Latest news with #GrandSerail
L'Orient-Le Jour
2 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Barrack at the Grand Serail: Washington cannot give guarantees to Lebanon
American envoy Tom Barrack stated Monday, following a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, that Washington wants to ensure the return of stability to the region, which justified his return to Beirut for the second time in two weeks, but that it cannot "force Israel to do anything," admitting that the cease-fire agreement reached at the end of November to end the war between Hezbollah and Israel "has not succeeded." This agreement, which came into effect on Nov. 27, was brokered by the U.S. and France. It called for a total withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, where they still occupy five positions on Lebanese territory, continue to conduct ground incursions and carry out almost daily airstrikes. On the Lebanese side, it was to lead to the disarmament of Hezbollah, primarily south of the Litani, then in the rest of the country, as stipulated by U.N. Resolution 1701, which served as the framework for the truce agreement — something the party rejects. Israeli attacks on Lebanon over the past eight months have killed more than 270 people. No guarantees, no threats, no sanctions Stating from the Grand Serail that the truce agreement "has not succeeded" and that the United States wants to "resolve" this situation, Barrack, himself of Lebanese origin, said he was present "because President Donald Trump attaches importance to the situation in Lebanon and to restoring stability in the region." "We want to discuss with national actors, the government, to see how we can help," he said, adding he had not taken note of "comments" by Hezbollah regarding the roadmap proposed by Washington and reminding that, for the American administration, the party is "a terrorist organization." "We are trying to help, to use our influence on all parties," he added, stating that disarming Hezbollah was "a Lebanese internal matter." He further stressed that the United States was not there to "threaten" and has no intention of imposing new sanctions on Lebanese officials. "Imposing sanctions is a complicated process, which is not currently being discussed," he stated. However, there are no "guarantees" made to Lebanon, he said in response to a question, stating that the United States "cannot force Israel to do anything." "We are here to help you achieve a better understanding with your neighbors, and not just Israel, but it's up to you and your government to work this out," he said, insisting that Washington "wants to restore stability in the region and not pour oil on the fire." Draft memorandum for the implementation of Lebanon's commitments Arriving Sunday in Beirut, the American envoy was met, before his meeting at the Grand Serail, by President Joseph Aoun. According to the presidency, during this meeting, Aoun gave the diplomat, "on behalf of the Lebanese state, a draft comprehensive memorandum to implement Lebanon's commitments," whether it concerns the modalities of the truce agreement, the swearing-in of the president or the ministerial statement of Nawaf Salam's cabinet. Barrack's meetings are being held in the presence of U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson. According to local media, the American envoy is also expected to meet during the day with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Beirut Bishop Elias Audi, Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, as well as former PSP leader Walid Joumblatt. A dinner gathering with several MPs is also planned at the U.S. Embassy. Barrack's visit to Lebanon is part of efforts to consolidate the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. During his previous stay, he received the Lebanese response to an American proposal, notably calling for Hezbollah's disarmament. Lebanon was to receive feedback on this response a few days later, specifically requesting the completion of the disarmament of the party by the end of the year, especially regarding heavy and medium weapons. This new trip was an opportunity to continue dialogue and bring viewpoints closer. According to L'Orient-Le Jour's information, Lebanon intends to clearly commit to a return to the state's monopoly on weapons and will propose to conduct this process "in stages," which would progress as Israel fulfills its part of the deal by withdrawing from southern Lebanon. This position directly contrasts with that of Hezbollah, whose secretary-general, Naim Qassem, called on Friday for officials to "postpone the issue of monopoly on arms."
L'Orient-Le Jour
3 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Salam received by Rai
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met Saturday evening in Dimane, northern Lebanon, with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai, according to a post on the Grand Serail's X account. Patriarch Rai is currently residing at the summer headquarters of the patriarchate, located in the Bsharri region. On this occasion, Salam emphasized the importance of the role played by the head of the Maronite Church in ''consolidating national principles and strengthening partnership among the Lebanese.'' In recent days, Lebanon has witnessed a resurgence of sectarian tensions linked to clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups in southern Syria. These confrontations have led to the involvement of regular Syrian government forces under Ahmad al-Sharaa, as well as Israeli airstrikes, raising fears of the conflict spilling over into Lebanon. Meanwhile, the issue of state monopoly over arms — and particularly the disarmament of Hezbollah — continues to stir unrest on the domestic political scene. The party refuses to relinquish its arsenal and advocates for dialogue, while its opponents are calling on President Joseph Aoun — who is concerned about the risk of internal destabilization — and the Salam cabinet to enforce disarmament.
L'Orient-Le Jour
6 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Clashes in Sweida: Salam and Joumblatt urge 'restraint' in Lebanon
BEIRUT — Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged 'restraint' during a phone call with Druze leader Walid Joumblatt on Thursday, following recent clashes in Sweida, southern Syria, between Sunday and Wednesday. According to the Grand Serail, Salam and Joumblatt insisted on the importance "of preserving Syria's unity and promoting understanding among all its citizens under the authority of the Syrian state." They also underscored "the need, in Lebanon, to act with wisdom and restraint, and to avoid reactions likely to trigger internal tensions among citizens of the same country." The head of government also praised the efforts undertaken by the Druze leader to "prevent any internal incident that threatens the country's stability and the restoration of state authority, which remains the reference point for all Lebanese." The clashes in Sweida have left more than 350 dead since Sunday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The violence broke out between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes, prompting government forces to intervene in support of the latter and to deploy in the city. On Wednesday night, a new cease-fire was declared and government forces withdrew from the region, following in particular a series of heavy Israeli strikes on Damascus and southern Syria. Israel said it conducted the strike to support the Druze. In the aftermath, in Lebanon, former Lebanese minister Wi'am Wahhab, head of the Druze Tawhid Party, announced Tuesday the creation of a new armed formation called the "Tawhid Army," calling for "armed resistance." On Wednesday, Salam had already called on the Lebanese to "steer clear of discord and prioritize the supreme national interest," after an altercation broke out between several youths and a man dressed in traditional Druze attire in the village of Marj, in the Bekaa. Solidarity gatherings with the Druze of Sweida took place Wednesday in the Bekaa and other regions of the country, while in the afternoon dozens gathered for a sit-in in Tripoli's al-Nour Square in support of the Damascus regime and to condemn the Israeli bombings.
LBCI
16-07-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Lebanon sees high economic hopes in regulated cannabis sector
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Wednesday sponsored a conference at the Grand Serail on legal cannabis cultivation, reaffirming the government's push to activate Lebanon's law allowing medical and industrial use. In his opening remarks, Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani framed the initiative as a turning point in Lebanon's approach to agriculture and economic development. 'This isn't just a new crop—it's a national responsibility,' he said, calling the cannabis sector a 'promising' field if regulated with transparency, science, and proper governance. Hani highlighted the law's potential to create a full value chain from cultivation to advanced industries, adding that 'Lebanon has a real chance to lead in this emerging global market." The minister added that legal cannabis farming aligns with a broader national strategy to diversify agricultural production in response to climate, environmental, and food security challenges. Prime Minister Salam echoed those points. He estimated that the sector could generate over $1 billion in annual revenue and provide high-quality jobs—particularly in marginalized areas like the Bekaa Valley. He warned against chaos or monopolies, stressing the need for equity and proper oversight. 'We don't want this to become a space for exploitation,' he said, urging all stakeholders to approach it with seriousness and scientific rigor.
LBCI
02-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon's PM Salam pledges cabinet session on waste crisis after Bchannine landfill fire
Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is following up on the fallout from the landfill fire in the town of Bchannine, in the Zgharta District, coordinating with the Disaster Risk Management Unit at the Grand Serail, the Ministry of Environment, and other relevant agencies. In a statement, Salam said a special cabinet session will be held "as soon as possible" to address Lebanon's waste crisis. The meeting will focus on all administrative, financial, and executive aspects of the file, with the aim of establishing a framework for both immediate and long-term solutions.
