President Michel Aoun affirmed that "the crises that Lebanon is experiencing have accumulated over thirty years," emphasizing particularly the "government crisis and the significant financial crisis that have affected residents as well as the community abroad." He noted that "the financial crisis was impacted by the repercussions of the war in Syria, following the closure of Lebanon's border crossings and its disconnection from Arab countries, in addition to the influx of about 1.85 million Syrians, which has placed a heavy burden on Lebanon."
During a meeting this morning at the Baabda Palace with a delegation from the Lebanese Cultural University in the World from five continents, led by the President of the University’s Administrative Board Abbas Fawaz, and including First Deputy Jihad Al-Hashem, Vice Presidents Irene Al-Berkhet Shami, Ali Al-Nasr, Jamal Rajeh, and Muhammad Al-Jozou, Assistant Secretary General Bassam Haddad, and Legal Advisor François Alaim, President Aoun emphasized the need "to form a government so that Lebanon can negotiate with financial institutions that have expressed a desire to assist it." He considered that "Lebanese expatriates can help their country by establishing institutions within it and creating job opportunities for the youth to reduce their desire to emigrate due to the current conditions."
He highlighted "the importance of working to strengthen the unity of the Lebanese Cultural University in the world and maintaining Lebanon as a universal homeland given the presence of Lebanese talents across continents." The President stressed "the importance of enhancing the unity of the university," hoping that "the next government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can increase cooperation among the expatriate Lebanese." He affirmed "the necessity of preserving this universal homeland due to the presence of Lebanese talents across the continents." He expressed his commitment to "representing expatriate talents in the Parliament, which we have pursued," and wished for the delegation members to "visit Lebanon periodically to strengthen the connection between expatriate Lebanese and the motherland."
For his part, the President of the University’s Administrative Board, Abbas Fawaz, conveyed the expatriates' greetings to the President, who is keen on preserving the Lebanese Republic. He discussed "uniting the university across six continents and activating its councils and branches despite the COVID-19 pandemic," expressing hope for "an international conference to be held under President Aoun's patronage when circumstances allow." He stated: "The destruction of state institutions and their undermining means chaos, which Lebanon does not deserve. Therefore, we wish you, Mr. President, to maintain the political, security, economic, and social state institutions that you are keen to preserve."
