Lebanon denies rumors about president’s health

By Gulsen Topcu

BEIRUT (AA) – Lebanon on Monday denied rumors that President Michel Aoun’s health was deteriorating.

In a statement, the presidential press office called for caution against the "lies" by some circles trying to create conflict during a sensitive period for the country, without elaborating.

Aoun on Monday called for lifting banking secrecy from current and future ministers amid mass protests against government plans for tax increases.

"What is happening in the streets reflects people’s pain, but generalizing corruption (charges) against everyone carries big injustice,” Aoun said during a cabinet meeting.

Lebanon has been rocked by mass protests since last week which broke out against government plans to tax calls on WhatsApp and other messaging services.

Although the government dropped the plans, the demonstrations have expanded into wider calls for reform.

Lebanon has one of the world's highest debt burdens, which totaled $86.2 billion in the first quarter of this year. It is accompanied by high youth unemployment that has driven people to the edge.