DAILY NEWS

Salameh Discusses New Dollar Withdrawal Plan
In an interview with Al Hadath yesterday, central bank governor Riad Salameh discussed a new plan that will allow depositors to finally access their US dollars in Lebanese banks. Starting in June, depositors will be able to withdraw $50,000 which means $25,000 in US dollar bills and the other $25,000 in Lebanese pounds at the market exchange rate. [Al Arabiya]

UN Special Tribunal for Lebanon Running Out of Funds
Amid Lebanon’s economic crises, the UN Special Tribunal for Lebanon has run out of funding. The tribunal that was set up to prosecute perpetrators of PM Rafik Hariri’s assassination in 2005 is in financial trouble which puts future trials at risk. [Reuters]

Political Talks Resume Upon Hariri’s Return to Beirut
Talks have resumed between political leaders regarding the formation of a government upon Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri’s return to Beirut. Sources say Hariri and Free Patriotic Movement officials showed “flexibility” after a conversation with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. [Naharnet] In a statement from the UN office in Beirut, Deputy UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Najat Rochdi urged the formation of a government that is “competent, empowered, and representative of its people.” [The Daily Star]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Standing Up For Lebanon – Recent US Words and Actions
Jean AbiNader

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.