Latest news with #Zahle
LBCI
3 days ago
- Business
- LBCI
President Aoun hails Zahle's global wine city designation as national win
President Joseph Aoun hailed the designation of Zahle as an 'International City of Vine and Wine' by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine as a national achievement and a testament to years of joint efforts. He credited the Agriculture Ministry and Lebanese wine producers for their work in developing and promoting the country's wine industry over the years. 'Congratulations to Zahle and to Lebanon. Lebanese wine has now gone global,' Aoun said.
LBCI
7 days ago
- Business
- LBCI
Zahle named ''World Wine City'' by International Vine and Wine Organization
Zahle has officially been designated a 'World Wine City' by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), marking a major milestone for Lebanon's agricultural and cultural recognition. The designation took effect in April 2025, honoring Zahle's historic role in grape cultivation and winemaking. The announcement was made by Louis Lahoud, Director General of Lebanon's Ministry of Agriculture, who noted that the recognition places Lebanon prominently on the global wine map. This achievement stems from a detailed application submitted by former Zahle mayor Assaad Zgheib and Monir El Tini, head of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Zahle and the Bekaa. The file highlighted the city's extensive vineyards, number of wineries, and its leadership in Lebanon's wine sector. Current mayor officially adopted the initiative, with full support from the Agriculture Minister. The OIV formally notified Lahoud of the decision, recognizing Zahle based on scientific and professional criteria. According to Lahoud, the announcement was the result of fieldwork, studies, and coordination between the ministry's technical teams and local wine producers. 'This designation not only affirms Zahle's agricultural and cultural identity,' Lahoud said, 'but also opens new prospects for Lebanon's wine industry and strengthens its standing in global vine and wine production.'
The National
7 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Lebanese parliament lifts immunity from sitting MP for first time since 2000
Lebanon 's parliament has voted to lift immunity from a sitting MP for the first time in 25 years, opening the way for a former minister to face corruption charges. Georges Bouchikian is facing allegations stemming from his time as minister of industry between 2021 and 2025. Mr Bouchikian, who is from the Armenian Tashnag party and an MP for Zahle, denies the charges. Ninety-nine MPs voted to lift his parliamentary immunity, well over the simple majority required of those present. In the same session on Wednesday, MPs also voted to refer three former telecommunications ministers to a commission of inquiry amid corruption claims. It was a parliamentary session marked by repeated power cuts and technical issues. With the cooling systems not working in the middle of a scorching summer day, many MPs removed their jackets. On July 8, the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation, Jamal Hajjar, sent a request via Justice Minister Adel Nassar to parliamentary authorities to remove Mr Bouchikian's immunity so he could be questioned. He had left Lebanon the day before for a family trip, but strongly rejected claims that he was trying to flee justice, and reiterated that he would co-operate with authorities. 'At the time of my departure, no decision had been issued to pursue legal action against me, nor was there any formal request to lift my parliamentary immunity,' he said this week. 'No one is above accountability, and no one should be denied legal protection,' he added. The government that took office this year under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has vowed to tackle corruption in Lebanon. A former economy minister, Amin Salam, was arrested last month following an investigation into alleged financial crimes.
LBCI
20-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Interior Ministry announces 2025 municipal and mukhtar election results in Zahle
The Ministry of Interior and Municipalities has released the results of the 2025 municipal and mukhtar elections in Zahle. Click here to view the results.
LBCI
18-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Interior Minister says Bekaa elections running smoothly, Southern vote preparations underway
Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar confirmed that the electoral process in Bekaa is proceeding smoothly, without interference or pressure. Speaking from the Zahle Serail, Hajjar noted that voting was briefly halted in three or four polling stations, but the issues were resolved and the situation is now under control. He added that minor security incidents occurred in some areas, but security forces were able to contain them. Hajjar stated: 'The next round of elections will take place next Saturday. The presidents of the republic and the government are continuing their consultations, and I am also in contact with relevant authorities and the countries participating in the ceasefire monitoring committee for the southern elections. We are not waiting for any guarantees.' He added that preparations had been made to anticipate potential staff shortages in Bekaa and Beirut elections, and staff were quickly reassigned where needed. Hajjar also confirmed that the final electoral map for South Lebanon is not yet complete, and that the distribution of polling centers will be finalized over the next two days based on several criteria—most importantly the safety of the electoral process and the security of voters, staff, and judges. Bekaa's Governor said, "We have received complaints regarding vote-buying, but we need confirmation and evidence. We intervene whenever an incident occurs.'
