Jaber: Government Determined to Complete Reforms

Minister of Finance Yassine Jaber received Frederico Lima, the resident representative of the International Monetary Fund in Lebanon, during a farewell visit, discussing the cooperation path between Lebanon and the Fund, as well as developments related to the reform program, particularly on the financial and banking levels.

Lima expressed the IMF's satisfaction with the Lebanese Parliament's approval of amendments to the Bank Restructuring Law, hoping "to complete the Financial Gap Law soon, given the significance of these laws in revitalizing the Lebanese economy, improving its financial position, and creating necessary conditions for restoring confidence in the economy and the banking sector."

Jaber stressed "the government and the Parliament's determination to complete the required reforms, especially those related to reviving the economy and the financial and banking sectors, which will contribute to restoring confidence in Lebanon and enhancing its economic and financial role. This comes within the context of Lebanon's commitment to finalizing the legal and legislative measures that form the foundation for progress in cooperation with the IMF."

American Delegation

Jaber also met with a delegation comprising members of the U.S. Congress and members of the "Task Force for Lebanon," discussing political and security developments and their impact on Lebanon's economic and social situation.

Addressing the delegation, he emphasized "the need to stop Israeli attacks, demand Israel's withdrawal, and initiate reconstruction and the return of displaced persons to their villages and regions," underscoring "the importance of restoring the state's full sovereignty over its territory, which is a fundamental prerequisite for establishing stability and launching a recovery path."

Jaber presented the scale of Israeli violations, including acts of destruction and land clearing affecting villages, towns, sites, and historical and cultural landmarks in the south, noting that "these practices go beyond material damage, targeting a historical, cultural, and social heritage deeply meaningful to the people of the south, threatening to erase landmarks and collective memory tied to the history and presence of local communities."

He affirmed "protecting this heritage and rebuilding what has been destroyed constitutes an essential responsibility of the state, alongside ensuring the return of residents to their villages and regions and restoring normal life there."

Jaber stressed "that political and security stability forms a fundamental basis for achieving economic and social prosperity," calling for "pressuring Israel to adhere to the U.S.-brokered agreement within negotiations, enabling Lebanon to solidify stability and embark on a recovery and reconstruction path."

He stated: "There can be no peace without justice," affirming that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without respecting Lebanon's sovereignty and rights, and creating the political and security conditions allowing Lebanon to restore its vitality and role."