese territory using only national military forces. A government statement is anticipated following the session, reaffirming the principle of arms exclusivity under the Lebanese state, while also calling on Israel to cease its ongoing violations, withdraw from Lebanese territory, and release detainees. Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal is also expected to attend the session to present an overview of the Lebanese Armed Forces' efforts related to this matter and outline possible next steps toward arms collection. Following Tuesday's meeting, the issue may be referred to the Higher Defense Council for the development of an appropriate implementation mechanism. Leading up to the session, internal political consultations have intensified. The latest of these took place Thursday evening at Baabda Palace, where Hezbollah MP Mohammad Raad, head of the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc, met with President Joseph Aoun. According to LBCI's sources, Hezbollah expressed concern over recent presidential rhetoric, particularly references to the "withdrawal of Hezbollah's weapons." The meeting, described as constructive and flexible, was focused on clarifying key points and avoiding statements that could provoke internal tension. Both parties reaffirmed the importance of Israel's adherence to the ceasefire and withdrawal from Lebanese territory. With only days remaining before the Cabinet session, Lebanese leaders are expected to continue intensive consultations in hopes of reaching common ground on the arms exclusivity clause.


LBCI
3 hours ago
- LBCI
US envoy Witkoff says Gaza visit to help craft aid plan
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said Friday that his visit to U.S.-backed aid stations in Gaza would help Washington draw up a plan to deliver more aid to the Palestinian territory. "Today, we spent over five hours inside Gaza," Witkoff said in a post on X, accompanied by a photo of himself wearing a protective vest and meeting staff at a distribution center. He added that the purpose of the visit was to "help craft a plan to deliver food and medical aid to the people of Gaza." AFP