Political, Developmental, and Human Rights Meetings at Baabda Palace

Several meetings addressing political, developmental, and human rights issues were held at Baabda Palace.

In this context, President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun discussed the general situation in the country and the needs of the Akkar region, particularly, with Member of Parliament Ahmad Rustom, especially as the opening of Rene Mouawad Airport in Kleyat approaches. The discussion focused on measures required to accommodate the return of civil aviation activity to the airport, including infrastructure, transportation, and other essential needs.

The conversation also addressed political developments, during which MP Rustom reaffirmed his support for the President’s national and sovereign positions and choices.

President Aoun also received former Minister Assam Sharafeddine, who presented issues concerning industrialists aimed at facilitating the domestic and international distribution of their industrial output, and opening new markets for Lebanese products, particularly those distinguished by high quality.

The discussion also covered depositors’ demands, with former Minister Sharafeddine presenting a series of proposals designed to enable them to access portions of their deposits to meet their health, educational, and social needs.

President Aoun also met with Odette Halwani, Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa at the Network of Advocacy for Victims of Terrorism, to discuss the network’s work in Lebanon and the region, particularly regarding the current reality facing terrorism victims and the role of the Lebanese Association dedicated to supporting them.

Ms. Halwani noted that the International Day of the Victims of Terrorism falls on August 21 this year and will serve as an opportunity to highlight the situation of terrorism victims in Lebanon. A dedicated platform will be launched to support them online, and coordination with civil society organizations will be established to identify Lebanon’s specific needs in this area.

She emphasized that the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism, in cooperation with the European Union, is conducting various activities, including empowering women to become active in security agencies and training groups of women within security and judicial networks to strengthen their roles in these institutions.