Aoun Submits Financial Disclosure Statement to the Anti-Corruption Authority
President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, visited the headquarters of the National Anti-Corruption Authority in Beirut this morning. He was welcomed by the President of the Authority, Judge Claude Karam, and the Authority members. President Aoun handed over his financial disclosure statement as well as that of his wife, the First Lady of Lebanon, Ni’mat Aoun, in accordance with the Anti-Corruption in the Public Sector Law and the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Authority, Law No. 175/2020. Accompanying him was the Director-General of the Presidency of the Republic, Dr. Antoine Sheqer.
President Aoun signed the disclosure document and reiterated to Judge Karam and the members of the Authority his call for stricter scrutiny and anti-corruption measures, emphasizing that “no one is above the law, starting with the President of the Republic.”
Minister of Justice
On another note, a series of political, judicial, and expatriate-related meetings took place at the Baabda Palace. In this context, President Aoun received Minister of Justice Adel Nassar, along with his father, former President of the Supreme Judicial Council and Constitutional Council, Judge Sheikh Amin Nassar, who congratulated the President on his election.
After Judge Nassar’s departure, President Aoun discussed with Minister Nassar matters related to the work of the Ministry of Justice, focusing on activating the courts and public prosecutors, and facilitating the work of investigators, particularly in the investigation of the Beirut Port explosion.
Indonesian Ambassador
Diplomatically, President Aoun received Indonesian Ambassador Hajriyanto Y Thahari in a farewell visit as his diplomatic mission in Lebanon concluded. President Aoun thanked the ambassador for his “efforts during his tenure in Beirut,” particularly appreciating Indonesia’s contribution to the UNIFIL forces in the south.
Intercontinental Group Delegation
President Aoun also welcomed Heitham Matar, President of the Intercontinental Hotels Group for India, the Middle East, and Africa, and his delegation, which included regional directors Andreas Pfister, James Brethford, regional director for Lebanon and Jordan Nayef Zreikat, group manager in Abu Dhabi Saeed Tayoun, and Wajih Naim. Matar briefed President Aoun on the role the company plays in managing several hotels in Beirut and on development projects that have begun following the election of President Aoun. Matar emphasized the importance of a conducive climate to encourage investment, which can be achieved through security stability in the country.
President Aoun welcomed the delegation, praising Matar’s role in strengthening the operations of the Intercontinental Group, and reaffirmed his commitment to continue reforms in all sectors, particularly the banking sector, which drives the economy. He pointed out that “security stability and activating the judiciary are essential factors for achieving stability and, consequently, increasing investment and encouraging both Arab and foreign contributions to the country’s economic recovery.”
Lebanese Expatriate Business Council
President Aoun also met with a delegation from the Lebanese Expatriate Business Council, led by its President Dr. Nassib Fawaz. In the beginning of the meeting, Fawaz expressed the council’s full support for President Aoun, wishing him success in leading Lebanon towards a brighter and more prosperous future. He mentioned the contributions of Lebanese expatriates around the world in supporting the national economy through remittances and investments and called on the President to adopt a clear plan focused on expatriates. Fawaz proposed that they play an active role in ministries and have no fewer than 24 members in Parliament, with five deputies from each continent, making this part of Lebanon’s rebuilding process. He also requested that the President restore trust in the banking sector by protecting deposits and urged serious efforts to combat corruption, renew the infrastructure, and strengthen the Lebanese army as the sole guarantor of border protection and internal security.
President Aoun’s Response
President Aoun welcomed the delegation, thanking its members for their congratulations and said, “The Lebanese diaspora is not an added value to Lebanon, but a multiplied value. If it weren’t for Lebanese expatriates and their contributions to their families and their country during the recent crisis, Lebanon would not have survived. You, as expatriates, played a fundamental role in Lebanon’s survival by supporting the local economy.”
The President stressed that “the responsibility placed on us obliges us to provide the infrastructure and reforms in finance, economy, and the judiciary, among others, to allow you to invest more in your homeland. I know how much you care about Lebanon and are waiting for the right opportunity to return or remain in this country.”
He added that “fighting the culture of corruption requires the participation of everyone, including expatriates, as Lebanon is in your hearts, and you are deeply concerned about its continuity. I encourage you to continue organizing conferences both locally and abroad to support Lebanon. You are pillars of the Lebanese economy, excelling wherever you are, and many of you have reached high positions in various fields. I am confident that the Lebanese who excel abroad can certainly excel in their homeland. We will work hand in hand with you.”
President Aoun concluded by emphasizing that “the foundation must be built on the judiciary, relying on the law as the reference for all, without exception or selectivity. This will help build trust and take practical steps in the right direction.”