President of the Republic Joseph Aoun emphasized that personal independence is a prerequisite for judicial independence, stating that "if a person is not independent at a personal level, no law can make them independent." The President further stressed that human rights are sacred and that justice safeguards these rights by restoring them to their rightful owners and defending the oppressed based on facts, warning that compromising justice for personal interests constitutes corruption. He added that the judiciary cannot be reformed unless it "cleanses itself."
President Aoun’s remarks came during a meeting at Baabda Palace with a delegation from the Beirut Bar Association, headed by Bar President Imad Martinos, and attended by several former bar presidents. The meeting addressed the conditions facing lawyers in Lebanon, the role of the judiciary in the state’s recovery, and obstacles hindering lawyers in performing their duties.
Moreover, President Aoun called for strengthening the judicial body, particularly by accelerating rulings in detainees’ cases. He said this issue would be examined by the Council of Ministers and would include both Lebanese and Syrian detainees. He stressed that security and justice are complementary, noting that security efforts remain incomplete without the judiciary fulfilling its role.
In his address, Bar President Martinos said lawyers place great hope in the presidency to restore the authority of the state, protect the constitution, and ensure judicial independence. He warned that public trust in justice has eroded and stressed the need to prevent political interference in judicial work, respect constitutional deadlines—especially parliamentary elections—and uphold equal application of the law. He also invited President Aoun to sponsor and attend the celebration marking the centenary of the Lebanese Constitution on May 23, and informed him of the establishment of a Legal Research Center at the Beirut Bar Association, placed at the disposal of the Presidency.
Responding, President Aoun praised the role of lawyers in confronting corruption and defending justice, stressing that both judges and lawyers must act according to conscience and professional ethics. He affirmed that the state would stand by them in restoring trust between citizens and the state, and between Lebanon and the international community.
During the discussion, President Aoun reiterated that parliamentary elections must be held on time, under either a new law approved by Parliament or the existing law, noting that this position is shared by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. He also addressed the financial gap law, stating that while it is not ideal, Parliament has the authority to amend it, after which he would exercise his constitutional role.
Separately, President Aoun met with Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny, who briefed him on operations at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport, preparations to activate René Mouawad Airport in Qlayaat, and developments at the ports of Beirut and Tripoli.
President Aoun also received MP Ziad Hawat, who expressed support for the presidency and called for seizing the opportunity provided by Arab and international backing to restore state sovereignty, including implementing the decision to exclusively place weapons under state authority. Hawat also reiterated support for holding parliamentary elections on time.
On the financial front, President Aoun met with Banking Control Commission Chairman Mazen Soueid, who presented the commission’s work and future plans, particularly following Cabinet approval of the draft financial gap law and its referral to Parliament.
President Aoun’s remarks came during a meeting at Baabda Palace with a delegation from the Beirut Bar Association, headed by Bar President Imad Martinos, and attended by several former bar presidents. The meeting addressed the conditions facing lawyers in Lebanon, the role of the judiciary in the state’s recovery, and obstacles hindering lawyers in performing their duties.
Moreover, President Aoun called for strengthening the judicial body, particularly by accelerating rulings in detainees’ cases. He said this issue would be examined by the Council of Ministers and would include both Lebanese and Syrian detainees. He stressed that security and justice are complementary, noting that security efforts remain incomplete without the judiciary fulfilling its role.
In his address, Bar President Martinos said lawyers place great hope in the presidency to restore the authority of the state, protect the constitution, and ensure judicial independence. He warned that public trust in justice has eroded and stressed the need to prevent political interference in judicial work, respect constitutional deadlines—especially parliamentary elections—and uphold equal application of the law. He also invited President Aoun to sponsor and attend the celebration marking the centenary of the Lebanese Constitution on May 23, and informed him of the establishment of a Legal Research Center at the Beirut Bar Association, placed at the disposal of the Presidency.
Responding, President Aoun praised the role of lawyers in confronting corruption and defending justice, stressing that both judges and lawyers must act according to conscience and professional ethics. He affirmed that the state would stand by them in restoring trust between citizens and the state, and between Lebanon and the international community.
During the discussion, President Aoun reiterated that parliamentary elections must be held on time, under either a new law approved by Parliament or the existing law, noting that this position is shared by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. He also addressed the financial gap law, stating that while it is not ideal, Parliament has the authority to amend it, after which he would exercise his constitutional role.
Separately, President Aoun met with Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny, who briefed him on operations at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport, preparations to activate René Mouawad Airport in Qlayaat, and developments at the ports of Beirut and Tripoli.
President Aoun also received MP Ziad Hawat, who expressed support for the presidency and called for seizing the opportunity provided by Arab and international backing to restore state sovereignty, including implementing the decision to exclusively place weapons under state authority. Hawat also reiterated support for holding parliamentary elections on time.
On the financial front, President Aoun met with Banking Control Commission Chairman Mazen Soueid, who presented the commission’s work and future plans, particularly following Cabinet approval of the draft financial gap law and its referral to Parliament.
