Lebanon

BEIRUT, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- A senior UN official on Friday warned that Lebanon may be turned into a "failing state" if the government does not succeed in implementing quick and serious reform measures amid the current unprecedented financial crisis.

"The prime minister should exercise his authority and move the country forward. There is no time to waste," said Olivier De Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, during a press conference held at the end of his mission in the capital Beirut.

09 Nov 2021; MEMO: The head of the Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Jumblatt, has said that the dismissal of Information Minister George Kordahi is the only way to solve the crisis in Lebanon-Gulf relations.

In an interview with MTV aired on Monday, the veteran Druze leader added that he is very patient with Hezbollah. The movement has, he said, "destroyed the homes" that Lebanese people have in the Gulf States. He also described Prime Minister Najib Mikati's performance as "excellent at this stage."

09 Nov 2021; MEMO: Lebanon's Hezbollah rejected a proposal on Monday put forward by the Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League to help end the crisis in relations with the Gulf States sparked by comments made by Information Minister George Kordahi.

BEIRUT, Nov 8 (Reuters) - A senior Arab League official held talks in Lebanon on Monday in a bid to ease a rift with Saudi Arabia over criticism of its role in the Yemen war, saying the crisis could have been defused if the minister who made the comments had resigned.

Arab League Assistant Secretary General Hossam Zaki met Lebanon's president, prime minister and parliament speaker during his visit. President Michel Aoun said he welcomed any Arab League initiative to restore ties with Saudi Arabia.

05 Nov 2021; MEMO: Lebanese civil servants yesterday launched a strike against a recent salary reduction as the country's economic crisis worsens.

The standoff, which was organised by the local Association of Public Administration Employees, came after public wages were reported to have lost almost 95 per cent of their purchasing value.

05 Nov 2021; MEMO: Lebanese Minister of Information, George Kordahi, will resign if the Gulf countries provide guarantees that this will change their position towards Lebanon, Anadolu news agency reported.

The agency quoted sources close to Kordahi as saying "he will not resign", adding that he is waiting to meet with the Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, to discover if his removal from office would change the relationship with the Gulf.

BEIRUT, Nov 3 (NNN-NNA) – Lebanon’s President, Michel Aoun, said yesterday that, Lebanese authorities are working on solving the dispute with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, a statement by the Lebanese presidency reported.

“We are working on all levels in hope to find a suitable solution for the dispute with the Gulf,” Aoun said, during his meeting with members of the European Parliament’s Delegation, for relations with the Mashreq countries.

BEIRUT, Nov 3 (NNN-NNA) – Lebanon’s state security, yesterday arrested a Lebanese national, for allegedly belonging to the Daesh group.

The Lebanese national, who was arrested in the northern district of Akkar, admitted that he was planning on attacking a religious centre in Akkar, using his motorcycle.

He also admitted to having collected some materials, for the manufacturing of explosives, locally.

The arrested man was referred to relevant judicial bodies for investigation, and other legal procedures.

BEIRUT, Nov 1 (NNN-NNA) – Lebanon’s state security, yesterday arrested 54 Syrian nationals, during their attempt to leave Lebanon illegally by sea, from northern al-Ballan Island.

The Syrian nationals, including 25 men, nine women and 20 children, were arrested when waiting for three ships to transport them to Cyprus.

The arrested people were transferred to the relevant judicial bodies, for investigation and other legal procedures.

31 Oct 2021; MEMO: The Lebanese minister at the centre of a dispute with Saudi Arabia said on Sunday resigning from the government "is out of the question," Al Jadeed TV channel quoted him as saying, Reuters reported.