Head of the Free Patriotic Movement MP Gebran Bassil. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader Gebran Bassil on Friday addressed the preliminary audit report into Lebanon's central bank, Banque du Liban (BDL).
"The most dangerous thing about concealing the initial report of the criminal audit is the lack of a reference in Lebanon in the absence of the president, the existence of a miraculous government, a Parliament that is not held accountable, and the presence of a defendant ruler of the Central Bank," said Bassil in a video posted to social media on Friday.
Earlier this week, the Finance Ministry announced it received a preliminary report from Banque du Liban forensic auditors Alvarez & Marsal (A&M).
Former Finance Minister Salim Jreissati and a cabinet source told L’Orient Today that caretaker Finance Minister Youssef Khalil received the report 15 days ago. Jreissati accused Khalil of withholding the A&M report from the public.
Khalil said the BDL forensic audit could take up to five more months to be finalized, despite already being one year past its deadline. The audit is a key precondition for unlocking a multi-million dollar IMF aid package.
"The ruling system is stronger than the state, even if its foundations are shaken," said Bassil in the video. He stressed that "excuses for concealing the report are worse than guilt," considering that "the report was hidden because it contains a criminal description and a defiance of responsibilities."
"As long as the report remains locked up in drawers, the reform program is locked up," added Bassil. "We will not remain silent and we will succeed in freeing and releasing the report initially.”