The newspaper "Ad-Diyar" reported: Against the backdrop of Russian artillery fire and alarm sirens in Ukrainian areas and cities, the daily lives of Lebanese people are burdened as they, like many around the world, await the trajectory of this war amidst fears it may escalate into an open international confrontation leading to a third world war, culminating the calamities that have beset Lebanon for the past two and a half years.
It appears that the standoff between Washington and Hezbollah has reached very advanced levels, as reflected in the recent statements from the head of the "Loyalty to the Resistance" bloc, Mohammed Ra’ad, particularly regarding the demarcation file.
**Are the Negotiations Suspended?**
Informed sources within the party noted that Ra’ad's recent assertive stance concerning the demarcation file emerges after a long period of silence and delegating negotiations to the President of the Republic and the Speaker of the Parliament. This, they argue, is a firm response to the Lebanese Foreign Ministry's position on the war in Ukraine, considering the party fully acknowledges the statement was issued at American behest. The sources stated to "Ad-Diyar" that "in light of these developments, negotiations on demarcation have become closer to being suspended, as we cannot delegate negotiations on our oil and gas wealth to those who would concede our rights at the request or prompting of the American ambassador.”
The sources highlighted that the Foreign Minister’s announcement, expressing that the statement he issued regarding the war in Ukraine represents the state's position and the President Michel Aoun's congratulatory call to him "disturbed Hezbollah and embarrassed Aoun," who issued a statement denying what Bou Habib said, engaging in a direct confrontation with Washington. Otherwise, they said, it left significant questions for Hezbollah. They added: "We do not expect an official clarification from Aoun on this matter as he seeks to arrange the situation away from the spotlight, both with Hezbollah and with the Russian ambassador and leadership in Moscow."
In this context, the reception of the Russian ambassador to Lebanon, Alexander Rodakow, by the Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib yesterday was noted, describing the meeting as "good and friendly." In response to a question regarding Russia's vote in the Security Council on sanctions against the Houthis in Yemen and the impact of this vote on its relations with allies in Lebanon and Iran, the Russian ambassador denied any influence from the decision. Additionally, it was revealed that Aoun would send his advisor for Russian affairs, former Deputy Amal Abu Zeid, to Moscow "to follow up on developments and discuss related data with Russian officials."
**Stop the "Good Loan"**
At the same time, attention turned to the American Treasury and IMF delegations, which met with several Lebanese officials yesterday. According to information from "Ad-Diyar," the primary goal of the American Treasury delegation's visit is to curtail the "good loan," as the delegation discusses with concerned parties ways and mechanisms to pressure further by halting any activity related to the good loan. It became apparent from Aoun's statements following the delegation's meeting that there was a request made by members of the delegation, to which he responded: "Lebanon is continuing its fight against corruption and money laundering and financing terrorism, and that Lebanese laws are strictly and accurately implemented in this area, as international financial institutions attest."
Furthermore, Prime Minister Najib Mikati held a meeting with the IMF delegation led by Ernesto Ramirez, discussing the measures and decisions taken, the proposed bills, and the progress of the financial and economic recovery plan.
**Army Commander to Testify?**
Legally, two major developments emerged; the first is the summon of the investigating judge in the Taleh explosion, Judge Ali Araji, regarding the Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, to hear his testimony as a witness scheduled for April 4 next year. Informed sources on the matter confirmed this information to "Ad-Diyar," refraining from providing further details "in respect for the confidentiality of the investigation." The website "Janoubia" indicated that the summoning of Aoun was prompted by the refusal of several military personnel, including four officers, to appear before the investigating judge.
In another judicial context, the work of the investigating judge in the Beirut port explosion case, Judge Tarek Bitar, was again disrupted after a member of the foundational committee for the gathering of families of victims and those affected by the port explosion filed a new complaint to dismiss Bitar. The complainant stated that the investigating judge "has become an obstacle to reaching the truth in this crime." The complaint has been submitted to the First President of the Court of Cassation, Judge Souheil Abboud, in preparation for referral to one of the cassation court chambers to consider and take a decision on it. Informed sources on the investigation told "Ad-Diyar" that "the defendants in this case are exhausting legal avenues to obstruct the investigation, and unfortunately, they have recently begun using some of the victims' families to halt the investigations." The sources added: "The matter has become serious and requires popular and judicial action; otherwise, the investigation will be at risk."
**Dib Leaves the "National Movement"**
In addition, the announcement by MP Hikmat Dib yesterday of his resignation from the "Free Patriotic Movement" due to "the mismanagement of the movement for years" was a significant blow to the "National Movement" on the eve of parliamentary elections. Sources familiar with the conditions of the "movement" told "Ad-Diyar" that "the primary fear of Bassil is a major boycott of a significant portion of the Aounists in the elections, which will automatically lead to the victory of his opponents," noting that any loss for the movement will benefit independent Christians, not the Forces or the uprising forces.
