Latest news with #LebaneseGovernment
LBCI
14 hours ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon declares August 4 a public holiday to mark Beirut Port blast anniversary
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam issued memorandum No. 29/2025 ordering the closure of public administrations, institutions, and municipalities on Monday, August 4, 2025, in commemoration of the Beirut Port explosion. The decision is based on Decree No. 15215 dated September 27, 2005, and its amendments—particularly Decree No. 8007 dated February 23, 2021—as well as memorandum No. 28/2025, which announced a national day of mourning on the anniversary. The move reflects the government's recognition of the tragedy's impact and its continued significance for the Lebanese people.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lebanon can't get past talk of Hezbollah disarmament
"The government and Hezbollah need to fully commit and act now in order to not consign the Lebanese people to the stumbling status quo," Barrack wrote. US Envoy Tom Barrack is back in Turkey after a recent trip to the region. He had been in Lebanon recently where he held discussions about what may come next in the country. Barrack is the US ambassador to Turkey and its envoy to Syria. He has also been involved in US policy on Lebanon. However, Beirut seems to be talking more about disarming Hezbollah than actually collecting arms. Pro-Hezbollah networks realize this, and so do those in the region who would prefer to see the terrorist group disarmed. Barrack wrote on July 26 that 'the credibility of Lebanon's government rests on its ability to match principle with practice. As its leaders have said repeatedly, it is critical that 'the state has a monopoly on arms.' As long as Hezbollah retains arms, words will not suffice. The government and Hezbollah need to fully commit and act now in order to not consign the Lebanese people to the stumbling status quo.' Pro-Hezbollah groups view statement as a warning The pro-Hezbollah al-Akhbar media outlet in Lebanon has reflected on these new comments. Barrack was seen as conciliatory in the past but now some pro-Hezbollah voices wonder if he is tiring of the prevarications in Beirut. 'Barracks stance was a warning,' Al-Akhbar said on July 28. It is also linked to a local media campaign, it claims. 'These same outlets have been leaking pessimistic sentiments since the US envoy's departure, speaking of 'the US not being convinced by the latest Lebanese response, or even the position conveyed by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri,' promoting the idea that 'Lebanon has entered a dangerous orbit and is only a few steps away from an escalation by Israel to implement what the Lebanese state has not done.'' Now, the Lebanese prime minister appears to be reaching out to Nabir Berri, an old Lebanese politician and a Shi'ite. By tradition, a Shi'ite is speaker of the parliament in Lebanon, while a Sunni is prime minister and a Christian is president. Berri is often put in the position of sitting between the government and Hezbollah, playing both sides. Thus, a proposal has been conveyed to Berri by the prime minister, calling for a special cabinet session to discuss the issue of Hezbollah's arms. The phrasing of the report is general, speaking about arms in general and 'Lebanon's commitment to implementing the decision to monopolize arms possession by the state.' This is code for supposedly bringing in the arms of Hezbollah. The pro-Hezbollah media seems concerned that the US might support withdrawing UNIFIL from southern Lebanon and that Washington might escalate pressure. Barrack had appeared to say that the US would not use a stick, but rather more carrots to influence Lebanon. It appears Hezbollah is concerned that the stick may be coming. Asharq al-Awsat reported this weekend that talks with Hezbollah are going slowly. 'Lebanese President Joseph Aoun acknowledged on Friday that negotiations with Hezbollah over its weapons are ongoing, though progressing slowly,' the report said. 'Speaking amid heightened tensions along the southern border with Israel, Aoun emphasized that dialogue is being conducted directly with Hezbollah, not through a formal security committee, and expressed cautious optimism over a gradual breakthrough.' Aoun added that 'there is some responsiveness to the ideas we're discussing, even if things are moving at a slow pace.' Solve the daily Crossword
LBCI
6 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanese army helicopters join firefighting efforts in Cyprus
Two Lebanese army helicopters took off from Beirut Air Base on Friday morning to assist in firefighting operations in Cyprus. The mission, part of a Lebanese government initiative, is being carried out in coordination with Cypriot authorities.
LBCI
23-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Bahrain and Lebanon Summit: Support for Lebanese sovereignty, call for international conference on Palestine
Bahrain and Lebanon issued a joint statement after their bilateral summit, underscoring their commitment to strengthening ties through increased communication, reciprocal visits, and the activation of existing agreements and memoranda of understanding. Both sides also pledged to continue joint coordination to safeguard regional security and stability. The Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirmed its steadfast support for Lebanon's sovereignty, unity, and stability, while rejecting any external interference in its internal affairs. The statement praised the efforts of President Joseph Aoun and the Lebanese government in advancing political and economic reforms. Bahrain also expressed its support for Lebanon in reclaiming its irreplaceable regional role. It called for the complete withdrawal of Israel from Lebanese-occupied territories and the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, as well as the extension of state authority over all Lebanese territory. The summit's final communiqué emphasized the importance of Bahrain's 2024 summit call for an international conference to address the Palestinian issue, stressing the need for full United Nations membership for the State of Palestine. Regarding the nuclear file, both nations called for renewed efforts to resume negotiations between the United States and Iran and supported making the Middle East a region free of weapons of mass destruction.
The National
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Lebanon seeks deal to send inmates of overcrowded prison to Syria
Lebanese Justice Minister Adel Nassar says proposed treaty will not apply to those convicted of terrorism or murder.
