Macron stresses need to continue support for Lebanon, protect it from ‘external interference’

Macron stresses need to continue support for Lebanon, protect it from ‘external interference’
France’s President Emmanuel Macron (L) speaks with his Lebanon’s counterpart Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda on Jan. 17, 2025. (AFP)
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Updated 18 January 2025
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Macron stresses need to continue support for Lebanon, protect it from ‘external interference’

Macron stresses need to continue support for Lebanon, protect it from ‘external interference’
  • Macron said: “Keeping Lebanon shielded from external interference is a prerequisite for the ongoing implementation of the ceasefire agreement, which was a diplomatic success”
  • Macron also announced plans to organize an international conference during Aoun’s visit to France in a few weeks to “mobilize funding for Lebanon’s reconstruction”

BEIRUT: French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized the importance of “continuing to support Lebanon in asserting its sovereignty over all its territory.”
Macron was speaking from Beirut’s Presidential Palace on Friday, where he met with President Joseph Aoun.
Macron said: “Keeping Lebanon shielded from external interference is a prerequisite for the ongoing implementation of the ceasefire agreement, which was a diplomatic success.”

He pledged to “continue supporting the army in its deployment in the south and working with Lebanon to demarcate its (land) borders along the Blue Line.”
Macron’s visit comes a week after Aoun was elected, ending a 26-month period without a president for his country and following Israeli assaults that have weakened Hezbollah militarily and reshuffled Lebanon’s political landscape.
During a joint press conference, Macron told Aoun: “You have ended the political vacuum that Lebanon experienced, and you are putting Lebanon on the path to recovery. You are the hope, and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam embodies this hope. The Lebanese’s election of you confirms their demand for change and the revival of Lebanon.”
Macron also announced plans to organize an international conference during Aoun’s visit to France in a few weeks to “mobilize funding for Lebanon’s reconstruction.”
He said: “We will work on rallying the international community to support Lebanon in all sectors. UNIFIL’s work must be strengthened to enable it to fulfill its mission.”
Aoun stressed the close links between the two presidents’ countries, saying: “In the heart, mind, daily language, living history, and creative culture of every Lebanese, there is much of France.”
The new president also urged his guest to “testify to the entire world that the Lebanese people’s confidence in their country and state has returned, and that the world’s trust in Lebanon must fully return, because the real and authentic Lebanon has made its comeback.”
Macron landed in Beirut on Friday morning accompanied by a delegation which included French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian.
The French president met Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the airport and praised “the mission undertaken by Mikati over the past years to serve everyone in Lebanon, especially during the significantly difficult stage resulting from the last war.”
Macron also laid a wreath on the unknown soldier’s tombstone next to Lebanon’s National Museum and visited Gemmayze, where he was briefed on restoration work in that area, which was severely damaged in the Beirut Port explosion four years ago.
Meanwhile, UN chief Antonio Guterres began his visit to Lebanon on Friday by heading to UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura, where he delivered a speech which contained several warnings to Israel and Hezbollah.
“The continued occupation by the Israeli army inside the UNIFIL area of operations, and the conduct of military operations in Lebanese territory, are violations of resolution 1701 and pose an ongoing threat to your safety and security. They must stop,” he said.
“The UN peacekeepers have uncovered over 100 weapons caches belonging to Hezbollah or other armed groups since Nov. 27, the date on which the agreement went into effect.
“The presence of armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the Lebanese army and the UNIFIL peacekeeping forces between the Blue Line and the Litani River significantly violates resolution 1701 and jeopardizes Lebanon’s stability,” he continued.
Guterres met the commander of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, Gen. Aroldo Lázaro, and was briefed on the challenges faced during the Israeli army’s war against Hezbollah. He also inspected the Blue Line and addressed the international forces there, describing them as “the peacekeeping frontline” and praising their “courage and resilience in the face of attacks through the Blue Line.”
He said: “You showed the importance of the blue helmets in deterring violence, supporting de-escalation, and protecting civilians. Your contribution has been crucial in restoring stability in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line. Thanks to your efforts, to a great extent, we are in a period of relative calm that requires support.
“This is a critical opportunity to support the full implementation of Resolution 1701 and deliver lasting security for the people of Lebanon and Israel.”
He added: “You have our full support to implement any adjustments that may be necessary during this phase. We will continue to work closely with the countries contributing to UNIFIL troops to ensure that you receive enhanced capabilities, including mine clearance and the disposal of unexploded ordnance, to enable you to resume patrols and monitoring missions.
“These capabilities, along with the operational methods within the framework of your mandate, are vital to restoring freedom of movement and access across UNIFIL’s area of operations.”
Guterres also stressed that the same messages would be conveyed to the Lebanese officials with whom he is scheduled to meet on Saturday.
He continued: “All parties have an obligation to ensure the safety of our personnel. The inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times. Attacks against peacekeepers are absolutely unacceptable. They violate international law and international humanitarian law and may constitute a war crime.
“The Lebanese Armed Forces, as the sole guarantor of Lebanon’s security, are deploying in greater numbers in southern Lebanon, with the support of UNIFIL and members of the Cessation of Hostilities Implementation Mechanism.
“Your strong support and close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces will be essential to supporting a lasting cessation of hostilities and achieving the intended objective of Resolution 1701. We urge the international community to enhance its support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.”
Regarding the formation of a new government for Lebanon, and paving the way for its vote of confidence in parliament despite the absence of the two Shiite blocs — Amal Movement and Hezbollah — in the parliamentary consultations on its formation, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam met speaker Nabih Berri, who had boycotted the consultations last Wednesday.
Following the meeting, Salam said: “There is a consensus from all blocs and independent MPs on the need to quickly revive the country and work on its recovery. Everyone is ready to cooperate positively. There are no obstacles or disruptions from any party. There are only two options: consensus and consensus. Disruptions and failure are not options.
“No one will obstruct, and no one will allow the government formation to fail, so that recovery can begin,” he continued. “Berri and I are on the same page. I will remain in constant contact with him until the government is formed.”
Salam did not discuss his plans for the government, but said he has “a preliminary vision … that I will present to Aoun.”


NGOs, civil society groups urge EU to end trade with Israeli settlements

NGOs, civil society groups urge EU to end trade with Israeli settlements
Updated 04 February 2025
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NGOs, civil society groups urge EU to end trade with Israeli settlements

NGOs, civil society groups urge EU to end trade with Israeli settlements
  • Bloc is violating ICJ ruling by allowing goods to enter European market, letter warns
  • Human Rights Watch: EU should ‘live up to its obligations under international law’

LONDON: More than 160 NGOs, civil society groups and trade unions have urged the EU to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories.

The appeal came in a letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

She was urged to take action to ensure that Europe complies with international law by ending its support for Israel’s illegal settlement enterprise.

It comes amid renewed international attention on the Palestinian question in the wake of the Gaza ceasefire.

Palestinians “continue suffering” in the enclave despite the “fragile” ceasefire, while in the West Bank Israeli authorities have “expanded their illegal settlements and intensified their repression of Palestinians,” Human Rights Watch said.

EU member states have repeatedly condemned Israeli settlements through unanimous voting. Two rounds of targeted sanctions against Israeli settlers were also launched by the bloc.

Last July, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel’s occupation is illegal, and called for the dismantling of settlements.

States have an obligation to prevent trade “that assists in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories,” the court said.

Existing EU policies breach this obligation, groups said in the letter, warning that goods exported from Israeli settlements are not excluded from entering the European market.

HRW said: “Amid sharp divisions, the EU has been unable to adopt measures that respond to Israel’s war crimes, crimes against humanity and acts of genocide in Gaza.

“But the bloc should at least be coherent with its own statements, and live up to its obligations under international law, by banning trade and business with settlements, which are inexorably linked to egregious rights abuses.”


Syria’s Sharaa to discuss defense pact with Turkiye’s Erdogan, sources say

Syria’s Sharaa to discuss defense pact with Turkiye’s Erdogan, sources say
Updated 04 February 2025
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Syria’s Sharaa to discuss defense pact with Turkiye’s Erdogan, sources say

Syria’s Sharaa to discuss defense pact with Turkiye’s Erdogan, sources say

AMMAN/BEIRUT/DAMASCUS: Syria’s transitional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan are expected to discuss a joint defense pact in Ankara on Tuesday, including establishing Turkish air bases in central Syria and training for Syria’s new army, four sources familiar with the matter said.
NATO member Turkiye has long backed Syria’s armed and political opposition to ousted leader Bashar Assad, who was toppled in late December in a lightning offensive spearheaded by Sharaa’s forces.
Ankara is positioning itself to play a major role in the new Syria, filling a vacuum left by Assad’s main regional backer Iran, in an expansion of Turkish sway that could spark rivalry with Gulf Arab states and put Israel on edge.
The sources — a Syrian security official, two Damascus-based foreign security sources and a senior regional intelligence official — spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media about the meeting.
This is the first time that elements of any strategic defense arrangement by Syria’s new leaders, including details of additional Turkish bases, have come to light.
The pact could see Turkiye establish new air bases in Syria, use Syrian airspace for military purposes, and take a lead role in training troops in Syria’s new army, the sources said.
Syria’s new leadership has dissolved the army and its various rebel factions, and is working on integrating them into a new military command.
The sources said the deal was not expected to be finalized on Tuesday.

TURKISH AIR BASES IN SYRIA
The regional intelligence official, the Syrian security official and one of the Damascus-based foreign security sources said the talks would include setting up two Turkish bases in Syria’s vast central desert region, known as the Badiyah.
An official in Syria’s presidency told Reuters that Sharaa would discuss Turkiye’s “training of the new Syrian army, as well as new areas of deployment and cooperation” with Erdogan, without specifying the deployment locations.
The Turkish presidency and Syrian defense ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the issue.
The Turkish presidency’s communications director Fahrettin Altun said on Monday that Erdogan and Sharaa would discuss the latest developments in Syria and possible joint measures to rebuild Syria’s economy and achieve stability and security.
A Turkish defense ministry official familiar with the talks between both defense ministries told Reuters he did not have information on Turkish bases in Syria and training for Syrian troops as part of a possible defense pact.

TURKEY’S AIR DEFENSE ROLE
The senior regional intelligence official, the Syrian security official and one of the Damascus-based foreign security sources said the bases under discussion would allow Turkiye to defend Syria’s air space in case of any future attacks.
Assad’s other main backer — Russia — is also in talks with the new Damascus administration about the fate of its two military bases in Syria, a naval base in Tartous and an air base near the port city of Latakia, the Kremlin said on Monday.
In an interview in January, Syria’s defense minister Murhaf Abu Qasra told Reuters the country’s new leaders would seek to build strong ties in the region, “and that through these ties, we will be able to build our military force well.”
If these ties lead to a partnership “on arming, training, air defense or other issues — we would welcome it,” Abu Qasra said, without mentioning Turkiye.
The regional intelligence official said the possible air base locations were the Palmyra military airport and the Syrian army’s T4 base, both in the province of Homs.

MESSAGE TO KURDISH FIGHTERS
The official said Ankara was keen to set up bases there as a message to Kurdish fighters in northeast Syria, known as the People’s Protection Units (YPG).
Ankara views them as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been waging an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is deemed a terrorist group by both Turkiye and the US
Turkiye has threatened a military offensive against the YPG, but has held off as talks are underway to address the fate of the Kurdish forces.
The Turkish defense ministry official told Reuters that Turkish and Syrian military delegations exchanged views last week on “what can be done in defense and security matters, especially in the joint fight against terrorist organizations that pose a threat to both Syria and Turkiye.”
“Our meetings will continue within the framework of the needs that will occur in coming period,” the official added.
Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said in December that Turkiye was “ready to provide the necessary support if the new (Syrian) administration requested it.
Ankara may discuss and reevaluate the issue of Turkiye’s military presence in Syria with the new Syrian administration “when necessary conditions arise,” Guler said at the time.


Israeli military says troops shoot dead gunman in West Bank

Israeli military says troops shoot dead gunman in West Bank
Updated 04 February 2025
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Israeli military says troops shoot dead gunman in West Bank

Israeli military says troops shoot dead gunman in West Bank

JERUSALEM: The Israeli army said Tuesday that its troops had killed a gunman who critically wounded two soldiers when he opened fire at a military post in the occupied West Bank.
“A terrorist fired at soldiers at a military post in Tayasir. The soldiers exchanged fire with the terrorist and killed him,” the military said in a statement.
Israeli emergency services said six people were treated at the scene and evacuated to hospitals for treatment.
Israeli army radio reported that two of the soldiers were in critical condition.
Israeli forces have been engaged in what the army says is “an operation to thwart terrorism” in the northern area of the West Bank, primarily in the area of Jenin, long a hotbed of militancy.
On Sunday, the army said that it had killed at least 50 “militants” since it launched an operation on January 21, while the Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah said Israeli forces have killed 70 people in the territory since the start of the year.
The operation has also seen troops levelling buildings in a refugee camp adjacent to Jenin.
The offensive has drawn sharp condemnation from the Palestinian Authority, which called Israel’s actions “ethnic cleansing.”
Violence has surged across the West Bank since war began in Gaza with the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 884 Palestinians in the West Bank since the start of the war, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
At least 30 Israelis have been killed in Palestinian attacks or during Israeli military raids in the territory over the same period, according to official Israeli figures.


Israel preparing to send team to Doha to discuss ceasefire

Israel preparing to send team to Doha to discuss ceasefire
Updated 04 February 2025
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Israel preparing to send team to Doha to discuss ceasefire

Israel preparing to send team to Doha to discuss ceasefire
  • Talks on a second phase, paving the way to a possible end to the war, are due to begin on Tuesday

JERUSALEM: Israel is preparing to send a high-level delegation to the Qatari capital Doha to discuss continued implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Tuesday.
Under the terms of the original deal that sealed a 42-day truce and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, talks on a second phase, paving the way to a possible end to the war, are due to begin on Tuesday.


From urban bars to country weddings, Moroccan folk singers break barriers and keep traditions alive

From urban bars to country weddings, Moroccan folk singers break barriers and keep traditions alive
Updated 04 February 2025
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From urban bars to country weddings, Moroccan folk singers break barriers and keep traditions alive

From urban bars to country weddings, Moroccan folk singers break barriers and keep traditions alive
  • Those who come to hear them sing say cheikha can serve as a community’s truth-tellers, singing about often unspoken dynamics related to marriage, agriculture or, historically, colonial resistance
  • Morocco’s music scene is increasingly embracing Middle Eastern pop and rap by North African artists from throughout the diaspora

SIDI YAHYA ZAER, Morocco: Mbarka Moullablad’s family frowned when she first told them she planned to make a living as a cheikha, singing about love, pain, and societal change to the melodies of her ancestors under the stage name “Thouria.”
Women like her are the stewards of one of Morocco’s most cherished oral traditions: a form of folk singing known as aita, which means a “cry” or “lament” in Arabic. From smoky bars and cabarets in Morocco’s largest cities to the gatherings in the country’s rural regions, they croon at weddings, festivals and private events and pub nights, hypnotizing audiences both humble and wealthy.

Girls dance during a traditional performance known as Aita, in Tamesna, south of the capital Rabat, Morocco, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (AP)

But despite aita’s position in Moroccan culture, the genre’s popularity does not always translate into acceptance for those who perform it. Cheikha are often stigmatized, eroticized, and pushed to society’s margins. That was once a fear for Moullablad, but she says her community in Sidi Yahya Zaer, a farming town on Morocco’s Atlantic plains, has mostly accepted her.

“My family did not agree at first and I used to suffer from society’s judgment, but now everything is good,” Moullablad said on the sidelines of a recent performance south of Morocco’s capital, Rabat. “I do it in order to earn money for my children.”

Cheikha folk singer Mbarka "Thouria" Moullablad applies makeup as she prepares for a traditional performance known as Aita, in Sidi Yahya Zaer, south of the capital Rabat, Morocco, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (AP)

A form of sung poetry, aita has long explored themes of societal triumphs, ironies, and unspoken struggles, including those related to relationships and economic hardship. Cheikha don heavy stage makeup, silk caftans, and golden takchita belts as they sing about their community’s agonies and triumphs. They sway their hips to amplify emotion, dancing seductively or cheerfully depending on the context.
When Moullablad performs, men and women lean in as her voice softens, captivated as she climbs octaves into a full-throated howl. The beads wrapped around her sister Fatiha’s belly shake as she dances. The band leader, another singer, backs her with his own poetry while a drummer keeps the beat, a guitarist strums, and a violinist drags his bow in sync.

A music band prepares for a traditional performance known as Aita, in Sidi Yahya Zaer, south of the capital Rabat, Morocco, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (AP)

Those who come to hear them sing say cheikha can serve as a community’s truth-tellers, singing about often unspoken dynamics related to marriage, agriculture or, historically, colonial resistance. Moullablad sings in Moroccan Arabic, embodying traditions specific to her community. But cheikha across the North African Kingdom also perform in the indigenous Amazigh language, adapting the music and lyrics to reflect their region.
The art form has inspired contemporary acts like the electro-infused “Aita, Mon Amour” and Kabareh Cheikhats, a troupe of male actors who pay homage, dress and sing in the tune of Morocco’s most celebrated 20th century women folk singers. It is also the subject of Morocco’s submission for this year’s Academy Awards, “Everybody Loves Touda,” which follows a single mother who leaves her town in the Atlas Mountains to pursue her dream of singing in bars, cabarets, and hotels in Casablanca.

Moroccan tea is distributed during a traditional performance known as Aita, in Tamesna, south of the capital Rabat, Morocco, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (AP)

“I was always amazed by their strength and the power that they have toward people when they open their mouths. Whether they are modern or conservative people, they all stand up and get into a kind of trance like gospel,” Nabil Ayouch, the film’s director, said in an interview when the film premiered at the Marrakech Film Festival last year.

Morocco’s music scene is increasingly embracing Middle Eastern pop and rap by North African artists from throughout the diaspora. And rural communities are shrinking amid the country’s rapid development and urbanization. But though the future of aita may seem uncertain, its musicians and listeners remain confident that it will endure.
“Aita will not die because it is renewed by young people. Aita will remain in all times and is loved by old people and young people as well. It is developed and improved, but they preserve its origins,” said Rachid Kadari, a Cheikh who also sings aita.