Hassan Diab said : “Can we overcome this phase successfully without appointing people with the knowledge and financial experience to manage these files?”

middleeastmonitor Friday, April 3, 2020 11:07:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we hire some posts for high and sometimes fancy salaries as the country goes through a major financial crisis, a dangerous social problem and a scary health crisis?”

naharnet-en Friday, April 3, 2020 3:06:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We are forced to make changes to the return mechanism, and the tests (for COVID-19) will be conducted at the airport in Beirut. This will require a great effort”

arabnews Friday, April 3, 2020 7:47:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab déclaré : "Je considère nécessaire l'adoption d'un mécanisme juridique transparent. (Cela est possible) par un projet de loi fait pour modifier la loi initialement adoptée, ou en ayant recours à une décision du conseil pour créer un mécanisme semblable à celui qui a été adopté lors des nominations administratives, loin des ingérences politiques. Les nominations doivent strictement se baser sur les compétences des candidats et non pas sur les quotes-parts politiques"

nna-fr Thursday, April 2, 2020 9:52:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we hire to some posts for high and sometimes fancy salaries as the country goes through a major financial crisis, a dangerous social problem and a scary health crisis?”

naharnet-en Thursday, April 2, 2020 7:45:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab told : "The first batch of returnees will resemble a test,"

naharnet-en Thursday, April 2, 2020 5:47:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “this is good because it means that people are reacting to the campaign discrediting measures taken by the Lebanese government from the outset. This also means, more importantly, that Lebanese are showing increasing levels of trust in their country; I consider this trust a cornerstone for restoring the position of the state in the minds of the Lebanese as the reference, umbrella and shelter”

nna-en Tuesday, March 31, 2020 9:57:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We cannot bear any faltering step, and none of the political forces can bear having on its conscience the spread of the (virus) and the collapse of the health system,"

news-yahoo Tuesday, March 31, 2020 8:57:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We cannot bear any faltering step, and none of the political forces can bear having on its conscience the spread of the (virus) and the collapse of the health system,"

wsau Tuesday, March 31, 2020 8:45:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I wanted to visit the Rafik Hariri University Hospital to look into the center’s situation in light of the pressure it is facing due to the coronavirus pandemic. I would first like to commend the terrific efforts of the hospital, and to thank the medical, nursing, and administrative staff, as well as the hospital director, Dr. Firas al Abyad, for the relentless efforts and sacrifices they are offering to treat patients. And I have good news to relay: I have signed and submitted the letter received by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, from His Excellency the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Hamad Hassan, regarding the remaining balance of the salary and grades scale, amounting to a billion and fifty million Lebanese Pounds, in addition to the 950 million pounds that have been previously settled. Every employee of the hospital will be receiving their new salary by the end of this month. As such, the employees would have obtained their rights due by the Government. As for professional grades and compensations thereof, which is considered a strictly administrative matter, I will ensure that hospital staff will be receiving just treatment in accessing their financial rights. I would like to thank H.E the Minister of Public Health for the considerable efforts he is employing to equip hospitals in Lebanon, and ensuring constant monitoring of this epidemic’s spread in the country. I am aware of the extent of the worry experienced by the Lebanese people. Truly, I deeply recognize and understand their concerns. Citizens are troubled by both the present and the future. They are concerned for their parents, children, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren. Today, we are all faced with great challenges. And these challenges and risks do not merely target a single group, a single region, a single community, nor a single political group. This risk is facing all citizens of Lebanon. Consequently, we, the Lebanese, must remain united and in solidarity, regardless of our sectarian, political, or regional affiliations, regardless of any other consideration, as we are all confronted with the same danger. Coronavirus, much like the livelihood crisis, makes no distinctions among citizens. This is not the time to outbid nor to settle political scores. The Ministry of Public Health, the medical and nursing personnel, hospital services, and the Red Cross are all at the service of every citizen with no exception. Therefore, the Lebanese people must, in their turn, overcome this challenging situation through unity and cooperation, through these qualities they have always proven to possess in moments of crises and when danger threatens their nation. Today, we rely on this spirit of unity. Believe me, if we remain united, if we work hand in hand, victory can only follow. I would like to grasp this opportunity to call on all Lebanese people to uphold this spirit of unity, to commit to the State and preserve it, as the State is the sole patron of unity. If the State collapses, God forbid, so will our stronghold. The State is a refuge to every one of us, and our trust in the State is a starting point to restoring our resilience in the face of health, financial, and political scourges affecting our country. Based on the aforementioned, I call upon the Lebanese to commit to the measures adopted by the Government in view of protecting citizens against the spread of Coronavirus. The Government is employing great efforts to fulfil its responsibilities before the people, and will do everything in its power to comfort citizens and challenge the social consequences of this crisis. I am aware that expatriates wish to return to their country, as they have found that the measures taken by the Government are better than those adopted by the numerous countries in which they reside. We are glad that the Lebanese are expressing more trust in their home country. I know that families of expatriates are concerned. You are well aware that we have granted a four-day period to citizens wishing to return before having closed the airport. In fact, we are unable to make any exceptions before the conclusion of general mobilization period, for two reasons: 1-To protect those who wish to return. If one passenger on the plane returning to Lebanon is infected with Coronavirus, they could transmit it to numerous, if not all, passengers. 2-To curb the spread of the epidemic in the country, as a great number of infections was due to travelers who have transmitted it into the country. The best that expatriates could do at the present time is to remain in place, in isolation, and under protection. This is for their own good. In either case, we are looking into repatriation possibilities, and we will have a clearer idea before April 12. God willing, we will overcome these difficult times with the least possible damage, in order to continue treating other chronic diseases suffered by Lebanon and the Lebanese. I would like to assure our citizens that the Government is following all international developments to overcome this epidemic, and we will always be prepared to respond to any new development. Given that this matter is the Government’s priority at this time, we have allocated approximately 60 million dollars to confront Coronavirus, to ensure the necessary equipment, material, medication, and apparatus relative to coronavirus, and to provide the necessary care to affected people in compliance with the established norms. These are difficult times. We all wish to cooperate and rally around the State to regain the trust of the people in their country. In fact, in lacking trust, we destroy the upholder of our immunity as a nation and as citizens. Allow me once more to thank the Minister of Public Health, and the administrative, medical, and nursing staff at the Rafic Hariri University Hospital in Beirut. May God bless your efforts”

almanar-en Friday, March 27, 2020 9:53:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said ( about Ahmed Hassan ) : "I have signed the memo sent by Health Minister Hamad Hasan regarding what's left of the new wage scale recompenses, which amount to LBP 1.5 billion, in addition to the previous LBP 950 million, referring it to the Finance Ministry," "All of the hospital's employees will be paid their new salaries at the end of this month, God willing,"

naharnet-en Friday, March 27, 2020 7:38:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "I wanted to visit the Rafik Hariri University Hospital to look into the center’s situation in light of the pressure it is facing due to the coronavirus pandemic. I would first like to commend the terrific efforts of the hospital, and to thank the medical, nursing, and administrative staff, as well as the hospital director, Dr. Firas al Abyad, for the relentless efforts and sacrifices they are offering to treat patients. And I have good news to relay: I have signed and submitted the letter received by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, from His Excellency the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Hamad Hassan, regarding the remaining balance of the salary and grades scale, amounting to a billion and fifty million Lebanese Pounds, in addition to the 950 million pounds that have been previously settled. Every employee of the hospital will be receiving their new salary by the end of this month. As such, the employees would have obtained their rights due by the Government. As for professional grades and compensations thereof, which is considered a strictly administrative matter, I will ensure that hospital staff will be receiving just treatment in accessing their financial rights. I would like to thank H.E the Minister of Public Health for the considerable efforts he is employing to equip hospitals in Lebanon, and ensuring constant monitoring of this epidemic’s spread in the country. I am aware of the extent of the worry experienced by the Lebanese people. Truly, I deeply recognize and understand their concerns. Citizens are troubled by both the present and the future. They are concerned for their parents, children, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren. Today, we are all faced with great challenges. And these challenges and risks do not merely target a single group, a single region, a single community, nor a single political group. This risk is facing all citizens of Lebanon. Consequently, we, the Lebanese, must remain united and in solidarity, regardless of our sectarian, political, or regional affiliations, regardless of any other consideration, as we are all confronted with the same danger. Coronavirus, much like the livelihood crisis, makes no distinctions among citizens. This is not the time to outbid nor to settle political scores. The Ministry of Public Health, the medical and nursing personnel, hospital services, and the Red Cross are all at the service of every citizen with no exception. Therefore, the Lebanese people must, in their turn, overcome this challenging situation through unity and cooperation, through these qualities they have always proven to possess in moments of crises and when danger threatens their nation. Today, we rely on this spirit of unity. Believe me, if we remain united, if we work hand in hand, victory can only follow. I would like to grasp this opportunity to call on all Lebanese people to uphold this spirit of unity, to commit to the State and preserve it, as the State is the sole patron of unity. If the State collapses, God forbid, so will our stronghold. The State is a refuge to every one of us, and our trust in the State is a starting point to restoring our resilience in the face of health, financial, and political scourges affecting our country. Based on the aforementioned, I call upon the Lebanese to commit to the measures adopted by the Government in view of protecting citizens against the spread of Coronavirus. The Government is employing great efforts to fulfil its responsibilities before the people, and will do everything in its power to comfort citizens and challenge the social consequences of this crisis. I am aware that expatriates wish to return to their country, as they have found that the measures taken by the Government are better than those adopted by the numerous countries in which they reside. We are glad that the Lebanese are expressing more trust in their home country. I know that families of expatriates are concerned. You are well aware that we have granted a four-day period to citizens wishing to return before having closed the airport. In fact, we are unable to make any exceptions before the conclusion of general mobilization period, for two reasons: 1-To protect those who wish to return. If one passenger on the plane returning to Lebanon is infected with Coronavirus, they could transmit it to numerous, if not all, passengers. 2-To curb the spread of the epidemic in the country, as a great number of infections was due to travelers who have transmitted it into the country. The best that expatriates could do at the present time is to remain in place, in isolation, and under protection. This is for their own good. In either case, we are looking into repatriation possibilities, and we will have a clearer idea before April 12. God willing, we will overcome these difficult times with the least possible damage, in order to continue treating other chronic diseases suffered by Lebanon and the Lebanese. I would like to assure our citizens that the Government is following all international developments to overcome this epidemic, and we will always be prepared to respond to any new development. Given that this matter is the Government’s priority at this time, we have allocated approximately 60 million dollars to confront Coronavirus, to ensure the necessary equipment, material, medication, and apparatus relative to coronavirus, and to provide the necessary care to affected people in compliance with the established norms. These are difficult times. We all wish to cooperate and rally around the State to regain the trust of the people in their country. In fact, in lacking trust, we destroy the upholder of our immunity as a nation and as citizens. Allow me once more to thank the Minister of Public Health, and the administrative, medical, and nursing staff at the Rafic Hariri University Hospital in Beirut. May God bless your efforts"

nna-en Friday, March 27, 2020 6:32:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab told : "The wage hikes will start to be applied by the end of this month,"

xinhuanet_en Friday, March 27, 2020 5:22:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We are doing the best we can to protect our people and restore citizens' confidence in the state,"

xinhuanet_en Friday, March 27, 2020 5:22:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab told : "The wage hikes will start to be applied by the end of this month,"

nampa Friday, March 27, 2020 5:02:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “The economic challenges need a mobilization that should perhaps exceed the health mobilization,”

naharnet-en Thursday, March 26, 2020 11:56:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab told : “What’s currently happening is a state of emergency in the framework of general mobilization, but the declaration of a state of emergency according to law requires measures involving a curfew and a general closure and we do not have such intentions,”

naharnet-en Thursday, March 26, 2020 6:02:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “the whole country is under severe pressure, and no one can bear the burden of these pressures alone”

middleeastmonitor Wednesday, March 25, 2020 7:13:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “All hope is that the Feast of Annunciation will be a near rescue for Lebanon from its crises, and the nightmare of coronavirus pandemic be lifted with the help of the Lebanese themselves…We pray to the Lord Almighty to grant us a message of goodness”

naharnet-en Wednesday, March 25, 2020 5:31:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “The state must help the people, but the presence of social solidarity is necessary,”

naharnet-en Tuesday, March 24, 2020 9:42:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “There will be losers and there will be losses, but we must make our efforts to reduce losses,”

arabnews Tuesday, March 24, 2020 8:00:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab declared : “The coronavirus is waiting at the doorsteps of your homes,” “Lebanese, I am calling on you today to engage in a self-curfew, because the state alone cannot confront this epidemic advance”

asiatimes Tuesday, March 24, 2020 7:23:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Once again, the Lebanese people proved that they are able to confront challenges, by coming together and uniting, and by raising donations for the fight against the coronavirus, proving that they are a nation that deserves Lebanon”

albawaba-en Tuesday, March 24, 2020 6:10:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "I urge all the Lebanese to stop going out as the government cannot alone face the pandemic. This is an individual and societal responsibility,"

xinhuanet_en Sunday, March 22, 2020 2:00:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "I urge all the Lebanese to stop going out as the government cannot alone face this pandemic. This is an individual and societal responsibility; we are in big danger and winning over this virus should happen by creating cooperation among society, the government and individuals,"

xinhuanet_en Sunday, March 22, 2020 1:28:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab urged : “We are in great danger and triumphing over coronavirus can only happen through cooperation between the state, the society and the citizen,”

almanar-en Saturday, March 21, 2020 10:36:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The interior ministry and army command ... will announce binding plans that will protect the health of the Lebanese,"

wsau Saturday, March 21, 2020 10:20:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The plans include staging patrols and erecting checkpoints on roads to enforce commitment to the taken measures,”

naharnet-en Saturday, March 21, 2020 9:27:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab urged : “We are in great danger and triumphing over coronavirus can only happen through cooperation between the state, the society and the citizen,”

naharnet-en Saturday, March 21, 2020 9:27:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “As you know, we have in the Serail a disaster risk management unit, which began its work last week, and is coordinating all relevant data with the concerned ministries”

nna-en Friday, March 20, 2020 8:52:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The procedures we are putting in place will have an impact on our economy, without a doubt, as the economies of other states have been impacted. But the safety of people and their lives is more important,"

aljazeera-en Monday, March 16, 2020 5:08:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Today, Lebanon is experiencing a state of emergency, therefore, the government declares a state of general mobilization until the end March 31, 2020,”

almanar-en Monday, March 16, 2020 10:23:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Our country is going through difficult times, burdened by worries, crises and problems. Now is the time for patience, courage, reason, wisdom, peace and caution. Now is the time for care, for protecting ourselves and those we cherish most: our families, children, brothers, sisters and friends,” “Now is the time for cooperation, mobilization, volunteering, initiatives, help, support, good deeds and saving others. Today, more than ever, the Lebanese need to be united, as they have always been in the face of crises”

almanar-en Monday, March 16, 2020 10:23:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “There is no doubt that these measures will affect our economy, much like international economies have been affected. However, the people’s lives and safety are far more precious and remain our priority above all else,”

almanar-en Monday, March 16, 2020 10:23:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We are in a health emergency and the government declares general mobilization until March 29,”

naharnet-en Monday, March 16, 2020 5:19:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab stated : “The number of infections in Lebanon, till now, is among the lowest in any country worldwide, numerically speaking, or in relative to population. It is true that the number of infected individuals may rise, however this is a global situation that worldwide countries have not been able to prevent. Lebanon is not an isolated island”

almanar-en Thursday, March 12, 2020 9:37:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we pay the creditors while there are people in the streets without the money to buy a loaf of bread?”

economist Thursday, March 12, 2020 8:11:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab stated : "The number of infections in Lebanon, till now, is among the lowest in any country worldwide, numerically speaking, or in relative to population. It is true that the number of infected individuals may rise, however this is a global situation that worldwide countries have not been able to prevent. Lebanon is not an isolated island"

nna-en Thursday, March 12, 2020 6:23:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Let us declare a state of emergency in the country before it is too late, before we all lose a loved one, and before it all gets out of hand!”

arabnews Thursday, March 12, 2020 3:50:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “The Lebanese state will seek to restructure its debts in a manner consistent with the national interest by entering into fair negotiations... with all its creditors,” “Suspending the payment is the only way to go in tandem with the launch of a comprehensive reform programme,”

ahram-EN Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we pay our creditors when the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their own bank accounts?... We will protect bank deposits, especially those of small depositors,”

ahram-EN Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Lebanon is at a crossroads, and the government has devoted itself to studying the financial conditions of the state and the options available to address the deep crisis of public debt,” “Today we are paying the price of wrong policies, and the debt has become greater than Lebanon’s ability to bear it. The Lebanese economy has become the prisoner of these wrong policies,”

ahram-EN Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “According to World Bank estimates, more than 40 per cent of the population may find themselves under the poverty line because the economic model established by previous policies has proven wrong,”

ahram-EN Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab stated : “The balance sheets of the banks and the central bank have become inflated, and this is unfair since only a minority benefits and the majority is negatively affected,”

ahram-EN Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Corruption has exhausted every aspect of the country and become a key component of the state and community. It is not possible to continue borrowing to fund corruption. War, conflict and displacement have also suffocated Lebanon’s economy,”

ahram-EN Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “we are committed to the vision of stability and growth proposed at the Cedar Conference in France, and the reforms agreed upon at the conference will be implemented because they are essential”

ahram-EN Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Lebanon was among the first nations that took measures over the issue of the coronavirus and we followed up on all cases as some voices attacked the government, especially when we announced the closure of schools,” “From the beginning, we took strict and preventative measures at the airport,”

almanar-en Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:47:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I have asked employers in all sectors to take measures to protect employees,”

almanar-en Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:47:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Lebanon was among the first nations that took measures over the issue of the coronavirus and we followed up on all cases as some voices attacked the government, especially when we announced the closure of schools,” “From the beginning, we took strict and preventative measures at the airport,”

naharnet-en Wednesday, March 11, 2020 7:59:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I have asked employers in all sectors to take measures to protect employees,”

naharnet-en Wednesday, March 11, 2020 7:59:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Before entering into details of the policy which we will adopt and the measures we will take. Let me start by describing what is happening to our economy, we all know that a decrease in currency will automatically lead to a loss in value, and these two factors lead to a decrease in imports and thus an economic recession and increase in fiscal deficit, and of course a debt problem which adds to currency shortage. How do we break this vicious circle? At first, we should strengthen the financial situation, secondly restructuring public debt, third thinking about linking the Lira exchange rate to the US dollar, fourth proposing a program of growth reforms, and fifth dealing with banking system restructuring. We are currently studying these measures from two angles: the first is the case that Lebanon obtains external support, and the second is in the absence of this support. In terms of strengthening the financial situation, Finance Ministry statistics show an initial deficit without debt service of 0.6% for year 2019. If the deficit is calculated with debt service, the ratio will reach 11.4% for year 2019. Indicators for 2020 are much worse, as they are expected to rise sharply, and we are now working to develop serious expectations to form the basis for the budget. During the coming period, we will seek a reasonable initial surplus, and this will result in keeping wages under control, repairing electricity and increasing tax revenues through improving tax collection. These reforms will affect growth if we do not invest and spend on large projects as expected in the CEDAR plan. We will protect the poorest groups by launching the necessary safe nets. The restructuring of external debt has begun, and we now have to consider our domestic debt if we want to reduce the interest rate on our budget. Not tackling this problem means leaving it to our future generations, and this is not our intention. It is very essential to prepare the structural reform program. We will seek to develop judicial and anti-corruption reforms and implement structural reforms in energy, water, waste management, education and health sectors. We will also focus on reforms to stimulate growth, such as the bankruptcy law, procurement law, and competition law. These procedures will not pass without repercussions on our banking system. When we discover the magnitude of this effect, we will initiate reforms in the banking sector and seek to restore it to serve the real economy. This package will affect citizens’ lives and pave the way for a better future, and it will be remarkably easy to implement if we rely on external support. This package will be discussed and presented to you in the coming weeks. I would like to point out that the diplomatic missions in Lebanon are encountering problems in utilizing their transfers from abroad to pay missions’ expenses and local employee salaries. After that, the Cabinet presented its reactions to the decision to suspend the Eurobond payment, specified on the 9 th of March, and again heard a number of international consultants, who answered questions of Ministers concerning points related to the decision. The Council of Ministers also studied numerous topics, and discussed the issue of spread of Corona”

nna-en Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:24:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we make outside payments when there are people who cannot even afford bread,”

alarabiya-en Tuesday, March 10, 2020 8:27:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “the Lebanese government will seek to restructure its debts in a way that is consistent with national interest”

middleeastmonitor Monday, March 9, 2020 8:37:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab explained : “secure the basic needs for people”

neurope Monday, March 9, 2020 5:20:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab ajouté : «baisse des dépenses publiques»

lessentiel-lu-fr Sunday, March 8, 2020 6:25:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How can we pay creditors abroad when the Lebanese cannot get their money from their bank accounts?" "Our debt has become greater than Lebanon can bear, and greater than the ability of the Lebanese to meet interest payments"

angop Sunday, March 8, 2020 4:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We are paying the price for the mistakes of the past years. Must we bequeath them to our children?"

angop Sunday, March 8, 2020 4:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,"

brisbanetimes Sunday, March 8, 2020 4:20:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

naharnet-en Sunday, March 8, 2020 2:51:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "the Lebanese state will seek to restructure its debts, in a manner consistent with the national interest"

naharnet-en Sunday, March 8, 2020 2:51:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,"

arkansasonline Sunday, March 8, 2020 2:17:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab asked : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts,"

arkansasonline Sunday, March 8, 2020 2:17:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We are facing a considerable Eurobond debt repayment amounting to around 4.6 billion dollars in principal and interests in 2020, with the first installment due on March 9 (i.e. in two days from now),” “Faced with this major hurdle, we can only make a decision that protects the interests of our nation and our people,”

almanar-en Sunday, March 8, 2020 12:48:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab explained : “Our international reserves have reached critically low levels, forcing the Lebanese Republic to withhold all the payments on the Eurobonds that are due on March 9,” “This decision was not an easy decision; it is the result of thorough assessments (including the financial and legal perspectives) of all available options at all levels,”

almanar-en Sunday, March 8, 2020 12:48:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,"

smh Sunday, March 8, 2020 10:13:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

iran-daily Sunday, March 8, 2020 9:59:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

BangkokPost Sunday, March 8, 2020 9:25:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we pay creditors abroad when the Lebanese cannot get their money from their bank accounts?” “Our debt has become greater than Lebanon can bear, and greater than the ability of the Lebanese to meet interest payments”

nst Sunday, March 8, 2020 5:24:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We are paying the price for the mistakes of the past years. Must we bequeath them to our children?”

nst Sunday, March 8, 2020 5:24:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab disse : “As nossas reservas de moeda estrangeira caíram para níveis preocupantes e isso obriga o governo libanês a suspender o pagamento dos Eurobond que atingem maturidade dia 9 de março, porque precisamos desse dinheiro para o país”

expresso Sunday, March 8, 2020 4:44:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

afp-english Sunday, March 8, 2020 3:54:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,"

brisbanetimes Sunday, March 8, 2020 3:46:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab asked : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

brisbanetimes Sunday, March 8, 2020 3:46:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we pay foreign creditors while the Lebanese cannot access their deposits?”

asiatimes Sunday, March 8, 2020 3:06:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "a worrying and dangerous level which pushes the Lebanese government to suspend payment of the March 9 Eurobond maturity because of a need for these funds"

jordantimes Sunday, March 8, 2020 2:35:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab added : "The Lebanese state will seek to restructure its debts,"

jordantimes Sunday, March 8, 2020 2:35:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Our foreign currency reserves have reached a critical and dangerous level, forcing the Lebanese Republic to suspend payment on its March Eurobond,”

news-yahoo Sunday, March 8, 2020 1:37:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I heard a lot of concerns about depositors. We are still evaluating our options and they are many, but let me be clear; we will protect deposits in the banking sector especially small depositors who represent more than 90% of total bank accounts,”

news-yahoo Sunday, March 8, 2020 1:37:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab disse : “a decisão de suspender o pagamento é o único caminho para parar os atritos e proteger o interesse nacional, lançando ao mesmo tempo um programa abrangente de reformas”

diarioeconomico Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:51:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab déclaré : "Nos réserves en devises ont atteint un niveau inquiétant (...) poussant le gouvernement à suspendre (le paiement d'une dette arrivant) à échéance le 9 mars"

lepetitjournal Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:50:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

timesofmalta Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:42:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How can we pay creditors abroad when the Lebanese cannot get their money from their bank accounts?" "Our debt has become greater than Lebanon can bear, and greater than the ability of the Lebanese to meet interest payments"

channelnewsasia Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:39:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We are paying the price for the mistakes of the past years. Must we bequeath them to our children?"

channelnewsasia Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:39:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we pay the lenders when Lebanese people can’t withdraw funds from their banks?”

middleeasteye Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:28:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab déclaré : "Nos réserves en devises ont atteint un niveau inquiétant (...) poussant le gouvernement à suspendre (le paiement d'une dette arrivant) à échéance le 9 mars"

tv5 Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:28:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The reserves of hard currency have reached a critical and dangerous level,”

nytimes Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:27:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

digitaljournal Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:00:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How can we pay creditors abroad when the Lebanese cannot get their money from their bank accounts?" "Our debt has become greater than Lebanon can bear, and greater than the ability of the Lebanese to meet interest payments"

trust2 Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:55:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We are paying the price for the mistakes of the past years. Must we bequeath them to our children?"

trust2 Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:55:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

ibtimes Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:38:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab déclaré : "Le Liban n'est pas capable de rembourser les échéances de la dette dans les circonstances actuelles"

msn-fr Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:27:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab acrescentou : “O Estado libanês buscará renegociar sua dívida”

istoe Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:25:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab déclaré : "Nos réserves en devises ont atteint un niveau inquiétant (...) poussant le gouvernement à suspendre (le paiement d'une dette arrivant) à échéance le 9 mars"

challenges Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:23:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How can we pay creditors abroad when the Lebanese cannot get their money from their bank accounts?" "Our debt has become greater than Lebanon can bear, and greater than the ability of the Lebanese to meet interest payments"

4-traders Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:15:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We are paying the price for the mistakes of the past years. Must we bequeath them to our children?"

4-traders Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:15:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The debt has become bigger than Lebanon can bear, and bigger than the ability of the Lebanese to meet interest payments,"

bbc Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:10:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “a worrying and dangerous level which pushes the Lebanese government to suspend payment of the March 9 Eurobond maturity because of a need for these funds,”

kuwaittimes Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:40:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “The Lebanese state will seek to restructure its debts,”

kuwaittimes Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:40:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we make outside payments when there are people who cannot even afford bread,”

alarabiya-en Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:38:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The reserves of hard currency have reached a critical and dangerous level and the public debt became larger than Lebanon could bear,”

alarabiya-en Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:38:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Our foreign currency reserves have reached a critical and dangerous level, forcing the Lebanese Republic to suspend payment on its March Eurobond,”

news-yahoo Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I heard a lot of concerns about depositors. We are still evaluating our options and they are many, but let me be clear; we will protect deposits in the banking sector especially small depositors who represent more than 90% of total bank accounts,”

news-yahoo Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab disse : “a decisão de suspender o pagamento é o único caminho para parar os atritos e proteger o interesse nacional, lançando ao mesmo tempo um programa abrangente de reformas”

bomdia Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,”

ABCnews Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:32:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab asked : “How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts,”

ABCnews Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:32:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab acrescentou : "O Estado libanês buscará renegociar sua dívida"

uol Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:29:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab disse : "a decisão de suspender o pagamento é o único caminho para parar os atritos e proteger o interesse nacional, lançando ao mesmo tempo um programa abrangente de reformas"

24-sapo Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:28:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,"

startribune Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:22:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab asked : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts,"

startribune Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:22:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab acrescentou : "O Estado libanês buscará renegociar sua dívida"

em Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:22:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We are facing a considerable Eurobond debt repayment amounting to around 4.6 billion dollars in principal and interests in 2020, with the first installment due on March 9 (i.e. in two days from now)," "Faced with this major hurdle, we can only make a decision that protects the interests of our nation and our people,"

nna-en Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:09:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab explained : "Our international reserves have reached critically low levels, forcing the Lebanese Republic to withhold all the payments on the Eurobonds that are due on March 9," "This decision was not an easy decision; it is the result of thorough assessments (including the financial and legal perspectives) of all available options at all levels,"

nna-en Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:09:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "Dear fellow Lebanese, Our country is going through a critical period of its history, sailing through rough and turbulent seas. The strong will of the Lebanese people is what is saving our country from sinking. The Lebanese people are known for their zest of life; thus, they have time and time again faced and overcome challenges and crises, no matter how enormous and overwhelming they might have been. This time, the fight is of a different nature. We have to rely on the ability of the Lebanese people to begin a new fight for our independence in order to be freed from the enemy tightening its grip on the present and future of the Lebanese people. Throughout their history, the people of Lebanon have paid a huge price for rising up against injustice, oppression and tyranny. But never did they surrender, nor have they conceded their nation; they have fought for their independence and were always victorious. Dear fellow Lebanese, The exceptional conditions we are currently living through are a reflection of an unprecedented crisis which puts Lebanon at crossroads. The current government has, since the first day of its formation, taken stock at the State's financial situation and reviewed all available options to deal with the profound public debt crisis; the government has worked, day and night, to assess the imbalances and lay the foundations for addressing the situation. October 17 was a rallying cry in the face of corruption, mismanagement, and stifling financial and economic policies. The Lebanese have voiced their rightful demands, lighting the tinder and illuminating the way forward to put an end to corruption, and to the policies that have left us with an overburdened country facing difficulties to pay the accumulated debts and their interests. Is it viable for a country to be built on a leveraged economy? Can a nation ever be free if it is over-indebted? Today, we are paying the price for the mistakes committed years ago. But will we pass them onto our children and future generations? Our debt has become greater than Lebanon can bear, it has exceeded Lebanon's capability to pay its interests. Lebanon has become a prisoner of its own economic policies based on leverage and accumulated interests, which have undermined the productive sectors of our national economy, leaving no light in sight at the end of the tunnel. The people of Lebanon are bitterly struggling with unemployment, a high cost of living and dilapidated infrastructure. All of this is adding to the suffering and hardship of the Lebanese people, increasing their feeling of resentment towards the State. Over the past years, consecutive cabinets have witnessed the depletion of public resources; unable to take the drastic measures to stop the sharp decline of public finances. The Lebanese people have lived a dream which turned into a delusion. The illusion that everything was going well, although Lebanon has been drowning in debts and interest rates including in foreign currency, so much so that the total debt has exceeded 90 billion dollars, i.e. around 170% of the GDP. The decline of foreign currency reserves has put a strain on the national currency, and is limiting the Lebanese people accessing their foreign currency bank deposits, with the formation of a parallel exchange rate market for the dollar against the Lebanese pound. According to World Bank estimates, more than 40% of the population might be soon seeing themselves living below the poverty line. How have we reached such a course? The first reason is the failing economic model laid down by previous policies. This model has been unable to stimulate investment and create job opportunities, leading some Lebanese investing into bonds rather than into the real economy, while the state was caught in a vicious circle of deficit and indebtedness. Today's reality is that for every 1,000 LBP of state revenues, more than 500 LBP go to debt servicing instead of being spent on health, education and infrastructure. This constitutes an unsustainable approach that cannot continue as such, especially as Lebanon is at risk of becoming the most indebted country in the world relative to the size of its economy. This has shifted the main role of the banking sector as supporter and funder of the economic engine to a mediator attracting deposits with high interest rates exceeding, for the dollar, 5 to 10 times that of those provided by other banks around the world and further to the role of creditor granting loans to the State at a higher interest rate. This has led to a budget inflation of the central bank and banking sector, much higher than needed to finance the economy. This has cost our economy an exorbitant price. It is an unfair model benefitting the few and adversely affecting the majority of the population. In fact, out of every 1000 LBP deposited in banks, only around 300 LBP are invested in the real economy. The Lebanese economy is not sufficiently productive, thus it pushes the Lebanese towards importing 80% of consumer goods and services; therefore, we are still spending more dollars than we can attract. The second reason of this crisis is the endemic corruption and mismanagement of public funds, which have placed a heavy burden on the state, dictating our politics, economy, public administration and various areas of daily life. Corruption took a timid start at first, before becoming an integral part of the State, power and society. Today, it is not possible anymore to keep on borrowing to finance corruption. It is time to restore ethical conduct in governance and gain back trust in our State. The third factor is the repercussions of wars and conflicts in the Arab region, especially in terms of economic strangulation and the massive burden of an influx of refugees. Dear fellow Lebanese, We are facing a considerable Eurobond debt repayment amounting to around 4.6 billion dollars in principal and interests in 2020, with the first installment due on March 9 (i.e. in two days from now). Faced with this major hurdle, we can only make a decision that protects the interests of our nation and our people. Our international reserves have reached critically low levels, forcing the Lebanese Republic to withhold all the payments on the Eurobonds that are due on March 9. This decision was not an easy decision; it is the result of thorough assessments (including the financial and legal perspectives) of all available options at all levels. Today, the decision to withhold payment is the only way forward for Lebanon to stop the depletion of its reserves and to protect the public interest, concurrently with the launch of a comprehensive reform agenda to build a resilient and sustainable economy on solid and modern grounds. We have made this decision out of our concern to preserve the interests of all citizens. We have made this decision, because we are determined to restore the state's ability to protect the Lebanese people and provide them with a decent life. How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts? How could we pay creditors while hospitals are subject to medical supplies shortages, while we cannot provide healthcare services to our citizens? How could we pay creditors while people in the streets have no money to buy their bread? Lebanon is a country that honors its commitments. However, the state is currently unable to pay its upcoming liabilities. In the light of this, the Lebanese government will seek to restructure its debts in a way that is consistent with the national interest, through a fair and good faith negotiation process with its creditors and adhering to best international practices. More than 50 countries have failed to pay their debts; countries which have implemented required reforms have recovered, and that is what we are determined to do in order to overcome the triple crisis Lebanon is facing: the monetary crisis, the banking crisis and the sovereign debt crisis. Since its formation less than one month ago, this government has immediately started working on drafting a reform program based on: The debt restructuring that is part of both, the government's reform program to restore confidence in our country and of our ministerial statement, especially the measures that we promised to take during the first 100-day period. Restoring the balance of public finances is at the forefront of our priorities. If we want to free ourselves from the burden of debt, we cannot spend more than we earn. Lebanon will manage to reduce its spending through long-awaited measures, including the reform of the electricity sector. Our government's gasification plan will generate savings amounting to more than $ 350 million per annum. This is only the beginning. The reform program will also secure additional resources for healthcare, education and infrastructure. I have asked the ministers to propose reforms to make our tax system fair for everyone. We pledge to fight tax evasion while increasing the efficiency of tax collection. We will also launch a social safety net to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Only three weeks after the parliament granted its vote of confidence, this government has embarked upon the preparation of a national anti-corruption strategy. In this regard, a specialized committee will be formed soon, and will be equipped with the necessary powers and autonomy to fulfil its mandate. Since transparency is the best way to fight corruption, this government has submitted a draft law aimed at lifting banking secrecy for everyone who was or is currently involved in public affairs. We have also started the reform of our judiciary system by submitting a list of judge nominations to the Higher Judiciary Council, and law bills are being prepared to improve the outlook of Lebanese businesses and create a favorable environment for investment and growth. These measures will help us transition from a rentier economy to a productive economy. The Lebanon of tomorrow will be the Lebanon of Agriculture, Industry, Knowledge and Technology in addition to the traditional sectors of Trade, Tourism and Services. We will also work on the redeployment of our banking system. The Lebanese economy and its entrepreneurs cannot flourish without the required funding from its banks. But at the same time, we don't need a banking sector four times the size of our economy. We will therefore have to come up with a plan to downsize and restructure the banking sector. I have heard the growing concerns of small depositors. We are still assessing the exact nature of the required adjustments and the various options at hand. But let me be clear: We will endeavor to protect the deposits in the banking sector, especially those of small depositors who represent more than 90% of total accounts. In the meantime, we must stop the financial bleeding of our economy. We will soon propose a special law for the organization of the banking sector and the bank-client relationship, to bring more fairness. This action plan will shape the future economic and financial environment for our country. My Government is committed to this plan. I would like to seize this opportunity to also reaffirm to our international partners the adherence of the Lebanese Government to CEDRE's vision for stability and growth. The reforms agreed at the conference will be implemented, as these are essential to restarting our economy and bringing prosperity to the people of Lebanon. These reforms are important to restore trust and support from our Arab brothers and the international community. The Eurobonds restructuring and reforms will take time and efforts and will certainly require difficult measures. Solidarity, patience and determination are needed to implement these reforms. This is the only way forward to preserve the future and safety of our country and people. Dear fellow Lebanese, Our country is wonderful and exceptional. Our people are unique. I truly believe in our collective and extraordinary talents. Our history teaches us that our biggest enemy has always been: Division. For together we stand and divided we fall. If we stay united throughout this crisis, if we stay focused - not on ourselves, but our nation - I know that we will prevail and build together a stronger and more successful Lebanon. Long Live Lebanon and the people of Lebanon....!"

nna-en Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:09:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,"

bordermail Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:08:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,”

eagletribune Saturday, March 7, 2020 8:48:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,”

beaumontenterprise Saturday, March 7, 2020 8:34:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,”

tribtown Saturday, March 7, 2020 8:32:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,"

startribune Saturday, March 7, 2020 8:19:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “a worrying and dangerous level which pushes the Lebanese government to suspend payment of the March 9 Eurobond maturity because of a need for these funds,”

tribuneonline Saturday, March 7, 2020 8:12:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “The Lebanese state will seek to restructure its debts,”

tribuneonline Saturday, March 7, 2020 8:12:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab déclaré : "Nos réserves en devises ont atteint un niveau inquiétant (...) poussant le gouvernement libanais à suspendre (le paiement d'une dette arrivant) à échéance le 9 mars"

lorientlejour Saturday, March 7, 2020 8:04:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab stated : “The country is going through very difficult days. We are doing everything possible to alleviate the bitterness of this situation, which we are living. We work day and night, and we study all possible options, possibilities and scenarios. The important thing is that we save our country”

nna-en Friday, March 6, 2020 1:16:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have chosen to carry the ball of fire because the country is in great danger and we cannot stand idly by in the face of all that is happening. We will do the impossible to address the accumulations, and unfortunately there are individuals who are doing the impossible to strangle the country,”

naharnet-en Thursday, March 5, 2020 7:31:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “We will carry on with our national mission of rescuing the country and we won’t be affected by the intimidation they are practicing and the truth won’t change despite falsification,”

naharnet-en Thursday, March 5, 2020 7:31:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The decision will preserve the rights of small and medium depositors as well as Lebanon’s interest,”

albawaba-en Thursday, March 5, 2020 1:09:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The state is no longer able to protect its citizens,”

alarabiya-en Thursday, March 5, 2020 8:51:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The decision will preserve the rights of small and medium depositors as well as Lebanon’s interest,”

naharnet-en Tuesday, March 3, 2020 11:47:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “To put it frankly, the state, in view of its current situation, is no more capable of protecting the Lebanese people and ensuring a decent life for them,” “To be transparent, I would say that this state has lost Lebanese people´s confidence,”

thenews-pk Tuesday, March 3, 2020 5:10:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have no choice but to take the path of the Calvary, whatever the sufferings, because other options are much more dangerous,”

thenews-pk Tuesday, March 3, 2020 5:10:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “To put it frankly, the state, in view of its current situation, is no more capable of protecting the Lebanese people and ensuring a decent life for them,” “To be transparent, I would say that this state has lost Lebanese people’s confidence,”

alarabiya-en Monday, March 2, 2020 10:31:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have no choice but to take the path of the Calvary, whatever the sufferings, because other options are much more dangerous,”

alarabiya-en Monday, March 2, 2020 10:31:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “In the coming days, the government will adopt a crucial decision that is very sensitive and critical. It is still under scrutiny, as it represents a major milestone in shaping the future of Lebanon,”

alarabiya-en Monday, March 2, 2020 10:31:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “The decision will preserve the rights of small and medium depositors as well as Lebanon’s interest,”

naharnet-en Monday, March 2, 2020 7:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The State is weak and the country is passing through a very difficult stage. The Lebanese fear for their present and for their future. Their fear grows over their financial, economic, social and living situation in addition to health concerns (over coronavirus),”

naharnet-en Monday, March 2, 2020 1:05:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "Despite the difficult circumstances that Lebanon is going through at the financial, economic, daily living and social levels, the French President Emmanuel Macron's honoring of the Lebanese writer Amin Maalouf with the National Order of Merit in the name of the French Republic, comes to reflect Lebanon's correct and civilized image; the Lebanon of culture, creativity and excellence,"

nna-en Sunday, March 1, 2020 5:50:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I expect full support from Europe and the US”

neurope Thursday, February 27, 2020 1:23:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I expect full support from Europe and the US”

neurope Wednesday, February 26, 2020 4:07:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The crisis that we are passing through today is unprecedented in the history of Lebanon — even in the 1980s and 1990s, when the Lebanese Pound faced sharp decline, the situation was different. Lebanon is going through a turning point in its history and our government is working day and night to find solutions within 30 days to a 30-year crisis”

arabnews Saturday, February 22, 2020 5:14:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "will help the country on the financial, social, economic and living conditions levels,"

naharnet-en Friday, February 21, 2020 9:29:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I expect full support from Europe and the US”

neurope Friday, February 21, 2020 4:35:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have started today the first step in solving an accumulation of wrong policies adopted over the past 30 years that led the country to the collapse that we are now living,”

tribtown Friday, February 21, 2020 1:45:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have started today the first step in solving an accumulation of wrong policies adopted over the past 30 years that led the country to the collapse that we are now living,”

eagletribune Thursday, February 20, 2020 8:40:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have started today the first step in solving an accumulation of wrong policies adopted over the past 30 years that led the country to the collapse that we are now living,”

seattlepi Thursday, February 20, 2020 8:16:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have started today the first step in solving an accumulation of wrong policies adopted over the past 30 years that led the country to the collapse that we are now living,”

ABCnews Thursday, February 20, 2020 8:04:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have started today the first step in solving an accumulation of wrong policies adopted over the past 30 years that led the country to the collapse that we are now living,”

beaumontenterprise Thursday, February 20, 2020 8:03:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Today we started the first step towards tackling the accumulations of 30 years of false policies which brought the country to the collapse which is happening today. Corruption, waste, favoritism, and compromises have exhausted the State’s treasury”

nna-en Thursday, February 20, 2020 5:44:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “Unfortunately, the country has reached a dead end due to these accumulations, and the fireball has grown a lot, but we were able to gather it and assume our national responsibilities to save Lebanon. Today, officials from the International Monetary Fund began their visit to Lebanon, at Lebanon’s request, and met the delegation in the morning. We launched the workshop and, God willing, we will reach the results which comfort the country at all levels of financial, social, economic and living”

nna-en Thursday, February 20, 2020 5:44:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Can we overcome this phase successfully without appointing people with the knowledge and financial experience to manage these files?”

middleeastmonitor Friday, April 3, 2020 11:07:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we hire some posts for high and sometimes fancy salaries as the country goes through a major financial crisis, a dangerous social problem and a scary health crisis?”

naharnet-en Friday, April 3, 2020 3:06:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We are forced to make changes to the return mechanism, and the tests (for COVID-19) will be conducted at the airport in Beirut. This will require a great effort”

arabnews Friday, April 3, 2020 7:47:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab déclaré : "Je considère nécessaire l'adoption d'un mécanisme juridique transparent. (Cela est possible) par un projet de loi fait pour modifier la loi initialement adoptée, ou en ayant recours à une décision du conseil pour créer un mécanisme semblable à celui qui a été adopté lors des nominations administratives, loin des ingérences politiques. Les nominations doivent strictement se baser sur les compétences des candidats et non pas sur les quotes-parts politiques"

nna-fr Thursday, April 2, 2020 9:52:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we hire to some posts for high and sometimes fancy salaries as the country goes through a major financial crisis, a dangerous social problem and a scary health crisis?”

naharnet-en Thursday, April 2, 2020 7:45:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab told : "The first batch of returnees will resemble a test,"

naharnet-en Thursday, April 2, 2020 5:47:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “this is good because it means that people are reacting to the campaign discrediting measures taken by the Lebanese government from the outset. This also means, more importantly, that Lebanese are showing increasing levels of trust in their country; I consider this trust a cornerstone for restoring the position of the state in the minds of the Lebanese as the reference, umbrella and shelter”

nna-en Tuesday, March 31, 2020 9:57:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We cannot bear any faltering step, and none of the political forces can bear having on its conscience the spread of the (virus) and the collapse of the health system,"

news-yahoo Tuesday, March 31, 2020 8:57:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We cannot bear any faltering step, and none of the political forces can bear having on its conscience the spread of the (virus) and the collapse of the health system,"

wsau Tuesday, March 31, 2020 8:45:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I wanted to visit the Rafik Hariri University Hospital to look into the center’s situation in light of the pressure it is facing due to the coronavirus pandemic. I would first like to commend the terrific efforts of the hospital, and to thank the medical, nursing, and administrative staff, as well as the hospital director, Dr. Firas al Abyad, for the relentless efforts and sacrifices they are offering to treat patients. And I have good news to relay: I have signed and submitted the letter received by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, from His Excellency the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Hamad Hassan, regarding the remaining balance of the salary and grades scale, amounting to a billion and fifty million Lebanese Pounds, in addition to the 950 million pounds that have been previously settled. Every employee of the hospital will be receiving their new salary by the end of this month. As such, the employees would have obtained their rights due by the Government. As for professional grades and compensations thereof, which is considered a strictly administrative matter, I will ensure that hospital staff will be receiving just treatment in accessing their financial rights. I would like to thank H.E the Minister of Public Health for the considerable efforts he is employing to equip hospitals in Lebanon, and ensuring constant monitoring of this epidemic’s spread in the country. I am aware of the extent of the worry experienced by the Lebanese people. Truly, I deeply recognize and understand their concerns. Citizens are troubled by both the present and the future. They are concerned for their parents, children, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren. Today, we are all faced with great challenges. And these challenges and risks do not merely target a single group, a single region, a single community, nor a single political group. This risk is facing all citizens of Lebanon. Consequently, we, the Lebanese, must remain united and in solidarity, regardless of our sectarian, political, or regional affiliations, regardless of any other consideration, as we are all confronted with the same danger. Coronavirus, much like the livelihood crisis, makes no distinctions among citizens. This is not the time to outbid nor to settle political scores. The Ministry of Public Health, the medical and nursing personnel, hospital services, and the Red Cross are all at the service of every citizen with no exception. Therefore, the Lebanese people must, in their turn, overcome this challenging situation through unity and cooperation, through these qualities they have always proven to possess in moments of crises and when danger threatens their nation. Today, we rely on this spirit of unity. Believe me, if we remain united, if we work hand in hand, victory can only follow. I would like to grasp this opportunity to call on all Lebanese people to uphold this spirit of unity, to commit to the State and preserve it, as the State is the sole patron of unity. If the State collapses, God forbid, so will our stronghold. The State is a refuge to every one of us, and our trust in the State is a starting point to restoring our resilience in the face of health, financial, and political scourges affecting our country. Based on the aforementioned, I call upon the Lebanese to commit to the measures adopted by the Government in view of protecting citizens against the spread of Coronavirus. The Government is employing great efforts to fulfil its responsibilities before the people, and will do everything in its power to comfort citizens and challenge the social consequences of this crisis. I am aware that expatriates wish to return to their country, as they have found that the measures taken by the Government are better than those adopted by the numerous countries in which they reside. We are glad that the Lebanese are expressing more trust in their home country. I know that families of expatriates are concerned. You are well aware that we have granted a four-day period to citizens wishing to return before having closed the airport. In fact, we are unable to make any exceptions before the conclusion of general mobilization period, for two reasons: 1-To protect those who wish to return. If one passenger on the plane returning to Lebanon is infected with Coronavirus, they could transmit it to numerous, if not all, passengers. 2-To curb the spread of the epidemic in the country, as a great number of infections was due to travelers who have transmitted it into the country. The best that expatriates could do at the present time is to remain in place, in isolation, and under protection. This is for their own good. In either case, we are looking into repatriation possibilities, and we will have a clearer idea before April 12. God willing, we will overcome these difficult times with the least possible damage, in order to continue treating other chronic diseases suffered by Lebanon and the Lebanese. I would like to assure our citizens that the Government is following all international developments to overcome this epidemic, and we will always be prepared to respond to any new development. Given that this matter is the Government’s priority at this time, we have allocated approximately 60 million dollars to confront Coronavirus, to ensure the necessary equipment, material, medication, and apparatus relative to coronavirus, and to provide the necessary care to affected people in compliance with the established norms. These are difficult times. We all wish to cooperate and rally around the State to regain the trust of the people in their country. In fact, in lacking trust, we destroy the upholder of our immunity as a nation and as citizens. Allow me once more to thank the Minister of Public Health, and the administrative, medical, and nursing staff at the Rafic Hariri University Hospital in Beirut. May God bless your efforts”

almanar-en Friday, March 27, 2020 9:53:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said ( about Ahmed Hassan ) : "I have signed the memo sent by Health Minister Hamad Hasan regarding what's left of the new wage scale recompenses, which amount to LBP 1.5 billion, in addition to the previous LBP 950 million, referring it to the Finance Ministry," "All of the hospital's employees will be paid their new salaries at the end of this month, God willing,"

naharnet-en Friday, March 27, 2020 7:38:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "I wanted to visit the Rafik Hariri University Hospital to look into the center’s situation in light of the pressure it is facing due to the coronavirus pandemic. I would first like to commend the terrific efforts of the hospital, and to thank the medical, nursing, and administrative staff, as well as the hospital director, Dr. Firas al Abyad, for the relentless efforts and sacrifices they are offering to treat patients. And I have good news to relay: I have signed and submitted the letter received by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, from His Excellency the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Hamad Hassan, regarding the remaining balance of the salary and grades scale, amounting to a billion and fifty million Lebanese Pounds, in addition to the 950 million pounds that have been previously settled. Every employee of the hospital will be receiving their new salary by the end of this month. As such, the employees would have obtained their rights due by the Government. As for professional grades and compensations thereof, which is considered a strictly administrative matter, I will ensure that hospital staff will be receiving just treatment in accessing their financial rights. I would like to thank H.E the Minister of Public Health for the considerable efforts he is employing to equip hospitals in Lebanon, and ensuring constant monitoring of this epidemic’s spread in the country. I am aware of the extent of the worry experienced by the Lebanese people. Truly, I deeply recognize and understand their concerns. Citizens are troubled by both the present and the future. They are concerned for their parents, children, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren. Today, we are all faced with great challenges. And these challenges and risks do not merely target a single group, a single region, a single community, nor a single political group. This risk is facing all citizens of Lebanon. Consequently, we, the Lebanese, must remain united and in solidarity, regardless of our sectarian, political, or regional affiliations, regardless of any other consideration, as we are all confronted with the same danger. Coronavirus, much like the livelihood crisis, makes no distinctions among citizens. This is not the time to outbid nor to settle political scores. The Ministry of Public Health, the medical and nursing personnel, hospital services, and the Red Cross are all at the service of every citizen with no exception. Therefore, the Lebanese people must, in their turn, overcome this challenging situation through unity and cooperation, through these qualities they have always proven to possess in moments of crises and when danger threatens their nation. Today, we rely on this spirit of unity. Believe me, if we remain united, if we work hand in hand, victory can only follow. I would like to grasp this opportunity to call on all Lebanese people to uphold this spirit of unity, to commit to the State and preserve it, as the State is the sole patron of unity. If the State collapses, God forbid, so will our stronghold. The State is a refuge to every one of us, and our trust in the State is a starting point to restoring our resilience in the face of health, financial, and political scourges affecting our country. Based on the aforementioned, I call upon the Lebanese to commit to the measures adopted by the Government in view of protecting citizens against the spread of Coronavirus. The Government is employing great efforts to fulfil its responsibilities before the people, and will do everything in its power to comfort citizens and challenge the social consequences of this crisis. I am aware that expatriates wish to return to their country, as they have found that the measures taken by the Government are better than those adopted by the numerous countries in which they reside. We are glad that the Lebanese are expressing more trust in their home country. I know that families of expatriates are concerned. You are well aware that we have granted a four-day period to citizens wishing to return before having closed the airport. In fact, we are unable to make any exceptions before the conclusion of general mobilization period, for two reasons: 1-To protect those who wish to return. If one passenger on the plane returning to Lebanon is infected with Coronavirus, they could transmit it to numerous, if not all, passengers. 2-To curb the spread of the epidemic in the country, as a great number of infections was due to travelers who have transmitted it into the country. The best that expatriates could do at the present time is to remain in place, in isolation, and under protection. This is for their own good. In either case, we are looking into repatriation possibilities, and we will have a clearer idea before April 12. God willing, we will overcome these difficult times with the least possible damage, in order to continue treating other chronic diseases suffered by Lebanon and the Lebanese. I would like to assure our citizens that the Government is following all international developments to overcome this epidemic, and we will always be prepared to respond to any new development. Given that this matter is the Government’s priority at this time, we have allocated approximately 60 million dollars to confront Coronavirus, to ensure the necessary equipment, material, medication, and apparatus relative to coronavirus, and to provide the necessary care to affected people in compliance with the established norms. These are difficult times. We all wish to cooperate and rally around the State to regain the trust of the people in their country. In fact, in lacking trust, we destroy the upholder of our immunity as a nation and as citizens. Allow me once more to thank the Minister of Public Health, and the administrative, medical, and nursing staff at the Rafic Hariri University Hospital in Beirut. May God bless your efforts"

nna-en Friday, March 27, 2020 6:32:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab told : "The wage hikes will start to be applied by the end of this month,"

xinhuanet_en Friday, March 27, 2020 5:22:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We are doing the best we can to protect our people and restore citizens' confidence in the state,"

xinhuanet_en Friday, March 27, 2020 5:22:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab told : "The wage hikes will start to be applied by the end of this month,"

nampa Friday, March 27, 2020 5:02:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “The economic challenges need a mobilization that should perhaps exceed the health mobilization,”

naharnet-en Thursday, March 26, 2020 11:56:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab told : “What’s currently happening is a state of emergency in the framework of general mobilization, but the declaration of a state of emergency according to law requires measures involving a curfew and a general closure and we do not have such intentions,”

naharnet-en Thursday, March 26, 2020 6:02:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “the whole country is under severe pressure, and no one can bear the burden of these pressures alone”

middleeastmonitor Wednesday, March 25, 2020 7:13:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “All hope is that the Feast of Annunciation will be a near rescue for Lebanon from its crises, and the nightmare of coronavirus pandemic be lifted with the help of the Lebanese themselves…We pray to the Lord Almighty to grant us a message of goodness”

naharnet-en Wednesday, March 25, 2020 5:31:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “The state must help the people, but the presence of social solidarity is necessary,”

naharnet-en Tuesday, March 24, 2020 9:42:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “There will be losers and there will be losses, but we must make our efforts to reduce losses,”

arabnews Tuesday, March 24, 2020 8:00:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab declared : “The coronavirus is waiting at the doorsteps of your homes,” “Lebanese, I am calling on you today to engage in a self-curfew, because the state alone cannot confront this epidemic advance”

asiatimes Tuesday, March 24, 2020 7:23:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Once again, the Lebanese people proved that they are able to confront challenges, by coming together and uniting, and by raising donations for the fight against the coronavirus, proving that they are a nation that deserves Lebanon”

albawaba-en Tuesday, March 24, 2020 6:10:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "I urge all the Lebanese to stop going out as the government cannot alone face the pandemic. This is an individual and societal responsibility,"

xinhuanet_en Sunday, March 22, 2020 2:00:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "I urge all the Lebanese to stop going out as the government cannot alone face this pandemic. This is an individual and societal responsibility; we are in big danger and winning over this virus should happen by creating cooperation among society, the government and individuals,"

xinhuanet_en Sunday, March 22, 2020 1:28:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab urged : “We are in great danger and triumphing over coronavirus can only happen through cooperation between the state, the society and the citizen,”

almanar-en Saturday, March 21, 2020 10:36:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The interior ministry and army command ... will announce binding plans that will protect the health of the Lebanese,"

wsau Saturday, March 21, 2020 10:20:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The plans include staging patrols and erecting checkpoints on roads to enforce commitment to the taken measures,”

naharnet-en Saturday, March 21, 2020 9:27:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab urged : “We are in great danger and triumphing over coronavirus can only happen through cooperation between the state, the society and the citizen,”

naharnet-en Saturday, March 21, 2020 9:27:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “As you know, we have in the Serail a disaster risk management unit, which began its work last week, and is coordinating all relevant data with the concerned ministries”

nna-en Friday, March 20, 2020 8:52:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The procedures we are putting in place will have an impact on our economy, without a doubt, as the economies of other states have been impacted. But the safety of people and their lives is more important,"

aljazeera-en Monday, March 16, 2020 5:08:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Today, Lebanon is experiencing a state of emergency, therefore, the government declares a state of general mobilization until the end March 31, 2020,”

almanar-en Monday, March 16, 2020 10:23:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Our country is going through difficult times, burdened by worries, crises and problems. Now is the time for patience, courage, reason, wisdom, peace and caution. Now is the time for care, for protecting ourselves and those we cherish most: our families, children, brothers, sisters and friends,” “Now is the time for cooperation, mobilization, volunteering, initiatives, help, support, good deeds and saving others. Today, more than ever, the Lebanese need to be united, as they have always been in the face of crises”

almanar-en Monday, March 16, 2020 10:23:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “There is no doubt that these measures will affect our economy, much like international economies have been affected. However, the people’s lives and safety are far more precious and remain our priority above all else,”

almanar-en Monday, March 16, 2020 10:23:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We are in a health emergency and the government declares general mobilization until March 29,”

naharnet-en Monday, March 16, 2020 5:19:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab stated : “The number of infections in Lebanon, till now, is among the lowest in any country worldwide, numerically speaking, or in relative to population. It is true that the number of infected individuals may rise, however this is a global situation that worldwide countries have not been able to prevent. Lebanon is not an isolated island”

almanar-en Thursday, March 12, 2020 9:37:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we pay the creditors while there are people in the streets without the money to buy a loaf of bread?”

economist Thursday, March 12, 2020 8:11:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab stated : "The number of infections in Lebanon, till now, is among the lowest in any country worldwide, numerically speaking, or in relative to population. It is true that the number of infected individuals may rise, however this is a global situation that worldwide countries have not been able to prevent. Lebanon is not an isolated island"

nna-en Thursday, March 12, 2020 6:23:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Let us declare a state of emergency in the country before it is too late, before we all lose a loved one, and before it all gets out of hand!”

arabnews Thursday, March 12, 2020 3:50:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “The Lebanese state will seek to restructure its debts in a manner consistent with the national interest by entering into fair negotiations... with all its creditors,” “Suspending the payment is the only way to go in tandem with the launch of a comprehensive reform programme,”

ahram-EN Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we pay our creditors when the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their own bank accounts?... We will protect bank deposits, especially those of small depositors,”

ahram-EN Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Lebanon is at a crossroads, and the government has devoted itself to studying the financial conditions of the state and the options available to address the deep crisis of public debt,” “Today we are paying the price of wrong policies, and the debt has become greater than Lebanon’s ability to bear it. The Lebanese economy has become the prisoner of these wrong policies,”

ahram-EN Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “According to World Bank estimates, more than 40 per cent of the population may find themselves under the poverty line because the economic model established by previous policies has proven wrong,”

ahram-EN Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab stated : “The balance sheets of the banks and the central bank have become inflated, and this is unfair since only a minority benefits and the majority is negatively affected,”

ahram-EN Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Corruption has exhausted every aspect of the country and become a key component of the state and community. It is not possible to continue borrowing to fund corruption. War, conflict and displacement have also suffocated Lebanon’s economy,”

ahram-EN Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “we are committed to the vision of stability and growth proposed at the Cedar Conference in France, and the reforms agreed upon at the conference will be implemented because they are essential”

ahram-EN Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Lebanon was among the first nations that took measures over the issue of the coronavirus and we followed up on all cases as some voices attacked the government, especially when we announced the closure of schools,” “From the beginning, we took strict and preventative measures at the airport,”

almanar-en Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:47:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I have asked employers in all sectors to take measures to protect employees,”

almanar-en Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:47:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Lebanon was among the first nations that took measures over the issue of the coronavirus and we followed up on all cases as some voices attacked the government, especially when we announced the closure of schools,” “From the beginning, we took strict and preventative measures at the airport,”

naharnet-en Wednesday, March 11, 2020 7:59:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I have asked employers in all sectors to take measures to protect employees,”

naharnet-en Wednesday, March 11, 2020 7:59:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Before entering into details of the policy which we will adopt and the measures we will take. Let me start by describing what is happening to our economy, we all know that a decrease in currency will automatically lead to a loss in value, and these two factors lead to a decrease in imports and thus an economic recession and increase in fiscal deficit, and of course a debt problem which adds to currency shortage. How do we break this vicious circle? At first, we should strengthen the financial situation, secondly restructuring public debt, third thinking about linking the Lira exchange rate to the US dollar, fourth proposing a program of growth reforms, and fifth dealing with banking system restructuring. We are currently studying these measures from two angles: the first is the case that Lebanon obtains external support, and the second is in the absence of this support. In terms of strengthening the financial situation, Finance Ministry statistics show an initial deficit without debt service of 0.6% for year 2019. If the deficit is calculated with debt service, the ratio will reach 11.4% for year 2019. Indicators for 2020 are much worse, as they are expected to rise sharply, and we are now working to develop serious expectations to form the basis for the budget. During the coming period, we will seek a reasonable initial surplus, and this will result in keeping wages under control, repairing electricity and increasing tax revenues through improving tax collection. These reforms will affect growth if we do not invest and spend on large projects as expected in the CEDAR plan. We will protect the poorest groups by launching the necessary safe nets. The restructuring of external debt has begun, and we now have to consider our domestic debt if we want to reduce the interest rate on our budget. Not tackling this problem means leaving it to our future generations, and this is not our intention. It is very essential to prepare the structural reform program. We will seek to develop judicial and anti-corruption reforms and implement structural reforms in energy, water, waste management, education and health sectors. We will also focus on reforms to stimulate growth, such as the bankruptcy law, procurement law, and competition law. These procedures will not pass without repercussions on our banking system. When we discover the magnitude of this effect, we will initiate reforms in the banking sector and seek to restore it to serve the real economy. This package will affect citizens’ lives and pave the way for a better future, and it will be remarkably easy to implement if we rely on external support. This package will be discussed and presented to you in the coming weeks. I would like to point out that the diplomatic missions in Lebanon are encountering problems in utilizing their transfers from abroad to pay missions’ expenses and local employee salaries. After that, the Cabinet presented its reactions to the decision to suspend the Eurobond payment, specified on the 9 th of March, and again heard a number of international consultants, who answered questions of Ministers concerning points related to the decision. The Council of Ministers also studied numerous topics, and discussed the issue of spread of Corona”

nna-en Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:24:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we make outside payments when there are people who cannot even afford bread,”

alarabiya-en Tuesday, March 10, 2020 8:27:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “the Lebanese government will seek to restructure its debts in a way that is consistent with national interest”

middleeastmonitor Monday, March 9, 2020 8:37:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab explained : “secure the basic needs for people”

neurope Monday, March 9, 2020 5:20:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab ajouté : «baisse des dépenses publiques»

lessentiel-lu-fr Sunday, March 8, 2020 6:25:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How can we pay creditors abroad when the Lebanese cannot get their money from their bank accounts?" "Our debt has become greater than Lebanon can bear, and greater than the ability of the Lebanese to meet interest payments"

angop Sunday, March 8, 2020 4:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We are paying the price for the mistakes of the past years. Must we bequeath them to our children?"

angop Sunday, March 8, 2020 4:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,"

brisbanetimes Sunday, March 8, 2020 4:20:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

naharnet-en Sunday, March 8, 2020 2:51:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "the Lebanese state will seek to restructure its debts, in a manner consistent with the national interest"

naharnet-en Sunday, March 8, 2020 2:51:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,"

arkansasonline Sunday, March 8, 2020 2:17:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab asked : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts,"

arkansasonline Sunday, March 8, 2020 2:17:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We are facing a considerable Eurobond debt repayment amounting to around 4.6 billion dollars in principal and interests in 2020, with the first installment due on March 9 (i.e. in two days from now),” “Faced with this major hurdle, we can only make a decision that protects the interests of our nation and our people,”

almanar-en Sunday, March 8, 2020 12:48:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab explained : “Our international reserves have reached critically low levels, forcing the Lebanese Republic to withhold all the payments on the Eurobonds that are due on March 9,” “This decision was not an easy decision; it is the result of thorough assessments (including the financial and legal perspectives) of all available options at all levels,”

almanar-en Sunday, March 8, 2020 12:48:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,"

smh Sunday, March 8, 2020 10:13:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

iran-daily Sunday, March 8, 2020 9:59:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

BangkokPost Sunday, March 8, 2020 9:25:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we pay creditors abroad when the Lebanese cannot get their money from their bank accounts?” “Our debt has become greater than Lebanon can bear, and greater than the ability of the Lebanese to meet interest payments”

nst Sunday, March 8, 2020 5:24:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We are paying the price for the mistakes of the past years. Must we bequeath them to our children?”

nst Sunday, March 8, 2020 5:24:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab disse : “As nossas reservas de moeda estrangeira caíram para níveis preocupantes e isso obriga o governo libanês a suspender o pagamento dos Eurobond que atingem maturidade dia 9 de março, porque precisamos desse dinheiro para o país”

expresso Sunday, March 8, 2020 4:44:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

afp-english Sunday, March 8, 2020 3:54:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,"

brisbanetimes Sunday, March 8, 2020 3:46:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab asked : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

brisbanetimes Sunday, March 8, 2020 3:46:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we pay foreign creditors while the Lebanese cannot access their deposits?”

asiatimes Sunday, March 8, 2020 3:06:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "a worrying and dangerous level which pushes the Lebanese government to suspend payment of the March 9 Eurobond maturity because of a need for these funds"

jordantimes Sunday, March 8, 2020 2:35:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab added : "The Lebanese state will seek to restructure its debts,"

jordantimes Sunday, March 8, 2020 2:35:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Our foreign currency reserves have reached a critical and dangerous level, forcing the Lebanese Republic to suspend payment on its March Eurobond,”

news-yahoo Sunday, March 8, 2020 1:37:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I heard a lot of concerns about depositors. We are still evaluating our options and they are many, but let me be clear; we will protect deposits in the banking sector especially small depositors who represent more than 90% of total bank accounts,”

news-yahoo Sunday, March 8, 2020 1:37:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab disse : “a decisão de suspender o pagamento é o único caminho para parar os atritos e proteger o interesse nacional, lançando ao mesmo tempo um programa abrangente de reformas”

diarioeconomico Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:51:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab déclaré : "Nos réserves en devises ont atteint un niveau inquiétant (...) poussant le gouvernement à suspendre (le paiement d'une dette arrivant) à échéance le 9 mars"

lepetitjournal Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:50:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

timesofmalta Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:42:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How can we pay creditors abroad when the Lebanese cannot get their money from their bank accounts?" "Our debt has become greater than Lebanon can bear, and greater than the ability of the Lebanese to meet interest payments"

channelnewsasia Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:39:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We are paying the price for the mistakes of the past years. Must we bequeath them to our children?"

channelnewsasia Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:39:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we pay the lenders when Lebanese people can’t withdraw funds from their banks?”

middleeasteye Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:28:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab déclaré : "Nos réserves en devises ont atteint un niveau inquiétant (...) poussant le gouvernement à suspendre (le paiement d'une dette arrivant) à échéance le 9 mars"

tv5 Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:28:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The reserves of hard currency have reached a critical and dangerous level,”

nytimes Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:27:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

digitaljournal Saturday, March 7, 2020 11:00:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How can we pay creditors abroad when the Lebanese cannot get their money from their bank accounts?" "Our debt has become greater than Lebanon can bear, and greater than the ability of the Lebanese to meet interest payments"

trust2 Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:55:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We are paying the price for the mistakes of the past years. Must we bequeath them to our children?"

trust2 Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:55:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts?"

ibtimes Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:38:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab déclaré : "Le Liban n'est pas capable de rembourser les échéances de la dette dans les circonstances actuelles"

msn-fr Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:27:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab acrescentou : “O Estado libanês buscará renegociar sua dívida”

istoe Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:25:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab déclaré : "Nos réserves en devises ont atteint un niveau inquiétant (...) poussant le gouvernement à suspendre (le paiement d'une dette arrivant) à échéance le 9 mars"

challenges Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:23:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "How can we pay creditors abroad when the Lebanese cannot get their money from their bank accounts?" "Our debt has become greater than Lebanon can bear, and greater than the ability of the Lebanese to meet interest payments"

4-traders Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:15:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We are paying the price for the mistakes of the past years. Must we bequeath them to our children?"

4-traders Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:15:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The debt has become bigger than Lebanon can bear, and bigger than the ability of the Lebanese to meet interest payments,"

bbc Saturday, March 7, 2020 10:10:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “a worrying and dangerous level which pushes the Lebanese government to suspend payment of the March 9 Eurobond maturity because of a need for these funds,”

kuwaittimes Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:40:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “The Lebanese state will seek to restructure its debts,”

kuwaittimes Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:40:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “How can we make outside payments when there are people who cannot even afford bread,”

alarabiya-en Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:38:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The reserves of hard currency have reached a critical and dangerous level and the public debt became larger than Lebanon could bear,”

alarabiya-en Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:38:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Our foreign currency reserves have reached a critical and dangerous level, forcing the Lebanese Republic to suspend payment on its March Eurobond,”

news-yahoo Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I heard a lot of concerns about depositors. We are still evaluating our options and they are many, but let me be clear; we will protect deposits in the banking sector especially small depositors who represent more than 90% of total bank accounts,”

news-yahoo Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab disse : “a decisão de suspender o pagamento é o único caminho para parar os atritos e proteger o interesse nacional, lançando ao mesmo tempo um programa abrangente de reformas”

bomdia Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,”

ABCnews Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:32:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab asked : “How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts,”

ABCnews Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:32:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab acrescentou : "O Estado libanês buscará renegociar sua dívida"

uol Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:29:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab disse : "a decisão de suspender o pagamento é o único caminho para parar os atritos e proteger o interesse nacional, lançando ao mesmo tempo um programa abrangente de reformas"

24-sapo Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:28:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,"

startribune Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:22:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab asked : "How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts,"

startribune Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:22:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab acrescentou : "O Estado libanês buscará renegociar sua dívida"

em Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:22:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "We are facing a considerable Eurobond debt repayment amounting to around 4.6 billion dollars in principal and interests in 2020, with the first installment due on March 9 (i.e. in two days from now)," "Faced with this major hurdle, we can only make a decision that protects the interests of our nation and our people,"

nna-en Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:09:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab explained : "Our international reserves have reached critically low levels, forcing the Lebanese Republic to withhold all the payments on the Eurobonds that are due on March 9," "This decision was not an easy decision; it is the result of thorough assessments (including the financial and legal perspectives) of all available options at all levels,"

nna-en Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:09:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "Dear fellow Lebanese, Our country is going through a critical period of its history, sailing through rough and turbulent seas. The strong will of the Lebanese people is what is saving our country from sinking. The Lebanese people are known for their zest of life; thus, they have time and time again faced and overcome challenges and crises, no matter how enormous and overwhelming they might have been. This time, the fight is of a different nature. We have to rely on the ability of the Lebanese people to begin a new fight for our independence in order to be freed from the enemy tightening its grip on the present and future of the Lebanese people. Throughout their history, the people of Lebanon have paid a huge price for rising up against injustice, oppression and tyranny. But never did they surrender, nor have they conceded their nation; they have fought for their independence and were always victorious. Dear fellow Lebanese, The exceptional conditions we are currently living through are a reflection of an unprecedented crisis which puts Lebanon at crossroads. The current government has, since the first day of its formation, taken stock at the State's financial situation and reviewed all available options to deal with the profound public debt crisis; the government has worked, day and night, to assess the imbalances and lay the foundations for addressing the situation. October 17 was a rallying cry in the face of corruption, mismanagement, and stifling financial and economic policies. The Lebanese have voiced their rightful demands, lighting the tinder and illuminating the way forward to put an end to corruption, and to the policies that have left us with an overburdened country facing difficulties to pay the accumulated debts and their interests. Is it viable for a country to be built on a leveraged economy? Can a nation ever be free if it is over-indebted? Today, we are paying the price for the mistakes committed years ago. But will we pass them onto our children and future generations? Our debt has become greater than Lebanon can bear, it has exceeded Lebanon's capability to pay its interests. Lebanon has become a prisoner of its own economic policies based on leverage and accumulated interests, which have undermined the productive sectors of our national economy, leaving no light in sight at the end of the tunnel. The people of Lebanon are bitterly struggling with unemployment, a high cost of living and dilapidated infrastructure. All of this is adding to the suffering and hardship of the Lebanese people, increasing their feeling of resentment towards the State. Over the past years, consecutive cabinets have witnessed the depletion of public resources; unable to take the drastic measures to stop the sharp decline of public finances. The Lebanese people have lived a dream which turned into a delusion. The illusion that everything was going well, although Lebanon has been drowning in debts and interest rates including in foreign currency, so much so that the total debt has exceeded 90 billion dollars, i.e. around 170% of the GDP. The decline of foreign currency reserves has put a strain on the national currency, and is limiting the Lebanese people accessing their foreign currency bank deposits, with the formation of a parallel exchange rate market for the dollar against the Lebanese pound. According to World Bank estimates, more than 40% of the population might be soon seeing themselves living below the poverty line. How have we reached such a course? The first reason is the failing economic model laid down by previous policies. This model has been unable to stimulate investment and create job opportunities, leading some Lebanese investing into bonds rather than into the real economy, while the state was caught in a vicious circle of deficit and indebtedness. Today's reality is that for every 1,000 LBP of state revenues, more than 500 LBP go to debt servicing instead of being spent on health, education and infrastructure. This constitutes an unsustainable approach that cannot continue as such, especially as Lebanon is at risk of becoming the most indebted country in the world relative to the size of its economy. This has shifted the main role of the banking sector as supporter and funder of the economic engine to a mediator attracting deposits with high interest rates exceeding, for the dollar, 5 to 10 times that of those provided by other banks around the world and further to the role of creditor granting loans to the State at a higher interest rate. This has led to a budget inflation of the central bank and banking sector, much higher than needed to finance the economy. This has cost our economy an exorbitant price. It is an unfair model benefitting the few and adversely affecting the majority of the population. In fact, out of every 1000 LBP deposited in banks, only around 300 LBP are invested in the real economy. The Lebanese economy is not sufficiently productive, thus it pushes the Lebanese towards importing 80% of consumer goods and services; therefore, we are still spending more dollars than we can attract. The second reason of this crisis is the endemic corruption and mismanagement of public funds, which have placed a heavy burden on the state, dictating our politics, economy, public administration and various areas of daily life. Corruption took a timid start at first, before becoming an integral part of the State, power and society. Today, it is not possible anymore to keep on borrowing to finance corruption. It is time to restore ethical conduct in governance and gain back trust in our State. The third factor is the repercussions of wars and conflicts in the Arab region, especially in terms of economic strangulation and the massive burden of an influx of refugees. Dear fellow Lebanese, We are facing a considerable Eurobond debt repayment amounting to around 4.6 billion dollars in principal and interests in 2020, with the first installment due on March 9 (i.e. in two days from now). Faced with this major hurdle, we can only make a decision that protects the interests of our nation and our people. Our international reserves have reached critically low levels, forcing the Lebanese Republic to withhold all the payments on the Eurobonds that are due on March 9. This decision was not an easy decision; it is the result of thorough assessments (including the financial and legal perspectives) of all available options at all levels. Today, the decision to withhold payment is the only way forward for Lebanon to stop the depletion of its reserves and to protect the public interest, concurrently with the launch of a comprehensive reform agenda to build a resilient and sustainable economy on solid and modern grounds. We have made this decision out of our concern to preserve the interests of all citizens. We have made this decision, because we are determined to restore the state's ability to protect the Lebanese people and provide them with a decent life. How could we pay creditors while the Lebanese people are unable to access their own money in their bank accounts? How could we pay creditors while hospitals are subject to medical supplies shortages, while we cannot provide healthcare services to our citizens? How could we pay creditors while people in the streets have no money to buy their bread? Lebanon is a country that honors its commitments. However, the state is currently unable to pay its upcoming liabilities. In the light of this, the Lebanese government will seek to restructure its debts in a way that is consistent with the national interest, through a fair and good faith negotiation process with its creditors and adhering to best international practices. More than 50 countries have failed to pay their debts; countries which have implemented required reforms have recovered, and that is what we are determined to do in order to overcome the triple crisis Lebanon is facing: the monetary crisis, the banking crisis and the sovereign debt crisis. Since its formation less than one month ago, this government has immediately started working on drafting a reform program based on: The debt restructuring that is part of both, the government's reform program to restore confidence in our country and of our ministerial statement, especially the measures that we promised to take during the first 100-day period. Restoring the balance of public finances is at the forefront of our priorities. If we want to free ourselves from the burden of debt, we cannot spend more than we earn. Lebanon will manage to reduce its spending through long-awaited measures, including the reform of the electricity sector. Our government's gasification plan will generate savings amounting to more than $ 350 million per annum. This is only the beginning. The reform program will also secure additional resources for healthcare, education and infrastructure. I have asked the ministers to propose reforms to make our tax system fair for everyone. We pledge to fight tax evasion while increasing the efficiency of tax collection. We will also launch a social safety net to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Only three weeks after the parliament granted its vote of confidence, this government has embarked upon the preparation of a national anti-corruption strategy. In this regard, a specialized committee will be formed soon, and will be equipped with the necessary powers and autonomy to fulfil its mandate. Since transparency is the best way to fight corruption, this government has submitted a draft law aimed at lifting banking secrecy for everyone who was or is currently involved in public affairs. We have also started the reform of our judiciary system by submitting a list of judge nominations to the Higher Judiciary Council, and law bills are being prepared to improve the outlook of Lebanese businesses and create a favorable environment for investment and growth. These measures will help us transition from a rentier economy to a productive economy. The Lebanon of tomorrow will be the Lebanon of Agriculture, Industry, Knowledge and Technology in addition to the traditional sectors of Trade, Tourism and Services. We will also work on the redeployment of our banking system. The Lebanese economy and its entrepreneurs cannot flourish without the required funding from its banks. But at the same time, we don't need a banking sector four times the size of our economy. We will therefore have to come up with a plan to downsize and restructure the banking sector. I have heard the growing concerns of small depositors. We are still assessing the exact nature of the required adjustments and the various options at hand. But let me be clear: We will endeavor to protect the deposits in the banking sector, especially those of small depositors who represent more than 90% of total accounts. In the meantime, we must stop the financial bleeding of our economy. We will soon propose a special law for the organization of the banking sector and the bank-client relationship, to bring more fairness. This action plan will shape the future economic and financial environment for our country. My Government is committed to this plan. I would like to seize this opportunity to also reaffirm to our international partners the adherence of the Lebanese Government to CEDRE's vision for stability and growth. The reforms agreed at the conference will be implemented, as these are essential to restarting our economy and bringing prosperity to the people of Lebanon. These reforms are important to restore trust and support from our Arab brothers and the international community. The Eurobonds restructuring and reforms will take time and efforts and will certainly require difficult measures. Solidarity, patience and determination are needed to implement these reforms. This is the only way forward to preserve the future and safety of our country and people. Dear fellow Lebanese, Our country is wonderful and exceptional. Our people are unique. I truly believe in our collective and extraordinary talents. Our history teaches us that our biggest enemy has always been: Division. For together we stand and divided we fall. If we stay united throughout this crisis, if we stay focused - not on ourselves, but our nation - I know that we will prevail and build together a stronger and more successful Lebanon. Long Live Lebanon and the people of Lebanon....!"

nna-en Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:09:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,"

bordermail Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:08:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,”

eagletribune Saturday, March 7, 2020 8:48:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,”

beaumontenterprise Saturday, March 7, 2020 8:34:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,”

tribtown Saturday, March 7, 2020 8:32:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "The decision to suspend payment is the only way to stop the attrition and protect our national interests, while at the same time launching a comprehensive reform program,"

startribune Saturday, March 7, 2020 8:19:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “a worrying and dangerous level which pushes the Lebanese government to suspend payment of the March 9 Eurobond maturity because of a need for these funds,”

tribuneonline Saturday, March 7, 2020 8:12:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “The Lebanese state will seek to restructure its debts,”

tribuneonline Saturday, March 7, 2020 8:12:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab déclaré : "Nos réserves en devises ont atteint un niveau inquiétant (...) poussant le gouvernement libanais à suspendre (le paiement d'une dette arrivant) à échéance le 9 mars"

lorientlejour Saturday, March 7, 2020 8:04:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab stated : “The country is going through very difficult days. We are doing everything possible to alleviate the bitterness of this situation, which we are living. We work day and night, and we study all possible options, possibilities and scenarios. The important thing is that we save our country”

nna-en Friday, March 6, 2020 1:16:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have chosen to carry the ball of fire because the country is in great danger and we cannot stand idly by in the face of all that is happening. We will do the impossible to address the accumulations, and unfortunately there are individuals who are doing the impossible to strangle the country,”

naharnet-en Thursday, March 5, 2020 7:31:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “We will carry on with our national mission of rescuing the country and we won’t be affected by the intimidation they are practicing and the truth won’t change despite falsification,”

naharnet-en Thursday, March 5, 2020 7:31:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The decision will preserve the rights of small and medium depositors as well as Lebanon’s interest,”

albawaba-en Thursday, March 5, 2020 1:09:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The state is no longer able to protect its citizens,”

alarabiya-en Thursday, March 5, 2020 8:51:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The decision will preserve the rights of small and medium depositors as well as Lebanon’s interest,”

naharnet-en Tuesday, March 3, 2020 11:47:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “To put it frankly, the state, in view of its current situation, is no more capable of protecting the Lebanese people and ensuring a decent life for them,” “To be transparent, I would say that this state has lost Lebanese people´s confidence,”

thenews-pk Tuesday, March 3, 2020 5:10:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have no choice but to take the path of the Calvary, whatever the sufferings, because other options are much more dangerous,”

thenews-pk Tuesday, March 3, 2020 5:10:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “To put it frankly, the state, in view of its current situation, is no more capable of protecting the Lebanese people and ensuring a decent life for them,” “To be transparent, I would say that this state has lost Lebanese people’s confidence,”

alarabiya-en Monday, March 2, 2020 10:31:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have no choice but to take the path of the Calvary, whatever the sufferings, because other options are much more dangerous,”

alarabiya-en Monday, March 2, 2020 10:31:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “In the coming days, the government will adopt a crucial decision that is very sensitive and critical. It is still under scrutiny, as it represents a major milestone in shaping the future of Lebanon,”

alarabiya-en Monday, March 2, 2020 10:31:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “The decision will preserve the rights of small and medium depositors as well as Lebanon’s interest,”

naharnet-en Monday, March 2, 2020 7:33:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The State is weak and the country is passing through a very difficult stage. The Lebanese fear for their present and for their future. Their fear grows over their financial, economic, social and living situation in addition to health concerns (over coronavirus),”

naharnet-en Monday, March 2, 2020 1:05:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "Despite the difficult circumstances that Lebanon is going through at the financial, economic, daily living and social levels, the French President Emmanuel Macron's honoring of the Lebanese writer Amin Maalouf with the National Order of Merit in the name of the French Republic, comes to reflect Lebanon's correct and civilized image; the Lebanon of culture, creativity and excellence,"

nna-en Sunday, March 1, 2020 5:50:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I expect full support from Europe and the US”

neurope Thursday, February 27, 2020 1:23:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I expect full support from Europe and the US”

neurope Wednesday, February 26, 2020 4:07:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “The crisis that we are passing through today is unprecedented in the history of Lebanon — even in the 1980s and 1990s, when the Lebanese Pound faced sharp decline, the situation was different. Lebanon is going through a turning point in its history and our government is working day and night to find solutions within 30 days to a 30-year crisis”

arabnews Saturday, February 22, 2020 5:14:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : "will help the country on the financial, social, economic and living conditions levels,"

naharnet-en Friday, February 21, 2020 9:29:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “I expect full support from Europe and the US”

neurope Friday, February 21, 2020 4:35:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have started today the first step in solving an accumulation of wrong policies adopted over the past 30 years that led the country to the collapse that we are now living,”

tribtown Friday, February 21, 2020 1:45:00 AM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have started today the first step in solving an accumulation of wrong policies adopted over the past 30 years that led the country to the collapse that we are now living,”

eagletribune Thursday, February 20, 2020 8:40:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have started today the first step in solving an accumulation of wrong policies adopted over the past 30 years that led the country to the collapse that we are now living,”

seattlepi Thursday, February 20, 2020 8:16:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have started today the first step in solving an accumulation of wrong policies adopted over the past 30 years that led the country to the collapse that we are now living,”

ABCnews Thursday, February 20, 2020 8:04:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “We have started today the first step in solving an accumulation of wrong policies adopted over the past 30 years that led the country to the collapse that we are now living,”

beaumontenterprise Thursday, February 20, 2020 8:03:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab said : “Today we started the first step towards tackling the accumulations of 30 years of false policies which brought the country to the collapse which is happening today. Corruption, waste, favoritism, and compromises have exhausted the State’s treasury”

nna-en Thursday, February 20, 2020 5:44:00 PM EAT

Hassan Diab added : “Unfortunately, the country has reached a dead end due to these accumulations, and the fireball has grown a lot, but we were able to gather it and assume our national responsibilities to save Lebanon. Today, officials from the International Monetary Fund began their visit to Lebanon, at Lebanon’s request, and met the delegation in the morning. We launched the workshop and, God willing, we will reach the results which comfort the country at all levels of financial, social, economic and living”

nna-en Thursday, February 20, 2020 5:44:00 PM EAT