NNA - President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, received this afternoon Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, with whom he discussed the stages that the ministerial committee has completed in finalizing the ministerial statement, and the events on the Lebanese scene in regards to yesterday's airport road incidents and the ongoing contacts to emphasize the Israeli withdrawal from the areas it recently occupied in the south on the 18th of this month.

After the meeting, PM Salam spoke to attending press at Baabda Palace, saying: “I met with His Excellency the President and informed him that we have completed the government’s ministerial statement and we will hold a meeting at 4:00 p.m. next Monday to approve it."

He added that the second issue that was discussed focused on the events that everyone followed yesterday, and the clear position of the government and the state toward freedom of expression that is sacred in the constitution, international conventions and laws. However, Salam explained that “freedom of expression is one thing, and attacking public and private property and blocking roads is another, which is completely unacceptable. “

"Opinions can be expressed in writing, through peaceful demonstrations, or in other peaceful ways, but not in the manner that occurred yesterday and the day before, in terms of blocking roads or attacking UNIFIL, because this is far from expressing a peaceful opinion, and it is something that is highly condemned," the Prime Minister affirmed.

"I also discussed with His Excellency the President the need to strictly enforce the law and prosecute all those who have harmed security in the past two days, an issue that will not be tolerated whatsoever," he reiterated.

Salam also indicated that his talks with President Aoun touched on the Israeli withdrawal, saying: "We will continue to mobilize all the diplomatic and political support that Lebanon can ensure to achieve this essential entitlement."

He added, “If anyone thinks that the attack on UNIFIL in the manner that occurred would help achieve the Israeli withdrawal on February 18, he is mistaken. But this does not mean that we will stop working to mobilize all diplomatic and political support to achieve this. It must be emphasized that UNIFIL has been a factor of stability in the south since its establishment, and we are the ones who demanded it and need it, and the attack on it is a crime against Lebanon.”

Asked about opening an air route between Lebanon and Iran via Middle East Airlines, Salam said: "There are two issues: the first is related to the safety of the airport and the safety of civil aviation and passengers. There are several problems regarding flights between Tehran and Beirut as a result of European sanctions on more than one Iranian airline. Lebanon is bound by agreements with the European Common Market, which it must respect. As for the second issue, we are in contact with the Iranian authorities, whether through the diplomatic mission in Tehran or through the embassy in Beirut, to resolve the initial issue of returning the Lebanese from Tehran first and as soon as possible. We have offered to send two Middle East Airlines planes for this purpose, and if this step does not succeed, Lebanon has pledged to return them at the state's expense via Turkey or elsewhere."

"Airport safety is above all considerations, and the safety of passengers and the security of the Lebanese is an issue that we will not be lenient about in any way," pledged Salam.

Senator Blumenthal

On a different note, President Aoun received this evening US Senator from Connecticut Richard Blumenthal, accompanied by US Ambassador to Beirut Lisa Johnson.

At the beginning of the meeting, Senator Blumenthal conveyed to President Aoun the greetings of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wishes for success in his new responsibilities, noting that "Minister Rubio contributed to reactivating US aid to the Lebanese army after it had been frozen months ago," stressing "the continuation of US support for Lebanon in various fields," and commending "the role of Lebanese communities in the state of Connecticut."

President Aoun, in turn, thanked Senator Blumenthal for his visit and the American support for Lebanon in general and the army in particular.

Discussions touched on the situation in the south and the Lebanese position adhering to the withdrawal of the Israeli enemy within the deadline of February 18. President Aoun underlined the "necessity of pressuring Israel to achieve this withdrawal."

The American Senator indicated that "his country will continue its efforts to respond to Lebanon's demand."

===========R.Sh.