Prime Minister Nawaf Salam Heads to Damascus for Sensitive Talks
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is traveled to Damascus for a high-level meeting with Syrian officials. The agenda includes three major issues:
- Abolishing the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council, a long-standing institutional legacy of the Syrian presence in Lebanon.
- Clarifying the fate of Lebanese missing in Syria, a deeply emotional and unresolved chapter for many families.
- Discussing the return of Syrian refugees from Lebanon back to Syria—an urgent issue amid economic and social pressures in Lebanon.
According to LBCI, today’s discussions between Lebanese and Syrian officials will also focus on:
- Demarcating and controlling land borders, in line with a Saudi-backed plan.
- Enhancing security cooperation to capture fugitives wanted by the Lebanese judiciary.
These steps are part of broader regional efforts to stabilize the Lebanese-Syrian front and manage cross-border challenges more effectively
U.S. Backs Lebanese Reform Path
President Joseph Aoun met with Paul Grove, a member of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Foreign Appropriations. During the meeting, Aoun confirmed that the reform process has officially begun, stressing it is in Lebanon’s national interest, not just to satisfy international donors.
In return, Grove reaffirmed America’s commitment to ongoing financial and developmental assistance to Lebanon.
Saudi Diplomatic Support for Lebanon
Saudi envoy Prince Yazid bin Farhan, who oversees the Lebanese file, met with President Aoun to discuss the latest regional and domestic developments. The Saudi official emphasized his country’s continued involvement in supporting Lebanese stability and reform.
President Aoun reiterated that the reform track is genuine and essential for Lebanon’s future, not just a response to external pressures.
ILO Regional Chief Discusses Labor Sector with Aoun
Dr. Ruba Jaradat, Regional Director for Arab States at the International Labour Organization (ILO), met with President Aoun to present the ILO’s work in Lebanon and the wider Arab region.
She confirmed the organization’s partnership with Lebanon’s labor sector and highlighted efforts to reduce the negative impact of the crisis on workers and businesses.
E-Government & Judicial Reform to Attract Investors
During a meeting with the Lebanese Franchise Association, President Aoun stressed the government’s commitment to implementing e-government services to simplify public transactions, cut down on corruption, and restore investor confidence.
He emphasized that transparency and trust in the judiciary are essential foundations for sustainable investment.
Aoun: Army Fully Operating in Formerly Occupied Areas
President Aoun also assured U.S. Senator Paul Grove that the Lebanese Army is actively fulfilling its duties in the villages and towns previously occupied by Israeli forces, demonstrating the country’s security resilience despite challenges.
“What has been achieved so far is not insignificant, especially when considering the time that has passed since the election of the President (three months) and the formation of the new government (eight weeks).”
“Municipal and local elections will be held on time.”
“We thank the United States of America for the aid it has provided — and continues to provide — to the Lebanese Army and to several government departments and institutions. We hope the U.S. Senate will respond positively to Lebanon’s needs in general, and especially to the needs of the army and security forces.”
“The government will work to improve the conditions of workers in Lebanon.”
“Lebanon is working on returning Syrian refugees to their homeland, especially now that the reasons behind their displacement have largely disappeared, turning most of them into economic migrants.”
“We commend the contributions of Lebanese expatriates, whose remittances — estimated at around 10 billion dollars — have played a major role in helping Lebanon endure the various crises it has faced over the years.”
Finance Minister Yassine Jaber: “Change Is Coming Soon”
Following the meeting of the IMF negotiation committee, Finance Minister Yassine Jaber shared an optimistic message with the public. He said:
Jaber emphasized the importance of presenting a unified stance from the presidency and government and projecting a positive image of the country’s reform efforts to the international community
The day was focused on preparatory sessions for the Lebanese delegation’s upcoming trip to Washington to take part in the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings.
He affirmed that within a few weeks, people in Lebanon will begin to feel a major change taking place.
