Aoun criticizes BDL for delays in handing over forensic audit data

BEIRUT – The presidency took aim at Banque Du Liban in a statement Monday over delays in handing over data for the long-awaited forensic audit, saying it hoped the Central Bank “doesn’t have anything to hide in its accounts.”

Here’s what we know:

    • Aoun said he had previously warned against deliberate procrastination from the Central Bank in delivering the required information for the forensic audit by firm Alvarez & Marsal.

    • The forensic audit was approved by the Council of Ministers in a session held in July 2020. In addition, obstacles to this process were removed by a law approved by Parliament to lift secrecy on all BDL accounts, the statement added.

    • The president also met National Defense Minister Maurice Slim Monday at Baabda Palace, who briefed him on efforts to grant retired and current soldiers social assistance.

    • The cabinet had previously approved a transfer allowance for the military, based on the proposal of Slim, at a monthly value of LL1.2 million for all military personnel in active service in all military apparatuses.​