Ministerial meeting at the Grand Serail: Ceasefire, return of the displaced, and follow-up on field conditions and services discussed

Information Minister Paul Morcos announced the conclusions of the daily ministerial meeting held today at the Grand Serail under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, with the participation of a number of ministers. Salam reviewed with them the “ceasefire and the facilities aimed at enabling the return of the displaced in line with the directives of the army and security forces, and the provision of the necessary services at reception centers for the displaced.”

He noted that “Minister of National Defense Michel Menassa presented the field situation and the conditions for returning to a number of southern areas,” pointing to “the army’s efforts to repair some bridges,” and stopping at “the number of casualties, which reached 2,196 dead and 7,185 wounded.”

Salam also summoned the head of the Disaster Management Unit at the Grand Serail, Zahi Chahine, who explained the services being provided to reception centers for the displaced, the steps prepared for the post-ceasefire phase, and the difficulties and facilities related to the return of the displaced. Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar also briefed those present on the arrest of nine people who opened fire last night and on other ongoing investigations.

For his part, Energy Minister Joe Saddi briefed the attendees on diesel supplies. The ministers also presented their ministries’ relief efforts, and there was also a review of the arrival of foreign aid in this regard.

Morcos, for his part, raised the issue of assaults on photographers, stressing the need to “guarantee the safety of journalists.” Al-Hajjar replied that “the incident that took place in Dbayeh is being followed up by Army Intelligence and the Internal Security Forces.”