Latest news with #ShiiteDuo
Nahar Net
a day ago
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Report: Shiite Duo won't withdraw from govt. or resort to street action
by Naharnet Newsdesk 08 August 2025, 17:13 The Shiite Duo's rejection of the government's decisions on arms monopolization 'will remain limited to political action and state institutions,' the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper quoted unnamed sources as saying. The Shiite Duo 'has informed those concerned that its MPs and ministers will remain in the parliament and government and that it will not use the street as a detonator or to create internal strife,' the sources added. A prominent Hezbollah source also confirmed to al-Joumhouria newspaper that the Shiite Duo will not resign from the government, adding that Hezbollah "will not hand over the weapons and will not spark clashes on the street or with the army." "We can agree on a format for army monopoly as mentioned in the Ministerial Statement without giving timetables and we support any agreement that begins with compelling Israel to withdraw, halt the violations and attacks and hand over the captives," the source added. "Weapons need a thorough discussion in which we should address Lebanon's interest first, and this would happen with the Lebanese Army by agreeing on a national strategy," the source said. The government on Tuesday took a historic decision to monopolize arms in the hands of the state before the year's end and on Thursday it approved the objectives of U.S. envoy Tom Barrack's paper, which focuses on the disarmament of Hezbollah and other armed groups in the country. The ministers of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement walked out of both sessions in protest.
Nahar Net
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Report: Aoun, Berri, Salam agree on state's monopoly on arms
by Naharnet Newsdesk 7 hours President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam unanimously agree on the need for the state to be the sole bearer of arms in the country, without 'any provocation resulting from the use of the term disarmament,' political sources said. 'This is a mission that President Joseph Aoun will assume and will coordinate its phases with Speaker Nabih Berri, who is considered Hezbollah's 'big brother,' and based on this brotherly relation between Berri and Hezbollah the Speaker will have to explore Hezbollah's viewpoint on the issue of arms,' the sources told Al-Jadeed TV. Shiite Duo sources meanwhile told the TV network that 'Hezbollah is not against the exclusivity of arms in the hands of the state' and that 'it agrees with President Joseph Aoun on three principles.' 'The first is that the resistance is not a militia and that its right is enshrined in international laws, the ministerial statements and the Taif Agreement, which disarmed militias and did not disarm the resistance when it was implemented,' the sources said. 'The second principle is that the resistance is committed to the ceasefire and to keeping the area south of the Litani River free of arms, and accordingly Hezbollah has been cooperating with the army throughout the entire past period and is in constant coordination with it in the handover of its arms in the area south of the river,' the sources added, noting that U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus 'has been put in the picture of this cooperation.' The sources added that the third principle is that 'the resistance's arms should be approached as part of a national strategy' and that 'this strategy comes after the liberation of the five hills and the captives, after curbing the Israeli enemy's expansion of the buffer zone and after Israel's commitment to halt the aggression against Lebanon.' The Shiite Duo sources added that 'it is totally baseless that Speaker Berri is exploring Hezbollah's stance as to committing to deadlines related to the handover of weapons.'
Ya Libnan
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
Amal and Hezbollah continue to obstruct Lebanon government formation
Photo: A Lebanese flag painted on a damaged building in a village in southern Lebanon is seen from a position on the Israeli side of the border on Jan. 23, 2025. Hundreds of Thousands of Lebanese, mostly Shiites want to return to their homes , but their leaders Hezbollah and Amal continue to obstruct the formation of the government that will be able to secure the billions of Dollars needed for rebuilding their homes () The formation of Lebanon's new government remains stalled due to the demands of political factions, particularly the 'Shiite Duo' (Hezbollah and the Amal Movement), which is reportedly insisting on obtaining five ministerial portfolios, including the Ministry of Finance. These conditions are obstructing Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam's efforts to form a 24-member cabinet, with extensive discussions focused on the distribution of ministerial portfolios. His objective is to create a government capable of implementing the critical reforms that Lebanon needs urgently. MP Mark Daou, who is familiar with Salam's deliberations, believes there is still an opportunity for success. Daou warned that if the 'Shiite Duo' holds onto its demands, it must bear responsibility for the consequences. Daou dismissed claims from officials within the 'Shiite Duo' that they have secured the Ministry of Finance portfolio, reiterating that the matter is still under discussion. He also highlighted the premier-designate's previous statements that no ministry is the exclusive right of any party. MP Razi El Hage from the Lebanese Forces described the cabinet formation process as 'constructive and effective,' while accusing his opponents of employing the same procrastination tactics used in the presidential election and the designation of a prime minister. In a related context, MP Waddah Sadek took to X to stress that the constitution remains the sole reference for government formation. He wrote: 'Certain parliamentary blocs must recognize that the constitution is our only framework and that the formation of the government will strictly adhere to this principle.' Separately, MP Fouad Makhzoumi proposed that Salam form a smaller, 14-member cabinet. On X, Makhzoumi wrote: 'I reiterate what I proposed during the non-binding parliamentary consultations with Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam: the need to form a rescue government of 14 ministers, composed of specialists and highly competent individuals, equipped with exceptional powers to lead the country through this crisis-laden phase.' He added: 'The new government must meet the aspirations of the Lebanese people and address the unprecedented economic, social, and living challenges. These include resolving the issue of depositors' funds, advancing the Beirut Port explosion investigation, conducting forensic audits of the Central Bank and state ministries, overseeing reconstruction efforts, ensuring the implementation of Resolution 1701, and solidifying the ceasefire agreement.' According to analysts Lebanon stands at a critical juncture. With the country still reeling from unprecedented economic and political crises. For this reason the responsibility falls on the Prime Minister-designate to swiftly form a government and ensure no single political group monopolizes key ministries, especially the Ministry of Finance. It has become evident that the Shiite duo—Amal and Hezbollah—is the primary obstacle to forming a cabinet, while attempting to shift blame onto Christian blocs. However, facts overwhelmingly highlight the role of the duo in obstructing progress, repeating their tactics from the prolonged presidential election stalemate. This period has been disastrous for Lebanon: Economic Collapse: Under Amal and Hezbollah's watch, Lebanon defaulted on its Eurobonds, leading to the collapse of the Lebanese lira and devastating the economy. Depositors lost access to their savings, and poverty surged to over 80%. Under Amal and Hezbollah's watch, Lebanon defaulted on its Eurobonds, leading to the collapse of the Lebanese lira and devastating the economy. Depositors lost access to their savings, and poverty surged to over 80%. Beirut Port Explosion: Thousands of tons of explosive chemicals, reportedly stored by Hezbollah for use in Syrian barrel bombs, caused a catastrophic explosion in 2020, devastating the capital. Thousands of tons of explosive chemicals, reportedly stored by Hezbollah for use in Syrian barrel bombs, caused a catastrophic explosion in 2020, devastating the capital. Corruption and Mismanagement: The Central Bank, under Riad Salameh, became a symbol of corruption, with investigations and international arrest warrants ignored due to political interference by Hezbollah, Amal and their allies. The Central Bank, under Riad Salameh, became a symbol of corruption, with investigations and international arrest warrants ignored due to political interference by Hezbollah, Amal and their allies. Obstruction of Reconstruction: The Shiite duo has used their control over the Finance Ministry to block projects critical to Lebanon's recovery, imposing unrealistic conditions and further eroding trust. Lebanon's international allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United States, have made it clear that aid and reconstruction funding are contingent on reform and an end to monopolization. The Ministry of Finance, in particular, has become a focal point of concern due to its misuse as a tool for political leverage rather than a means to address the country's dire financial state. Without cooperation, displaced Lebanese—mostly Shiites—will continue to bear the brunt of these failures. Reconstruction of tens of thousands of homes destroyed during years of conflict remains on hold, deepening despair among already impoverished communities. Analysts concluded Asharq Al Awsat / YL
