President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon highlighted the importance of restoring internal and external confidence during a Cabinet meeting. He announced the formation of a committee to follow up on IMF recommendations and stressed the need for crucial reforms, including a new Banque du Liban governor and legislative changes. The President also stated that security agencies are monitoring regional developments and confirmed the release of Lebanese prisoners held by Israel.
During a Cabinet meeting, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the necessity of restoring both internal and external confidence in Lebanon’s governance. He opened the session by noting that the 2025 state budget had been previously approved. The President called upon the Finance Minister to oversee expenditures in alignment with Article 118 of the Public Accounting Law and to provide a quarterly report on government spending.
President Aoun updated the ministers on his recent dialogue with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He announced the establishment of a committee led by the Finance Minister, which will consist of the Economy Minister, the acting governor of the Banque du Liban, two advisors, and Prime Minister’s advisor Lamia Moubayed. This committee aims to implement critical recommendations from the IMF.
The President highlighted the urgent necessity for Lebanon to complete a program with the IMF before the upcoming summer, as stressed by the delegation due to previous unsuccessful negotiations. He reiterated that rebuilding confidence demands comprehensive economic, financial, and banking reforms. The IMF delegation also underscored pivotal actions such as appointing a new Banque du Liban governor, creating a unified data center for the Finance Ministry, and enacting vital legislation to amend banking secrecy and restructure the banking sector.
Regarding regional security, President Aoun reassured that security agencies, along with the defense and interior ministries, are vigilantly monitoring developments in Syria to maintain national preparedness. Furthermore, he announced the successful return of five Lebanese prisoners detained by Israel, attributing their release to ongoing indirect negotiations.
In conclusion, President Joseph Aoun’s address during the Cabinet meeting underlines the critical need for economic and legislative reforms to enhance confidence in Lebanon. With the formation of a committee to heed IMF recommendations and a focus on regional security, the government appears committed to addressing the urgent challenges faced by the nation. The forthcoming reforms and measures will significantly contribute to restoring stability and trust in Lebanon’s economic framework.
Original Source: www.lbcgroup.tv
