Naharnet
Latest stories
Franjieh 'won't continue nomination' if no positivity from Gulf states

Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh “will not continue with his presidential nomination if he does not sense a positive stance from the Gulf states and the Arab nations regarding this nomination,” caretaker Information Minister Ziad Makari of the Marada Movement said.

“He does not intend to repeat the experience of ex-president Michel Aoun” with the Gulf countries, Makari told al-Hurra television.

W140 Full Story
Cabinet convenes over municipal polls, wages, amid protests

Cabinet on Tuesday agreed to increase the private sector’s minimum monthly wage from 2.6 million to 9 million pounds, worth $92.50 at the country’s black market rate, which dominates the market. The ministers also raised the exchange rate used for calculating customs fees from 30,000 pounds to the dollar to the central bank’s Sayrafa platform, where the dollar is valued at 86,700 pounds.

Parliament earlier on Tuesday postponed municipal elections for up to a year amid concerns the government would not be able to secure the needed funding in time for the polling.

W140 Full Story
Gemayel rejects pro-Hezbollah president in talks with Durel

Kataeb Party chief Sami Gemayel has met at the Elysee Palace with French presidential advisor Patrick Durel.

“We did not discuss (presidential) candidates and there is a French idea that was being circulated in this regard,” Gemayel said after the talks.

W140 Full Story
Making strides in clean energy: 'Middle East Clean Energy' returns to Lebanon

Access to clean energy is a basic human right and ensuring equal and easy access to it is imperative considering recent climate change developments. Regardless of location, income, or social status, individuals and communities should have access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. Investments in such energy sources will drive more efficiency, by improving the quality of life in a variety of ways, promoting economic growth, and keeping the planet a clean and safe place for future generations.

The demand for clean and renewable energy is growing rapidly worldwide, and the Middle East is no exception. To address this need, the “Middle East Clean Energy” exhibition and conference are returning to Beirut for the second consecutive year, from Wednesday May 3 to Friday May 5, 2023 to provide visitors with access to the latest developments in the world of clean energy production.

W140 Full Story
US, UN start implementing material support program for ISF

U.S. Embassy Beirut and the United Nations commence Tuesday cash distributions under the “Livelihood Support Program.”

The first tranche of this program, valued at $16.5 million, will disburse temporary financial support for Internal Security Forces (ISF) personnel.

W140 Full Story
MPs extend municipalities term in fiery session, opposition boycotts

Parliament passed Tuesday a law that extends municipalities' term for a second time for up to a year, in a session boycotted by the Lebanese Forces, Kataeb, Tajaddod and Change MPs.

Caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi had urged the government to secure the necessary funds to start the elections on May 7, but government failed to secure the funds.

W140 Full Story
Nasrallah vows response to any Israeli attack in Lebanon

Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Friday pledged to respond against any Israeli attack in Lebanon following last week's major cross-border escalation.

Describing the flare-up as “an important and major event,” Nasrallah said that Hezbollah’s “policy of silence is the best choice in managing the battle with the enemy.”

W140 Full Story
Berri calls for legislative session to extend municipalities term

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called Thursday for a legislative session that will take place on Tuesday and during which the MPs will vote on a draft law for extending the municipalities' term.

Two draft laws have been submitted by Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab and MP Sajih Atiyeh. The first aims at extending the municipalities' term by 4 months, and the second extends the municipal councils' term by a year.

W140 Full Story
Geagea says Hezbollah real reason behind crisis

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has said that the reality of the crisis is the existence of an "illegal armed organization," usurping the strategic decision of the state.

"The last example is what we witnessed in the south last week," he added.

W140 Full Story
Mikati calls for cabinet session on wages, elections funds

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Thursday called for a caretaker cabinet session on April 18.

The session has nine items on its agenda, most notably increasing the salaries and transport allowances of the public and private sectors and the funding needed for the municipal elections.

W140 Full Story