NNA - In a swift and decisive move, Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani addressed an official letter to the Public Prosecution Office regarding information circulating in the media about the marketing of protected wild animals and birds, subject to the CITES Convention and prohibited from trade according to the laws and regulations in force.

Hani stressed in his letter the "necessity of taking the required legal measures against the concerned individuals, and taking appropriate measures to ensure compliance with the laws and protect biodiversity in Lebanon."

He emphasized the Agriculture Ministry's readiness to fully cooperate with the concerned authorities and to put all its capabilities at the disposal of the investigation, providing any additional information that may help in enforcing the relevant laws.

This move comes within the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture to combat environmental breaches and to enhance Lebanon's commitment to international agreements aimed at protecting endangered species and preserving ecological balance.

===========R.Sh.