Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati convened a series of ministerial meetings at the Grand Serail to address pressing national issues, including the impact of escalating security concerns on education and broader government priorities.
Caretaker Education Minister Abbas Halabi met with Mikati to discuss the challenges facing schools amid the ongoing Israeli aggression. Speaking after the meeting, Halabi highlighted the difficulties in maintaining the academic year under such circumstances.
“We’ve discussed national issues with the Prime Minister, focusing on the challenges confronting the education sector this year,” Halabi said. “The deteriorating security situation has significantly disrupted the educational process, forcing us to alternate between in-person and remote learning. This uncertainty is creating severe complications for both educators and students.”
Halabi expressed Mikati's commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the sector.
“The Prime Minister assured me of his determination to prioritize educational matters. The Cabinet is set to deliberate next week on budget allocations, including potential treasury advances to support this academic year,” Halabi added.
When asked whether schools would operate normally on Tuesday, Halabi stated, “Classes are expected to resume as usual tomorrow. However, I urge school principals to carefully evaluate the surrounding security conditions to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and parents. Balancing security with the continuation of education is critical to avoid any risks to students.”
Mikati also met with Caretaker Industry Minister George Boujikian and Caretaker Youth and Sports Minister, George Kallas, with whom he review political developments and the activities of their respective ministries.
Boujikian briefed Mikati on his recent visit to Qatar, emphasizing the Gulf state's unwavering support for Lebanon. “I updated the Prime Minister on my discussions in Qatar, where I observed their continued solidarity with Lebanon,” Boujikian said. He also reiterated the government's firm commitment to fully implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. “The government and its head remain steadfast in fulfilling all provisions of Resolution 1701 without misinterpretation,” he affirmed.
Kallas discussed humanitarian efforts related to hosting displaced families at public facilities.
“Our meeting focused on obtaining directives from the Prime Minister regarding the management of hosting operations at the Sports City Complex and the Olympic Pool in Naccache,” Kallas said. “The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of safeguarding the dignity of displaced families while adhering to government policies and the principles of the Emergency and Disaster Management Committee.”
The Prime Minister also held discussions with MP Wael Abou Faour, addressing the latest political developments, and met with Major General Imad Othman, the head of Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces, to review security updates.
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