Beirut: Information Minister Dr. Paul Morcos announced on Thursday that Lebanon's finance minister will soon visit Washington to seek international assistance. This move comes in response to a noticeable decline in foreign aid to Lebanon compared to 2024, coupled with diminishing state revenues.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Morcos emphasized the government's dedication to fulfilling its salary obligations, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise as inaccurate. He further reported alarming statistics from the health sector, noting that the health minister has recorded 95 direct attacks on medical personnel, resulting in 53 fatalities. Additionally, the justice minister underscored the pressing needs of frontline villages and the imperative to protect civilians.
Minister Morcos provided these updates following a Cabinet session held today at the Grand Serail, chaired by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The session's agenda primarily revolved around addressing the current situation, particularly concerning Israeli attacks and the ongoing displacement crisis.
Key decisions from the Cabinet meeting included the approval of a $200 million loan agreement from the World Bank to bolster social safety nets. Additionally, a monthly financial allowance was granted to both active-duty and retired military personnel, in line with existing legal provisions.
The Cabinet also made several appointments, naming Naji Hammoud as the Chairman and Director General of the General Authority for Sports, Scouting, and Youth Facilities. Other board members include Zakaria Sharara, Dina Nasr, Samer Al-Aoud, Jack Haddad, Vatche Najarian, and Ralph Prince.