Latest news with #NationalModerationBloc
Asharq Al-Awsat
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Aoun Says Hezbollah Has Shown ‘Flexibility' in Discussing its Weapons
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced that Hezbollah has demonstrated significant 'flexibility and willingness to cooperate' in addressing the issue of its weapons under a certain timetable. Aoun's statement on Thursday came in the wake of US envoy Morgan Ortagus' visit and increased American pressure to ensure that all weapons on Lebanese territory are under the control of legitimate state authorities. Following a meeting between the National Moderation Bloc and Aoun at Baabda Palace, MP Sajih Attieh stated that the discussion touched on the disarmament of Hezbollah. He emphasized that the president is handling the matter with great wisdom and confirmed Hezbollah's openness to a phased and cooperative approach. Aoun expressed optimism, suggesting that the party's positive stance should be met with understanding and a realistic outlook, given the current situation in the country. Earlier, Asharq Al-Awsat reported exclusively that Aoun, in coordination with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, would lead direct talks with Hezbollah. These talks would explore not only the transfer of arms to state control but also strategies to integrate Hezbollah's military assets and address its political concerns. This week, media reports citing unnamed Hezbollah sources claimed the group was willing to hand over its heavy weapons north of the Litani River - including drones, missiles, and anti-tank systems - if Israel withdraws from occupied Lebanese territories. However, Hezbollah later issued a statement denying the reports and asserting that only official spokespeople represent the party's position. Resolution 1701 as a Benchmark Hezbollah has not officially engaged in disarmament talks but frames the weapons discussion within the context of 'defense and national protection.' Its lawmakers have expressed conditional openness to negotiations - only after full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for Israel's complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory and an end to violations of the ceasefire. MP Raed Berro told local station LBCI that any future conversation about the group's arms must occur within the framework of a national defense strategy and broader strategic security goals. In a press conference held at the Lebanese Parliament on Thursday, Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah reiterated that the Lebanese government is responsible for taking formal steps to end Israeli aggression and upholding the national policy statement. He insisted that stopping Israel's violations of Lebanese sovereignty should be a priority for the government. Fadlallah urged a 'serious national dialogue' focused on addressing the Israeli threat and achieving a collective defense strategy. He accused the Israeli army of committing war crimes against unarmed civilians, actions he claimed occurred under the watch of the United Nations and the ceasefire monitoring committee. He also denied claims about arms smuggling through the Port of Beirut, calling such allegations unfounded.
LBCI
10-03-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon's PM meets Canadian and Brazilian Ambassadors, calls for rehabilitating Rachid Karami Fair
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon Stephanie McCollum at the Grand Serail Monday morning to discuss bilateral relations and the developmental and humanitarian projects funded and supported by Canada in Lebanon. The discussions also covered Canadian assistance to the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces (ISF). Salam later received the Brazilian Ambassador to Lebanon, Tarcísio Costa, who conveyed congratulations from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The meeting highlighted the strong ties between Lebanon and Brazil. On this occasion, Salam invited Brazil to contribute to rehabilitating the Rachid Karami International Fair in Tripoli, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, the fair's restoration is seen as a project that would bring developmental, cultural, economic, and environmental benefits to Tripoli and northern Lebanon while symbolizing the deep-rooted Lebanese-Brazilian relations. Additionally, the prime minister met with MP Mohammad Suleiman, a member of the National Moderation Bloc, who discussed general developments and specific demands concerning the Akkar region. The talks included the need to rehabilitate legal border crossings with Syria to regulate the movement of goods and individuals according to official procedures.
LBCI
24-02-2025
- Business
- LBCI
PM Salam discusses economic cooperation, development projects, and refugees in series of meetings
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met on Monday with a delegation from the Lebanese Business Council in Kuwait, led by Ali Hassan Khalil, to discuss ways to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two countries. Salam thanked the council for its efforts and expressed hope for the return of Kuwaiti visitors to Lebanon, highlighting the deep-rooted relationship between both nations. He also noted the importance of the recent visit by Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al Yahya in boosting bilateral cooperation. Khalil, in turn, emphasized the council's role in promoting economic partnerships and investment, stating that the private sector remains committed to Lebanon's growth. He reaffirmed the council's support for the Lebanese government and encouraged stronger business ties between Lebanese and Kuwaiti companies. Salam also met with members of the National Moderation Bloc,' including MPs Sagih Atieh, Ahmad Kheir, Ahmad Rustom, and Walid Baarini. Discussions centered on the government's policy agenda, focusing on the development of Qlayaat Airport. A dedicated committee will be formed under Salam's leadership to oversee the project, which is expected to create 2000 jobs and stimulate economic growth in the Akkar region and beyond. Separately, MP Bilal Houshaymi met with Salam to discuss security measures at Beirut Airport and along the Lebanese-Syrian border, welcoming steps taken by the government. He also raised concerns over contractual university professors and undocumented Syrian students in Lebanese schools, calling for a clear resolution to these issues. In another meeting, Salam received Palestinian Ambassador to Lebanon Ashraf Dabbour, with talks focusing on the situation of Palestinian refugees in the country.
Lebanese Army
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Lebanese Army
Visitors of the Interim Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces
Thursday, 23 January 2025 The Interim Lebanese Armed Forces Commander, Major General Hassan Audi, received a delegation from the National Moderation Bloc in his office in Yarzeh. The delegation included MPs Ahmad Rustom, Mohammad Suleiman and Abdul Aziz Al Samad. They discussed the general situation in Lebanon.
