Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati chaired a meeting at the Grand Serail, during which he discussed security at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Attendees included Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi, Public Works Minister Ali Hamieh, and Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun.
After the meeting, Minister Mawlawi emphasized the need to tighten airport security: "We will issue strict instructions to the Airport Security Unit to ensure full readiness, thorough inspections, and the safeguarding of the airport's reputation."
Minister Hamieh added that all security measures at Lebanon’s air, land, and sea borders are governed by Lebanese law. "No military aircraft, including those carrying humanitarian aid, are authorized to land without the army's prior approval," he noted.
Hamieh also stressed the importance of coordination between the military and civilian authorities in securing Lebanon’s ports and land crossings.
Hamieh stated, "During the meeting, Prime Minister Mikati emphasized the strict enforcement of these laws to the letter. Along with the Minister of Interior, we reaffirm that this issue has been a top priority from the outset. These facilities are official institutions of the Lebanese state and are governed by Lebanese law."
In response to a question, Hamieh said: "The Prime Minister is keen on keeping Lebanon's land, sea, and air crossings open to humanitarian aid and to stimulate the Lebanese economy. Lebanon remains accessible to all countries via land, sea, and air. Additional measures have been put in place, and ministers concerned have been instructed to rigorously enforce laws in coordination with the army,” Hamieh stated.
"There are memos we are working on implementing with the army. However, Prime Minister Mikati sought full clarity on the matter, and we presented all relevant laws and documents to ensure his understanding of the enforcement process. He has confirmed that everything is in order,” Hamieh explained.
He continued, "The army remains the primary authority responsible for approvals, and there has been no change in this process, which has been ongoing for decades."
The Prime Minister separately met with Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, with whom he discuss recent security and military developments.
Mikati also met with Turkey’s Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Barış Ulusoy with whom he discussed current developments and Turkey's ongoing assistance to Lebanon in this challenging period.
Minister of Information Ziad Makary, who also had an audience with the PM stated on emerging, "I briefed Prime Minister Mikati on the discussions I held in Paris on the sidelines of the Francophonie Summit, where I represented Lebanon in place of the Prime Minister. Together with Ambassador Mustafa Adib and a diplomatic delegation, we conveyed an essential message to the heads of state we met: civilians are bearing the brunt of this conflict, which is destroying Lebanon and Beirut daily. As a Lebanese state, we are committed to the French-American initiative for a 21-day ceasefire, which would allow for further negotiations. We sensed serious commitment from French President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed his continued support for Lebanon, including during a symbolic gesture at the summit where all festivities were replaced by a song for Beirut by Hiba Tawaji, upon Macron’s request.”
Makary emphasized the French initiative’s importance, noting that Macron plans to hold a special conference on Lebanon later this month. He also clarified recent media confusion about France’s arms exports to Israel.
“Macron underscored that while France assists Israel in defending itself, it does not supply offensive weapons,” Makary said, concluding by highlighting the government's focus on combating misinformation and fostering hope amid Lebanon’s ongoing crisis.
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