President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, received the Advisor of the French President for North Africa and Middle Eastern Affairs, Patrick Durrell, today at Baabda Palace.
The President told Durrell that “Lebanon adheres to the French initiative in the interest of Lebanon, and this matter will only be achieved through a reliable Government, which is capable to carry out the required reforms, which were mentioned in the French paper that was agreed upon between President Macron and Lebanese political leaders. The Government should also be capable to coordinate effectively with international partners who pledged to help Lebanon to emerge from current difficult economic and financial conditions”.
“The financial forensic audit in Central Bank accounts, which is considered one of the basics of these reforms, faces several obstacles, which we persistently face to achieve. The extension in mandate for Alvarez & Marsal company has been achieved, to secure this purpose” President Aoun said.
The President then pointed out that “The main current concern is the continuation of stability in the country amidst regional storms and unprecedented crises facing Lebanon, as well as the repercussions of the presence of displaced Syrians, economic hardship, and the spread of Corona virus, in addition to US sanctions which targeted Lebanese politicians, complicated all matters”.
In addition, the President stated that “These situations require broad national consensus to form a Government capable to achieve the tasks required, in cooperation with the Parliament to approve necessary reform laws”, asserting the importance of broad national consultation at this delicate stage.
Finally, President Aoun conveyed his greetings to the French President, appreciating his stand by Lebanon in the current difficult circumstances, assuring that this issue “Is unprecedented because President Macron is a good friend of Lebanon”. The President then renewed his solidarity with the friendly people of France, condemning recent terrorist attacks, including the Niece attack.
For his part, the French Advisor conveyed the greetings of his President, and his interest in the Lebanese situation to President Aoun, stressing the bond strength of relations between the two countries. Durrell pointed to the “Seriousness of the economic crisis and the need to accelerate the formation of a new competent Government acceptable to all Lebanese parties, in order to undertake required reforms and restore the confidence of the international community”.
Counselor Durrell also stated that “France will continue to provide urgent aid in several aspects, especially the educational field”, noting that the international community’s fulfillment of its obligations towards Lebanon is directly linked to the implementation of reforms.
Speaker of the House, Nabih Berri, also received at his Ain-el-Tineh residence Macron’s advisor, Patrick Dorrell, in the presence of French Ambassador to Lebanon, Anne Grillo.
Berri, who described the talks as “good,” thanked the French President’s concern about Lebanon, renewing support for the French initiative, especially in terms of the execution of reforms and the fight of corruption.
Also, the Speaker highlighted the necessity to speed up the formation of the new government.
“The only solution to Lebanon’s salvation lies within the formation of a government today before tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, the French official did not deliver any statement to reporters following the one-hour meeting.
Separately, Berri met with Danish Ambassador in Beirut, Merete Juhl, with whom he discussed the current general situation and the bilateral ties between Lebanon and Denmark.
The Speaker also received UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jan Kubis.
Source: NNA
