Latest news with #AinElTineh
LBCI
22-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Tom Barrack: The United States will never abandon Lebanon
Ahead of his meeting at Ain El-Tineh with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, American envoy Tom Barrack reaffirmed Washington's commitment to Lebanon. In response to a question from LBCI about what might happen if the United States were to withdraw its support, Barrack firmly stated: 'The United States will never abandon Lebanon.'
LBCI
23-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Solidarity with Iran: Will Hezbollah join Iran-Israel-US war?
Report by Bassam Abou Zeid, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi From the Baabda Presidential Palace to the headquarters of Parliament in Ain el-Tineh, Lebanese officials are sending clear reassurances that Hezbollah will not engage in the ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Intermittent communications are underway between President Joseph Aoun's advisors and three key Hezbollah figures: Wafiq Safa on security matters, Hussein Khalil, and MP Mohammad Raad on political affairs. Direct contact with the group's Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, has not been established. Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri maintains daily, intensive contact with Hezbollah's leadership. Berri has publicly declared with complete certainty that Lebanon will not be dragged into the escalating war. According to informed sources, multiple American warnings have been delivered to the Lebanese government regarding the risks of Hezbollah entering the conflict. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack and Ambassador Lisa Johnson have conveyed these messages. At the same time, Israel has issued its own warnings—including military action, most notably the targeting of Al-Manar TV's broadcast station in Taoumat Niha. The strike marked a significant escalation, as the station had not been targeted throughout the recent war but came precisely as the U.S. was striking Iran's nuclear sites. Hezbollah has yet to officially state its position on joining the war. While its leadership continues to issue political statements in solidarity with Iran, the group has shown no indications of planning military involvement. Sources close to the ongoing contacts with Hezbollah cite multiple reasons for its current restraint. The group recognizes that entering the war would not significantly alter the evolving regional equations, particularly as its military capabilities are no longer what they once were. Preserving remaining resources and avoiding exposure to Israel's military machine has become a strategic priority, especially with supply routes severed and diminished Iranian support. The same sources emphasize that both Hezbollah's support base and many Lebanese citizens categorically reject any return to conflict, especially as the country has yet to recover from the fallout of the previous "support war." There are also growing concerns about the broader implications for Lebanon's Shiite community if the situation escalates further.
LBCI
10-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Speaker Berri meets Le Drian, praises French assistance against UNIFIL plot
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri affirmed the Parliament's commitment to completing all necessary reform legislation, stressing the urgent need to begin the reconstruction efforts for the damage caused by the Israeli aggression against Lebanon. He commended France's efforts in preparing for the reconstruction conference. Berri's stance came during his reception of French Presidential Envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian and his accompanying delegation at the Second Presidency headquarters in Ain El-Tineh. The meeting was attended by French Ambassador Hervé Magro and Speaker Berri's advisor, Mahmoud Berri. The meeting addressed the general situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as political and field developments in light of Israel's continued occupation of parts of Lebanese territory and its ongoing aggressions and violations of the ceasefire agreement and U.N. Resolution 1701. The lack of cooperation from Israel with the Quintet Committee, tasked with implementing the ceasefire agreement and U.N. Resolution 1701, was also discussed. The discussions also touched upon the reconstruction file, the reform path, and negotiations with the International Monetary Fund. Regarding the extension of UNIFIL forces operating in southern Lebanon, Speaker Berri expressed appreciation for France's efforts in supporting Lebanon to counter the conspiracy being plotted against the international forces, aimed at undermining them and Lebanon.
LBCI
05-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Speaker Berri meets David Hale, UNIFIL Chief, and Telecommunications Minister in Ain El-Tineh
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri received former U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Ambassador David Hale at the Second Presidency headquarters in Ain El-Tineh. The meeting included a broad discussion on developments in Lebanon, the region, and the latest political updates. Berri also met with the head of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major General Aroldo Lázaro. Their talks focused on the latest field developments in the south, particularly within UNIFIL's area of operations. The Speaker later met with Telecommunications Minister Charles Hajj, with discussions covering general affairs and matters related to the telecommunications sector.
LBCI
04-06-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Inclusive plan: Former Minister Ali Hamie tapped to advise on Lebanon's reconstruction strategy
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Hezbollah has made post-war reconstruction a top priority following Israel's recent military campaign, pressing the Lebanese government to immediately form damage assessment committees and begin the process of evaluating properties and setting compensation for affected residents. According to Hezbollah, these administrative steps are essential prerequisites to launching a serious reconstruction effort, with a particular emphasis on rebuilding residential units, not just infrastructure. Senior Hezbollah official Hussein Khalil conveyed this position during his recent meeting with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and again during a session between the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc and President Joseph Aoun. The group says it received a positive response from President Aoun, who expressed willingness to pursue a special law to govern the reconstruction process, similar to legislation passed after the 2006 war. The president reportedly assured Hezbollah he would give the matter special attention and work to reassure the public. The reconstruction file was also at the center of talks between PM Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh. For the Amal–Hezbollah duo, the state's responsibility is to calm public fears and restore displaced residents to their homes. In that context, a national reconstruction committee has begun work, and President Aoun has appointed former Public Works Minister Ali Hamie as a reconstruction advisor to the presidency. Multiple political sources say Hamie's appointment is not connected to ongoing national dialogue about Hezbollah's weapons but is instead aimed at reassuring the group's base. This step aligns with the positive landscape Aoun seeks, which is consistent with his approach to the arms issue. The sources also confirmed Aoun's opposition to excluding any party from the country's rescue effort. Hamie is seen as someone deeply familiar with the Shiite community's concerns and brings relevant expertise, having overseen damage assessment efforts during his time in the Mikati government. He is also the son of a Lebanese Army martyr. The decision to tap Hamie was, therefore, not arbitrary and reflects a broader spirit of inclusion the presidency hopes to foster as Lebanon navigates a recovery phase. Could this move serve as a starting point for a wider national strategy? Will key international stakeholders—particularly the five-nation group that includes the U.S. and Saudi Arabia—be willing to support Lebanon with reconstruction loans?
