Day: August 23, 2024

ANNAHAR:

Lebanon bets on extending UNIFIL’s mandate to deter escalation

AL-AKHBAR:

Is it true that Washington doesn’t want war?

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Energy, Walid Fayyad, on Friday announced that the fuel oil shipment from Algeria is set to arrive in Lebanon on Monday, August 26.

Speaking to “Voice of All Lebanon’ radio station, Fayyad explained that a sample from the shipment has been sent via DHL to Dubai for testing.

‘If the fuel meets the required specifications, Lebanese citizens can expect a gradual improvement in electricity supply starting from August 27,’ Fayyad said.

Regarding strategies to manage a potential open warfare, Fayyad noted that some government hospitals are directly connected to the Lebanese Electricity Company (EDL).

‘In the event of an emergency, certain hospitals may also rely on hydropower networks depending on their location,’ Fayyad said.

Moreover, the energy minister emphasized that the widespread network of private generators and the expansion of solar energy installations could offer some protection against an energy crisis, should Israeli forces target the electricity grid.

Fayyad finally reass
ured the public that Lebanon has enough fuel reserves to last a month or more for essential needs, including ambulance services, hospitals, and water supply systems.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

Antoine Habib, Chairman and General Manager of the Housing Bank, on Friday visited House Speaker, Nabih Berri, at his office in Ain el-Tineh.

Discussions reportedly focused on the bank’s projects and the loans it provides to low- and middle-income Lebanese.

In a statement, Habib announced that the Housing Bank was preparing to launch a new loan program in Lebanese pounds. ‘This upcoming loan, specifically designed for home repairs, aims to assist low- and middle-income Lebanese in renovating their homes and encouraging them to remain in their villages and cities,’ Habib explained.

In turn, Speaker Berri commended the Housing Bank’s efforts to support Lebanese citizens during the country’s challenging times.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

President of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party, Rabih Banat, on Friday visited Caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Ali Hamieh, accompanied by Abbas Hamieh, Head of the Department of Labor and Social Affairs, and Ziad Maalouf, Head of the Department of Defense.

The meeting reportedly addressed the current political situation and explored developmental issues affecting daily life and citizen services.

The discussion highlighted the challenges posed by the ongoing economic crisis and the regional aggression confronting Lebanon.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

On the anniversary of the election of late President Bachir Gemayel, Samy Gemayel, the leader of the Lebanese Kataeb Party, took to social media to reflect on the historical significance of the date.

‘From legitimate resistance to resistant legitimacy,’ Gemayel wrote on his X account.

This poignant remark captures the enduring legacy of Bashir Gemayel, whose election on August 23, 1982, marked a pivotal moment in Lebanon’s tumultuous history. Gemayel’s presidency was a symbol of resistance amidst a backdrop of political and military strife, and his leadership remains a topic of reflection and debate within Lebanese political discourse.

The Kataeb chief’s message highlights an enduring issue: Lebanon’s ongoing struggle with the presence of illegitimate arms that continue to grip the country. Despite the passage of time, Lebanon remains plagued by armed factions that undermine the state’s authority and legitimacy. This persistent problem has contributed to the nation’s political instability and challenges i
n achieving lasting peace.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdullah Bou Habib , on Friday made a phone call to his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to congratulate him on his new appointment. Bou Habib expressed his hopes for Araghchi’s success in his new role and looked forward to cooperation between Lebanon and Iran to serve the interests of both nations.

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi thanked Bou Habib for his congratulations and emphasized his desire for fruitful collaboration to advance the interests of both the Lebanese and Iranian people, as well as the broader region.

Araghchi also confirmed his intention to visit Lebanon soon and expressed eagerness to host the Lebanese Foreign Minister in Tehran at the earliest opportunity.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Friday met with Caretaker Foreign Minister, Abdullah Bou Habib, at the Grand Serail.

Discussions reportedly focused on recent diplomatic efforts related to the renewal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate, as well as administrative matters concerning the Foreign Ministry.

Additionally, Mikati met with Justice Minister, Henri Khoury, with whom he reviewed the general situation and issues pertaining to the Ministry of Justice.

The Prime Minister also received Youth and Sports Minister, George Kallas, who requested permission to travel to Jordan. Kallas will lead a delegation to attend an extraordinary meeting of Arab youth and sports ministers in Amman on August 28. The meeting, hosted under the patronage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, will launch the “Arab Strategy for Youth, Security, and Peace.”

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

US Vice President Kamala Harris announced today, Friday, her acceptance of the Democratic Party’s nomination to compete in the presidential elections scheduled for November 5.

Harris said at the conclusion of the Democratic Party’s General Conference in Chicago: “I accept your nomination for the position of President of the United States,” pledging to be a president for all Americans, regardless of their political and ethnic differences.

Harris’s official acceptance of the Democratic Party’s nomination for the presidential elections comes just one month after US President Joe Biden withdrew from the race for the White House.

If Harris succeeds, she will make history as the first woman to be elected President of the United States.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins an official visit to Ukraine today, Friday, during which he will hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky, in the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since 1991.

Modi said before the trip, “I look forward to the opportunity to exchange views on a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine. As a friend and partner, we hope that peace and stability will return to the region soon.”

For his part, Mykhailo Podolyak, an Advisor to the Ukrainian President’s Office, stressed that Modi’s visit to Kiev is important because New Delhi “really has a certain influence on Moscow.”

He added, “It is very important for us to build effective relations with India, to explain to it what the right end to the war is, and that this is also in its interest.”

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received today, Friday, former Iranian First Vice President Mohammed Mokhber.

During the meeting, according to a statement by the media office of al-Sudani, they discussed bilateral relations, the continuation of cooperation in various fields, and the importance of developing them with the formation of the new government in the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a way that achieves the common interests of the two friendly peoples.

They also discussed the developments in the region, the tragic repercussions of the war in Gaza, and stressed the need for major countries and responsible international institutions to take firm positions in order to stop the genocide to which civilians are being subjected in Gaza.

For his part, Mokhber praised the distinguished relations between Iran and Iraq, appreciating the exceptional efforts and remarkable generosity provided by Iraq, government and people, to Iranian visitors who are received and cared for in an unparalleled manner.

Sou
rce: National Iraqi News Agency