A Bundle Of English Reports, News and Editorials For March 15-16/2020 Addressing All That is happing In the Iranian Occupied & Oppressed Lebanon
Compiled By: Elias Bejjani
March 16/2020
Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on March 15-16/2020
Lebanon Coronavirus Cases Rise from 93 to 99
Health Ministry: Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rises to 99
Aoun addressing the Lebanese ahead of Cabinet special session: Current health situation requires the declaration of a ‘state of general mobilization’ in all Lebanese regions
Supreme Defense Council decides to submit a ‘general mobilization’ request to Council of Ministers
PM Hassan Diab’s speech after extraordinary Cabinet session
Aoun Defends Coronavirus Measures, Says Health Emergency Needed
Govt. Closes Private, Public Institutions, Shuts Airport from Wednesday
Security Forces Clear Seaside Corniche after Crowding
Al-Rahi Urges Citizens Not to Leave Homes unless Necessary
Roukoz, Alameh Donate Salaries to Hospitals
Lebanon declares state of “public health emergency,” shuts down airport/Georgi Azar/Annahar/March 15/2020
Eurobond default sounds death knell for Lebanon’s system/Makram Rabah/The Arab Weekly/15/2020
Diab must face reality if he is to steer Lebanon out of its crises/Khairallah Khairallah/The Arab Weekly/15/2020
Will Lebanon’s Eurobond default spur much-needed reform?/Simon Speakman Cordall/The Arab Weekly/15/2020
The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on March 15-16/2020
Lebanon Coronavirus Cases Rise from 93 to 99
Naharnet/March 15/2020
Lebanon’s confirmed coronavirus cases have surged from 93 to 99, the Health Ministry announced at noon Sunday.
In a statement, the ministry said the tally includes the cases reported by both the state-run Rafik Hariri University Hospital and the country’s private hospitals. It added that it is continuing to monitor all those coming from countries witnessing virus outbreaks and those who have come in contact with them. The ministry is also investigating “some few cases” of an unknown source, it said, urging citizens to abide by authorities’ instructions and stay in their homes unless it is extremely necessary to go out. The government is expected to declare a state of emergency on Sunday afternoon. Educational institutions, restaurants, nightclubs, pubs, cafes, exhibitions, parks, cinemas, malls and other gathering venues have been closed since several days as part of the measures against the virus.Lebanon has also banned flights from eleven hardly hit countries, with critics lamenting that the decision came too late.
Health Ministry: Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rises to 99
NNA/March 15/2020
The Ministry of Public Health announced, in a statement on Sunday, that “ninety-nine new laboratory-confirmed cases infected with the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been registered, including the cases diagnosed at the Rafic Hariri Governmental Hospital, and those reported from other university hospitals accredited by the Ministry.”The Health Ministry also reminded citizens to remain at home and not to go out “unless absolutely necessary.”
Aoun addressing the Lebanese ahead of Cabinet special session: Current health situation requires the declaration of a ‘state of general mobilization’ in all Lebanese regions
NNA/March 15/2020
President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, addressed the Lebanese at the beginning of the special cabinet session convening this afternoon at Baabda Palace, devoted to tackling developments and measures to confront the emerging Corona virus.
“The current stage represents a health emergency that entails declaring a state of general mobilization in all Lebanese regions,” said Aoun.
“Today, in view of the fast spread of this epidemic, the global and local inability to contain it so far, and the increased number of cases, the Council of Ministers is holding this extraordinary session to adopt a series of exceptional and temporary measures which will be announced at the end of the session,” he added.
The President called on the Lebanese, each from his/her own position, to commit to awareness and comply with the required medical instructions that are being broadcasted by official medical and media sides. He also urged citizens to demonstrate “the most noble and highest manifestation of human commitment to each other, with the required compliance, in view of ensuring the highest levels of protection, keeping away from mingling and staying home.”
“It is the moment of national solidarity for all of us. Together, we must concretize this solidarity, in both of its humanitarian and societal dimensions, with innovative and new ways,” Aoun asserted.
“We are all one in the face of any danger that threatens the safety and life of any Lebanese, in any Lebanese region,” the President corroborated.
In his detailed address, the President of the Republic said:
“My fellow Lebanese ladies and gentlemen, dearly beloved,
It is the first time in about a century that Lebanon faces an epidemic with a global prevalence. It is the coronavirus which was classified by the World Health Organization as a pandemic a few days ago. It spreads in various ways and may be life-threatening, as it may cross borders, systems and countries. To date, science has not been able to find a proper prevention or treatment for it. It therefore requires the highest levels of prevention and protection to curb the spread of the virus.
For weeks now, we have not failed at all to confront it, with determination, will and awareness, instantaneously and preemptively. The various health sectors in Lebanon have been mobilized, under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister and the Ministerial Committee for Coronavirus prevention. All the necessary measures have been taken, at an exemplary speed, in order to counter this epidemic and prevent its spread in our country and among our nationals. The measures that were taken and the speed in which they were executed at both public and private levels, amid very complicated economic and financial circumstances, earned the appreciation of international bodies, especially that Lebanon has been a pioneer in taking them compared to other brotherly and friendly States whose populations are larger, and so are their incidence rates.
Today, in view of the fast spread of this epidemic, the global and local inability to contain it so far, and the increased number of cases, the Council of Ministers is holding this extraordinary session to adopt a series of exceptional and temporary measures which will be announced at the end of the session, especially that the current situation represents a health emergency that requires the declaration of a state of general mobilization in all Lebanese regions.
My fellow Lebanese ladies and gentlemen,
It is the moment of truth for us all, the first in our modern history. Indeed, before the health of each citizen, all the narrow political considerations fall. It is absolutely no time to score points and exchange accusations, nor is it time for political exploitation of whichever nature, because this epidemic does not distinguish between loyalist and opposition, nor between a claimant of the right and an indifferent.
It is the moment of national solidarity for all of us. Together, we must concretize this solidarity, in both of its humanitarian and societal dimensions, with innovative and new ways. We are all one in the face of any danger that threatens the safety and life of any Lebanese, in any Lebanese region.
On my part, I will not relent in view of securing the necessary protection from this epidemic for every citizen and resident, and the necessary treatment for every affected person. I am confident that the Council of Ministers acts with one heart and one hand, alongside the concerned authorities, in order to attain this goal; and this is at the core of the national duties that we shoulder.
My fellow Lebanese ladies and gentlemen,
I share the concerns of each and every one of you, about yourselves, your parents and your loved ones, but fear was never our way, as Lebanese, to confront dangers.
Each one of us is invited, from their own position, to commit to awareness and comply first with the required medical instructions, which are being broadcasted and spread by the various official, medical and media parties to explain how best to abide by them.
We are also invited to the most noble and highest manifestation of human commitment to each other, with the required compliance, in view of ensuring the highest levels of protection, keeping away from mingling and staying home.
These hard days that we are going through are not a prison nor a punishment, as they are not – at the same time – a chance to stop the cycle of life or surrender to void. Everyone is invited to continue their work, from home, in the manner that they deem appropriate, so that learning is pursued for students, and work for workers, and so that institutions remain as “alive” and active as possible.
Let us avail ourselves of these days, no matter how long they may last, to ascertain that we are one people, worthy of life and capable of overcoming its hardships.
My fellow Lebanese ladies and gentlemen,
You have siblings and parents who have volunteered to help in the medical confrontation operations at our hospitals. On behalf of all of you, I salute each one of them, for they are the role models of dedication for the safety and life of the Lebanese.
To the medical and nursing corps in our governmental and private hospitals, who are today at the frontline of confrontation, and of whom some members have been affected by this epidemic, we owe a tribute of respect and a call to move forward.
To every person who has been affected by this epidemic, we pray for a prompt recovery, and we all bow out of reverence before the memory of the victims who have fallen to it.
My fellow Lebanese ladies and gentlemen, dearly beloved,Our national unity has been and remains our source of strength and our shield of protection. Thanks to it, we have achieved our invincibility, and today, it will support our strength and confirm our victory against this epidemic, in view of regaining, as soon as possible, our normal regular life and the passion of living that we stand out for.
Long Live the Lebanese! Long Live Lebanon!”
Supreme Defense Council decides to submit a ‘general mobilization’ request to Council of Ministers
NNA/March 15/2020
The Supreme Council of Defense, which convened this afternoon at Baabda Palace under President Michel Aoun, and attended by Prime Minister Hassan Diab, concerned cabinet ministers, Army Chief and various security heads, appealed to the Council of Ministers to confront the threat of the Corona virus, by declaring ‘general mobilization’ in the country, as stipulated by Article 2 of Legislative Decree No. 102/1983 (National Defense). Following the meeting, the Council’s Secretary General, Major General Mahmoud al-Asmar, said: “His Excellency, the President began the session by briefly touching on the steps and measures to be taken in the context of the coronavirus prevention…The President considered that the situation has reached a health emergency stage, thus requiring the adoption of the procedures stipulated in Article 2 of Legislative Decree No. 102/1983 (National Defense), represented by declaring general mobilization.”He added that the Prime Minister, in turn, stressed that the status quo now calls for more comprehensive steps. “The Public Health Minister also presented the situation in terms of hospitalization and health, highlighting the importance and necessity of following-up on the issue from all its aspects,” al-Asmar went on.He added that heads of military and security services also briefed the conferees on the data available to them regarding this epidemic and ways to deal with it. At the end of the Council’s meeting, public administrations and military and security services were requested to follow-up on field conditions and report their findings to the concerned authorities.
PM Hassan Diab’s speech after extraordinary Cabinet session
NNA/March 15/2020
The Information office of Presidency of the Council of Ministers, issued the speech of PM Hassan Diab after the extraordinary cabinet session: ‘Dear fellow Lebanese
Our country is going through difficult times, burdened by worries, crises, and problems. Now is th e time for patience, courage, reason, wisdom, peace, and carefulness. Now is the time for care, for protecting ourselves and those we cherish most: our families, children, brothers, sisters, and friends.
Now is the time for cooperation, mobilization, volunteering, initiatives, help, support, good deeds, and saving others. Today, more than ever, Lebanese need to be united, as they have always been in the face of crises. As I express my pride towards all efforts made by institutions and entities to contain the virus that struck our Lebanon and the whole world, threatening each and every one of us, I call on all Lebanese to abide by the highest levels of alert, to be able to control this epidemic and defeat it. And to every doctor out there, every nurse, every assistant, every pharmacist, every hygiene worker, every Red Cross member, every WHO member, and every volunteer, on behalf of all Lebanese, I salute you for all your efforts and sacrifices, for your humanitarian compassion and patriotism.
My fellow Lebanese, Until today, we have succeeded in hindering the spread of the virus, since it began to spread across the globe as of December 31st, 2019.
A scientific, practical, and proactive strategy has been set forth to protect the Lebanese citizens, exceptional measures have been adopted since the beginning, and Lebanon was able to contain the first wave of the virus without commotion, because we are doing our duties. Though we are facing criticism due to our measures to suspend schools and universities, we took these actions ahead of the world, and they positioned us several steps ahead of the virus. And when these actions proved to be adequate, outbids became more frequent, prioritizing political investments over the people’s safety.
Today, Lebanon is experiencing a state of emergency, therefore, the Government declares a state of general mobilization until the end March 31st, 2020.
We have taken advanced measures to halt travel to certain countries before the World Health Organization had declared them contaminated, such as: Italy, Iran, Great Britain, Egypt, France, Germany, Syria, and Spain, as we had suspended the access of nationals of these countries, and ensured the safe return of our citizens and their family under the World Health Organization’s close supervision.
Exceptional measures were also adopted at the airport, and we continued implementing them to ensure adequate testing of travelers arriving to Lebanon, from body-temperature control, on-board tests, and isolation for fourteen days.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Interior assigned a team to supervise and implement the self-isolation strategy. We have asked all public and private hospitals to elaborate emergency preparation plans, and have assigned the Rafik Hariri Hospital as the sole center to receive patients, to avoid exhausting all hospitals and to safeguard healthcare for patients that are not infected by coronavirus.
Three weeks ago, a decision was made by the Government to suspend schools, universities, and nurseries. This measure proved to be the main factor that limited the spread of the disease and allowed its containment. Ten days ago, cafes, restaurants, bars, public parks, ski resorts, and leisure centers of all kinds such as public and private sports courts, swimming pools, health centers and others were closed. We have also called upon both public and private sectors to adopt rotating schedules to limit as much as possible the presence of employees, in a way to ensure continuous working hours.
Moreover, we have asked all religious authorities to take extreme measures to limit gatherings in places of worship and their relevant facilities. We have furthermore implemented the safe-distance principle between individuals, and have issued recommendations a week ago, addressed to our citizens, inciting them to avoid crowded places, to suspend all social events, gatherings at homes as well as outside, and to only leave their houses in cases of extreme necessity. These strategies have led to a great reduction – more than 80%, – of airport activities, as well as road traffic. The necessary instructions were given in order to activate the Risk, Catastrophe, and Crisis Management units and committees within the Presidency of the Council of Ministers as well as governorates, in addition to which, we have agreed with the private sector to adopt emergency response strategies that would adequately cover all health and non-health sectors, and their implementation has already begun.
Additionally, we have commissioned all the relevant official administrations to adopt the necessary measures without exception, within the scope of their capabilities and resources, in order to break out of traditional and routine methods, and secure the strategies that were undertaken. The measures and actions we have taken to protect the Lebanese represent the highest level of what may be constitutionally adopted, and never in the history of Lebanon have these been implemented. Any discourse out of this context is void of meaning. What is asked of all the forces today, is to measure up to national responsibilities, to gather around the State and its institutions, to provide support and counsel, to save the Lebanese people.
There is no doubt that these measures will affect our economy, much like international economies have been affected. However, the people’s lives and safety are far more precious, and remain our priority above all else. I understand the Lebanese people’s fears. Over the last few weeks, my thoughts have been with you… fathers, mothers… brothers… sisters… children and grandchildren… cousins, friends, neighbors, and colleagues… My thoughts were with all of you, on how to protect and save you. I will remain as transparent as you have known me to be, in stating the facts as they truly are, and we will do all that we possibly can to protect the Lebanese people.
Aoun Defends Coronavirus Measures, Says Health Emergency Needed
Naharnet/March 15/2020
President Michel Aoun on Sunday defended the measures that have been taken by Lebanese authorities to confront the COVID-19 coronavirus. “Over the past weeks, we have not been lax at all in confronting (the coronavirus crisis) with determination, will and awareness and in an instant and preventative manner,” Aoun said in an address to the nation at the beginning of an emergency Cabinet session in Baabda. “All the necessary measures were taken in an optimal pace to confront the threats of this pandemic and limit its spread,” the president added. He announced that the Cabinet would approve extraordinary and preventative measures at the end of its session, noting that “the current state requires a health emergency and general mobilization.” “The time is for not scoring points, exchanging accusations or political exploitation,” Aoun urged. The Cabinet session was preceded by a Higher Defense Council meeting and bilateral talks between Aoun and Prime Minister Hassan Diab. The decision to declare “general mobilization” was taken in the Defense Council meeting and is expected to be officially endorse by Cabinet. Lebanon has so far confirmed 99 coronavirus cases including three deaths, according to a Health Ministry statement issued at noon Sunday. Educational institutions, restaurants, nightclubs, pubs, cafes, exhibitions, parks, cinemas, malls and other gathering venues have been closed since several days as part of the measures against the virus. Lebanon has also banned flights from eleven hardly hit countries, with critics lamenting that the decision came too late.
Govt. Closes Private, Public Institutions, Shuts Airport from Wednesday
Naharnet/March 15/2020
The government on Sunday declared “general mobilization” over the coronavirus crisis and announced a two-week lockdown of the country. The lockdown measures include asking citizens to “stay home unless it is extremely necessary” and a two-week closure of public and private institutions as well as the airport and the land and sea ports of entry. The airport will be closed from Wednesday until March 29 to all flights except for cargo planes and passenger planes carrying UNIFIL members, diplomatic crews, staff of international organizations and employees of firms linked to oil and gas drilling in Block 4 of Lebanon’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Lebanese citizens, foreign family members and holders of Lebanese residency permits will meanwhile be allowed to return to Lebanon from March 15 until March 18 on the condition that they test negative for coronavirus after taking PCR tests.
“This decision does not apply to those coming from countries already under a travel ban: France, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Germany, Spain, the UK, Italy, Iran, China (including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan), and South Korea,” the Cabinet said in a statement issued after an emergency meeting and recited by Information Minister Manal Abdul Samad. The closure of institutions, from March 15 until March 29, will meanwhile exclude public institutions that perform vital tasks and private firms related to “food security” and the medical sector as well as banks, money exchange shops and import and export companies.
“We are in a health emergency and the government declares general mobilization until March 29,” Prime Minister Hassan Diab said after the cabinet session. “It is time for cooperation, mobilizing capabilities, volunteering and making initiatives to save others and the Lebanese,” he added. Calling on the Lebanese to show solidarity, Diab announced that so far, Lebanon has managed to “slow the spread of the virus.”“We have devised a scientific strategy to protect the Lebanese,” he said. “We have taken preventative measures and Lebanon has managed to contain the first wave of the virus,” he added.
Lebanon has so far confirmed 99 coronavirus cases including three deaths, according to a Health Ministry statement issued at noon Sunday.Educational institutions, restaurants, nightclubs, pubs, cafes, exhibitions, parks, cinemas, malls and other gathering venues have been closed since several days as part of the measures against the virus.
Security Forces Clear Seaside Corniche after Crowding
Naharnet/March 15/2020
Municipal police on Sunday cleared the landmark seaside corniche in Beirut’s Ain el-Mreisseh and Manara areas after scores of people flocked to it for strolling, jogging, swimming, fishing and other activities despite the coronavirus crisis. A statement said Beirut Governor Ziad Chebib asked municipal police to clear the area at the instructions of Interior Minister Mohammed Fahmi. Patrols will meanwhile continue around the clock in the capital, the statement said. Army intelligence agents meanwhile asked citizens to leave the Dbaye seaside corniche according to media reports.The country’s health authorities have warned against gatherings and the government is poised to declare a health emergency and general mobilization. Lebanon has so far confirmed 99 coronavirus cases including three deaths, according to a Health Ministry statement issued at noon Sunday. Educational institutions, restaurants, nightclubs, pubs, cafes, exhibitions, parks, cinemas, malls and other gathering venues have been closed since several days as part of the measures against the virus.Lebanon has also banned flights from eleven hardly hit countries, with critics lamenting that the decision came too late.
Al-Rahi Urges Citizens Not to Leave Homes unless Necessary
Naharnet/March 15/2020
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Sunday called on the Lebanese not to leave their homes unless it is extremely necessary as a precaution against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. “Brother and sisters, you came here despite the fears over leaving homes and mixing with people, but your faith and our faith remain stronger than fear,” al-Rahi said in his Sunday Mass sermon. But he stressed that it is crucial to observe caution through “avoiding leaving homes unless it is extremely necessary.”The patriarch also warned against gatherings, saying people should not sit close to each other and calling on believers to “benefit from religious media outlets which help us to pray in our homes.” Lebanon has so far confirmed 99 coronavirus cases including three deaths, according to a Health Ministry statement issued at noon Sunday. The government is expected to declare a state of emergency on Sunday afternoon. Educational institutions, restaurants, nightclubs, pubs, cafes, exhibitions, parks, cinemas, malls and other gathering venues have been closed since several days as part of the measures against the virus.Lebanon has also banned flights from eleven hardly hit countries, with critics lamenting that the decision came too late.
Roukoz, Alameh Donate Salaries to Hospitals
Naharnet/March 15/2020
Independent MP Chamel Roukoz and Development and Liberation bloc MP Fadi Alameh on Sunday announced that they will donate their salaries and compensations to hospitals as a contribution to the anti-coronavirus fight. In a tweet, Roukoz said he took his decision “based on the principle of national and humanitarian solidarity,” saying the donation will go to the Bouar state-run hospital. He also urged all citizens to offer assistance to medical crews, hospitals and “even individuals who want to carry out tests and necessary treatments.”Alameh for his part hailed the efforts of the employees of the state-run Rafik Hariri University Hospital and said his salary and compensations will go to the employees throughout the duration of the crisis. Lebanon has so far confirmed 99 coronavirus cases including three deaths, according to a Health Ministry statement issued at noon Sunday.
