Fouad Makhzoumi, President of the National Dialogue Party and Member of Parliament, accompanied by his political adviser, Dr. Carol Zouein, visited President of the Republic General Michel Aoun at the Presidential Palace in Baabda. They discussed the situation in Lebanon and the region.

Following the meeting, Makhzoumi said that the discussion covered the overall situation in the country, particularly in light of the difficult health and economic conditions affecting the daily lives of the Lebanese people.

While welcoming the economic recovery plan approved by the government and acknowledging its positive aspects, he stressed that the most important priority was to implement the required reforms. Lebanon is facing severe crises on several fronts, from the uncontrolled fluctuation of the US dollar exchange rate and the sharp rise in prices to the collapse of the banking sector.

He emphasized the need to control illegal border crossings and put an end to the smuggling of flour, fuel, electronics, and other goods into Syria, noting that such unchecked activity is an integral part of the crisis involving the squandering of public funds.

He pointed out that the most urgent priority today is to find solutions to the cost-of-living crisis in order to restore the confidence of a distressed population, preserve the country’s stability, and improve Lebanon’s image in the eyes of the international community.

Makhzoumi also expressed surprise at the confrontational rhetoric, tensions, and regrettable conflicts among certain political forces, including divisions within the same political camp. He said that the situation in Lebanon calls for higher standards of conduct and a stronger sense of national responsibility.

Separately, Makhzoumi stressed the need to tighten measures to combat the coronavirus, particularly following the rise in infections witnessed over the past few days. He called on the Lebanese people to adhere to the necessary preventive measures and demonstrate awareness and patience in order to overcome this ordeal.