March 2017 – Page 38 – odiaspora.org

(Update) Geagea during Kesrouan Ftouh Development Conference: Setting electricity sector right crucial for state budget

3 March 2017

“Lebanese Forces” leader Samir Geagea stressed the paramount importance of state budget to run public affairs, saying that rectifying the electricity predicament in the country is essential for state budget. “Our suggestion does not entail interfering in the powers of Water and Energy Minister [Cesar […]

Riachi launches new Ministry of Information e site: Dialogue culture paves way for civilization of peace

3 March 2017

Minister of Information Melhem Riachi on Thursday launched the new electronic site of the Ministry of Information at the third conference of the Directorate of Studies and Publications of the Ministry, titled “The Culture of Dialogue and Social Media” held under his patronage at the […]

French FM Slams Populism, Warns against Isolationism

3 March 2017

Democracy is being threatened by populism and by those who “propose to build walls and close borders,” France’s foreign minister said Thursday in a veiled criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump. Jean-Marc Ayrault called on countries to tackle isolationism, warning that “we would make a […]

After a confident speech, which priorities can Trump achieve?

3 March 2017

After a confident speech, which priorities can Trump achieve? March 1, 2017 at 6:45 PM EST President Trump’s address to Congress promised action on a long list of priorities he’s stressed before, but in a more disciplined and upbeat tone. Lisa Desjardins offers a recap […]

US Commander Downplays Chance of Big Iraq, Syria Troop Hike

3 March 2017

The top U.S. commander in Iraq on Wednesday downplayed the chances that the United States would deploy a large number of additional coalition forces to battle Islamic State, even as President Donald Trump weighs options to speed the campaign. Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend also […]

Egypt Appeals Court Acquits Mubarak over Protester Killings

3 March 2017

Egypt’s top appeals court on Thursday acquitted Hosni Mubarak of involvement in the killing of protesters during a 2011 revolt, ending the final trial for the strongman who ruled for 30 years. Mubarak had been sentenced to life in 2012 but an appeals court ordered […]

Syrian Army Announces Re-Capture of Palmyra

3 March 2017

The Syrian military said Thursday that it had re-captured the town of Palmyra from Islamic State militants for the second time in a year. A statement from the army said the government is in control of the whole city. The government was able to take […]

Sarraf tackles cooperation with Iranian military attaché

3 March 2017

National Defense Minister, Yaacoub Sarraf, received on Friday the Iranian military attaché, Colonel Mohammad Reza Merzaei, with talks touching on bilateral relations and military cooperation. The pair also tackled the regional situation.

Defense Minister discusses cooperation with Iraqi Ambassador

3 March 2017

Minister of National Defense, Yaacoub al-Sarraf, met on Wednesday with Iraqi Ambassador to Lebanon, Ali Abbas Bandar al-Ameri. The pair reportedly discussed the means to develop cooperation between the two countries. During the meeting, al-Sarraf hailed the role played by the Iraqi military in combating […]

Spanish Defense Minister visits Hariri: Committed to provide assistance for Syrian refugees’ return

3 March 2017

The President of the Council of Ministers Saad Hariri received today at the Grand Serail the Spanish Defense Minister, Maria Dolores De Cospedal, in the presence of the Spanish Ambassador to Lebanon, Milagros Hernando Echevarra. The meeting focused on the situation in Lebanon and the […]

WB representative visits Aoun, says funding Lebanon projects priority

3 March 2017

President Michel Aoun met on Wednesday at Baabda palace with MENA region Director at the World Bank, Ferid Belhaj, in presence of Head of the Finance and Budget House committee, MP Ibrahim Kanaan. The pair reportedly discussed the means to ensure the development of infrastructure […]

U.S. Ambassador visits Marjeyoun, discusses humanitarian and development issues

3 March 2017

In a press release by the US Embassy in Beirut, it said: “U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard traveled today to Marjeyoun District. In Marj El Khoukh, Ambassador Richard inaugurated a water pumping station that serves more than 61,000 individuals living in Marj El Khoukh […]