In a show of support, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Wednesday proposed inviting embattled central bank governor Riad Salameh to a Cabinet meeting.
It followed "lots of discussion about the matter of the relationship with the banks," Information Minister Ziad Al Makary said.
It was an apparent reference to a standoff between Lebanese banks and members of the judiciary who have frozen the assets of seven lenders this month. Mr Salameh himself is facing charges of embezzlement and corruption – which he denies.
Banks went on strike earlier this week in protest over the judicial orders.
No date had been set for Mr Salameh to attend a cabinet meeting, Reuters reported, citing Mr Makary.
The move would be a show of support after Mr Salameh who was charged with illicit enrichment. Mr Salameh has denied the charge brought against him by a Lebanese judge on Monday.
It was the first charge to be brought against the governor, whose wealth is also being probed by authorities in at least five European countries.
Denying the charge, Mr Salameh said he had ordered an audit, which showed public funds were not a source of his wealth.
His tenure has faced increased scrutiny since the financial system imploded in 2019, the most destabilising crisis since Lebanon’s 1975-90 civil war.
Judge Ghada Aoun charged Mr Salameh in absentia.
Last week, judge Aoun charged Riad's brother, Raja Salameh, in the same case and ordered his arrest. He has since been detained.
Mr Raja Salameh’s lawyer has said allegations of illicit enrichment and money laundering against his client were unfounded.
Mr Riad Salameh faces other investigations, including a Swiss inquiry over alleged aggravated money laundering at the central bank involving $300 million in gains by a company owned by his brother.
Judge Aoun's critics accuse her of acting in line with the political agenda of President Michel Aoun, who appointed her as a prosecutor and whose Free Patriotic Movement wants Mr Riad Salameh removed from his post.
Judge Aoun says she is applying the law.
Mr Riad Salameh has described accusations against him as politically motivated.
Gothia Cup 2025
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1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
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15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Profile of Hala Insurance
Date Started: September 2018
Founders: Walid and Karim Dib
Based: Abu Dhabi
Employees: Nine
Amount raised: $1.2 million
Funders: Oman Technology Fund, AB Accelerator, 500 Startups, private backers
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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