Prime Minister Nawaf Salam responded to the positions of Lebanese Forces party leader Samir Geagea, clarifying the circumstances surrounding what was raised regarding the Foreign Minister's role in foreign policy, alongside the path of financial reforms and the financial gap law. He said in a statement: "I listened to Dr. Samir Geagea's speech today and his remarks caught my attention on two matters: First, while I appreciate the Hakim's keenness on the work of institutions, the constitution stipulates that the Council of Ministers is the body that sets the general policy of the government in all fields, including foreign policy, while each minister manages the affairs of their ministry and applies this policy within their powers. Hence, the foreign policy of the Lebanese state is not the policy of an individual or a ministry isolated from the government. As for the formation of official delegations and the participation of ministers in external visits, they are determined according to the nature of each visit, its agenda, and requirements. I am in constant coordination and cooperation with His Excellency Minister Raggi in everything related to foreign policy. In this context, and as the Foreign Minister knows, he is scheduled to accompany me to the meetings of the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly as required by the nature of the mission and the meetings expected during it. I have also asked him to participate with me afterwards in the meeting I will hold with the US Secretary of State in Washington. There is no diminishing of his role or exclusion of him. Second, regarding financial reforms. In less than a year of its work, the government has completed the preparation of three essential reform bills in this field, which are laws related to banking secrecy, banking reform, and what is known as the financial gap. The government is not tossing responsibility back and forth with Parliament. After the approval of the first two laws, the financial gap law has remained in the custody of Parliament for more than nine months. I reassure the Hakim and everyone concerned that the government is not about to withdraw it as some are spreading, but rather it still looks forward to starting its discussion in the parliamentary committees and approving it by Parliament as soon as possible, and it is following up on the matter closely with those concerned in Parliament to expedite that. Neither the Lebanese, especially depositors, can bear - and rightfully so - any further delay. Moreover, any procrastination in this area puts our credibility with the International Monetary Fund at stake. Let everyone concerned also be reassured that the government is in almost daily contact with the International Monetary Fund to speed up reaching an agreement; there is no procrastination, prevarication, or delay from our side."