NNA - Prime Minister, Dr. Nawaf Salam, affirmed during a series of meetings he held on Wednesday at the Grand Serail, that his government "has begun working on a number of political, economic, and social dossiers," stressing that "the state's train must set out on more than one level or track, from the far north to the far south, including the capital, Beirut."

Premier Salam received today at the Grand Serail a delegation from the Alawite community, led by the head of the Alawite Islamic Council, Sheikh Ali Qaddour.

On emerging, Sheikh Qaddour described the meeting as positive and important, during which the delegation emphasized national unity, which is ”the most powerful weapon in facing challenges and overcoming difficulties.”

Sheikh Qaddour also indicated that the delegation presented to Premier Salam an array of righteous, longstanding demands related to the Alawite Islamic Council and the Alawite Islamic community.  

Sheikh Qaddour added that discussions also dwelt on the current events in Syria and their impact on Lebanon, in general.

Separately, Premier Salam met with MP Nadim Gemayel, who said that the discussion focused on an array of national issues, especially the security situation, and the necessity of the army's deployment throughout the Lebanese territory.

Discussions also reportedly touched on the upcoming municipal election issue.

Additionally, the Prime Minister received at the Grand Serail, the representative and director of the World Food Programme, Matthew Hollingworth.

Among Premier Salam’s itinerant visitors for today had been a delegation from the "Bader" Association, headed by Hisham Tabbara, who congratulated the Premier on the government formation, The delegation also raised with the Premier an array of demands related to the city of Beirut.

 Salam also received former MP Jawad Boulos.

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