Environment Minister Requests Expanded Parliamentary Committee Session to Discuss Reserves and Quarries Before Public Opinion

Environment Minister Tamara Al-Zein sent a letter to the head of the parliamentary environment committee, MP Ghiath Yazbek, requesting that he convene an expanded session of the committee, with all members present, to discuss the files of natural reserves and quarries and crushers, specifically collection orders, while inviting media outlets to broadcast the session live or record it for later airing to the public.

In the letter, dated October 19, 2026, Al-Zein explained that "her request comes in light of the persistent misinformation surrounding some circulating environmental files, or the contribution of some, whether intentionally or unintentionally, to confusing citizens and public opinion."

She asked MP Yazbek to "invite the reserves committees to participate in the session, alongside Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani in his capacity as the former director of the Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, to discuss the presented files in the presence of relevant parties."

Al-Zein also requested confirmation of the attendance and participation of MP Najat Saliba specifically, "particularly regarding her role within constitutional institutions, along with any experts she wishes to bring."

She expressed hope that media outlets would be invited to broadcast the session live, or record it for the committee to air later to the public, affirming that "this request is based on her knowledge of the committee head's commitment to 'presenting facts as they are,' and thanking him for his cooperation."