South Lebanon governor hails resolve of officials 'despite difficulties'

The governor of southern Lebanon, Mansour Daou, on Monday congratulated officials from public administrations as well as security and military agencies in the region for their "efforts" despite "the difficulties and the accumulation of financial, economic and social crises," our correspondent in the region reports.

Mansour Daou praised "the efforts of all the [officials] present and the importance of the role played by each, within the framework of their responsibilities, whether administrative or security-related."

He also paid tribute to "their steadfastness in carrying out their duties despite all the difficulties and the accumulation of financial, economic and social crises," expressing hope that the new year will bring "security, stability and peace of mind to all Lebanese, and particularly to the residents of southern Lebanon."

His remarks were made during an expanded meeting at the Saida Serail, which brought together Attorney General Sarmad Sidaou, officials from public administrations, and security and military agencies from southern Lebanon.

The meeting focused on the security situation in Saida and southern Lebanon, and on the adoption of preventive measures and provisions to ensure the safety of the population.

More than a year after the cease-fire that ended the war between Hezbollah and Israel came into effect, southern Lebanon remains the target of near-daily Israeli attacks, as the Israeli army continues to occupy at least five positions along the border area.

While the World Bank estimates the cost of reconstruction at $11 billion, not including the damage caused by strikes since the cease-fire, any attempt to rebuild homes destroyed during the war has been thwarted by Israel.