Lebanon: Aoun calls for Arab support, strike hits gas stations

Lebanon is witnessing an open strike for gas stations starting Thursday morning, as the owners of the stations protest the extent of the losses suffered by the sector, due to the existence of two pricing of the US dollar in the market.

The gas station owners' union accused the Banque du Liban and oil importing companies of failing to comply with the deal.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun said that the current situation in the country does not tolerate conditions and counter-conditions, and called on everyone to work together to get out of the crisis, in a way that benefits the Lebanese.

During his meeting with Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Aoun considered that Arab support for Lebanon must be translated into practical steps in terms of aid, in order to address the deteriorating economic situation.

For his part, Zaki stressed the support of the Arab League and its readiness to help the Lebanese out of this crisis.

Corruption investigations
In another development, former Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and his son Maher testified before the investigating judge in the case of obtaining subsidized bank loans.

Miqati said after his testimony that the loans he took took into account the laws and regulations.

This came after the Attorney General appealed the case file to the investigation, in the midst of popular demands to hold the accused in corruption cases.

The judiciary accused Miqati, his son, brother and others of illegal enrichment and obtaining housing loans subsidized by the Central Bank.

Hizb allah
In a related context, called on Sheikh Naim Qassem, Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah to accelerate the nomination of the Prime Minister and the formation of "and not waste time that accumulates significant damage to the people, and the general economic and financial situation."

Kassem said in a speech during a seminar that the crisis has become "surrounding the lives of people from the aspects of living, financial, social and economic painfully and hurtful, and every day of the vacuum increases pain and risks," saying that "it is no longer acceptable to bet on the game of time and pressure to form a government."

`` Blocking the road and disrupting people's lives is unacceptable, because it is punishment from a citizen to citizens, not a solution to pressure the authority, '' Hezbollah's deputy secretary-general said.

Qassem called on the Lebanese army and security forces to take full responsibility in ensuring the safety of the road and the safety of citizens.

Groups of supporters of Hezbollah and the Amal movement had trouble with protesters who demonstrated in Beirut on Sunday night, and repeated it on Monday night, as did in Tire in southern Lebanon and Baalbek in eastern Lebanon.

The popular protests in Lebanon continue for the 43rd consecutive day, demanding the formation of a government to rescue and address the economic situation and the recovery of looted funds.