Latest news with #LBCI
LBCI
4 hours ago
- Politics
- LBCI
In Beirut, US envoys push for answers on arms control and UNIFIL mandate
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Mariella Succar Two American envoys visited Lebanon this week to discuss two pressing issues: U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack focused on strengthening state control over weapons, while Morgan Ortagus emphasized the renewal of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate. According to LBCI, the main purpose of the visit was to review the latest developments regarding the government's commitment to the American paper on arms control, which had been approved by the Lebanese government. The Lebanese side asked the U.S. delegation about the positions of other parties involved in the American proposal, namely Israel and Syria. According to LBCI, Barrack did not carry any Israeli response to the proposal, though reports suggest he may travel to Tel Aviv to obtain one. During meetings with Lebanese officials, Barrack heard from President Michel Aoun Lebanon's position on the importance of all parties adhering to the joint declaration, as well as support for the Lebanese Army and accelerated international steps to launch reconstruction efforts. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri emphasized that Israel's commitment to the ceasefire agreement and its withdrawal to internationally recognized borders is essential to achieving stability in Lebanon. Barrack's position was reported to be aligned with Lebanon regarding the expectation that Israel undertake similar measures. The issue of arms control was also discussed during a meeting with Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal, focusing on the army's plan to ensure weapons remain under state authority. Another key topic, the renewal of the UNIFIL mandate, was highlighted by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who stressed its importance in maintaining stability and supporting the army in extending state authority in southern Lebanon. According to LBCI, consultations at the United Nations are ongoing, with the United States reportedly favoring a gradual and responsible reduction in UNIFIL personnel. The two U.S. envoys are expected to return to Lebanon at the end of the month. It remains unclear whether they will bring an Israeli response and Syria's position on the American proposal, or whether the UNIFIL renewal process will be finalized by that time.
L'Orient-Le Jour
7 hours ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
An LF office hit by stray bullets in Ain al-Rummaneh
An office of the Lebanese Forces (LF), located in a shopping center in Ain al-Rummaneh, the Christian southeastern suburb of Beirut, was hit by stray bullets overnight from Sunday to Monday following a dispute that broke out near the center, a local mokhtar told L'Orient-Le Jour on Monday. Ain al-Rummaneh, home to many LF supporters, borders Beirut's southern suburb, a Hezbollah stronghold. The two camps are sharply divided over the issue of the Shiite party's arms, as pressure mounts on the pro-Iranian group after the government's decision to proceed with its disarmament, as well as that of other armed groups, by the end of the year. Contacted by L'Orient-Le Jour, a source within the LF said the party is following up on the issue with the relevant security forces, "awaiting an official statement that will clarify all the ambiguous details of this operation." The same source preferred to refrain from comment until the investigation is complete, stating that "any statement made without all the facts could lead things in the wrong direction." Local channel LBCI, citing security sources, said the shopping center housing the LF office was targeted by automatic weapons fire. "A bullet directly hit the LF office, while other projectiles scattered to different parts of the center," it added. "There are also reports of disputes related to the management of this shopping center," LBCI added.
LBCI
12 hours ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Sources to LBCI: UN consultations continue on UNIFIL renewal as US considers gradual troop reduction
LBCI was informed that consultations are still underway at the United Nations regarding the renewal of UNIFIL's mandate, with indications that the United States is likely to approve the extension. Washington has put forward a proposal to gradually reduce the number of UNIFIL troops in a responsible manner.
LBCI
15 hours ago
- Politics
- LBCI
No Israeli response yet to US proposal, Lebanon seeks clarity from all parties, LBCI sources say
Sources told LBCI on Monday that U.S. envoy Tom Barrack did not bring any response from Israel regarding the American proposal presented to Lebanon. The Lebanese side, the sources added, stressed the importance of understanding the positions of all relevant parties, including Israel and Syria, on the proposals outlined in the U.S. document.
L'Orient-Le Jour
6 days ago
- Business
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Between Hezbollah and the state, Yassine Jaber tries to find balance
Although, his absence from successive Cabinet sessions that endorsed the principle of the state's monopoly on arms drew considerable attention, his statement on Sunday drew even a speech in Nabatieh, Finance Minister Yassine Jaber said that a monopoly on arms was 'a priority.' This stance was especially notable coming from a minister aligned with the Amal-Hezbollah duo, as he is close to Parliament Speaker Nabih Monday, however, he slightly backtracked, as he told LBCI that while he wants the army 'to gain control over the entire territory,' the question remained what guarantees Israel would give to allow a return to stability in Lebanon. He also noted in the interview that had he attended the Cabinet meeting, he would have done the same as his colleagues and walked out of the session. More on the topic Bassil:...
