Latest news with #nationalunity
Arab News
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Lebanon's president urges unity to seize Arab support, pledges no more wars
BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday warned that his country cannot endure another war, stressing that national unity and Arab cooperation are key to Lebanon's recovery. 'The Lebanese can no longer withstand any additional war,' Aoun said, as he urged leaders to reject divisions and foreign meddling, and instead harness growing regional support to rebuild the nation. He was speaking to a delegation of prominent Sunni religious leaders headed by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian at the Republican Palace. The president condemned what he termed Lebanon's historical 'fatal error' —seeking foreign backing against domestic opponents. 'We all saw the devastating consequences of this approach,' Aoun said. 'Instead, I want to strengthen partnerships with my brothers and allies domestically to counter external threats, regardless of their source.' Aoun cited Israel as exemplifying the divide-and-conquer strategy that, he said, Lebanon must resist through internal unity. 'Our cohesion confronts this approach and addresses all challenges,' he said. The president gave reassurances about the country's future, saying that 'Lebanon is secure, and we will not return to warfare rhetoric. Our framework is Lebanon itself, destined only for stability and prosperity.' Fresh from diplomatic talks in Manama, where Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa on Wednesday announced plans for a permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut, Aoun praised recent interfaith coordination that prevented regional tensions from destabilizing Lebanon. Highlighting the emerging opportunities for Lebanon's recovery, his call was to seize the support offered by Lebanon's regional neighbors. 'We have tremendous prospects ahead of us. You witness how our Arab brothers are extending their hands and approaching us. We must capitalize on these chances and transform our nation's circumstances.' He commended the collaboration between Mufti Derian and the Druze spiritual leader, Sheikh Aql Sami Abi Al-Mona, during Syria's Sweida clashes, calling it evidence of 'elevated national consciousness and profound responsibility.' The president criticized those 'spreading rumors to intimidate citizens against one another,' while celebrating the dual contributions of Lebanon's Sunni community: internal moderation and affirming Lebanon's Arab identity. Aoun praised the community's sacrifices, noting religious and political leaders who died serving Lebanon, from clerics Sheikh Ahmed Assaf, Mufti Hassan Khaled, and Mufti Subhi Al-Saleh, to prime ministers Riad Al-Solh, Rashid Karami, and Rafic Hariri. 'No individual possesses the power to eliminate another in Lebanon, nor does anyone hold superior merit,' Aoun said. 'United, we all serve Lebanon's interests. Divided, we destroy the entire nation, leaving no protection for anyone.' Aoun reported significant progress in government reform, claiming achievements unseen in nearly 15 years — recognition he attributed to international observers. While acknowledging the absence of quick fixes, he emphasized making the most of available opportunities. Addressing corruption — which he identified as Lebanon's core problem alongside impunity — Aoun vowed continued action. 'Corruption recognizes no boundaries of color, sect, or denomination,' he concluded. Meanwhile, Mufti Derian expressed deep concern over the prevailing 'fear and anxiety among the Lebanese,' warning that the country is entering a precarious phase during continued Israeli aggression. He emphasized that UN Resolution 1701, which brought an end to the 2006 war, has been implemented solely by the Lebanese side, while Israel has consistently failed to respect its obligations under the resolution. The November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was intended to revive the terms of UN Resolution 1701, which calls for Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, a halt to Hezbollah's military operations near the southern border, and full control of arms by the Lebanese state. But little progress has been made. 'Even the ceasefire that followed was unilateral, respected and implemented only by Lebanon. According to what we are witnessing, new agreements are now being proposed. Let Resolution 1701, which encompasses all relevant matters, be implemented in full, and let new agreements be dispensed with,' Mufti Derian said in a call for international accountability. He added: 'The Lebanese people have endured immense hardship in recent years, facing one crisis after another, and yet they have remained resilient. Today, more than ever, they need to feel the presence of a state that stands to protect them.' He reaffirmed support for Aoun in upholding the oath of office, 'which we regard as a vital gateway to rescuing both Lebanon and its people. In this critical moment, we look to you to help steer the country through uncertainty, as citizens grow increasingly anxious over the prospect of renewed Israeli aggression. We stand behind the Arab consensus, whatever all Arabs agree upon, we support,' Mufti Derian told Aoun. He praised Aoun's efforts to restore Lebanon's influential position in the region, citing his regional visits and the trust he enjoys among Arab and international partners. He also commended the president's commitment to preserve stability among Lebanon's diverse communities. 'The voice of moderation and centrism must prevail among all Lebanese,' Derian said, calling for cooperation. Lebanon is facing mounting international pressure to implement the US plan, which calls for setting a timetable for the process of restricting arms to the state in implementation of the ceasefire agreement. US Special Envoy Tom Barrack highlighted the issue on Wednesday upon his departure from Lebanon after a three-day visit filled with meetings with Lebanese officials. Barrack confirmed from Beirut airport that 'there is no deadline for this, and your neighbors are the ones who set the timetable, not the United States,' referring to Israel. On the security front, the Central Internal Security Council convened a high-level meeting, bringing together senior military, security, and judicial officials. Lebanon's Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar emphasized the importance of sustained field operations, calling for intensified patrols and a reinforced security presence in Lebanese regions to uphold internal stability. He also highlighted the need to strengthen existing measures along the Syrian border to ensure tighter control and enhanced national security. The Lebanese Army Command announced that army units arrested 78 Syrians at the Assi-Hermel and Chadra-Akkar checkpoints for illegally entering Lebanese territory. The army also said that an Intelligence Directorate patrol raided the homes of wanted individuals in Beirut's southern suburbs, specifically in the Bir al-Abed area, and arrested four citizens.
The Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald
‘Nkabane epitomised political arrogance': Parties welcome former minister's axing
'One Nkabane does not a renewed ANC make. There is a very long list of ANC corruption to be eradicated.' The MK Party (MKP) said the move was necessary and long overdue. 'The former minister's failure to account for the irregular and unlawful allocation of the Seta board positions raised serious questions about the government of national unity's governance, their lack of transparency and the severe political interference that has become characteristic of the former liberation movement,' said MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela. 'It was evident the appointments disproportionately favoured individuals with strong ties to the ANC, a pattern that cannot be ignored in a constitutional democracy such as South Africa.' The ANC expressed confidence in the new leadership of Manamela and Dube-Ncube. 'The ANC is confident the new leadership team will advance access, equity, and quality in the higher education sector,' said ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu. 'We extend our gratitude to Nkabane for her service and wish her well in her future endeavours. The appointments reaffirm our commitment to a capable, ethical and developmental state.' Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi also welcomed Nkabane's removal, citing her alleged misconduct in parliament. 'Nkabane epitomised political arrogance and showed an unrepentant disregard for what it means to be in service to the people of South Africa. While she no longer serves as a member of the executive, she must be held accountable by the joint committee on ethics and members' interests for misleading parliament and the people of South Africa.' ActionSA said Nkabane's tenure as minister was marked by 'failure, scandal and neglect'. It said: 'Her attempt to bury parliamentary questions under 800 pages of bureaucratic nonsense concealed, among other things, an R11.2m departmental travel spree.' TimesLIVE
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Premiers meet in Ontario: analyst says Trump's tariffs, internal trade top the agenda
Political analyst Duane Bratt says Trump's tariffs and internal trade will dominate talks as premiers meet in Ontario, with national unity also being a prime focus.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
English only: Trump clamping down on offering federal services in other languages
The Trump administration is clamping down on other languages as it formally begins implementing the president's order making English the country's sole official language. Many government agencies have long provided services and documents in other languages, reflecting the United States' longtime reputation as a nation of immigrants. But President Donald Trump upon retaking the White House declared English the nation's official language. Previously, the country had no official language, although English was the guidance issued by Attorney General Pam Bondi on July 14, federal agencies must begin reviewing any "unnecessary multilingual offerings" they currently offer and consider ending them. Trump said making English the official language will improve national unity and encourage immigrants to assimilate, a sentiment echoed by Bondi in her memo. "By prioritizing English as the official language, we strengthen national unity and operational efficiency while providing agencies with practical tools to balance this mandate with mission-critical responsibilities," Bondi wrote to the entire federal government. Bondi said she was suspending the federal government's Limited English Proficiency website service, which historically advised agencies on how to best assist people who don't speak English well. The website also lists multiple instances in which federal officials have secured legally binding agreements with state and local governments to provide options for people who don't speak English. Bondi's memo does not require other agencies to stop providing services in other languages, but orders them to determine "which of their programs, grants, and policies might serve the public at large better if operated exclusively in English." The administration said that within 180 days it will publish a listing of services that will still be offered in other languages. Federal services currently provided in languages other than English include: voting information, emergency warnings and weather forecasts, court proceedings and IRS forms. People seeking to become U.S. citizens are also allowed to skip the English-language portion of the citizenship test or bring an interpreter, under certain circumstances. Some federal court rulings have found that failing to provide certain services in other languages can be discriminatory, but Bondi in her new order said some departments were providing far more than the legally required translations. The federal Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, or national origin, but Trump officials argue previous administrations incorrectly applied the law. "A shared language binds Americans together, transcending different backgrounds to create a common foundation for public discourse, government operations, and civic life, while leaving ample room for the vibrant linguistic diversity that thrives in private and community spheres," Bondi added. "This initiative is not merely a return to tradition but a forward-looking strategy to enhance social and economic integration, offering all residents the opportunity to learn and embrace English as a means of achieving the American dream." A 2024 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 51% of Americans said it was "extremely or very important" for the U.S. to make English its official language. The survey found that nearly 75% of Republicans or Republican-leaning Americans supported making English the official language, compared to just 32% of Democrats or Democrat-leaning voters. The Linguistic Society of America, which opposed making English the official national language, noted that Congress repeatedly over centuries declined to pass proposals making the designation, and pointed out that several states in the 1780s had to translate the proposed Constitution into German and Dutch before ratification because so many people didn't speak English. The Kentucky-based LSA, founded in 1924 to promote the scientific study of langauge, said trying to create national unity through language is ineffective. More than 80% of the world's countries are officially bi- or multilingual, the LSA said. "Furthermore, there is research documenting how imposing a common language can actually generate intense resistance, rather than creating a 'unified and cohesive' society," the LSA said in a position paper. "The intertwined nature of language and race creates a linguistic hierarchy in which the languages and linguistic repertoires of non-White speakers are considered deficient. The imposition of this kind of linguistic hierarchy can only be divisive." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: English only: Trump clamping down on multilingual federal services
LBCI
05-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
US Envoy Tom Barrack hails 'historic moment' for Lebanon, urges unity and reform
U.S. Envoy Tom Barrack expressed optimism for Lebanon's future in a post on X, calling the current moment a 'historic' opportunity for national unity. 'Lebanon's hope awakens!!! The opportunity is now,' Barrack wrote. 'This is a historic moment to supersede the strained confessionalism of the past and finally fulfill Lebanon's true promise of the hope of 'One country, one people, one army.'' Quoting U.S. President Donald Trump, Barrack added: 'Lebanon is a great place, with great people. Let's make Lebanon Great again.' Lebanon's hope awakens!!! The opportunity is now. This is a historic moment to supersede the strained confessionalism of the past and finally fulfill 🇱🇧's true promise of the hope of 'One country, one people, one army.' As @POTUS has consistently shared with the world, "Lebanon… — Ambassador Tom Barrack (@USAMBTurkiye) July 5, 2025
