Beirut: Minister of Information, Attorney Dr. Paul Morcos, welcomed Norwegian Ambassador to Lebanon, Hilde Haraldstad, at his office in the Ministry. The discussions centered around the overarching situation in the region and diplomatic measures aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Minister Morcos also held a meeting with Nader Gaspard, the former head of the Beirut Bar Association. Gaspard emphasized the nation's fragile condition, warning against actions that could spark sectarian or regional tensions. He discussed the delineated powers of the Minister of Information, clarifying that the Minister lacks authority to summon media outlets for questioning due to the separation of powers. This responsibility, he noted, lies solely with the judiciary, which is tasked with investigating media activities and taking appropriate action.
Gaspard urged a balanced and objective approach to national issues, cautioning against provocative responses. He underscored the inviolability of freedom of expression, asserting that such freedom should advance public, humanitarian, and national interests rather than serve defamatory ends.
In a separate meeting, Minister Morcos received Dr. Bernard Ghosoub from the Lebanese University, who presented a peace symbol plaque. Discussions with George Awad from UNESCO focused on bolstering the Fact-Check Unit at the Ministry of Information.
Additionally, Morcos reached out to photographers injured in the war, such as Ali Hajjo, Issa Tufaili, and Haitham Mousawi, and expressed condolences to Dr. Bassam Badran, President of the Lebanese University, over the deaths of Dr. Hussein Bazzi and Dr. Murtada Srour, both esteemed faculty members.