
Emirates to resume flights to and from Lebanon starting Monday, June 23: Sources to LBCI
Emirates Airlines will resume its regular flight operations to and from Lebanon beginning Monday, June 23, according to information reported by LBCI.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


LBCI
18 hours ago
- LBCI
Behind closed doors: Can Lebanon craft a unified response to the US proposal in time?
Report by Joe Farchakh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Lebanon's leadership is racing against time to finalize a unified response to the proposal put forward by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack amid ongoing internal consultations. Following Friday's meeting between President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, consultations continued Saturday with a sit-down between Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. According to LBCI, the Ain el-Tineh meeting did not produce a finalized official Lebanese response to the U.S. proposal, but it laid important groundwork as officials await Hezbollah's position, particularly on the disarmament issue. Sources told LBCI that Salam's visit was coordinated with the presidency and aimed at hearing the concerns of the Hezbollah-Amal Movement political duo, especially regarding Barrack's proposal. The discussions centered on three key points. The first was the Barrack proposal. Negotiations over its contents remain unresolved. Hezbollah is reportedly demanding clear American guarantees, particularly regarding the release of detainees, Israeli withdrawal from five hilltop positions, and an end to assassinations and daily violations. Lebanon's main reservations center on the need for synchronizing steps: weapons handover on one side, matched by Israeli commitments on the other — a 'step-for-step' framework. The second point was the urgent need for economic reforms, especially those targeting the cash economy, smuggling control, and banking sector restructuring. According to LBCI, the United States and Saudi Arabia are pressing for the swift passage of long-overdue financial reforms. These are seen as essential, alongside disarmament, for unlocking international aid and jump-starting reconstruction efforts. The third point was Monday's legislative session, which is considered critical, as key reform laws are expected to be passed amid increasing international pressure not to waste more time. Against this backdrop, July is shaping up to be decisive for the fate of Hezbollah's weapons, both south and north of the Litani River. Washington is pushing for a swift, official government statement confirming the launch of the disarmament process under Barrack's roadmap, with the envoy expected in Beirut soon.


LBCI
18 hours ago
- LBCI
Legal cannabis in Lebanon: A long-stalled plan finally takes root
Report by Theresia Rahme, English Adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Lebanon's agricultural seasons are no longer limited to fruits and vegetables. This time, a new and controversial crop is joining the list: cannabis, which is on track to become a legal and state-regulated crop. What's the latest? Although Parliament passed a law legalizing the cultivation of medical and industrial cannabis in 2020, implementation stalled for years due to political disputes and delays in forming a regulatory authority. That is finally changing. The Agriculture Ministry has announced the start of practical steps, beginning with the appointment of a regulatory authority that will oversee, monitor and manage the cultivation, production and marketing of cannabis — all within a legal and controlled framework. The regulatory authority is expected to be finalized by the end of July or early August, as requested by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Once operational, the authority will establish a clear mechanism for implementation and oversight. If carried out effectively and responsibly, legal cannabis cultivation could generate estimated revenues of $1 billion to $3 billion, aided by Lebanon's favorable agricultural climate. Lebanese pharmaceutical companies are closely watching these developments, viewing them as a major investment opportunity that could open the door to local production and exports — particularly in the medical and therapeutic sectors.


LBCI
2 days 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?