Latest news with #Menassa
MTV Lebanon
5 hours ago
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Defense Minister Backs UNIFIL, Condemns Attacks
Minister of National Defense Michel Menassa visited the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters in Naqoura, where he met with Force Commander General Aroldo Lázaro. The meeting, attended by officers from both UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces, addressed recurring tensions between peacekeepers and local residents in southern Lebanon. In an English-language address, Minister Menassa praised UNIFIL's steadfast presence since its 1978 deployment following extensive Israeli aggression that claimed 2,000 lives and caused widespread displacement and destruction. He underscored that UNIFIL has become part of the fabric of southern Lebanese society, sharing in both its trials and celebrations. Menassa urged the international community to renew UNIFIL's mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 without amendments, calling it 'crucial for maintaining the stability and peace your mission has fostered over the years.' He emphasized the Lebanese state's unwavering commitment to full implementation of the resolution and pledged close coordination between the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL in securing the south, enabling the return of displaced communities, and promoting reconstruction. Highlighting the cost of peacekeeping, Menassa recalled casualties during major conflicts including in 1982, 1993, 1996, 2006, and the recent devastating war that ravaged southern Lebanon, parts of Beirut and the Bekaa. 'Through these immense challenges, you have remained steadfast … driven by moral integrity and humanitarian commitment,' he noted. The minister strongly condemned all aggression against UNIFIL personnel, stating that such acts 'serve only the enemy by obstructing the shared mission we all seek to uphold.' He also paid tribute to outgoing Commander Lázaro as his term approaches its end, commending his leadership in one of the world's most volatile theatres. 'On behalf of the South, of its people, and of Lebanon—thank you,' concluded Minister Menassa, expressing deep gratitude for UNIFIL's enduring solidarity with the Lebanese people.
National News
28-03-2025
- Politics
- National News
Defense Minister participates in Saudi-sponsored security talks with Syria in Jeddah
NNA - Minister of National Defense, General Michel Menassa, accompanied by a security delegation, on Friday visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a high-level meeting in Jeddah with Syrian Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra and his accompanying delegation. Talks were held under the auspices of Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. According to a statement from Menassa's office, the meeting focused on issues of mutual interest between Lebanon and Syria, particularly border security and efforts to enhance bilateral stability. The two sides signed an agreement affirming the strategic importance of border demarcation, the formation of joint legal committees in various fields, and the activation of coordination mechanisms to address emerging security and military challenges—especially along the shared border. A follow-up meeting is scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia in the near future. Minister Menassa thanked the Saudi leadership for hosting and supporting the dialogue. Saudi Arabia reiterated its full support for Lebanon and Syria's security and stability, emphasizing the broader importance of peace in the region.
Al Arabiya
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Border security agreement signed between Syria, Lebanon in Saudi Arabia
Defense ministers from Lebanon and Syria formalized a security agreement in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah aimed at addressing border threats, according to the official Saudi Press Agency. Thursday's meeting in Jeddah followed directives from Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and was attended by Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman, Syrian Minister of Defense Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra, Lebanese Minister of Defense Major General Michel Menassa, and their accompanying security delegations, to discuss issues of mutual interest aimed at achieving security and stability between Syria and Lebanon. It follows recent border violence that resulted in 10 deaths. SPA reported that Lebanon's Menassa and Syria's Abu Qasra convened for discussions 'to discuss issues of mutual interest aimed at achieving security and stability between Syria and Lebanon.' The agreement emphasizes 'the strategic importance of border demarcation, the establishment of Syrian-Lebanese legal and specialized committees across various sectors, and the activation of coordination mechanisms to address security and military threats, particularly those originating along the border,' according to SPA. They also agreed to hold a follow up meeting in Saudi Arabia in the future. The Syrian and Lebanese ministers of defense expressed their gratitude to the Kingdom's leadership and to the Saudi minister of defense for hosting the meeting, and asserted their satisfaction with the meeting's outcomes. A previously scheduled Damascus visit by Menassa on Wednesday was delayed at Syria's request. According to a Syrian government source who spoke with AFP, the postponement was related to 'preparations for the formation of a new government' in Damascus. A Lebanese official, speaking anonymously, insisted the delay was 'in no way related to tensions or conflicts.' Had it proceeded, the visit would have marked the first trip to Damascus by a Lebanese cabinet member since Beirut formed its new government in February. Tensions escalated in early March when Syrian authorities claimed that Hezbollah had kidnapped and killed three Syrian soldiers on Lebanese territory. While the Iran-supported group denied any involvement, subsequent cross-border confrontations resulted in seven Lebanese casualties.
Al Arabiya
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Lebanese, Syrian defense ministers to meet in Jeddah after postponing sitdown
Lebanese and Syrian defense ministers are expected to meet in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, a day after a planned visit by the Lebanese official to Damascus was postponed, Al Arabiya reported. Lebanon's Michel Menassa and his Syrian counterpart, Murhaf Abu Qasra, are expected to hold talks in Jeddah, according to information obtained by Al Arabiya. Menassa was planning to head to Syria on Wednesday for talks with Abu Qasra that aimed to discuss tensions along the border. A Lebanese official told AFP on Wednesday that the delay was 'in no way related to tensions or conflicts' but didn't specify when the meeting was postponed to. Menassa had been set to meet Abu Qasra in the first visit by a Lebanese minister since the cabinet was formed in February. Border tensions flared earlier in March after Syria's new authorities accused Lebanese armed group Hezbollah of kidnapping three soldiers into Lebanon and killing them. The Iran-backed group, which fought alongside the forces of toppled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, denied involvement. But the ensuing cross-border clashes left seven Lebanese dead. Information obtained by Al Arabiya said that the Jeddah meeting will tackle border control between the two countries following the border clashes. With AFP
Nahar Net
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Lebanese defense minister visit to Syria postponed
by Naharnet Newsdesk 6 hours Syria's authorities delayed a visit planned for Wednesday by the Lebanese defense minister that aimed to discuss tensions along the border, officials from the two countries told AFP. "We were informed on Tuesday by the Syrian party of the postponement of the visit" of Lebanese minister Michel Menassa, a Lebanese official said on condition of anonymity. The delay was "in no way related to tensions or conflicts," the official added, without specifying the date to which it had been postponed. A Syrian government source meanwhile told AFP that the delay was due to "preparations for the formation of a new government." Menassa had been set to meet his Syrian counterpart, Murhaf Abu Qasra, in the first visit by a Lebanese minister since the cabinet was formed in February. Border tensions flared earlier in March after Syria's new authorities accused Hezbollah of kidnapping three soldiers into Lebanon and killing them. The Iran-backed group, which fought alongside the forces of toppled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, denied involvement. But the ensuing cross-border clashes left seven Lebanese dead. Islamist-led rebels ousted Assad in December.
