Morcos broaches general situation with Norwegian Ambassador
Minister of Information Paul Morcos received Norwegian Ambassador to Lebanon, Hilde Haraldstad, in his office at the Ministry.
The pair reportedly discussed the general situation and diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Minister Morcos also met with former Beirut Bar Association head Nader Gaspard, who stressed after the meeting that the delicate situation in the country cannot tolerate positions that could lead to strife or any form of sectarian or regional incitement.
Gaspard said that the issue of the powers of the Minister of Information was discussed, noting that the Minister does not have the authority to summon a media outlet for questioning, given the principle of separation of powers, and that the powers of the Minister of Information are specific and clearly defined. He pointed out that this authority rests exclusively with the judiciary, which alone has the right to hear from media outlets, investigate them, and take the appropriate measures in this regard.
Gaspard also called on everyone who loves this country to approach various issues objectively and not to deal with situations in a provocative manner.
He concluded by emphasizing that freedom of expression is sacred, and freedoms must not be suppressed, but this freedom should be exercised to serve the public interest and humanitarian and national goals, not for the purpose of defamation, slander, libel, or threats.
Minister Morcos later received Dr. Bernard Ghosoub, Director of the Faculty of Architecture and Fine Arts at the Lebanese University – Branch II, who presented him with a cedar tree-shaped plaque as a symbol of peace.
The Minister also received George Awad, Head of Economics and Information Programs at the UNESCO Regional Office, to discuss practical steps to support the Fact-Check Unit at the Ministry of Information.
On the other hand, Morcos contacted several photographers who were injured while covering the current war, including Ali Hajjo, Issa Tufaili, and Haitham Mousawi.
He also contacted the President of the Lebanese University, Dr. Bassam Badran, to offer his condolences on the martyrdom of Dr. Hussein Bazzi, Director of the Faculty of Sciences – Branch I, and Dr. Murtada Srour, a professor at the same faculty.
