French presidential envoy Jean Yves Le Drian has held discussions with senior politicians in Lebanon, expanding beyond the issue of Lebanon's year-long presidential vacuum.
On his fourth visit to Beirut in his current capacity he met with leaders from different political parties including Prime Minister Najib Mikati, parliament speaker Nabih Berri, General Joseph Aoun, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, Suleiman Frangieh, and the figurehead of the Druze community Walid Joumblatt.
Mr Mikati said he had told Mr Le Drian of the urgency to reach a ceasefire in Gaza after more than 15,000 people were killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Palestinian enclave.
The former French foreign minister also discussed the situation of Lebanon's army commander, whose term is due to expire in January, an observer said.
Some Lebanese political factions believe General Aoun's tenure should be extended, while others are vehemently opposed to this.
Mr Le Drian also discussed the UN Resolution 1701, which was adopted to end the 2006 war between neighbouring Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. One clause of that resolution calls for the withdrawal of all armed groups south of the Litani River, with the exception of the Lebanese Armed Forces and a UN peacekeeping mission.
The clause is seen as specifically referencing Iran-backed Hezbollah, which is also a political party and wields significant influence in Lebanon.
One of Hezbollah's main power bases is south of the Litani River. Its cross-border skirmishes with Israel since the start of the October 7 Gaza conflict have led to fears Lebanon could be dragged into a wider war.
In 12 sessions the deeply divided parliament has failed to come close to electing a president. The observer said that it had become evident from the information emerging from the meetings he held that Mr Le Drian had, for the first time, called for a third way and accepted that the two main candidates from the most recent session of June 14 – Jihad Azour and Suleiman Frangieh – stood no chance of winning.
Hezbollah has refused to back down from its support for Marada leader Mr Frangieh. Its opponents, led by parliament's largest party the Lebanese Forces, say they will not step away from Mr Azour and discuss a third way until Mr Frangieh's supporters also back down.
Michel Aoun stepped down from his position as president on October 31 2022.
France is part of the so-called quintet for Lebanon, which also includes Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and the US. They have repeatedly urged MPs to elect a new president.
Mr Le Drian was appointed in June to the role of President Emmanuel Macron's envoy to Lebanon.
Lebanon does not have any relations with Israel and the two countries are technically at war. But despite that and the Lebanese government's condemnation of Israel, it has sought to prevent the country from being dragged into a wider conflict.
Mr Le Drian, who continued his meetings on Thursday, is due to make a statement later.
More on Quran memorisation:
MATCH INFO
Barcelona 4 (Messi 23' pen, 45 1', 48', Busquets 85')
Celta Vigo 1 (Olaza 42')
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh1,470,000 (est)
Engine 6.9-litre twin-turbo W12
Gearbox eight-speed automatic
Power 626bhp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 900Nm @ 1,350rpm
Fuel economy, combined 14.0L / 100km
Types of policy
Term life insurance: this is the cheapest and most-popular form of life cover. You pay a regular monthly premium for a pre-agreed period, typically anything between five and 25 years, or possibly longer. If you die within that time, the policy will pay a cash lump sum, which is typically tax-free even outside the UAE. If you die after the policy ends, you do not get anything in return. There is no cash-in value at any time. Once you stop paying premiums, cover stops.
Whole-of-life insurance: as its name suggests, this type of life cover is designed to run for the rest of your life. You pay regular monthly premiums and in return, get a guaranteed cash lump sum whenever you die. As a result, premiums are typically much higher than one term life insurance, although they do not usually increase with age. In some cases, you have to keep up premiums for as long as you live, although there may be a cut-off period, say, at age 80 but it can go as high as 95. There are penalties if you don’t last the course and you may get a lot less than you paid in.
Critical illness cover: this pays a cash lump sum if you suffer from a serious illness such as cancer, heart disease or stroke. Some policies cover as many as 50 different illnesses, although cancer triggers by far the most claims. The payout is designed to cover major financial responsibilities such as a mortgage or children’s education fees if you fall ill and are unable to work. It is cost effective to combine it with life insurance, with the policy paying out once if you either die or suffer a serious illness.
Income protection: this pays a replacement income if you fall ill and are unable to continue working. On the best policies, this will continue either until you recover, or reach retirement age. Unlike critical illness cover, policies will typically pay out for stress and musculoskeletal problems such as back trouble.
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENadeera%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERabih%20El%20Chaar%20and%20Reem%20Khattar%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECleanTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20About%20%241%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHope%20Ventures%2C%20Rasameel%20Investments%20and%20support%20from%20accelerator%20programmes%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Record breaker
- The most total field goals made in NBA history, as well as the most consecutive games scoring 10 or more points
- The only player in NBA history to reach 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists
- Four-time regular season MVP and four-time NBA Finals MVP
- Six-time NBA All-Defensive selection. Rookie of the Year in 2004
- The most All-NBA selections with 21 in a row, including a record 13 first team selections
- The most consecutive All-Star selections with 21
- The only player to play alongside his son; Bronny James was chosen by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA draft
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
IF YOU GO
The flights: FlyDubai offers direct flights to Catania Airport from Dubai International Terminal 2 daily with return fares starting from Dh1,895.
The details: Access to the 2,900-metre elevation point at Mount Etna by cable car and 4x4 transport vehicle cost around €57.50 (Dh248) per adult. Entry into Teatro Greco costs €10 (Dh43). For more go to www.visitsicily.info
Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.
