Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared that decision-making will be centralized within the government, excluding political parties and sects. In a cabinet meeting, he outlined critical reforms and budget approvals. His recent engagements with Saudi Arabia indicate potential support contingent on reforms, while the cabinet emphasizes confidentiality in appointments and plans future independent meetings.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized that decision-making should solely lie with the government, excluding political parties and sects. He asserted the importance of reforms for Lebanon’s stability, labeling them as essential beyond just international expectations.
During the inaugural cabinet meeting at Baabda Palace, following the government’s vote of confidence, discussions focused on a 25-item agenda including urgent issues. Prior to the meeting, Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam conferred about current developments in the country.
The government approved the 2025 budget through a decree and tasked the Finance Minister with reviewing specific fees within a week. A plan prioritizing implementation of reforms was also accepted.
Aoun informed the cabinet of his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he engaged with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s willingness to support Lebanon contingent upon the initiation of reforms and requested a review of travel bans on Saudi visitors and the facilitation of Lebanese exports to the Kingdom. A follow-up visit is scheduled for after Eid al-Fitr to finalize bilateral agreements with several ministers.
Aoun also detailed his attendance at an emergency Arab summit in Egypt, where he met with ten heads of state who expressed support for Lebanon, contingent on reforms. Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas showed political and military backing for Lebanon’s policies regarding Palestinian refugees.
On the subject of appointments, Aoun reminded ministers that only the cabinet has the authority to decide and urged them to maintain confidentiality while avoiding political interference.
Post-meeting, Prime Minister Salam announced that future cabinet sessions would be convened in a neutral location per the Taif Agreement, with specifics to be disclosed next week. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Youssef Raji indicated diplomatic appointments are being evaluated, and six ambassadors have been granted a temporary extension. Information Minister Paul Morcos announced tax exemptions for individuals impacted by the Israeli war and the appointment of 63 specialized officers to the Internal Security Forces.
President Joseph Aoun’s recent pronouncements stress the need for government-centered decision-making in Lebanon, separating it from party and sect influence. Key discussions during the cabinet meeting focused on budget approval and reform priorities. Aoun’s interactions with Saudi officials underline the international dimension of Lebanon’s reform efforts. Additionally, ongoing diplomatic evaluations and new appointments signal a shift in the country’s governance and commitment to stability.
Original Source: english.aawsat.com
