GCC Welcomes Lebanon’s Govt Decision to Restrict Weapons to State

A photo released by the Lebanese presidency press office on August 7, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun heading a government meeting at the presidential palace of Baabda. (Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A photo released by the Lebanese presidency press office on August 7, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun heading a government meeting at the presidential palace of Baabda. (Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
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GCC Welcomes Lebanon’s Govt Decision to Restrict Weapons to State

A photo released by the Lebanese presidency press office on August 7, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun heading a government meeting at the presidential palace of Baabda. (Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A photo released by the Lebanese presidency press office on August 7, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun heading a government meeting at the presidential palace of Baabda. (Lebanese Presidency / AFP)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi welcomed on Friday the Lebanese government’s decision to restrict all weapons possession to the authority of the state throughout Lebanon.

He emphasized that the decision is “an important step toward strengthening the sovereignty of the Lebanese state, consolidating stability and security for the brotherly Lebanese people, and boosting the effectiveness of its institutions.”

“Progress in this direction, together with necessary reforms, will significantly boost the confidence of the international community and multilateral partners, while creating a more attractive environment for investment, including from the private sector,” he added.

Albudaiwi reiterated the GCC’s steadfast stance toward Lebanon, underscoring its continued support for its sovereignty, security, and stability, as well as its commitment to the reform process and the building of the state.



Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
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Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA

Kuwait's foreign ministry issued on Sunday a circular indicating that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.”

Lebanon's health ministry expressed surprise and said it would seek clarification.

It said it received the Kuwaiti statement "with great surprise", adding it had not been provided with "any information or notification from any Kuwaiti entity about this matter.”

"The hospitals mentioned in the statement are registered with the syndicate of private hospitals in Lebanon and carry out their role in providing treatment and health services to all Lebanese without exception," the ministry statement said.

It called the facilities "an essential part of the Lebanese health system,” and said it would contact the relevant authorities to request clarification and "protect Lebanon's health system.”

It noted that "Kuwait has numerous joint projects with the ministry... and has been among the most prominent countries that have stood by the health system during the successive crises that Lebanon has faced.”

The latest move was "unprecedented and inconsistent" with the Gulf country's usual approach, it added.


Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
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Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart Carlos Ramiro Martínez in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed developments of mutual interest.


Faisal bin Farhan, Barrack Discuss Developments in Syria

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
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Faisal bin Farhan, Barrack Discuss Developments in Syria

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Sunday with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed developments in Syria.