Aoun: 'Reform takes time, but the train is now on the right track'

BEIRUT — President of the Republic Joseph Aoun met Wednesday at Baabda Presidential Palace with a delegation from the Association of Beirut Merchants, led by Nicolas Chammas, and reaffirmed his commitment to implementing essential reforms for Lebanon’s economic recovery.

“Merchants play an important role in Lebanese economic life,” Aoun said during the meeting, adding that “the state has decided to implement necessary reforms, combat corruption and waste, and is determined to enforce laws in this area, with support from the judiciary, which has begun to step up its efforts.”

Acknowledging the challenges facing both the delegation and the Lebanese public, Aoun said reform “takes time, but the train is now on the right track.” He praised the resilience of the Lebanese, especially merchants, “who continue to endure without giving up despite immense difficulties,” and called for “solidarity and unity to move Lebanon forward.”

“Nothing is impossible,” Aoun added. “Yes, the difficulties are real, but they can be overcome through the combined efforts of the state, the people, and all sectors, including the commercial sector.”

On the security front, Aoun said the situation “has become more stable, which gives cause for optimism,” and stressed that security forces are fulfilling their duties. He noted the army “continues to extend its authority across the country despite limited resources.”

He also referenced ongoing coordination with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and both Lebanese and Palestinian security forces to address the issue of weapons in Palestinian refugee camps, saying that “significant steps have been taken.”

Aoun further discussed several infrastructure-related projects under development with Arab countries, and noted that preparations for an international conference on Lebanon’s reconstruction are advancing in coordination with the International Monetary Fund.

For his part, Chammas said the commercial sector has “suffered greatly” and stressed the urgent need to strengthen customs enforcement and shut down illegal border crossings.

Aoun : « La réforme demande du temps, mais le train est désormais sur la bonne voie »