In light of the worsening security challenges and difficult living conditions, the government held its regular ministerial meeting today at the Grand Palace, headed by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. At the top of the agenda were issues such as ending the war, controlling the security situation, and addressing the consequences of displacement, in addition to taking strict measures to combat violations and regulate traffic in Beirut.
Information Minister Paul Morcos disclosed the results of the meeting, explaining that the discussions included security, service, and economic files related to the current stage.
Morcos indicated that President Salam reviewed the latest developments in communications aimed at stopping the war, and addressed the status of the Masnaa crossing, the security situation, and traffic in Beirut, in addition to the violations that must be addressed, and following up on the needs of the displaced and the requirements for shelter and relief.
He added that the Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Ahmed Al-Hajjar, gave a presentation on the security situation and coordination between the municipal police and the Internal Security Forces, with a focus on increasing patrols and barriers and working to reduce congestion in parking lots in Beirut.
Defense Minister Michel Mansi also gave a presentation on field developments, pointing to the deployment of army personnel in Beirut, the strengthening of patrols, and support for the Internal Security Forces, while Social Affairs Minister Hanin al-Sayyed addressed strengthening security measures in shelters for displaced persons.
Morcos continued that the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Rima Karami, offered the presence of the ministry’s representatives in the schools that constitute about 60% of the shelter centers, while the Minister of Economy and Trade, Amer Al-Bassat, reviewed the ministry’s efforts in combating monopoly and fraud, confirming that a number of major suppliers were referred to the judiciary on charges of price manipulation, with an emphasis on pursuing repeated violations.
This meeting comes at a time when security and living pressures are increasing as a result of the continuing clashes, the accompanying internal displacement, and the rise in demand for basic services, especially in Beirut and the safer areas. These developments coincide with intense political and diplomatic efforts to stop the escalation, amid internal challenges related to controlling markets, ensuring security stability, and managing the displacement file efficiently.
