Minister of Finance, Ali Hassan Khalil, on Monday called for "declaring a state of political and economic emergency within a positive aspect to reassure people that there are institutions capable of approaching all issues related to their social, economic, and environmental security."

Khalil also stressed that the social and economic crises concerned all categories alike. "The economic and financial meeting which had been held in Baabda under the chairmanship of President of the Republic, Michel Aoun, and the presence of House Speaker, Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, has led to an understanding on an economic paper, and now the bigger responsibility resides in implementing this paper."

Minister Khalil's remarks and positions came during a speech he delivered in a ceremony organized by Amal Movement, honoring Imam Sayyed Musa al-Sadr's batch of successful students in university degrees and official certificates. It was held in the courtyard of Ghaziyeh High School, and attended by Minister Khalil, and a huge crowd of official and popular figures. 

Khalil began his speech by saying: "Today, may all the joy and congratulations be to the students who toiled and strived for success - an effort we stand in respect and appreciation for because it reflects the will to shape their future, and that of their families and country. Lebanon is special by virtue of its ability to combine all the elements and fuse them into one melting pot; it made its diversity a source of riches, not one of dispersion."

Khalil then called for "adhering to the culture of resistance to defend our borders in the face of Israeli aggression and defending the borders of society in order to preserve national unity," stressing the need to inspire true human values in the political life and to break the borders and barriers hindering human progress.

He pointed out that there were major challenges threatening Lebanon and the region. "People are living a real state of concern as a result of some political practices. We are confident that we are able to overcome this concern; the honesty and reconciliation that have been achieved recently, mainly thanks to the efforts of Speaker, Nabih Berri, are but a proof to it. Everyone must know that Lebanon's immunity and strength in the face of challenges begins with the reorganization of our internal relations and the adoption of dialogue as a way of approaching all controversial issues. The key word in our relations should remain as communication, activation of the work of institutions, and convergence."

Furthermore, Khalil stressed that responsibility nowadays required the preservation of the pillars that have secured Lebanon's victory over the aggression of Israel.

"The strength and value of every Lebanese lies in preserving the achievements of the martyrs, primarily the victory over the Israeli occupation," he confirmed.