STORY: Lebanon celebrates New Year despite hardships
SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 31, 2023
DATELINE: Jan. 2, 2024
LENGTH: 00:03:52
LOCATION: Beirut
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Mawlawi and ISF Director General inspecting the troops
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): IMAD OSMAN, Director General of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) Major General
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): BASSAM MAWLAWI, Lebanese Interior Minister
4. various of celebrations

STORYLINE:

Despite the harsh economic situation in the country, the Lebanese celebrated the New Year, participating in festivities all around the country.
   
On New Year's Eve, Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi and the Director General of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) Major General Imad Osman oversaw the launch of the ISF patrols to maintain security in the streets of Beirut.
   
At a ceremony held at the ISF headquarters, Major General Osman addressed the ISF members vowing to secure their dues in these harsh situations.
   
SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): IMAD OSMAN, Director General of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) Major General
"Another year in the crisis has passed carrying all the difficulties and you stand facing them. There are those who wanted the security to collapse but you have proved to everyone that you are really the protectors of the country's security. You took up the responsibility of safeguarding the security of the people under all circumstances. You exhaust yourself for the sake of the people. Be sure that we will not spare any effort to ensure you will receive all your dues."
   
SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): BASSAM MAWLAWI, Lebanese Interior Minister
"Stay next to the people and organize the traffic. Forbid high-speed driving and under influence, so this year be safe and welcome the New Year in security. Happy New Year!"

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Beirut.
(XHTV)