Group of ‘Change’ MP’s Meets for Second Time Last week, a group of sixteen independent and ‘change’ MP’s were reported to have met with the intention of promoting a more unified parliamentary bloc. Today only five MPs were reported to have responded to the invitation to reconvene as a group, as several ‘change’ MPs sought out a clearer agenda. [Naharnet]
Bassam Al-Sheikh Hussein Released from Custody, Charges Dropped After Bassam Al-Sheikh Hussein created a hostage situation at the Hamra branch of the Lebanese Federal Bank, in which he demanded to withdraw the full $210,000 USD of his frozen deposit, the bank dropped its charges against him, resulting in his release from custody. [AP News]
UK Ambassador to Lebanon Meets with PM Mikati The British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell, met with caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, at the Grand Serail today to discuss bilateral relations, continued UK support for the LAF, and the need for reforms. [Naharnet]
Location of Ship Carrying Ukrainian Grain Unknown
The Ukrainian ship, the Razoni, that was originally scheduled to deliver 26,000 metric tons of corn for chicken feed to a Lebanese buyer and later cancelled, has reportedly had its cargo resold several times. According to the Ukrainian Embassy in Beirut, the current whereabouts and destination of the ship are unknown. [AP News]
OPINION & ANALYSIS
Wilson Center Ambassador David Hale Interviews Lebanon’s Newly Elected Independent MP Mark Daou
“Wilson Center Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow Ambassador David Hale, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, spoke with Mark Daou, who was elected a Member of Parliament in Lebanon’s May 2022 elections, representing one of the Druze seats in Aley. Mark is a lecturer in media studies at the American University of Beirut and Founder & CEO of the public relations firm RPR.”
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.
