Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with the mayors of Rmeish and Debel, Hanna Al-Ameel and Akl Nadav, to discuss the situations of residents in southern border villages of Lebanon, emphasizing the basic needs for sustaining their lives in their homeland.
The mayors highlighted key challenges, particularly the need for sustainable communication links within Lebanon, securing diesel supplies, maintaining school operations, and ensuring essential services. They also stressed the importance of state institutions' presence in border villages to bolster residents' resilience.
PM Salam affirmed the national priority of supporting the steadfastness of border village inhabitants and ensuring a continuous and secure communication line with these areas. He praised the residents' resilience, assuring them of the Lebanese government's ongoing support.
PM Salam chaired a meeting focused on recovery efforts for several southern villages, alongside South Council President Hashem Haidar, Relief Committee Secretary-General Brigadier Bassam Naboulsi, and the Central Operations Director Zahi Shaheen.
The meeting concentrated on ongoing efforts in the villages of Froun, Qlaileh, Srifa, Barj Qlaileh, Western Zawtar, and Gandouria, to expedite residents' return and restore essential services.
PM Salam urged the South Council and the Relief Committee to speed up acquiring ready housing units in these villages and begin repairs on partially damaged homes to facilitate residents’ return.
He instructed relevant authorities to coordinate with the Ministry of Social Affairs to provide rental aid for returning villagers.
In another engagement, PM Salam met with Middle East Airlines Chairman Mohammad Al-Hout to review the airline's status and airport operations compared to previous years, focusing on aviation security and safety measures at Rafic Hariri International Airport.
PM Salam emphasized that the government prioritizes airport security and air navigation safety, actively implementing decisions to mitigate risks within and around the airport, especially regarding wildlife hazards, cleaning the local river, and regulating local farms and slaughterhouses according to government directives.
Salam assured that the government remains unwavering in enforcing public safety and aviation standards, with relevant ministries and officials committed to executing the planned measures.