Beirut: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam chaired a Cabinet session at the Grand Serail, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri and several other ministers, excluding Defense Minister Michel Menassa and Education Minister Rima Karami. Presidency Director General Antoine Choucair and Cabinet Secretary General Judge Mahmoud Makieh were also present.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, Information Minister Paul Morcos provided a briefing after the session, highlighting the absence of two ministers and detailing the issues discussed. Prime Minister Salam addressed the systematic destruction in southern Lebanon by Israeli forces, emphasizing that these actions violated war laws and the Geneva Convention. He also rejected Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's comments about Israeli forces remaining in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, appreciating the US response that deemed Katz's remarks inconsistent with the trilateral framework involving Lebanon, Israel, and the United States.
The Cabinet also reviewed the decision to negotiate with Solidere about extending the company's duration, with Salam informing the company and urging prompt negotiations pending their response. The session included praise for recent parliamentary reforms, such as the abolition of the death penalty, which Salam noted as reinforcing Lebanon's commitment to international human rights standards.
The general amnesty law was also highlighted for its national significance in addressing detainee injustices and easing prison overcrowding, though Salam admitted it was not perfect. The adoption of a new media law was welcomed after lengthy delays.
Salam addressed Defense Minister Menassa's absence, asserting it was temporary and reaffirming Menassa's commitment to the Constitution and Cabinet solidarity. He denied instructing Menassa to avoid the parliamentary chamber, reiterating that the prime minister represents the government.
Claims that the Army's position on the amnesty law was excluded were dismissed as false, with Salam confirming the Army's stance was submitted to Parliament and presented to parliamentary committees. He emphasized support for the Army, highlighting efforts to improve military support, salaries, and morale.
Salam concluded by stressing Cabinet solidarity and the Constitution's supremacy, while the Cabinet proceeded with its agenda, approving most items deferred from an earlier session. Morcos confirmed no sessions would occur in the next two weeks but mentioned upcoming meetings on environmental issues and other regular matters. He apologized for the education minister's absence and confirmed the approval of Decree No. 3214 as amended.