President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, asserted that despite everything that is happening, he “Did not despair of the initiatives for reaching a solution with the presence of sane people, provided that the constitution and powers entrusted by constitutional authorities, primarily the presidency, are not violated”.

The stances of President Aoun were conveyed by MP, Major General Jamil Al-Sayed. The President had met Al-Sayed and discussed with him current political developments, today at the Presidential Palace.

After the meeting, MP Al-Sayed said:

“General and living conditions were discussed during the meeting, in addition to the need to expedite finding solutions in light of the continuous government crisis.

The meeting also tackled some constitutional interpretations which attempt to empty the Presidency of the Republic from its powers, especially in the matter of forming governments despite the clarity of the provisions of the constitution. It was recalled that these attempts began since 2005 with the government of Premier, Fouad Seniora, who marginalized the Presidency of the Republic and allowed himself to organize the agenda of the Parliament, in parallel with holding cabinet meetings and issuing decision while ignoring the presence of the President despite the President’s written objections at that time.

Marginalization did not stop at this point, but also extended to the Parliament and continued throughout the term of President Michel Suleiman, who did not reconsider the illegitimate decisions of Prime Minister Seniora. Then, the Presidency became under the authority of other leaders, resulting in the spread of corruption, and settlements that all resulted in the current situation.

His Excellency the President made it clear that despite everything that is happening, he did not despair of the initiatives reaching a solution with the presence of sane people, provided that the constitution and the powers entrusted to the constitutional authorities, primarily the presidency, are not violated.

Head of the Kuwaiti Red Crescent:

The President praised the historical relations which bind Lebanon and Kuwait, and its stand next to Lebanon in all circumstances which the Lebanese went through, in addition to opening its doors to the Lebanese to contribute to the Kuwaiti economic renaissance.

The President also considered that the Kuwaiti Prince, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah expressed his love for Lebanon and the Lebanese , on several occasions, in addition to his keenness to provide everything that helps to overcome the ordeal which the country witnesses in various fields.

Moreover, President Aoun recalled the friendship he had with the late Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who stood next to Lebanon in regional and international forums, providing all necessary support in different circumstances.

President Aoun’ positions came while receiving Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society, Dr. Hilal Musaed Al-Sayer.

The Kuwaiti Ambassador to Lebanon, Abdel-Al Suleiman Al-Qana’i, head of the Kuwaiti Red Crescent mission in Lebanon, Dr. Musaed Rashid Al-Enezi, and a member of the delegation, Mr. Abdullah Ali Al-Mushawah also attended the meeting.

At the outset of the meeting, Ambassador Al-Qinai conveyed to President Aoun the greetings of the Kuwaiti Prince, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and officials in the Kuwaiti government.

Then Dr. Al-Sayer briefed the President on the assistance provided by Kuwait and his Society after the Beirut Port explosion, especially the air bridge, which included 18 planes transportinghundreds of tons of aid, in addition to the restoration of a number of houses damaged as a result of the explosion, children’s cancer and hospitals. Contributions also included a number of Lebanese regions, including vaccinating more than 36,000 displaced Syrians, and providing ambulances and other blood transfusions.

In addition, Dr. Al-Sayer pointed out that the association is in the process of preparing to send shipments of infant formula and medicines to treat chronic diseases, noting the existing coordination between the association and the Lebanese Red Cross.

The President then thanked Dr. Al-Sayer for the support which the Society provided and still intends to provide. President Aoun also conveyed his greetings to the Kuwaiti Prince, through the delegation, wishing Kuwait continuous progress and prosperity, and contentment to its brotherly people.

Dr. Al-Sayer’s Statement:

After the meeting, Dr. Al-Sayer made the following statement:

“We discussed the assistance provided by the State of Kuwait and the Kuwaiti Red Crescent in Lebanon, especially after the Beirut Port explosion, with President Michel Aoun, in the presence of Ambassador Abdel Al AL-Kinaii. 18 planes loaded with 700 tons of health and relief aid immediately departed from Kuwait after this explosion, in addition to two hospitals including the Children’s Cancer Center. In addition, 3 wards were rehabilitated at the Wardia hospital, a maternity ward, an orthopedic ward and an internal medicine ward.

Moreover, Kuwait contributed to the assistance of Lebanese farmers, through purchasing 3,000 tons of agricultural crops and distributing them to Syrian refugees. The Red Crescent, in cooperation with the Lebanese Health Ministry, provided 36,000 doses pf Pfizer vaccine to Syrian refugees, Palestinians and some Lebanese, where a number of them were vaccinated in several Lebanese regions, including the north, Akkar and Sidon.

The President thanked the State of Kuwait and the Kuwaiti Red Crescent for the assistance provided to Lebanon, especially in this difficult period”.

Congratulation to the Newly-Elected Iranian President:

President Aoun also sent a congratulation telegram to the newly-elected Iranian President, Sayed Ibrahim Raaisi.

President Aoun wished President Raaisi success in his new responsibilities, and emphasized the friendly relations between Lebanon and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Congratulation to the UN Secretary-General:

The President also sent a cable to the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, congratulating him on his re-election as UN Secretary-General.

President Aoun asserted the development in relations between Lebanon and all international organizations.

Source: National News Agency