Lebanese President Michel Aoun, right, meets with David Schenker, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, at the presidential palace, in Baabda east of Beirut, September 10, 2019. AP
Lebanese President Michel Aoun, right, meets with David Schenker, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, at the presidential palace, in Baabda east of Beirut, September 10, 2019. AP
Lebanese President Michel Aoun, right, meets with David Schenker, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, at the presidential palace, in Baabda east of Beirut, September 10, 2019. AP
Lebanese President Michel Aoun, right, meets with David Schenker, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, at the presidential palace, in Baabda east of Beirut, September 10, 2019. AP

US prioritises reforms and fighting corruption for next Lebanese government


Joyce Karam
  • English
  • Arabic

The US government is stressing the need for the new government of Lebanese prime minister-designate, Mustapha Adib, to fight corruption and introduce urgent reforms.

A State Department official indicated on Monday that the US position stems from the ability of such a government in Beirut to carry out these reforms.

“We are aware of Lebanese President [Michel] Aoun’s appointment of diplomat Mustapha Adib as Lebanon’s prime minister-designate on August 31,” the official said without ascribing any position on the credentials of the new Prime Minister, the second to take office this year.

Instead, the US government is setting its sights on the action of the forthcoming cabinet, once and if it is formed.

“Any government must demonstrate it is ready to act in the interests of the Lebanese people by fighting corruption and implementing reforms that can address the demands of the Lebanese people for economic opportunity, accountability, and transparency,” the official added.

It reiterated support for the protestors that have taken to the streets since last October demanding structural reforms to Lebanon’s stricken economy.

Following the August 4 explosion, the US has upped its call for significant reforms in the country, transparency measures, and economic stability.

“Only through charting a new direction dedicated to reform and anti-corruption can the next government help Lebanon exit this current crisis,” the US official said.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), while welcoming the nomination of Mr Adib, highlighted the urgent need for a mandate to carry out major economic reforms. "We welcome the nomination of a new prime minister and hope that a new government will be formed shortly with a mandate to implement the policies and reforms that Lebanon needs to address the current crisis and restore sustainable growth," an IMF spokesperson told The National.

Lebanon has been holding talks with the IMF since last March seeking billions in dollars as a bailout. But the failure of the previous Lebanese government to form a consensus view in its talks with the IMF and failure to carry out banking and public sectors reforms has hindered progress.

The Lebanese currency has lost about  80 per cent of its value since October, and the country finds itself with deepening infrastructure and humanitarian crisis after the explosion.

US Assistant Secretary of State David Schenker is due to arrive in Lebanon on Wednesday.

“He will meet with civil society representatives, discuss US assistance efforts in the wake of the August 4 Beirut port explosion, and urge Lebanese leaders to implement reforms,” the State Department said.

Last month, US Undersecretary of State David Hale visited Lebanon and delivered a stern message to its political leaders urging comprehensive reforms.

Lebanon has accumulated more than $90 billion of debt, equivalent to roughly 170 per cent of the country's gross domestic product, according to Reuters.

The new Prime Minister is seen as a consensus candidate unlike his predecessor Mr Diab who was closer to Hezbollah. The Lebanese militant group has been resistant to an IMF bailout and security reforms that would undercut its influence at different border passages.

It is unclear if growing public pressure following the Beirut explosion has changed Hezbollah’s calculus on the issue or if Mr Adib will have enough leeway to execute such an agenda.

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

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When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi

  

 

 

 

Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.

 

Janet Yellen's Firsts

  • In 2014, she became the first woman to lead the US Federal Reserve 
  • In 1999, she became the first female chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers 
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

RACECARD

4.30pm Jebel Jais – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (Turf) 1,000m
5pm: Jabel Faya – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (T) 1,000m
5.30pm: Al Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m
6pm: The President’s Cup Prep – Conditions (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 2,200m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club – Prestige (PA) Dh125,000 (T) 1,600m
7pm: Al Ruwais – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 1,200m
7.30pm: Jebel Hafeet – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m

Rooney's club record

At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17

At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday (UAE kick-off times)

Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)

Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)

West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)

Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)

Sunday

Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)

Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)

Everton v Liverpool (10pm)

Monday

Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)

Results

Final: Iran beat Spain 6-3.

Play-off 3rd: UAE beat Russia 2-1 (in extra time).

Play-off 5th: Japan beat Egypt 7-2.

Play-off 7th: Italy beat Mexico 3-2.

Cultural fiesta

What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421,  Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day. 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE SPECS

Cadillac XT6 2020 Premium Luxury

Engine:  3.6L V-6

Transmission: nine-speed automatic

Power: 310hp

Torque: 367Nm

Price: Dh280,000

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The Saga Continues

Wu-Tang Clan

(36 Chambers / Entertainment One)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE%20SQUAD
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Washmen Profile

Date Started: May 2015

Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Laundry

Employees: 170

Funding: about $8m

Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures

The%20specs
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Voy!%20Voy!%20Voy!
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The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888