Questions over state presence in the south and Beirut investment plans

Complaints are growing over the complete absence of official state bodies in areas controlled by Hezbollah, especially in the south, where Hezbollah members are seen moving around with visible weapons. It was also learned that the ban on thousands of Syrian nationals who had previously been barred from entering Lebanon will be lifted, with legal procedures to follow for anyone seeking entry. Beirut is also preparing an economic investment conference in Washington during the prime minister's presence in the U.S. capital in September, while U.S. sources question its usefulness amid Lebanon's inability even to present an investment proposal and the lack of any vision among those concerned.