logo
President Aoun discusses Qatar visit and regional developments with PM Salam, meets Apostolic Nuncio

President Aoun discusses Qatar visit and regional developments with PM Salam, meets Apostolic Nuncio

LBCI15 hours ago

President Joseph Aoun followed up on the Israeli attacks that struck the Nabatieh and Iqlim al-Tuffah regions earlier today, particularly the artillery and missile strikes that targeted residential apartments, wooded areas, and surrounding hills.
Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal briefed Aoun on the details of the assaults and strongly condemned Israel's continued aggression, which he said violated Lebanon's sovereignty and the agreement reached in November.
He added that this situation requires 'serious international action to halt these attacks, especially from the countries that sponsored and endorsed the November agreement—particularly the United States and France.'
President Joseph Aoun received Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the Baabda Presidential Palace, where Salam briefed him on the outcome of his recent visit to Qatar and the discussions he held with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and other relevant ministers.
President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam also held a broad discussion on the latest regional developments.
President Aoun later received the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon, Monsignor Paolo Borgia, who Advisor Monsignor Giovanni Bianchiari accompanied.
The meeting reviewed Lebanon's relations with the Holy See in light of the president's visit to the Vatican two weeks prior, during which he met with Pope Francis and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Lebanon next? Elon Musk calls Lebanese president as Starlink eyes new market
Lebanon next? Elon Musk calls Lebanese president as Starlink eyes new market

LBCI

time11 hours ago

  • LBCI

Lebanon next? Elon Musk calls Lebanese president as Starlink eyes new market

Report by Ghida Fayad, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian This is not a rumor: "Tech king" Elon Musk has called Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. So why did he call? The call came two weeks after a delegation from Starlink visited Lebanon and presented the president with a proposal outlining Starlink's services. Negotiations, which had already begun between Lebanon's telecom ministry and the company, have since advanced. Talks now focus on the Lebanese state's potential revenue from Starlink services, which is reportedly confirmed and on its way. So why Lebanon? Elon Musk, who leads Tesla, Starlink, and SpaceX, is expanding his companies' global footprint. After investing in 136 countries, he has now set his sights on Lebanon. Musk is interested in Lebanon's telecom and internet sectors and believes the upcoming phase could be full of opportunity. Sources familiar with the discussions say Starlink's interest was sparked by Lebanon's human capital and young talent. Lebanon, in turn, needs what Starlink offers. Many remote areas still lack strong landline networks or any telecom infrastructure — especially those hit by the recent war, from the South to the Bekaa. That makes Lebanon a market in need and one with strong revenue potential for the company. It seems Elon Musk is excited — and President Aoun did not let that energy go to waste. He gave Musk a warm welcome and said Lebanon is ready to facilitate everything his companies need within legal and regulatory frameworks. Aoun also invited Musk to visit Beirut, and Musk reportedly promised to take up the offer at the first suitable opportunity. Could this meeting mark the start of a new tech chapter for Lebanon?

Names released, fear spreads: Israel escalates 'financial war' on Hezbollah with latest targeting
Names released, fear spreads: Israel escalates 'financial war' on Hezbollah with latest targeting

LBCI

time11 hours ago

  • LBCI

Names released, fear spreads: Israel escalates 'financial war' on Hezbollah with latest targeting

Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian This was not just another isolated Israeli strike. The targeting of Haytham Bakri and two of his sons in the southern town of Kfar Dajjal on Tuesday was more than that. According to Israeli claims, Bakri is a money changer who heads the "Al-Sadiq" Currency Exchange, which the Israeli military alleges serves as financial infrastructure for storing and transferring funds to Hezbollah. More alarming is that Israel did not stop at naming Bakri. It publicly released the names of five additional currency exchange companies and their owners, accusing them of channeling money to Hezbollah. Israeli reports claim the existence of networks moving funds from Iran to Lebanon via Iraq, Turkey, or the United Arab Emirates. Through these routes, the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps allegedly transfers millions of dollars to the six listed exchange firms. Alongside these accusations and the strike on Bakri and his sons, the Israeli military also claimed to have killed Behnam Shahriyari in Iran — a Quds Force commander said to be responsible for transferring money to Hezbollah. The publication of the names of the money changers and their companies operating in Lebanon has sparked fear among those listed, who now worry they may be targeted next. Sources familiar with the matter note that the U.S. administration typically imposes sanctions on individuals and companies through formal procedures and communication with Lebanese authorities. But in this case, the naming and accusing of companies and individuals is being carried out unilaterally by Israel, with no oversight. Some of the accused money changers, the sources said, have been advised to contact Lebanon's central bank and the Banking Control Commission to request an investigation to verify their legal and financial standing, as well as to communicate with security agencies to demonstrate their compliance and to seek protection through the channels and contacts they rely on. Israel's strikes on what it describes as Hezbollah's financial networks are not new, even if they now come in more public and escalatory forms. In April of last year, money changer Mohammad Srour was assassinated after being lured to Beit Meri. Investigations pointed to Mossad involvement amid reports he had been transferring funds from Iran to Palestinian factions.

Lebanon scrambles to finalize response to US plan on Hezbollah arms and border deal — here's what we know
Lebanon scrambles to finalize response to US plan on Hezbollah arms and border deal — here's what we know

LBCI

time11 hours ago

  • LBCI

Lebanon scrambles to finalize response to US plan on Hezbollah arms and border deal — here's what we know

Report by Yazbek Wehbe, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian A committee of advisers appointed by Lebanon's president, parliament speaker, and prime minister is drafting a comprehensive response to U.S. proposals. These include the disarmament of Hezbollah and Palestinian factions, the demarcation of the Lebanese-Syrian border—particularly regarding the Shebaa Farms—and advancing economic and political reforms. The presidency is represented by a senior military officer, the parliament by a political adviser, and the government by a diplomat, with support from technical experts. The secrecy surrounding the process stems from the belief that this response represents Lebanon's last critical opportunity, having previously squandered multiple chances. Lebanese officials are racing to finalize the response before July 7, the tentative date for U.S. envoy Tom Barrack's return to Beirut. They understand that Washington expects a clear, detailed plan with a timeline to be met by gradual reciprocal Israeli measures—such as phased weapons handovers in exchange for withdrawals from specific areas and the release of detainees. LBCI has learned that a significant portion of the response has already been drafted. Lebanon has agreed to some points, while others require clarification—chief among them the 'step-for-step' principle. Beirut maintains that because Israel occupies part of its territory, Israel must take the first step before Lebanon reciprocates. Regarding the Shebaa Farms, Lebanon plans to submit documents to relevant parties, including the United States and the United Nations, to prove its claim to the area. It is also willing to accept a U.N.-supervised demarcation process. The U.S. envoy has made Lebanese-Syrian cooperation on border issues a condition for moving forward to avoid future disputes. Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is eager to finalize a comprehensive proposal and initiate implementation in July. Hezbollah has adopted a relatively flexible position but insists that Israel must begin its withdrawal, halt attacks, and release detainees to reassure its support base before any decision is made. Once the response is complete, the committee will present a proposed timeline to the Americans, who are seeking swift progress. On-the-ground coordination will reportedly involve the ceasefire monitoring committee, which will convey Israeli requests to the Lebanese army regarding the disarmament of specific sites. LBCI also learned that Washington has pledged to persuade Israel to adopt the 'step-for-step' approach once Lebanon finalizes its response and issues a cabinet declaration affirming that all arms will be under state authority. In return, Lebanon is seeking U.S. guarantees that Israel will fulfill its commitments and help resolve any outstanding issues in the event of Israeli obstruction. The structure and substance of Lebanon's response will be central to any potential agreement. Beirut recognizes that the time for political maneuvering has come to an end.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store