Latest news with #Baabda
LBCI
14-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
President Aoun chairs Cabinet meeting at Baabda Palace, holds series of political and security consultations
President Joseph Aoun is presiding over a Cabinet session at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Baabda Presidential Palace. The agenda includes 28 items covering agreements, draft laws, decrees, appointments, and administrative matters. Earlier in the day, the president held a series of meetings at the palace focused on political, security, administrative, and cultural issues. Among the visitors was Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, who updated President Aoun on the outcomes of his recent meetings in Qatar and France. The two also discussed government affairs and the work of several ministerial committees chaired by Mitri, including those focused on refugees, public sector reform, digital transformation, and international humanitarian law. Mitri noted that a report prepared by the International Humanitarian Law Committee addresses Israeli violations of international law. The discussions also covered regional and international developments. President Aoun also chaired a security and administrative meeting attended by Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar, Director General of the Presidency Antoine Choucair, State Security chief Hassan Choucair, Internal Security Forces chief Raed Abdullah, the Presidency's Director General of Legal Affairs Judge Yahya Karkatli, and the president's military and security advisor Antoine Mansour. The meeting focused on the Interior Ministry's work, including preparations for the second phase of the municipal and local elections recently held in the North and Akkar governorates. Culture Minister Ghassan Salame met with President Aoun to discuss cultural and national issues, the ministry's agenda, and future plans.
L'Orient-Le Jour
05-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Aoun: Bassil attempted without success to 'eliminate' me in Haret Hreik
BEIRUT — The Baabda deputy Alain Aoun stated Monday that during the municipal election in Haret Hreik, in southern Beirut's suburb, "the president of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), Deputy Gebran Bassil, launched a war of elimination against me, but did not succeed." The term "war of elimination" refers to a phase at the end of the Lebanese civil war, when in 1989, violent clashes occurred in the Christian areas between Michel Aoun, founder of the FPM and then head of a military government since 1988, and the Lebanese Forces of Samir Geagea. Asked to comment on the channel al-Jadeed about the first phase of the Lebanese municipal elections which took place Sunday in Mount Lebanon, Alain Aoun reflected on the victory of the list he supported, which included family representatives, in this locality, which is part of his Baabda constituency, against the one backed by the FPM Amal and Hezbollah in the southern suburb. Alain Aoun was an important figure in the FPM until August 2024, when he was expelled from his party. His frequent disagreements with the FPM president, Gebran Bassil, had long been public. He was elected in the FPM bloc in 2022. "Yesterday's (Sunday) election was an important test, and lessons should be drawn from it," He continued during the interview. "There should not have been a war of elimination against me or against the families in the locality," he added, noting that "the Amal and Hezbollah should also learn from this and not deal with other parties with arrogance." These municipal elections, taking place in May 2025 with a three-year delay due to the crises that have rocked the country, are seen by many as carrying valuable indications ahead of the spring 2026 legislative elections, in a country undergoing significant changes due to recent major upheavals on the domestic scene and in the region, especially after the 2023-2024 war between Hezbollah and Israel.
Al Manar
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Manar
Over 45% Turnout in Mount Lebanon Municipal Elections, President Aoun Calls for Post-Vote Accountability
The municipal mayoral elections in Mount Lebanon concluded on Sunday with what officials described as a successful turnout, exceeding 45% of registered voters. Ballot counting continued late into the night following a long and competitive election day. Turnout rates varied among the six districts of the governorate. Keserwan topped the list with 60%, driven by fierce competition among political party-backed lists. In contrast, Metn registered the lowest turnout. Preliminary results showed sweeping victories for the 'Development and Loyalty' lists in the Baabda towns of Haret Hreik and Ghobeiry; in Joun, Jiyeh, and Wardaniyeh in Chouf; and in Bmekine in Aley. The same political group also secured wins in Ras Osta, Beshtlida, Hjoula, Mghayri, and Ain El Ghouaybeh in the Jbeil district. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Forces claimed victory in the city of Jbeil. Lists backed by the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) won in Hadat, Souk El Gharb, Kahale, and Wadi El Sitt, while Kataeb-supported lists prevailed in Beit El Dine and Beit Chabab. Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar held a press conference Monday morning, thanking all those who contributed to the election's success and praising the efforts of every employee involved. 'I oversaw the results in coordination with all stakeholders. We also developed a computerized system to audit the results before publishing them on the Interior Ministry's website,' Hajjar said. He announced a comprehensive review of the electoral week to address logistical issues and prevent their recurrence in future phases. 'The start of the new political era and the formation of a government have had a positive impact across the country,' the minister added. As part of the official follow-up, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited the Interior Ministry's operations room on Sunday to monitor the vote-counting process after the Interior Minister announced the end of the first round of elections, with a turnout rate of 44.59%. Villages and towns in Keserwan and Metn witnessed high voter engagement, fueled by intense family and partisan rivalries. Jounieh emerged as the main electoral battleground. In Metn, results for 17 municipalities and 37 mayors were decided by acclamation. Baabda, the largest district in Mount Lebanon, saw a mix of acclamation and fierce competition. In Bourj Al-Barajneh, the municipal council was elected unopposed, while contests were limited to mayor seats. In Ghobeiry and Haret Hreik, electoral battles pitted Hezbollah- and Amal-backed lists along with the FPM against those supported by dissident MP Alain Aoun. During a tour of polling centers in Beirut's southern suburbs, Minister Hajjar emphasized the significance of holding democratic elections in areas previously targeted by Israeli attacks, despite existing challenges. In Jbeil, Chouf, and Aley, voter turnout was driven by sharp competition between established political alliances and influential family networks. Over 86,000 voters in Jbeil elected 40 municipal councils and 119 mayors in a calm yet fiercely contested race, while Chouf and Aley witnessed similar tensions between partisan and familial candidates across both municipal and mayoral elections. President Aoun to Winners: 'The Real Responsibility Begins Now' President Joseph Aoun congratulated the winners of the municipal and mukhtar elections, praising the successful completion of the first phase in Mount Lebanon, which took place in a democratic and transparent atmosphere. He commended citizens for their active participation, which reflected their commitment to municipal governance and its key role in driving local development. Speaking from Baabda Palace, Aoun affirmed that the elections mark a step forward on Lebanon's path to recovery despite ongoing challenges, applauding the Interior Ministry and security forces for ensuring a smooth and orderly process. He also thanked all contributors, including media outlets that covered the vote throughout the day. Aoun emphasized that the true responsibility begins after the elections, with the focus on serving citizens and meeting their needs. He stressed that, while competitive, the elections are an opportunity to strengthen national unity and expressed hope that the next phases will carry the same momentum and integrity.
L'Orient-Le Jour
02-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
US appoints new cease-fire monitoring committee chair in apparent gesture to Beirut
BEIRUT — The head of the cease-fire monitoring committee, American General Jasper Jeffers, introduced his successor to President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday, during a meeting between the three and U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson at Baabda Presidential Palace. A statement from Baabda revealed that the committee, made up of French, American, Lebanese, Israeli and UNIFIL representatives, would now be chaired by CENTCOM Deputy Commander Major General Michael Leeney, who, unlike Jeffers, will fulfill his role from within Lebanon, where he will reside. Jeffers, who is also involved in the States' Yemen operations, will remain involved in the committee as a supervisor and periodically visit Beirut. 'I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in such an important mission, and I am very optimistic about the future," Leeney said, as per a statement from the U.S. embassy, which described Leeney as a "full-time senior U.S. military leader in Beirut." The statement also specifies that Leeney will "work closely with [Lebanese Armed Forces] LAF, UNIFIL, France and the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon to enable the LAF to provide security and fully safeguard Lebanese sovereignty." Israel continues to occupy five points on the Lebanese side of the borderline, claiming the need to maintain military outposts to guard against "threats." The US responds to Lebanese calls for action Sources within Baabda have indicated that Leeney's appointment is seen by the Lebanese heads of state as a gesture from the U.S. of its commitment to ensuring the truce is effectively implemented — at a time when Israel is escalating its attacks on Lebanon in violation of the cease-fire, launching airstrikes with apparent impunity. On Sunday, Israel bombed Beirut's southern suburbs, prompting Lebanese authorities to double down on their insistence that the U.S. curb Israel's violations and pressure it to respect the agreement. The recent tour by U.S. officials and diplomats was intended to respond to Lebanon's calls for intervention as well as to monitor Lebanon's efforts to achieve a monopoly on arms in the country, which it is doing with U.S. support. President Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri coordinated their positions ahead of the visit, agreeing to collectively demand the cessation of Israeli aggression, its withdrawal from Lebanese territory, and the Lebanese Army's further deployment in the South, with the aim of dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure and placing its weapons under state control. Stating their case to the U.S. representatives, Aoun, Salam and Berri insisted that Israel's ongoing occupation and continuous attacks undermine the state, even as it has made clear its intentions to acquire all of Hezbollah's weapons. Israeli strikes, particularly on Beirut's southern suburbs and areas near the airport, will have very negative consequences on all sectors in Lebanon. The American delegation reportedly expressed an understanding of the demands and pledged to relaunch the monitoring committee's work to implement the agreement, urging Lebanon to, meanwhile, continue its efforts toward a monopoly on arms. From California to Afghanistan to CENTCOM Leeney was born in 1966 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and has spent most of his career — which has involved service in the infantry ,armored division and air defense — in California. He was an executive officer in the U.S. battalion deployed as part of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Sinai, Egypt, and in the 40th Infantry Division's agribusiness development team in Kunar, Afghanistan. In May 2018, he was deployed as chief of staff of the Train, Advise and Assist Command South (TAAC-S) in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Returning to the States in February 2019, he was then appointed deputy general in charge of operations for the 40th division. In May 2022, he became commander of the 40th division, then was deployed as commander of Task Force Spartan at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, from July 2023 to March 2024. In October 2024, he assumed the role of deputy commander for U.S. Central Command's (CENTCOM) Army branch, known as ARCENT. Leeney meets the heads of state After the Wednesday Baabda meeting, the two generals and the U.S. ambassador went to Ain al-Tineh to meet with Berri, and then on to Yarze to visit Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal and to the Grand Serail to speak with Salam. 'General Leeney will work closely with the Lebanese Army, UNIFIL, France, and the Lebanese Military Technical Committee to enable the Lebanese Army to fully ensure the security and protection of the country's sovereignty," the aforementioned U.S. embassy statement reads. "Conscious of the importance of ending hostilities, General Jeffers will continue to monitor the situation in Lebanon while fulfilling his duties as commander of U.S. Special Operations Forces in the Levant, the Gulf, and Central Asia.' At Ain al-Tineh, Berri criticized 'the escalation of Israeli aggressions and daily violations, while Lebanon respects all its obligations, whereas the Israeli side does not respect the cease-fire and has not withdrawn from territories it still occupies in the South.' In the meeting, Berri argued, 'This escalation in aggression and Israeli violations undermines the state's recovery process, stability, reforms, and sovereignty,' according to a statement, and called on the U.S. to compel Israel to immediately apply the agreement. General Leeney confirmed that 'the commission will start holding regular and permanent meetings to monitor the situation's evolution.' At the Grand Serail, Salam delivered a similar points. 'Lebanon respects the agreement, and the Lebanese Army continues its efforts to extend its deployment and fully establish its authority over the entire Lebanese territory,' he stated, before condemning Israeli violations and calling for the liberation of Lebanese prisoners. 'The Israeli withdrawal constitutes the real entry point to strengthening the state's authority and consolidating it, in parallel with Lebanon's measures to strengthen the army's capabilities in manpower and equipment,' he added.
L'Orient-Le Jour
02-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Aoun meets new head of the cease-fire supervision committee
President Joseph Aoun received Wednesday, in the presence of U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson, the chairman of the cease-fire supervision committee between Israel and Hezbollah, U.S. General Jasper Jeffers, who introduced his successor, Maj. Gen. Michael Leeney, according to a statement released by Baabda. "President Aoun emphasized the need to strengthen the committee's work, continue to pressure Israel to cease its aggressions, withdraw from the five hills it occupies and free Lebanese prisoners," the presidency said. "The head of state also affirmed that the Lebanese army fully performs its missions in the South, particularly south of the Litani, where it continues to seize weapons and ammunition, as well as dismantle armed apparitions," added the statement published on X. Leeney, born in 1966 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has served in several branches of the army: infantry, armored division, and air defense, and has primarily operated in California during his career. He also served as executing officer in the United States Battalion (USBATT) deployed as part of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Sinai, Egypt, as well as in the agribusiness development team of the 40th Infantry Division in Kunar, Afghanistan. Passage in Kuwait In 2011, Leeney took command of the 1-143rd FA in Walnut Creek. Then, in 2013, he was appointed to the 79th Brigade. In August 2014, he became Chief of Staff of the 40th ID, a position he held until May 2018. Subsequently, he was deployed as Chief of Staff of the Train, Advise and Assist Command South (TAAC-S) in Kandahar, Afghanistan. After his return in Feb. 2019, he was appointed Deputy Commander for Operations for the 40th Division. In May 2022, he became commander of the 40th Division, then was deployed as commander of Task Force Spartan at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, from July 2023 to March 2024. In Oct. 2024, he assumed the role of Deputy Commander of U.S. Army Central and the Third Army. The cease-fire supervision committee entered into force last Nov. 27 between Hezbollah and Israel and is composed of five members. It is co-chaired by France and the U.S., and completed by Lebanon, Israel, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Its main mission is to implement and monitor the cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon, primarily to ensure the dismantling of Hezbollah's weapons in the south through the Lebanese army. The cease-fire has been marred by numerous Israeli violations, including three bombings of Beirut's southern suburbs. The Israeli army still occupies five so-called strategic sites in South Lebanon, despite being supposed to withdraw on Feb. 18. In a speech on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated that the Israeli army must remain in what he called a "buffer zone" between Lebanon and the Hebrew state. Following their meeting in Baabda, the two U.S. generals and the U.S. ambassador continued their tour with a stop in Ain al-Tineh to meet Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, then proceeded to Yarzeh for a visit with the Lebanese Army Commander, Rodolphe Haykal. They also made a stop at the Grand Serail to hold talks with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. "I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in such an important mission, and I'm very optimistic about the future. The Lebanese Army is known for its professionalism, and my meetings confirmed its commitment to ensuring peace and stability," said Major General Michael Leeney, according to a statement released by the US Embassy in Lebanon on Tuesday afternoon. 'The general will work closely with the Lebanese Army, UNIFIL, France, and Lebanon's Military Technical Committee to help the army fully ensure the country's security and sovereignty. Acknowledging the importance of halting hostilities, General Jasper Jeffers will continue to monitor the situation in Lebanon while also fulfilling his role as commander of US Special Operations Forces in the Levant, the Gulf, and Central Asia,' the embassy added.
