Aoun at Lebanon Support Conference: Lebanon Counts on You, Don’t Let It Down

President Michel Aoun, said in an English-language speech at the virtual conference held in support of Lebanon on Wednesday that “the quest for truth and full justice is still the claim of every Lebanese and a self-evident right, especially for those who were inflicted loss at heart.”

Aoun urged for justice in the probe and trials, stating that he has already “committed before the Lebanese to serve justice and hold accountable everyone whose involvement is proven by the investigation.”

He re-stated his “pledge that no one is above the law, no matter how high he may rank.”

Aoun also listed a number of problems burdening the Lebanese: “a record poverty rate, the Covid-19 pandemic, and a severe shortage of drugs,” along with “the Syrian displacement,” and a “siege imposed around us.”

He called for support from the international community and identified Lebanon’s high-priority needs, which include “humanitarian, social and health assistance, maintenance of water and electricity infrastructures and ensuring the needs of the Lebanese Army and security forces.”

Aoun also stressed that the rehabilitating of the port of Beirut is “a pressing necessity,” welcoming any international effort in this respect.

Moreover, the President hoped for government formation -- a government “capable of implementing the required reforms, preparing for the upcoming parliamentary elections and, in parallel, building confidence with our International partners and reaching out to the international Monetary Fund.”

He underscored that the funds given to Lebanon from the International Monetary Fund must be spent “in the best way to face the collapse and embark on reforms,” and stressed the importance of the forensic audit.

Aoun thanked the organizers of the conference, French President Emmanuel Macron, the U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, and all the leaders and officials who are “present with us,” as well as “all those who have supported Lebanon through its crisis.”

“Lebanon counts on you, don’t let it down,” Aoun concluded.