PM Salam outlines reform and recovery vision: Border security, IMF deal, and $250M reconstruction loan
He noted that diplomatic efforts are being intensified to implement U.N. Resolution 1701 and to initiate reconstruction, adding that the state—consistent with the Taif Agreement and its ministerial statement—is continuing its efforts to extend its authority and ensure that arms are under its sole control.
Salam announced the launch of direct cooperation with the Syrian side to secure the border, combat smuggling, and facilitate the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees.
He said the government's goal is to reach a deal with the International Monetary Fund during its term. 'Our immediate priorities include expanding public-private partnerships,' he added, noting that IMF negotiations are progressing responsibly and that Lebanon is preparing to host an investment conference this fall.
Salam also stated, 'My visits, along with President Aoun's, to several countries aimed to restore Lebanon's place in the Arab and international spheres.'
He revealed that the master plan for Qlayaat Airport had been completed in preparation for its launch and that visits were made to the south, north, and Bekaa to assess local needs.
The Prime Minister added that Lebanon has secured a $250 million loan from the World Bank for reconstruction, pending approval.
'The reconstruction project cannot be completed without contributions from our Arab brothers,' he said, noting that preparations are underway for an international reconstruction conference based on a clear vision.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
LBCI
8 hours ago
- LBCI
Expat seats in limbo as Lebanon heads toward 2026 elections
Report by Maroun Nassif, English adaptation by Laetithia Harb In 2017, ahead of the 2018 parliamentary elections, Lebanon's parliament passed a new electoral law—Law No. 44/2017. Among its provisions was the creation of a new electoral district, District 16, allocating six parliamentary seats to Lebanese citizens residing abroad. These seats were to be divided evenly among Christian and Muslim sects: one each for Maronites, Orthodox, and Catholics, and one each for Sunnis, Shiites, and Druze. To delay the implementation of the measure, parliament explicitly stated that the expat seats would not apply to the 2018 elections but would instead come into effect in 2022—a five-year delay that many critics now describe as a calculated stalling tactic. Then, in 2021, just months before the 2022 elections, parliament convened once again to amend the law. This time, lawmakers suspended the application of key articles—particularly Articles 112 and 122—effectively shelving the expat seats for another round of elections. Instead, Lebanese citizens abroad were allowed to vote for candidates in their original home districts. As Lebanon approaches the 2026 elections, the same scenario is unfolding again. Critics argue that the so-called six expat seats have become an empty promise, repeatedly used to placate diaspora demands while avoiding actual implementation. Eight years after the law's passage, successive governments—formed by the same political blocs that dominate parliament—have yet to issue the necessary executive decrees to operationalize the overseas seats. These include critical details such as candidacy conditions, voting procedures, and how expatriate MPs would physically attend committee meetings and legislative sessions. According to Lebanon's constitution, MPs cannot delegate attendance or voting duties. Eight years after the law's passage, successive governments—formed by the same political blocs that dominate parliament—have yet to issue the executive decrees needed to activate the six overseas seats. These decrees would define candidacy requirements, voting mechanisms, and how expatriate MPs would attend committee meetings and legislative sessions. According to Lebanon's constitution, lawmakers are not allowed to delegate their attendance or voting rights. What hasn't been done in eight years is unlikely to be accomplished just months before the 2026 elections. And even beyond the expat seats, other key electoral reforms—such as biometric voting cards and the creation of 'megacenters' that would allow people to vote outside their home districts—remain unaddressed.
LBCI
8 hours ago
- LBCI
Netanyahu vows at stricken kibbutz to bring hostages home
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Thursday visited the community that saw the most hostages seized in Hamas militants' 2023 attacks, promising to bring home "all" those still held in Gaza. "I feel a deep commitment, first and foremost, to ensure the return of all our abductees, all of them," Netanyahu told inhabitants of the Nir Oz kibbutz in filmed comments released by his office. "We will bring them all back." Out of 251 hostages seized by Palestinian militants on October 7, 2023, 49 are still held in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. AFP
LBCI
8 hours ago
- LBCI
US Envoy Tom Barrack: Disarming Hezbollah requires a 'carrots and sticks' strategy
U.S. envoy to Beirut Tom Barrack said that implementing a plan to disarm Hezbollah will require a combination of 'carrots and sticks.' In an interview with The New York Times, Barrack explained that the plan he presented to the Lebanese government includes house-to-house weapons inspections by the Lebanese army—an effort that could face resistance from some Shiite communities that have long viewed Hezbollah as a defender of Lebanon and a force of 'resistance' against Israel. To address these concerns, he said the United States is working to secure financial support from Saudi Arabia and Qatar focused on rebuilding war-damaged areas in southern Lebanon. 'If the Shiite community in Lebanon gets something out of this, they will cooperate,' Barrack said. In the same interview, Barrack confirmed that the U.S. administration is seeking to bring Syria into the Abraham Accords while acknowledging the internal political sensitivities such a move could pose for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. He said the U.S. has shifted its approach toward Syria, opting for incremental goals instead of imposing rigid conditions. These goals include securing a settlement with Israel, integrating U.S.-backed Kurdish forces, and uncovering the fate of missing Americans from the Syrian conflict. Barrack emphasized that democratic governance benchmarks would not be a prerequisite at this stage. Meanwhile, an official Syrian source told The New York Times that talk of signing a peace agreement with Israel is premature.
