The newspaper "Al-Liwaa" wrote: The owners of gas stations, supermarkets, and fuel distribution companies did not deny the news. They returned people to the queues, in a new attempt to "show strength" after the recent Cabinet session, which discussed "food security." They assigned a tripartite ministerial committee, which remains open-ended, to enlist military and security forces to prevent monopolies, in preparation for raising prices and manipulating citizens' food security, for any reason. People woke up to pictures of queues in front of gas stations, from the south to Beirut, and from the capital to the north, the Bekaa, and the mountains, in addition to a few stations still operating that meet limited requests. Sources in the General Directorate of Oil indicated that there might not be a fuel schedule today, with ongoing communications to find a way to end the queues, expecting the schedule to be released tomorrow. Security forces conducted rounds at various stations, while Fadi Abu Shacra, a representative of fuel distributors, expressed multiple concerns, announcing that fuel reserves are only sufficient for four to five days and calling for a new schedule for fuel prices, according to the global rise in oil prices. Although oil has not yet faced a shortage, traders raised its prices and rationed its distribution, which is clearly evident in many supermarkets that have emptied their shelves of oil. Prices varied significantly, with some brands increasing by 100,000 Lebanese pounds for a 5-liter gallon, pushing customers to rush even more to supermarkets, reminiscent of past scenes as we prepare for potential problems.
In an immediate response, Minister Salam toured some supermarkets to ensure the availability of goods, especially oil, and sold it at lower prices. He confirmed the formation of an emergency committee to manage the crisis, indicating that it might come to the point of confiscating stored goods and distributing them to citizens, mentioning the possibility of halting the export of essential goods from Lebanon. Faisal revealed that during his tour of fuel stations, it was found that more than 100,000 liters were available in some, even though these stations had shut their doors to citizens for four days. Regarding wheat supply, it was decided to extend the grace period for storage of this product for another month, dedicating it only for the production of Arabic bread. Tensions arose between Minister Salam and station owners, who justified the lack of fuel supply, attributing it to various reasons, some of which are humanitarian-related, like reserving for the Red Cross or certain hospitals. Minutes were organized, and stations opened, while others extended their hours, awaiting a new day.
The food security crisis does not seem separate from the broader crisis of public order, whether regarding the faltering trust between the authorities instead of cooperation as prescribed by the constitution or the liquidity crisis in light of the pursuit against the Governor of the Central Bank, Riad Salameh, as well as the banks, while the government is considering the option of approaching the Central Bank to request financing to buy wheat from non-Ukrainian sources to avoid prolonged delays and exposure of Lebanese citizens to famine. According to information, the Central Bank will not finance any operation “with fresh dollars" upon request, but requires negotiations between the government and the governor. A prominent Lebanese official believes that the disastrous Lebanese situation opens possibilities for all potential security, political, and social difficulties, clearly indicating a scenario that seems unacceptable and cannot be publicly articulated, to express in light of the political and economic crisis Lebanon has faced since 2019, relating to the extension of the current parliament and the presidency.
Interestingly, there is preliminary international approval to proceed with the extension of parliament with an outright refusal for extending the presidency, in light of the continued international offer concerning acceptance to extend the current parliament for a full term on the condition of electing Army Commander Joseph Aoun as President of the Republic. Regarding the demarcation of borders, the official, who prefers to remain anonymous and is likely part of the March 8 Alliance, expressed his discontent over what he calls a "major scandal" regarding the suspicious administration of the negotiation process and the fear of the dissolution of the alliance between Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement amid ongoing disputes following statements from Mohammad Raad, the head of Hezbollah’s Loyalty to the Resistance bloc. Political sources indicate that the reasons for the softened stance of Hezbollah toward the authorities, especially the presidency, regarding the positive engagement with the proposal from U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein in the marine border demarcation file stem from a prior agreement between Aoun and Hezbollah, with participation from MP Gebran Bassil, to continue negotiations that serve Lebanon's interests.
Sources reminded that this crucial file is addressed with the participation of all officials and political parties, to ensure everyone bears responsibility for any agreement made, rather than limiting it solely to the President of the Republic or any other official. Political sources revealed that more than one foreign ambassador inquired from some officials regarding the validity of the rumors suggesting a possible postponement of the upcoming parliamentary elections to be scheduled later, and the reasons behind this anticipation. The sources conveyed the surprise of these ambassadors at the frequency of news regarding the election postponement, after being repeatedly assured by the government and senior officials of their commitment to hold the elections on the scheduled date of May 15. The sources pointed out that the likelihood of election postponement increases daily, especially with the unsubstantiated insistence of President Michel Aoun on establishing the "Mega Center" in the interval leading up to the elections, after all the preparations had been completed by the Ministry of Interior to conduct this entitlements of not requiring this center previously, raising legitimate doubts about genuine attempts to obstruct this entitlement at its time and push for a postponement to a date to be determined later.
They reiterated that the scenario of postponing the elections until September under the pretext of difficulties forming a new government within the short time remaining before the presidential elections in October has been discussed and proposed to several influential political parties, receiving no outright rejection but being consulted seriously over the past few hours. Despite all the claims denying election postponement, in fact, this scenario has become acceptable based on justifications reflecting the repercussions of the war in Ukraine and the difficulties of conducting elections and citizen mobility amid the rising fuel prices. Furthermore, the situation has worsened with an incident on the Egyptian gas line at the al-Aboudiyeh point, between two to three kilometers, while this line is under trial for importing Egyptian gas. Consequently, fears grow over the inability to fulfill any government commitments, whether concerning negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, importing gas and electricity from Egypt and Jordan, or even demarcating borders, in a route characterized by pessimism, at least until now.
Governmentally, it is anticipated that the committee on the Mega Center will complete its report tomorrow, in preparation for the Cabinet session next Thursday, where ministerial sources expect a cabinet reshuffle involving the naming of Minister George Klas for the Ministry of Information, which became vacant following the resignation of George Qardahi amidst his support for the Houthis in the Yemeni war against the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia. They anticipate that the Ministry of Youth and Sports will be assigned to a figure from the Makari family supported by former MP Sleiman Frangieh.
While waiting for the conclusion of the ministerial committee tasked with studying the Interior Ministry's report regarding the establishment of large voting centers, or “Mega Center,” tomorrow, and to present its position in the Cabinet session on Thursday, in addition to awaiting the formation of the technical-legal ministerial committee tasked with studying the proposals of the American mediatory on maritime border demarcation, Amos Hochstein, which is expected to be formed within these two days, Prime Minister Najib Mikati prioritizes this week to address food security issues to implement necessary solutions and prevent any attempts for the monopoly of basic foodstuffs, similar to prior periods.
According to sources close to the Prime Minister's movements, he will intensify his ministerial meetings on this file, in addition to holding meetings with experts to gain their insights on this crucial file which is as important as other files, especially concerning wheat importation amidst the confusion caused by events in Ukraine affecting the entire global wheat market. Concurrently, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet today with Minister Fiad and the Oil Sector Management Authority. He will also follow up with Minister Fiad regarding the electricity plan, observing remarks he has made and requesting their inclusion in the plan before it is presented again to the Cabinet.
Minister of Education and Higher Education Acting Minister of Information Abbas Halabi announced that “discussing the Mega Center issue just before the nominations deadline could open the door to challenges regarding the electoral process, potentially leading to the overthrow of the electoral entitlement, and thus it is unlikely to accomplish.”
On a different governmental front, Minister of Displaced Persons Issam Sharafeddine stated that, following his communication with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, it was decided to include the file of the return of Syrian refugees to their homes to the agenda of the next Cabinet session. He said: “In implementation of what was stated in the ministerial statement, arrangements will continue to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees and enhance communication with the international community to contribute in alleviating the burdens of the Syrian displacement, insisting on their safe return to their country and rejecting any form of their integration or settlement, and implementing the public policy framework for refugees' return approved by the Lebanese government, reconsidering it if necessary.” He added: “I proposed to benefit from the measures taken by the Syrian side to mitigate the impact of Syrian displacement as stated in the report of Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi, and to revive the file of returning Syrian refugees to their homes, especially since there is a plan entitled (Public Policy Framework for the Return of Refugees) provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs in the previous government which received preliminary approval from the Cabinet.”
### Two Ministers in Beirut
On another note, Algerian Foreign Minister Ramadan Lamamra arrived in Beirut yesterday leading a delegation on an official two-day visit, during which he will meet with President Michel Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib. Additionally, Iraqi Minister of Industry and Minerals Manhal Azeez Al-Khabaz, arrived in Beirut from Baghdad with a delegation for a three-day visit, upon an invitation from Minister of Industry George Bushikian, aimed at strengthening bilateral industrial relations between the two countries. During his visit, the Iraqi minister is scheduled to meet with the president, speaker, and prime minister to discuss frameworks for cooperation between the two countries.
### Elections and the Forces–Tayyar War
Regarding the elections and in response to discussions surrounding the potential non-conduct of elections and the notion that the Mega Center's proposal serves as a pretext for postponing election dates, Speaker Nabih Berri stated to the "Al-Intishar" website upon inquiring about his candidacy announcement: "My candidacy confirms that parliamentary elections will undoubtedly take place on their due date with no room for doubt." In an electoral context, the head of the Lebanese Forces party, Samir Geagea, stated that "the overthrow of MP Gebran Bassil must occur in Batroun during the upcoming parliamentary elections," adding: "This must happen for many reasons, including that Bassil has held the Ministry of Energy for twelve consecutive years, obstructing the formation of governments for months to obtain this ministry.” Geagea made this statement during a meeting held in Maarab where he announced the nomination of Ghayath Yazbek for the Maronite seat in Batroun: “I clearly tell the people of Batroun that if you elect Bassil again, you will commit a very bad act against the Lebanese people, as his harm extends to all Lebanese people. This harm has appeared most notably in the energy file, not to mention the clientelism and transforming the state into a farm and all other violations and the obstructing we faced.”
Commenting on recent statements made by the head of the Marada Movement, Sleiman Frangieh, Geagea described them as "expressive," stating: "I thank him for a key point he raised, meaning that if Bassil or any other parties take parliamentary seats, it is better than the Forces taking them, because Bassil remains in our ranks in some way, whereas the Forces are a strategic rival.” Frangieh's statement is indeed accurate because we are rivals, not enemies or opponents, and I hope we will always remain so, which is natural. More importantly, when it comes to the strategic competition, this pertains to the Resistance axis that Frangieh belongs to, meaning Bcharred Assad, Hassan Nasrallah, and their allies. Geagea added, “Our view of Frangieh parallels his view of us. This explains why we chose Michel Aoun over Frangieh since the latter is farther in the Resistance Axis than Aoun, meaning he is more original, and Aoun is not honest with this axis nor transparent in any other matter. We see that the Resistance axis has ruined Lebanon.”
### The Russian-Ukrainian Crisis
In the context of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, the Russian embassy in Lebanon expressed "gratitude to Russian nationals and the Lebanese community, alumni, and friends who supported Russia during this difficult time." In a statement, it said: "In Lebanon, many leaders of significant local political forces contact us daily to express their solidarity with Russia's positions and actions." The statement concluded: "Regardless of the official stance of Beirut, we see that they generally comprehend the reality and share our longing to secure any country's legitimate right to ensure national security."
Regarding the situation of Lebanese nationals, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Relief Committee, Mohammed Khair, departed for Poland yesterday, based on the Prime Minister's decision to follow up on the evacuation of Lebanese nationals. He returned last night on a Middle East Airlines flight that had gone to Warsaw in Poland, bringing with him about 100 Lebanese who had left Ukraine for Romania. A third batch of Lebanese from Ukraine arrived in Lebanon at dawn yesterday, consisting of 90 individuals. Minister of Education Abbas Halabi announced that the issue of Lebanese students returning from Ukraine would be the focus of a meeting within the ministry, also reporting it to the Higher Education Council regarding university students, to gather the data pertaining to each of them according to their educational levels and specializations, in preparation for finding ways to follow up on their academic achievements and to present the matter to the Cabinet if exceptional measures are needed to save their academic year.
### Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Finance and Budget Committee started reviewing the items of the general budget for the year 2022, with the hope of referring it to the joint committees upon completion, on its way to the Parliament.
### Health Update
Health-wise, the Ministry of Health announced in its daily report about registering 1,007 new Coronavirus cases and 10 deaths in the past 24 hours, raising the cumulative number to 1,078,249 laboratory-confirmed cases since February 21, 2020.
