Clarification from the Ministry of Finance Regarding the Funding of Foreign Minister's Travel to New York

The media office of the Ministry of Finance clarified the confusion surrounding the funding of Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib's travel and the accompanying delegation to New York. It stated that "the delay that occurred is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance, as this delay in securing funding is due to an oversight in preparing the necessary budgetary allocations by the administrative authorities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the lack of follow-up on the transactions needed for the Ministry of Finance to disburse the required amount. It is worth noting that the General Directorate of Public Finance signed a decision allowing the Treasury Directorate to pay an emergency advance of one billion Lebanese pounds on July 18, 2023, which is sufficient to cover the travel costs amounting to $9,092."