Latest news with #UNSCOL

LBCI
06-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
UNSCOL urges restraint after Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs
The Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) issued a statement late Thursday following Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, warning against further escalation on the eve of Eid al-Adha. 'Tonight's strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut generated renewed panic and fear on the eve of Eid Al-Adha,' UNSCOL said in a post on X. 'We again call for a halt to any actions that could further undermine the cessation of hostilities understanding and the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006),' the statement continued. UNSCOL also emphasized the importance of using diplomatic channels, stating: 'Established mechanisms and diplomatic instruments are at the disposal of all sides to address disputes or threats and to prevent unnecessary and dangerous escalation.' Established mechanisms and diplomatic instruments are at the disposal of all sides to address disputes or threats, and to prevent unnecessary and dangerous escalation. — Jeanine Hennis (@JeanineHennis) June 5, 2025


Nahar Net
13-04-2025
- Business
- Nahar Net
Lebanon adopts draft banking law
by Naharnet Newsdesk 13 April 2025, 12:03 Lebanon has adopted a draft law on restructuring its banking sector, a condition for unlocking international aid to help it emerge from an economic crisis it has suffered since 2019. "It is the first time a (Lebanese) government has approved a bill of this kind," Information Minister Paul Morcos said after a cabinet meeting. "This draft law has been, and remains, a demand of both legal experts and international institutions keen on helping Lebanon." In February, the International Monetary Fund said it was open to a new loan agreement with Beirut following discussions with recently appointed Finance Minister Yassine Jaber. "In just a few weeks, since adopting the banking secrecy lifting bill, we have accomplished a series of necessary reforms for Lebanon," Morcos said, adding that these were "in line with the requirements of the agreement with the IMF." The Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) welcomed Saturday's move. "The two draft banking laws adopted by #Lebanon's cabinet are further signs of the Government's commitment to the reform and strengthening of the State," UNSCOL posted on X. "This positive momentum must continue in parliament and of course, later, in practice." Morcos said: "A third step will follow these two measures in the near future: the development of a bill aimed at addressing the financial deficit." Lebanese officials including new central bank governor Karim Souaid are due to meet IMF representatives later this month at a World Bank meeting in Washington. Lebanon's economic crash since 2019 has seen the Lebanese pound lose most of its value against the U.S. dollar and pushed much of the population into poverty, with ordinary people locked out of their savings. The international community has long demanded major fiscal reforms to unlock billions of dollars in international aid to restart the Lebanese economy in the wake of the crisis, blamed on mismanagement and corruption.


Al Etihad
12-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Lebanon adopts draft banking law: Minister
12 Apr 2025 18:01 Beirut (AFP)Lebanon adopted a draft law on restructuring its banking sector on Saturday, a condition for unlocking international aid to help it emerge from an economic crisis it has suffered since 2019."It is the first time a (Lebanese) government has approved a bill of this kind," Information Minister Paul Morcos said after a cabinet meeting."This draft law has been, and remains, a demand of both legal experts and international institutions keen on helping Lebanon."In February, the International Monetary Fund said it was open to a new loan agreement with Beirut following discussions with recently appointed Finance Minister Yassine Jaber."In just a few weeks, since adopting the banking secrecy lifting bill, we have accomplished a series of necessary reforms for Lebanon," Morcos said, adding that these were "in line with the requirements of the agreement with the IMF".The Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) welcomed Saturday's move."The two draft banking laws adopted by #Lebanon's cabinet are further signs of the Government's commitment to the reform and strengthening of the State," UNSCOL posted on X."This positive momentum must continue in parliament and of course, later, in practice."Morcos said: "A third step will follow these two measures in the near future: the development of a bill aimed at addressing the financial deficit."Lebanese officials including new central bank governor Karim Souaid are due to meet IMF representatives later this month at a World Bank meeting in economic crash since 2019 has seen the Lebanese pound lose most of its value against the US dollar and pushed much of the population into poverty, with ordinary people locked out of their savings. The international community has long demanded major fiscal reforms to unlock billions of dollars in international aid to restart the Lebanese economy in the wake of the crisis, blamed on mismanagement and corruption.

Al Arabiya
12-04-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Lebanon adopts draft banking law: Minister
Lebanon adopted a draft law on restructuring its banking sector Saturday, a condition for unlocking international aid to help it emerge from an economic crisis it has suffered since 2019. 'It is the first time a (Lebanese) government has approved a bill of this kind,' Information Minister Paul Morcos said after a cabinet meeting. 'This draft law has been, and remains, a demand of both legal experts and international institutions keen on helping Lebanon.' In February, the International Monetary Fund said it was open to a new loan agreement with Beirut following discussions with recently appointed Finance Minister Yassine Jaber. 'In just a few weeks, since adopting the banking secrecy lifting bill, we have accomplished a series of necessary reforms for Lebanon,' Morcos said, adding that these were 'in line with the requirements of the agreement with the IMF.' The Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) welcomed Saturday's move. 'The two draft banking laws adopted by #Lebanon's cabinet are further signs of the Government's commitment to the reform and strengthening of the State,' UNSCOL posted on X. 'This positive momentum must continue in parliament and of course, later, in practice.' Morcos said: 'A third step will follow these two measures in the near future: the development of a bill aimed at addressing the financial deficit.' Lebanese officials including new central bank governor Karim Souaid are due to meet IMF representatives later this month at a World Bank meeting in Washington. Lebanon's economic crash since 2019 has seen the Lebanese pound lose most of its value against the US dollar and pushed much of the population into poverty, with ordinary people locked out of their savings. The international community has long demanded major fiscal reforms to unlock billions of dollars in international aid to restart the Lebanese economy in the wake of the crisis, blamed on mismanagement and corruption.


Shafaq News
15-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
+25 arrested in Lebanon after UNIFIL assault
Shafaq News/ Lebanese army intelligence has detained more than 25 people following the attack on the UNIFIL convoy, Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar revealed on Saturday. 'This does not mean these detainees carried out the attack,' Al-Hajjar told reporters after an emergency security meeting. 'But the investigations will show who is responsible.' The Minister condemned that attack, describing it as a 'criminal act' that will not go unpunished. Beirut saw, on Friday night, widespread protests and riots for the second consecutive day, allegedly led by Hezbollah supporters after an Iranian plane was denied entry. Protesters blocked the road to Rafic Hariri International Airport with burning tires and rocks, but the Lebanese army later reopened it. Demonstrators also set fire to a UNIFIL vehicle, injuring one of its commanders, with the organization calling on the Lebanese authorities to conduct a 'thorough and immediate' investigation. Earlier today, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack and vowed that security forces 'would not tolerate' any attempts to destabilize the country. Aoun confirmed that "what happened on the airport road and in some areas of Beirut is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to happen again," urging against falling for suspicious calls that could lead to similar actions. "Any expression of opinion must remain peaceful." In turn, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert called the incident unacceptable and expressed her commitment to working with the Lebanese government and relevant parties to maintain stability and achieve justice. "Such an act of violence threatens the safety of United Nations staff who work tirelessly to maintain stability in Lebanon, sometimes at great personal risk," she wrote on X. Statement of @UN Special Coordinator for #Lebanon @JeanineHennis on this evening's attack against a #UNIFIL convoy in #Beirut.🔗 — UNSCOL (@UNSCOL) February 14, 2025 The United States, according to a US State Department statement, commended 'the swift response of the Lebanese Armed Forces to prevent further violence, and the Lebanese government's commitment to take all necessary measures to hold individuals accountable for their actions."