Latest news with #AinAlTineh
LBCI
3 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Speaker Berri convenes joint parliamentary meeting to address lifting immunity from MP Bouchikian and launch telecom probe
Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri chaired a joint meeting on Monday in Ain al-Tineh between the Parliament Bureau and the Parliamentary Administration and Justice Committee. Following the meeting, Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab announced that the session, called for by Speaker Berri, was held to review a request submitted to Parliament regarding the lifting of immunity from MP George Bouchikian. He stated that at the beginning of the session, discussions also addressed a related matter that had been previously addressed by the same joint committee, nearly two years ago—specifically, the formation of a parliamentary inquiry committee into the Telecommunications Ministry. Bou Saab revealed that both cases were deemed similar, and a plenary session was scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, at 11:00 a.m. to deliberate on both items. Speaker Berri reportedly emphasized the urgency of moving forward with these matters, noting that the delay over the past two years was mainly due to the exceptional political conditions at the time, including the absence of a president and a non-functioning legislature. Bou Saab explained that the first case involves establishing a parliamentary inquiry committee to investigate the Ministry of Telecommunications. The second concerns the request to lift immunity from MP Bouchikian. 'It will be up to the general assembly to make the final decision on both,' he said. He stressed that no accusations were being made and that the committee's role was purely procedural. 'We are not accusing anyone. The report submitted was purely technical, focusing on how to apply parliamentary rules and the law without any external pressure,' he said. 'The investigation must determine whether the issue is related to the MP's role as a legislator, in which case immunity applies, or whether it pertains to actions taken in a ministerial capacity, in which case the judiciary would decide how to proceed.' Bou Saab reiterated the presumption of innocence, stating, 'Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. The procedure is clear: the request will be presented to the general assembly, and if the body decides to form an inquiry committee, it will vote to appoint its members.' Regarding the telecom case, he said the three former telecommunications ministers involved—Nicolas Sehnaoui, Boutros Harb, and Jamal Jarrah—had been notified of the matter over two years ago and had the right to attend the session or send legal representatives to present their defense. As for Bouchikian, the same process applies. 'He, too, has the right to defend himself and present his version of events,' Bou Saab said. He added that if the assembly approves the formation of the inquiry committee, its work will be conducted confidentially until its findings are finalized. When asked about rumors of Bouchikian's travel abroad, Bou Saab said, 'I will not comment on media reports. We have no official information about his whereabouts. What's important is that we took the step of referring the matter to the general assembly, which will vote on whether to lift his immunity. The vote will be secret, but the result will be made public.'
LBCI
18-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Speaker Berri meets UN Peacekeeping Chief, reaffirms Lebanon's commitment to UNIFIL mandate renewal
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri met on Wednesday with U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix at the Second Presidency in Ain al-Tineh. The meeting was attended by UNIFIL Commander Major General Aroldo Lázaro and Speaker Berri's advisor, Ali Hamdan. Discussions focused on the overall situation in Lebanon, UNIFIL's mission, and the upcoming renewal of its mandate. Speaker Berri expressed his gratitude to Major General Lázaro for his efforts during his tenure as head of the international peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, particularly in implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and strengthening ties between UNIFIL personnel and local communities. He wished Lázaro success in his future endeavors. Berri reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to international legitimacy and the continued presence of UNIFIL in the south, highlighting the force's essential role in Lebanon's security, stability, and future, as well as in regional peace. He also emphasized UNIFIL's involvement in overseeing the maritime border framework agreement and the latest ceasefire, which he said Israel continues to violate daily while maintaining its occupation of Lebanese territory in the south. Berri stressed to Lacroix that Lebanon is firmly in favor of the international community and the U.N. Security Council extending UNIFIL's mandate for a new term.
LBCI
16-06-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Speaker Berri meets World Bank officials, affirms readiness to pass key reform laws
Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri met at the Second Presidency headquarters in Ain al-Tineh with World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, Ousmane Dione, and the Bank's Regional Director Jean-Christophe Carret, in the presence of Berri's media advisor, Ali Hamdan. The meeting focused on projects and loans that have been under negotiation between Lebanon and the World Bank. Speaker Berri affirmed the Parliament's readiness to pass legislation and approve draft laws that have been agreed upon with the Lebanese government once they are formally submitted to Parliament and reviewed according to proper procedures—particularly those related to energy, water, agriculture, and reconstruction loans.
LBCI
29-05-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Speaker Berri briefed by Housing Bank Chief on upcoming loan agreement with Abu Dhabi Fund
The Chairman and General Manager of the Public Housing Bank, Antoine Habib, met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain al-Tineh on Wednesday evening to brief him on the positive outcome of the bank's meetings with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. The meetings were led by Abdullah Al Mansouri, the Fund's Regional Director for Asia, who visited the bank following a recommendation by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan after his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Abu Dhabi. The UAE leader encouraged the Fund to provide subsidized loans to the Public Housing Bank to help Lebanese citizens secure decent housing. The recent Lebanese-Emirati presidential meeting is expected to soon lead to a cooperation agreement between Lebanon and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. This will be followed by a loan agreement between Lebanon's Council for Development and Reconstruction and the Fund, to be implemented by Banque du Liban. During the meeting, Speaker Berri expressed his deep gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed for standing by the Lebanese people, and voiced appreciation and support for the Public Housing Bank's efforts to help citizens access or restore their homes.
