Political Developments in Lebanon

A roundup of the political scene with colleague Josephine Deeb. Good evening, Josephine.

Good evening, Lara. Good evening to the viewers.

Between Speaker Nabih Berri's remarks and the Israeli escalation, there are

major differences, as diplomatic sources commented to Al Jadeed on

Berri's remarks about handing Ali Al-Taher over to the Lebanese Army in exchange for

an Israeli withdrawal, saying, "It is an old proposal

that was previously rejected." The sources added that both

sides, Israel and Hezbollah, refuse to hand over

the facility to the army, each for its own reasons. The party

demands a full Israeli withdrawal in exchange for handing

its facility to the Lebanese Army, while Israel demands the disarmament,

the full disarmament in exchange for its withdrawal and accepting

the army taking over the facility. Thus, discussions

on this matter remain trapped in a closed loop without achieving

any breakthrough.

On the other hand, Al Jadeed reported the expiration of

the residency of the Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza

Sheibani, whose credentials were rejected early

next week. Political sources added that

Residency permits will be renewed on a civilian rather than

diplomatic basis. As for the president's visit to Rome, it

is based on three premises: first, a visit to

the Pope and a call for silent Vatican diplomacy

to work for Lebanon. Second, based on

Italy hosting direct negotiations between Lebanon

and Israel, and the possibility of joining the monitoring group.

Third, based on Rome's interest in the post-

UNIFIL phase in Lebanon. On another note,

Al Jadeed sources reported that the Director General of General Security, Major General Hassan

Choucair, assigned an administrative-security committee to review around

640,000 notices concerning Syrians who

had entered the country illegally or remained within Lebanese

territory without renewing their residency permits. The

committee is considering lifting their entry ban to Lebanon, especially since all

those concerned by these notices do not have

security files, their names are not listed among

those wanted by the security agencies, and the special department

on citizenship affairs is studying their situation

to address it.

President General Michel Aoun arrived this evening

in Rome on a visit to

the Italian capital, during which he will meet His Holiness Pope Leo

XIV, the President of the Italian Republic, and the Italian Prime Minister,

Giorgia Meloni. President Aoun was received

by the Head of Diplomatic Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

the Head of Protocol at the Vatican, and the Ambassador of Lebanon

in Rome, Carla Jazzar, the Ambassador of Lebanon to the Holy

See, Fadi Assaf, and members of both embassies to Rome and the Vatican.

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to receive President Aoun at

9:30 a.m. tomorrow, Rome time,

that is 10:30 a.m. Beirut time. The President of the Republic will also meet

the Vatican Secretary of State,

Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The President of the Republic had received a written letter from

French President Emmanuel Macron, which included an invitation for

Lebanon to participate in the preparatory meeting for the international conference to support

the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces, which will be held

in Paris on September 17.

The invitation outlined the importance of this meeting in supporting the Lebanese Army

to enable it to acquire the capabilities and resources

needed to effectively fulfill its responsibilities.

President Aoun thanked President Macron for inviting Lebanon to participate in

the meeting, praising the constant interest he shows

toward Lebanon and its national institutions, primarily

the Army and the Internal Security Forces. The President of the Republic affirmed before

the National Council for Scientific Research that we must seize all

opportunities for Lebanon's benefit. He said: "We will do everything in

our power to achieve our desired reassurance in the South,

where the biggest challenge is Israel's withdrawal from the occupied southern

villages and towns, the deployment of the Army to the international border,

and reconstruction. We will do everything in our power with

our friends around the world to pressure Israel to

commit to the framework agreement."

MP Fouad Makhzoumi received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi

Arabia to Lebanon, Fahad Al-Dosari, and wrote on

the X platform: "I was honored to meet the Saudi Ambassador,

a distinguished diplomat who brings experience, vision,

and a presence that truly reflects the Kingdom's standing

and pioneering role in the region. During our meeting, I sensed

His Excellency's great care for Lebanon and his belief in the importance of

strengthening the historical and brotherly relations between

our countries and opening wider horizons for cooperation. He also stressed

the Kingdom's faith in the State of Lebanon and its institutions,

and the importance of supporting these institutions and enhancing their role.

We are confident that his presence in Beirut will be a qualitative addition

and a new opportunity to deepen, to deepen these

relations." Makhzoumi added: "The Kingdom of Saudi

Arabia has always been and will remain a support for Lebanon and the Lebanese.

Today, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin

Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman,

it moves forward with confidence on a path of exceptional renaissance

and a vision, an ambitious vision that has become an inspiration in

the region and the world." He concluded: "Welcome

to His Excellency Ambassador Fahd Al-Dosari in Lebanon, with sincerest

wishes for his success in his

noble mission."

The Saudi ambassador also visited MP Ashraf Rifi and discussed with him

the general Lebanese situation and current developments, in addition

to organizing overland Umrah trips.

Following the meeting, Rifi affirmed that he sensed

a new will, atmosphere,

and dynamic from the Kingdom in standing by the Lebanese state,

the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister,

MPs, and official institutions.

And with this news, we reach the end of our segment.