Beirut: Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani confirmed that Tuesday's cabinet session will be a regular but significant meeting, focusing on the broad outlines of the President of the Republic's speech.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Hani emphasized that the President's address laid out a clear timetable for consolidating arms control under the state's authority, a topic that enjoys broad political agreement within the government, including no expected boycott from any political party, such as the Shiite duo.
Hani highlighted the army's efforts in the south, noting that it has taken control of numerous sites and weapons depots, demonstrating a gradual transition of weapons control to the Lebanese state. Addressing Hezbollah's stance on arms transfer, Hani acknowledged the party's historical role in liberating land but insisted that future decisions on war and peace should reside solely with the state.
He underlined the role of international and Arab support, particularly from the United States, France, and Saudi Arabia, in stabilizing the situation and supporting the forthcoming phase. Hani believes this presents an opportunity to establish a new, positive era in security and politics.
Discussing the cannabis regulatory authority, Hani stated that its launch is weeks away, with collaboration involving the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and Greece's Central Laboratory. He mentioned that Lebanon's domestic market is sufficient to absorb medical and industrial cannabis products initially.
On Lebanese agricultural exports, Hani remarked on good relations with Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt, but identified the main challenge as the lack of a land route to the Gulf through Saudi Arabia, necessitating reliance on slower and more expensive sea freight options.