Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati chaired a meeting of the ministerial committee tasked with implementing Lebanon's Financial Action Task Force (FATF) compliance plan.
The session, held at the Grand Serail, included key ministers, judiciary representatives, and financial officials. Finance Minister Youssef Khalil noted progress in addressing FATF concerns and emphasized Lebanon’s potential to exit the "grey list" within a year, contingent on sustained reforms and international assessments.
Separately, Mikati met with Labor Minister Mustafa Bayram, who reported optimism regarding ongoing negotiations but emphasized cautious optimism due to Israel's history of military aggression. Bayram praised Lebanese unity across political and military fronts, highlighting the government's adherence to UN Resolution 1701 as a pillar of national sovereignty and stability.
The Prime Minister also discussed judicial matters with Justice Minister Henry Khoury and regional developments with French Ambassador Hervé Magro. The ambassador conveyed continued French interest in Lebanon’s stability and post-conflict recovery.
In other meetings, Mikati addressed university issues with Lebanese University President Bassam Badran and security updates with Acting General Security Chief Elias Baissari.
A notable cultural focus emerged during Mikati’s meeting with Hiba Al Kawas, President of the National Higher Conservatory of Music. Kawas highlighted progress on the Conservatory’s new headquarters, funded by China, and stressed the importance of cultural resilience. She advocated for leveraging Lebanon’s musical heritage as a driver of economic recovery in the post-crisis era.
Mikati also received the President of the Maronite League, Khalil Karam, who delivered a message from Patriarch Bechara Rahi concerning sectarian matters and post-war challenges.
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