Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, during a Cabinet meeting, highlighted the importance of restoring internal and external confidence in Lebanon through economic reforms and a follow-up on IMF recommendations. He discussed the approval of the 2025 budget, urged diligence in government spending, and mentioned current security monitoring regarding Syria, also noting the release of five Lebanese prisoners amid negotiations with Israel.
In a recent Cabinet meeting, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the necessity of restoring both internal and external confidence in Lebanon. He highlighted that the 2025 state budget was approved in the previous session and urged the Finance Minister to oversee expenditures per Article 118 of the Public Accounting Law, requesting quarterly reports on government spending.
President Aoun updated ministers about a recent meeting with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation, announcing the creation of a committee to follow up on IMF recommendations. This committee will be led by the finance minister and will include the Economy Minister, the acting Banque du Liban governor, two advisors, and Lamia Moubayed, an advisor to the Prime Minister.
Aoun indicated that the IMF stressed the urgent need for Lebanon to finalize a program with the organization before the summer, citing the necessity for significant economic, financial, and banking reforms to restore confidence. Important measures recommended included the appointment of a new BDL governor, creation of a centralized data facility for the Finance Ministry, and legislation amendments regarding banking secrecy and bank restructuring.
He also addressed regional security concerns, stating that security agencies and the defense and interior ministries are vigilantly monitoring the situation in Syria to maintain readiness. Furthermore, President Aoun announced the release of five Lebanese prisoners detained by Israel during the recent conflict, attributing their return to indirect negotiations.
In conclusion, President Joseph Aoun’s remarks during the Cabinet meeting reflect a critical focus on rebuilding confidence in Lebanon through important budget management and compliance with IMF directives. His commitment to economic reforms, along with heightened security measures and diplomatic efforts related to prisoner releases, underscores a multi-faceted approach to addressing Lebanon’s challenges.
Original Source: www.lbcgroup.tv
