Latest news with #YoussefRaggi
The National
6 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Hezbollah rejects Lebanese government plan to disarm group as 'grave sin'
Hezbollah has condemned a Lebanese government plan to disarm the group as a 'grave sin' that it would treat 'as if it does not exist". Hezbollah's reaction has raised fears that Israel could step up attacks on Lebanon and inflame tension within the country. On Tuesday, following a stormy cabinet meeting, the government said it would ask the Lebanese Army to present a plan to bring all weapons under state control by the end of the year. Hezbollah has repeatedly said it rejects any discussions over its arms until Israel stops its daily bombings of Lebanon and withdraws from the five points of Lebanese territory it still occupies. On Wednesday, Hezbollah said the government decision weakened Lebanon's position in the face of Israeli and US "threats" against the country. 'This decision fully serves Israel's interests and leaves Lebanon exposed to the Israeli enemy without deterrence,' the group said. It came as the US is exerting intense pressure for the Lebanese cabinet to commit and set out a timetable for Hezbollah's disarmament, and amid rising fears that Israel will step its attacks on the country. It contrasts sharply with the rhetoric coming from those opposed to Hezbollah, who have praised the government's latest move. "Yesterday was a historic decision by the government," said a source close to the four ministers nominated by the anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces, which includes the Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi. "There is no grey area in this – it is crystal clear. What was lacking before was the political resolution, and the political resolution is here today. "Believe me, if there was any grey area, we would have pulled out of the [cabinet] session and voiced that we are against this resolution, and whatever was stated by the government does not represent our supporters." Michel Moawad, an independent MP also deeply critical of Hezbollah, said it was a "turning point for Lebanon." He said: "This is how we protect Lebanon from another devastating war, by restoring sovereignty, enforcing the rule of law and building a strong, united state." Dictates Hezbollah said it views the cabinet decision as "the result of dictates from US envoy Tom Barrack, referring to a proposal he submitted to authorities calling for the group's disarmament within a timetable. It "fully serves Israel's interests and leaves Lebanon exposed to the Israeli enemy without any deterrence", said to Hezbollah. The group added that it was "prepared to discuss a national security strategy", but not under Israeli fire. While the cabinet meeting was under way, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said "any timetable presented for implementation" while Israel continued its attacks and occupation "cannot be agreed to". The cabinet discussion on a US proposal, which includes disarming Hezbollah, will continue on Thursday. One source close to the government was keen to point out that the US road map also includes issues unrelated to weapons, such as economic reforms and Syrian refugees. But critics of Hezbollah said the most important thing had been decided: setting out a disarmament timetable, giving the army until August 31 to present a plan to bring all weapons under state control by the end of the year. And it was that which angered Hezbollah and its supporters, with Information Minister Paul Marcos saying Health Minister Rakan Nassereldine, nominated by Hezbollah, and Environment Minister Tamara Elzein, who was nominated by its ally the Amal Movement, "withdrew from the session because they did not agree with the cabinet decision" on Tuesday. It's unclear if the two ministers will be present at the Thursday meeting of the cabinet. Another two Ministers nominated by Amal and Hezbollah were not at the meeting at the presidential palace in Baabda on Tuesday because they were travelling. The cabinet is made up of ministers nominated by a variety of opposing political parties, as well as independents nominated by the President and Prime Minister. The US proposals would also see Israel withdraw from Lebanese territory and end its daily bombings of Lebanon. While Hezbollah was weakened by its war with Israel last year, it was not destroyed and retains some military power. It also commands strong backing from some in Lebanon, but particularly within its core Shiite support base. There are fears that sectarian strife could be significantly stoked if the weapons argument is not dealt with in the right way.
The National
7 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Hezbollah dismisses Lebanon's government plan to disarm group as 'a grave sin'
Hezbollah has condemned a Lebanese government plan to disarm the group as a 'grave sin' that it would treat 'as if it does not exist". Hezbollah's reaction has raised fears that Israel could step up attacks on Lebanon and inflame tension within the country. On Tuesday, following a stormy cabinet meeting, the government said it would ask the Lebanese Army to present a plan to bring all weapons under state control by the end of the year. Hezbollah has repeatedly said it rejects any discussions over its arms until Israel stops its daily bombings of Lebanon and withdraws from the five points of Lebanese territory it still occupies. On Wednesday, Hezbollah said the government decision weakened Lebanon's position in the face of Israeli and US "threats" against the country. 'This decision fully serves Israel's interests and leaves Lebanon exposed to the Israeli enemy without deterrence,' the group said. It came as the US is exerting intense pressure for the Lebanese cabinet to commit and set out a timetable for Hezbollah's disarmament, and amid rising fears that Israel will step its attacks on the country. It contrasts sharply with the rhetoric coming from those opposed to Hezbollah, who have praised the government's latest move. "Yesterday was a historic decision by the government," said a source close to the four ministers nominated by the anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces, which includes the Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi. "There is no grey area in this – it is crystal clear. What was lacking before was the political resolution, and the political resolution is here today. "Believe me, if there was any grey area, we would have pulled out of the [parliamentary] session and voiced that we are against this resolution, and whatever was stated by the government does not represent our supporters." Michel Moawad, an independent MP also deeply critical of Hezbollah, said it was a "turning point for Lebanon." He said: "This is how we protect Lebanon from another devastating war, by restoring sovereignty, enforcing the rule of law and building a strong, united state." While the cabinet meeting was under way, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said "any timetable presented for implementation" while Israel continued its attacks and occupation "cannot be agreed to". The cabinet discussion on a US proposal, which includes disarming Hezbollah, will continue on Thursday. One source close to the government was keen to point out the US road map also includes issues unrelated to weapons, such as economic reforms and Syrian refugees. But critics of Hezbollah said the most important thing had been decided: setting out a disarmament timetable, giving the army until August 31 to present a plan to bring all weapons under state control by the end of the year. And it was that which angered Hezbollah and its supporters, with Information Minister Paul Marcos saying Health Minister Rakan Nassereldine, nominated by Hezbollah, and Environment Minister Tamara Elzein, who was nominated by its ally the Amal Movement, "withdrew from the session because they did not agree with the cabinet decision" on Tuesday.
Asharq Al-Awsat
03-06-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Iran Seeks to Turn ‘New Page' in Ties with Lebanon
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Lebanese officials on Tuesday that Iran wanted to turn a "new page" in relations with Beirut, hinting at a shift in diplomatic ties that were long grounded in supporting Tehran-backed armed group Hezbollah. Hezbollah was once a powerful armed movement and political party with sway over Lebanon's state, but it was severely weakened by Israel's bombing campaign last year. Since then, Lebanon's army commander was elected president and a new cabinet with curtailed influence for Hezbollah and its allies took power. Araqchi's one-day trip to Beirut on Tuesday was his first since February, when he attended the funeral of Hezbollah's secretary general Hassan Nasrallah, killed in Israeli air strikes in September. Araqchi told both Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi that he wanted to "turn a new page" in Iran's ties with Lebanon, according to statements by Salam and Raggi's offices. "Araqchi affirmed his country's keenness to open a new page in bilateral relations with Lebanon, based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs," Salam's office said. Araqchi also extended a formal invitation for Salam to visit Iran. The statement from Raggi's office said the pair had a "frank and direct discussion," including on establishing the state's monopoly on the use of arms - an apparent reference to possible negotiations on the future of Hezbollah's arsenal. The top Iranian diplomat briefly addressed reporters on Tuesday after meeting with Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who is a key Hezbollah ally. Unlike previous addresses by Iranian diplomats, his comments did not mention Hezbollah. The visit followed several turbulent episodes in ties between the two countries. Lebanon's foreign ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to Beirut in April over comments alleging that plans to disarm Hezbollah were a "conspiracy". Last year, then-Prime Minister Najib Mikati also issued a rare rebuke of Iran for "interfering" in internal Lebanese affairs. In February, Iran blocked Lebanese planes from repatriating dozens of Lebanese nationals stranded in Tehran after Lebanon said it would not allow Iranian aircraft to land in Beirut because of Israel's threats that it would bomb the planes.
Reuters
03-06-2025
- General
- Reuters
Iran seeks to turn 'new page' in ties with Lebanon
BEIRUT, June 3 (Reuters) - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Lebanese officials on Tuesday that Iran wanted to turn a "new page" in relations with Beirut, hinting at a shift in diplomatic ties that were long grounded in supporting Tehran-backed armed group Hezbollah. Hezbollah was once a powerful armed movement and political party with sway over Lebanon's state, but it was severely weakened by Israel's bombing campaign last year. Since then, Lebanon's U.S.-backed army commander was elected president and a new cabinet with curtailed influence for Hezbollah and its allies took power. Araqchi's one-day trip to Beirut on Tuesday was his first since February, when he attended the funeral of Hezbollah's secretary general Hassan Nasrallah, killed in Israeli air strikes in September. Araqchi told both Lebanon's prime minister Nawaf Salam and foreign minister Youssef Raggi that he wanted to "turn a new page" in Iran's ties with Lebanon, according to statements by Salam and Raggi's offices. "Araqchi affirmed his country's keenness to open a new page in bilateral relations with Lebanon, based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs," Salam's office said. Araqchi also extended a formal invitation for Salam to visit Iran. The statement from Raggi's office said the pair had a "frank and direct discussion," including on establishing the state's monopoly on the use of arms - an apparent reference to possible negotiations on the future of Hezbollah's arsenal. The top Iranian diplomat briefly addressed reporters on Tuesday after meeting with Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who is a key Hezbollah ally. Unlike previous addresses by Iranian diplomats, his comments did not mention Hezbollah. The visit followed several turbulent episodes in ties between the two countries. Lebanon's foreign ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to Beirut in April over comments alleging that plans to disarm Hezbollah were a "conspiracy". Last year, then-prime minister Najib Mikati also issued a rare rebuke of Iran for "interfering" in internal Lebanese affairs. In February, Iran blocked Lebanese planes from repatriating dozens of Lebanese nationals stranded in Tehran after Lebanon said it would not allow Iranian aircraft to land in Beirut because of Israel's threats that it would bomb the planes.
Jordan Times
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Foreign minister, Lebanese counterpart discuss bilateral ties, regional developments
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi meets on Monday with his Lebanese counterpart Youssef Raggi (Petra photo) AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met on Monday with his Lebanese counterpart Youssef Raggi to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and the latest developments in Lebanon. During the meeting, the two ministers underscored the urgent need to stop the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and fully implement the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Safadi reaffirmed Jordan's unwavering support for Lebanon's security, stability, and sovereignty, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. He also emphasised the Kingdom's commitment to assisting Lebanon in revitalising its state institutions and advancing reconstruction efforts following the election of a new president and prime minister. Raggi expressed gratitude for Jordan's steadfast support, led by His Majesty King Abdullah, and its diplomatic efforts to mobilise international action against the ongoing aggression while ensuring full adherence to the ceasefire. The top diplomats also reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors and reinforcing the deep ties between the two nations.
