Latest news with #NationalAccord
LBCI
02-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Hamas under scrutiny in Lebanon — will the state take control?
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian The decision has been made: illegal weapons will no longer be tolerated on Lebanese soil. With these words, informed sources summed up the focus of the Higher Defense Council's meeting, which devoted a significant portion to discussing Hamas' security activity in Lebanon following recent rocket launches from the south toward Israeli territory. For the first time, the Defense Council has issued such a clear and direct decision. Why was this decision made now? Available information indicates that President Joseph Aoun had been awaiting the completion of investigations and confirmation of the individuals responsible for launching the rockets. Once the picture became clear, the meeting was convened—coinciding with security preparations for municipal elections and developments in Syria and their impact on Lebanon. LBCI has learned that four individuals have been detained by army intelligence in connection with the rocket fire—Palestinian and Lebanese nationals. The military prosecutor's office is expected to begin legal proceedings against them early next week. The detainees admitted ties to Hamas, though the rocket launches were not directed by the group's central leadership. At the same time, efforts are underway to apprehend four Palestinian fugitives. Army intelligence had previously requested that Hamas hand them over. In the presence of security chiefs, relevant ministers, and senior judicial officials—including the government commissioner to the military court and the public prosecutor—President Aoun warned against allowing Lebanon to become a platform for destabilization. The prime minister also stressed the need to surrender illegal weapons in accordance with the National Accord document and the ministerial statement. While Lebanon remains committed to the Palestinian cause, it now enters a new phase—one in which no group will be allowed to use Lebanese territory as a base for operations, either in execution or financing. The Defense Council's decision comes as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to arrive in Beirut on May 21 to discuss the future of weapons in the camps. Despite the complexity of the Palestinian arms issue—given the number of factions and leadership structures—political sources say any statement from Abbas would strengthen efforts to assert state authority and place pressure on those who oppose this path.
Shafaq News
15-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Lebanon's President: No stability without Israeli withdrawal
Shafaq News/ Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated, on Saturday, that while Lebanon faces significant and complex challenges, the resilience of its people remains strong. Speaking at an iftar hosted by Dar Al-Fatwa, Lebanon's highest Sunni religious authority, Aoun emphasized the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement, calling them essential to Lebanon's stability. 'Lebanon cannot achieve stability and prosperity amid ongoing tensions along its southern border,' he said, adding, 'A return to normalcy in affected areas requires enforcing international resolutions that uphold Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability, ensuring the withdrawal of occupying forces and the return of prisoners to their homeland.' Aoun also highlighted the significance of political participation, stressing that all segments of society must be included without marginalization or exclusion. 'Such participation must be rooted in respect for the constitution and the National Accord, adhering to their legal and authentic interpretations rather than political, sectarian, or self-serving ones,' he continued. Since the ceasefire agreement took effect on November 27, 2024, Israeli forces have reportedly breached its terms more than 1,000 times, conducting airstrikes, artillery shelling, overflights, and machine gun fire, according to Lebanese media. Although the war ended nearly four months ago, Israel continues to occupy Lebanese territory in the south, including five strategic hills, with no announced timeline for withdrawal.
LBCI
26-02-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
MP Abou Faour: Government must prioritize liberation, reconstruction, and reform
During the parliamentary session to discuss the ministerial statement, MP Wael Abou Faour expressed optimism about the newly formed government, emphasizing that its top priorities should be the liberation of remaining occupied Lebanese territories, the return of prisoners, reconstruction efforts, and upholding the sovereignty of the Lebanese state. Abou Faour called for lifting all political immunities, stressing that officials should be held accountable before the judiciary like any ordinary citizen. He urged the government to re-launch the reform process, starting with lowering the voting age to 18, adopting a new electoral law reinforcing national unity, implementing expanded administrative decentralization, and establishing a Senate. Addressing the ministers, Abou Faour underscored that the government is committed to the National Accord—Taif Agreement, which does not recognize or accept federalism. He hoped that its policies and actions would remain aligned with the accord's principles and not be influenced by alternative political visions.
