The council issued a statement stating that the Port of Beirut is considered one of the most important vital facilities in Lebanon due to its national, economic, and strategic importance, which requires management characterized by integrity, transparency, and professional competence. It added that the new council, since assuming responsibility after its appointment by the Council of Ministers, has conducted a comprehensive review of the financial and administrative decisions of the previous council, including decisions related to tenders and contracts under consideration, in order to improve management and ensure sound administration of the port.
Regarding the widespread salary of the Director-General, the council affirmed that the figure circulating in the media is “completely incorrect” and exceeds the actual salary by many times, stressing that determining salaries at the port is subject to clear mechanisms and specific standards in the collective labor agreement signed between the port administration and the employees’ union for years.
The council clarified that the measures it is currently taking aim to enhance transparency and apply the applicable laws and regulations, in line with the reformist direction pledged by the government, noting that the published article relies on incorrect information.
The statement concluded by emphasizing that the Board of Directors and Investment of the Port of Beirut is collectively committed, in coordination between its members, to serving the public interest away from media disputes, while reserving the right to take appropriate legal measures against any party that harms the work of the council or the reputation of its members. It also requested the media outlet that published the allegations to publish this clarification in respect of professional integrity and the right of citizens to know the truth.
