Dubai: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, addressing the Lebanese community in the UAE at a consulate reception, reaffirmed his government's commitment to advancing its reform and sovereignty agenda. Premier Salam highlighted the government's primary mission of rebuilding the state and restoring trust among Lebanese citizens and investors.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Salam acknowledged the challenging conditions in Lebanon that forced many to move to the UAE, praising their support for Lebanon over the years. He spoke about missed opportunities like the selective implementation of the Taif Agreement, which eroded confidence in the political system, and the failure to capitalize on significant geopolitical changes.
Salam emphasized a new opportunity to regain trust, stating that the government's mission is rebuilding the state through financial, administrative, and political reforms. He highlighted progress made in the three months since the government took office, including the passage of the banking secrecy law and ongoing efforts to reform the banking sector.
He stressed the importance of strengthening judicial independence and rebuilding public administration through a merit-based and transparent appointment process. Salam pointed to the establishment of regulatory bodies for the telecom and electricity sectors as key steps in this direction.
Salam also underscored the priority of strengthening security and extending state sovereignty across all Lebanese territory, reaffirming the principles of the Taif Agreement. He noted that the ongoing Israeli occupation in the south hinders Lebanon's ability to assert sovereignty fully.
The Prime Minister announced the successful completion of municipal elections and preparation for parliamentary elections, with plans to submit proposals to amend aspects of the electoral law. He urged the community to visit Lebanon soon, expressing confidence in noticeable improvements, particularly along the airport road.
On banking, Salam highlighted the newly passed banking secrecy law as a tool to distinguish between legitimate and illicit funds, stressing the need to reform the banking sector and establish mechanisms to return depositors' money.