President Michel Aoun stressed that, "Forensic audit in Central Bank accounts, which was practically launched today after the Finance Minister signed the agreement with Alvarez & Marsal which will undertake the aforementioned audit, is a qualitative step in the process of adhering to the rules of transparency, combatting corruption, achieving reforms and accountability, when necessary. An audit which I committed to the Lebanese to achieve despite the obstacles which were placed in the way."

"Forensic audit, which will begin at the Central Bank, after 20 months of persistent and daily efforts, not only responds to the right of the Lebanese to know the causes of the economic, financial, social and living collapse which afflicted their country and people, but also paves the way to achieve desired reforms” President Aoun indicated.

"This audit also responds to the wishes of the international community, which has always recommended the necessity of conducting audits in order to help us in economic advancement, which we hope the new government will succeed in," the President continued.

President Aoun also pointed out that, "Forensic audit will later include public institutions, administrations, councils, funds and bodies, especially those which have been suspicious in their performance for the past 30 years."

"I assure the Lebanese that the last year of my presidential term will be the year of real reforms, after it was not possible during the past years to achieve what the Lebanese had aspired to due to some  stakeholders prioritizing their personal interests, and forming a system which closed the doors in the face of any reform. This provided protection for the corrupt and perpetrators," President Aoun asserted.

The President concluded by stating that, "Forensic audit of the Central Bank's accounts is the door to desired reforms. It must be accompanied by a revival and recovery plan to make-up for what had passed and start the real rescue plan, which the new government took as a slogan."

Former Minister Akar:

The President met former Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister, Mrs. Zeina Akar, today at the Presidential Palace, and addressed with her general developments.

Minister Akar thanked President Aoun for the cooperation during her ministerial work.

Former Minister Najm:

President Aoun received former Justice Minister Marie-Claude Najm.

Minister Najm thanked the President for all the support and cooperation she received during her ministerial work. Minister Najm also said that she expressed her “Doubts about bringing any radical change in the country, in light of sectarian quotas”, indicating that she discussed a legal study of the measures which can be taken abroad to collect funds resulting from corruption, in order to serve Lebanese rights.