Latest news with #ToniMrad
LBCI
05-05-2025
- Business
- LBCI
UAE says 'yes' to Lebanon again — can Beirut turn the page?
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian The United Arab Emirates will lift its travel ban on Lebanon starting May 7, a move expected to revitalize the country's tourism sector and positively impact the broader economy. This places responsibility on the Lebanese state to strengthen security and stability by increasing security measures in areas frequented by visitors and deploying regular patrols. Beyond that, the decision could also pave the way for increased Emirati investment across several sectors in Lebanon, according to the country's ambassador to the UAE, Fouad Dandan. Dandan said Emirati investors are exploring opportunities in food security, including the purchase or lease of agricultural land in Lebanon, which offers a favorable climate and fertile soil — a more accessible alternative to distant markets. They are also considering industrial production through the establishment of factories that would export Emirati goods to European markets, taking advantage of Lebanon's strategic location on the Mediterranean. Other areas of interest include port management and operations, particularly at the Port of Tripoli, as well as renewable energy, a sector in which the UAE is already a regional leader. Emiratis are also looking into opportunities in artificial intelligence and data centers, drawing on Lebanese expertise in digital infrastructure. In addition, fashion and jewelry design remain attractive sectors, with Lebanese creatives long recognized as leaders in the field. Still, the full potential of these opportunities depends on Lebanon's ability to continue implementing essential judicial and financial reforms while preserving security — the cornerstone of any serious investor confidence.
LBCI
20-04-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Hope in Rome: US and Iran move closer through indirect talks
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi A military strike on Iran appears increasingly unlikely as diplomatic momentum builds following the conclusion of the second round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran, held in Rome with Omani mediation. While the U.S. administration has yet to issue a formal statement, sources familiar with the discussions described the meeting as positive. The delay in an official U.S. position has sparked speculation among observers, some suggesting internal divisions within Washington. Some officials reportedly favor a complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, while others support limiting Tehran's ability to develop nuclear weapons without challenging its right to peaceful nuclear energy. On the Iranian side, optimism is rising. Tehran insists that negotiations remain focused solely on its nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions. The aftermath of the talks saw Iran's stock market surge and its national currency gain strength. State-affiliated media praised the direction of the discussions. The hardline "Kayhan" newspaper claimed Iran's military strength forced Washington to the table, suggesting the U.S. needs both Iran and the credibility that negotiations bring. The reformist "Ham Mihan" speculated that direct negotiations may soon be on the table. Amid this cautious optimism, Israel has moved to assert its influence. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was reportedly in Rome during the latest round of talks on Saturday. While his visit went unexplained officially, Yedioth Ahronoth cited deep Israeli concern over any deal that stops short of fully dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities. All eyes now turn to a technical meeting between U.S. and Iranian experts set for Wednesday. According to LBCI sources, the session is expected to cover sanctions relief, uranium enrichment levels, and other core issues.
LBCI
14-04-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
US-Iran nuclear talks shift to Rome over logistics, diplomatic optics—the details
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Stepping on the American flag at a Tehran university may once have been a routine act. However, after the start of U.S.-Iranian negotiations, that no longer seems to be the case, as the university administration chose to cover the flag. It was a symbolic gesture reflecting the positive atmosphere surrounding the U.S.-Iranian talks, which began last Saturday in Muscat and are set to resume on Saturday, April 19. However, the second round will not be held in Oman but in the Italian capital, Rome, even as Muscat continues to play the role of mediator, relaying indirect messages between the two sides— especially since the talks are expected to take place inside the Omani Embassy in Rome. The talks are also expected to coincide with U.S. Vice President JD Vance's visit to Italy, though his participation in the U.S.-Iranian negotiations remains unconfirmed. Rome was chosen as the new location for logistical reasons at Washington's request, given its relative proximity. Vienna was not selected—as in previous rounds—for two main reasons: First, Italy maintains good relations with both the United States and Iran; second, Tehran prefers to hold this round in a "neutral venue" far from the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is based in the city and has been criticized by Iran, according to some observers. This second round will be indirect, as confirmed by the Iranian side, even though the first round included a few minutes of direct contact between the Iranian and American delegations. That brief meeting drew global attention, with the news site Axios reporting it lasted about 45 minutes—a claim denied by a source familiar with the talks, speaking to LBCI. In this round, both delegations are expected to sit in the same room, according to the same site, with the Omani delegation facilitating the exchange of messages between them. The talks will focus solely on the Iranian nuclear file in exchange for the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Tehran. In this context, IAEA head Rafael Grossi is expected to arrive in Tehran on Wednesday for talks with Iranian officials about monitoring and verifying the activities of nuclear facilities.
LBCI
10-03-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
US Envoy calls Hamas 'nice guys,' then backtracks after Israeli criticism
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Mariella Succar U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler referred to Hamas members as "nice guys" during the negotiations on the ceasefire in Qatar, despite Washington classifying the group as a terrorist organization. However, his stance quickly shifted following criticism from Israeli officials. "I want to be crystal clear as some have misinterpreted. Hamas is a terrorist organization that has murdered thousands of innocent people. They are definition bad people. And as President Biden has said, not a single Hamas member will be safe if Hamas doesn't release all hostages immediately," Boehler wrote on his X account. Boehler's conflicting statements came after direct talks with a Hamas delegation in Doha, where he reportedly discussed a long-term ceasefire proposal between Hamas and Israel. Hamas did not deny discussing the future of its weaponry with the U.S. envoy. The group officially stated that negotiations with Boehler focused on ending the war, Israeli withdrawal, and reconstruction efforts. According to the Qatari-based news outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, Hamas representatives presented a comprehensive proposal backed by other factions in Gaza. The plan extends beyond Gaza to the West Bank and Jerusalem, outlining a long-term ceasefire of over a decade in Gaza and the West Bank while maintaining the status quo in Jerusalem. The same report indicated that Hamas expressed willingness to discuss the fate of its offensive weapons, particularly its rocket arsenal, and the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for a long-term truce and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. An LBCI source close to Hamas stated that the discussions with the U.S. envoy were part of an ongoing dialogue. "It was a positive discussion, but no final agreement has been reached yet."
LBCI
23-02-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun champions sovereignty in key Iranian discussions — The details
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Between November 2024 and February 2025, the Middle East region underwent major changes, most notably the fall of the Assad regime, Iran's key ally, and the election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon's president. Amid a crisis over Iranian flight operations in Lebanon, a high-level Iranian delegation arrived in Beirut. While the visit coincided with the funeral ceremony of former Hezbollah secretaries-general Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, it also served as an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and other pressing issues under the principle of respecting national sovereignty. President Aoun reaffirmed this stance during his meeting with the Iranian delegation, citing Article 9 of the Iranian Constitution, which underscores the country's freedom, independence, and territorial integrity. The article explicitly states that no individual or group has the right to undermine the country's political, cultural, economic, or military independence. In response, the Iranian delegation affirmed its support for any decision Lebanon makes, emphasizing noninterference in its internal affairs. Building on Lebanon-Iran ties, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed Iran's readiness to cooperate with Arab and Islamic nations, in coordination with the Lebanese government, to rebuild areas destroyed by Israeli military actions. The Palestinian issue was also a key topic in the discussions. President Aoun made Lebanon's stance clear, stating that the country has paid a heavy price for the Palestinian cause and has grown weary of others' wars. He stressed that a two-state solution is the only viable resolution to the conflict and reiterated that the Palestinian Authority is the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. This position reflects the approach of Lebanon's new leadership, aligning with broader Arab perspectives. President Aoun is expected to reiterate this stance at the upcoming Arab Summit in Egypt early next month, where discussions will focus on the Palestinian issue, particularly a proposed alternative to U.S. President Donald Trump's plan that called for the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan.
