Category: Internal Affairs

UNIFIL Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said today that 'The Lebanese Military Court has informed us that the indicted individual detained in the attack that killed UNFIL Peacekeeper Private Seán Rooney on 14 December 2022 and injured 3 others has been released on bail due to his deteriorating health. He remains required to appear before the Court at the next hearing scheduled on 15 December 2023.' He added, 'UNIFIL continues to demand accountability for the killing of Private Rooney, which - like all attacks on peacekeepers - is a crime under both international and Lebanese law.' 'Other individuals charged in the 14 December attack remain at large. We continue to urge Lebanese authorities to bring them to justice and ensure all who contributed to the death of Private Rooney are held accountable for their crimes,' stressed Tenenti. Source: National news agency - Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Public Health Firas Abiad presented efforts undertaken by the Ministry to enhance readiness for potential repercussions of the ongoing war in Gaza. He emphasized support for governmental hospitals and the improvement of their capabilities to provide medical services, particularly in challenging circumstances. During a meeting with the Grand Mufti of Tripoli and the North Sheikh Mohammad Imam, Abiad highlighted the Ministry's focus on kidney dialysis and cancer patient care, including the opening of a cancer treatment department at Orange Nassau Governmental Hospital. As well, the Minister congratulated Mufti Imam on his election as Deputy Head of the Higher Islamic Sharia Council. Mufti Imam expressed gratitude for the Minister's visit, acknowledging the importance placed on crisis preparedness. He praised Dr. Abiad's efforts to secure necessary support for the Ministry's development and improvement of medical services, especially given Lebanon's exceptional circumstances. Sourc e: National news agency - Lebanon

Kataeb Media Department issued the following statement: The Kataeb Media Department condemns Hezbollah's electronic campaign to undermine the lives of free journalists and Lebanese who refuse to drag their country into war, saying that it is a reprehensible approach of authoritarianism which rejects opposing opinions and seeks to eliminate their existence. This is not the first time that the Military Court is in harmony with waves of suppression, cancellation, and bloodshed. The Kataeb Media Department addresses all of those: Have you not learned that your campaigns do not silence a Lebanese who puts Lebanon first? It will not deter journalists from conveying the truth, no matter the cost. Is it not enough for journalists to face Israeli attacks, only to get stabbed in the back by people within their own country? The Kataeb Media Department expresses solidarity with journalist "Layal Al Ekhtiar" and everyone facing these unjust and shameful campaigns. Our country will not change, and it will not turn in to a police state, no matter how hard you try. It will remain a stronghold of free speech, despite all those who refuse and oppose it. Source: National news agency - Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Dr. Abdallah Bou Habib, on Friday received Hungarian Ambassador to Lebanon, Ferenc Csillag, who conveyed to him a congratulatory letter from his Hungarian counterpart, Péter Szijjártó, on the occasion of Lebanon's Independence Day. Source: National news agency - Lebanon

House Speaker, Nabih Berri, on Friday rejected the unjust campaigns against the position of His Eminence, Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi, over his sincere call to support the displaced Lebanese. Speaker Berri said: 'His Eminence's call to support the displaced expresses a unifying national stance. As I hail His Eminence's call in this regard, we denounce the campaign against him as nothing more than a misunderstanding.' On the other hand, Speaker Berri received at the Second Presidency in Ain El-Tineh, MP Farid Al-Khazen, with whom he discussed the current general situation and the latest political and field developments, as well as legislative affairs. Source: National news agency - Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Friday met at the Grand Serail, with Caretaker Minister of Social Affairs Hector Al-Hajjar, with whom he discussed files related to his ministry. On emerging, Minister Hajjar said that he discussed with the Premier several issues, including the loan related to the Aman program. Discussions also touched on the importance of announcing the adoption of the National Social Protection Strategy, the issue of the Chinese donation and the necessity of finding solutions to the challenges endured by social care institutions. Premier Mikati also received at the Grand Serail the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, with discussions reportedly touching on the existing cooperation between the government and United Nations organizations in terms of services, humanitarian, health and social efforts. Mikati later welcomed at the Grand Serail, the Spanish Ambassador, Jesús Santos Aguado. Source: National news agency - Lebanon