President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, met with Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Thursday at Baabda Palace.

General affairs in light of recent developments at various levels were discussed in addition to the need to expedite the launch of the ration card in light of the rise in fuel prices and its impact on the prices of commodities and foodstuffs.  

In addition, the meeting tackled the fate of the loan from the World Bank, amounting to 246 million dollars, and the ongoing treatments in this regard.

President Aoun and PM Mikati also discussed the results of visits by a number of international delegates, developments in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, in addition to studying a number of solutions to address the conditions of public sector employees in light of the difficult economic and financial conditions the country is going through.

The President then received the Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Lebanon, Ambassador Joanna Francesca.

Francesca discussed with President Aoun the latest developments, especially after the recent political, security and economic developments, especially as she intends to brief the UN Security Council next month on the Lebanese situation.

For his part, President Aoun assured Ambassador Francesca that preparations are ongoing to start negotiations with the International Monetary Fund as soon as possible, and that forensic audit into Central Bank accounts began today by Alvarez and Marsal. The President also pointed out that the government is continuing to address urgent life affairs, aiming to reduce negative effects on citizens in light of the rise in fuel prices and its impact on commodity prices.  

Moreover, President Aoun stressed that the investigation into the crime of the Beirut port explosion is continuing to determine the responsibilities in accordance with the applicable legal principles.

Ambassador Francesca had expressed the readiness of the UN to support Lebanon in all fields that help it achieve security and economic stability, and to bring views closer while providing necessary facilities.

President Aoun also met with the French Ambassador to Lebanon, Mrs. Anne Grillo, and deliberated with her general affairs.  

Ambassador Grillo stated that she had conveyed to President Aoun a verbal message from French President Emmanuel Macron, indicating his permanent commitment to help Lebanon's President, government and people, which was confirmed by Prime Minister Najib Mikati during his meeting with him weeks ago.  

Ambassador Grillo also stressed that her country is committed to facilitating the achievement of all that helps in the process of economic and financial recovery in the country and alleviating the suffering of the Lebanese.  

“Paris is also following the ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, and is ready to help address the electricity and health conditions, as it will provide 500,000 Pfizer vaccines to the Lebanese, while continuing to support the educational sector and the military and security forces, because it considers that stability in the country is an essential and necessary factor at a time when the suffering of the Lebanese is intense,” Ambassador Grillo said.

In addition, the French Ambassador explained that the meeting dealt with the recent security developments and the need to address the aftermath, and the issue of the parliamentary elections that the government is committed to holding next spring.