Beirut: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam chaired a meeting at the Grand Serail this afternoon, attended by Ministers of Finance Yassin Jaber, Defense Major General Michel Mnassah, Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Rajji, Interior and Municipalities Brigadier General Ahmad al-Hajjar, Justice Adel Nassar, Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamni, as well as the Secretary General of the Council of Ministers Presidency, Judge Mahmoud Makkieh, and Secretary General of the Supreme Defense Council, Major General Mohammad al-Mustafa. The meeting was devoted to discussing the events that occurred on the airport road yesterday evening.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Justice Minister Nassar stated that the Prime Minister called on the concerned ministers to hold a consultative meeting in light of the incidents on the airport road. The meeting reaffirmed the Lebanese state's commitment to public liberties, including freedom of expression and demonstration, as enshrined in the Constitution and the Human Rights Charter. Nassar emphasized the importance of preventing attacks on public property and freedom of movement and condemned any assaults on UNIFIL, ensuring that measures will be taken to prevent recurrence.
Nassar reassured that prosecutions would follow, emphasizing the application of the law against any attack on public property or freedom of movement. He highlighted that necessary measures were discussed to prevent a recurrence of such events, with ongoing follow-up on the issue.
Public Works Minister Rasamni addressed the recent developments discussed during the meeting, emphasizing that "the safety of the airport and passengers is a red line." He detailed efforts to address the situation, including attempts to facilitate the return of Lebanese citizens from Iran. Despite Middle East Airlines' readiness to send planes, necessary permits from Iranian authorities were not obtained, prompting the state's readiness to cover expenses for returning citizens through neighboring countries, specifically via Baghdad.
Rasamni assured that the Lebanese ambassador in Tehran is actively engaged in resolving the matter, urging any Lebanese wishing to return to contact the Lebanese embassy for assistance. He disclosed ongoing diplomatic efforts, including a request by Lebanon's Foreign Minister for a meeting with the Iranian ambassador to address the issue promptly.
Addressing concerns about airport security, Rasamni revealed potential European sanctions affecting Beirut Airport operations and passenger safety. He affirmed that decisions related to airport security have been made to protect the airport from any threats.