Beirut: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received a delegation from the Coalition for Freedom of Expression at the Grand Serail. The meeting took place on Tuesday morning, where the coalition expressed concerns over increasing restrictions on freedoms in Lebanon, as well as the rising number of summonses against journalists and activists. Recent incidents targeting cultural and artistic events were also highlighted.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Elsie Moufaraj, head of the Lebanese Union of Journalists, spoke on behalf of the coalition. The coalition, comprising over 20 Lebanese and international organizations, handed the Prime Minister a list of demands, urging the government to take a firm stance to protect freedom of expression and safeguard journalists. Moufaraj noted that the delegation sensed a clear commitment from Prime Minister Salam to address these issues through the relevant ministries, including culture, justice, and interior, to ensure that public freedoms and free expression are respected.
In a separate meeting, Salam also met with MP Ghassan Skaff, who proposed postponing the parliamentary elections to July 15. This proposal aims to allow Lebanese expatriates to return home to vote, amidst discussions to cancel the six diaspora seats and enable expatriates to vote for all 128 MPs from abroad.
Later, the Prime Minister met with newly appointed Lebanese ambassadors to various countries, including Bashir Azzam (Moscow), George Fadel (Poland), Dima Haddad (Armenia), Ahmad Sweidan (Tehran), Milad Namour (Tunisia), Rihab Abou Zein (Bulgaria), and Henry Kastoun (Syria). Salam provided them with guidance before their postings abroad.