NNA - Prime Minister, Dr. Nawaf Salam, affirmed that "the attack on the Beirut’s southern suburb, and other Israeli attacks, constitute a violation of the cessation of hostilities arrangements," considering that "activating the monitoring mechanism is required to stop these attacks."
Premier Salam also pointed out that "Lebanon wants to put an end to all these violations and end the Israeli occupation of the five hills and all Lebanese territories."
Salam added, during his reception of a delegation from the Press Syndicate headed by its Dean, Awni Al-Kaaki, that "if Israel does not withdraw completely, this will threaten stability," stressing that "Lebanon is committed to the agreement, and the Israeli side must in turn commit to its role. We are keen on having continued supportive positions by the US and France towards Lebanon to achieve this."
Premier Salam revealed that “work is continuing to mobilize all diplomatic forces to stop the attacks,” referring to “ongoing communication with the Americans, the French, and all influential powers, especially Arab and European countries.”
The PM also stressed the governmenth’s keenness to work to ensure citizens’ needs in the areas of security and safety, and to improve economic and daily living conditions.
Salam also pointed out that "the government has begun working on a reconstruction plan, starting with infrastructure. A damage assessment has been conducted, and work has now begun to secure resources. The government has begun negotiations with the World Bank, and has secured $325 million to date, with efforts to increase this amount."
Regarding the municipal elections in Beirut, Prime Minister Salam affirmed that "the government remains impartial and will ensure the integrity of the electoral process," emphasizing that he "maintains an equal distance from all candidates."
He added: “It is important to preserve Beirut’s unity, as it is the capital that reflects the image of the country in all its diversity."
On the other hand, Premier Salam received at the Serail, the acting UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, Aquil Ayar, who said after the meeting: "We discussed a number of priority issues related to children in Lebanon, and we exchanged views on various files and upcoming challenges. The meeting was also an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of strengthening joint cooperation with the Lebanese government, and with the state as a whole, in order to address current and future challenges."
Salam also met with Colombia's Ambassador to Lebanon, Edwin Ostos Alfonso, who presented the activities of his country's embassy in Lebanon, in addition to bilateral relations between the two countries.
Salam then received former MP Sami Fatfat, who said after the meeting that he discussed with the Premier ”a number of political issues, the most important of which are the municipal elections that will take place in Lebanon, especially in the North.”
The Prime Minister later received a delegation from the Jad Association, headed by Joseph Hawat, who said they briefed the Premier ”on the Association’s activities, especially with regard to the ongoing coordination with the security forces in combating the scourge of drugs.”
The Prime Minister received a delegation from the Beirut Marathon Association, headed by Mrs. May Khalil.
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