The members of the U.N. Security Council "took note positively of the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Lebanon on 24 January," the U.N. said in a statement.

"As the Lebanese population is facing dire needs and has expressed legitimate aspirations for reforms, elections and justice, the members of the Security Council urged expeditious and effective decisions by the government to initiate measures, including the swift adoption of an appropriate budget for 2022 that would enable the quick conclusion of an agreement with the IMF," the U.N. added.

Prime Minister Najib Miqati held talks Friday at the Baabda Palace with President Michel Aoun.

U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka and U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Najat Rochdi have posted tweets commemorating slain Lebanese activist and researcher Lokman Slim, on the first anniversary of his assassination.

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea has delivered a speech marking the one-year anniversary of the assassination of prominent Lebanese activist and researcher Lokman Slim.

Below is the full text of the ambassador's speech as delivered during a ceremony commemorating the slain activist:

Cabinet convened Thursday at the Grand Serail to resume the discussion of the 2022 draft budget.

Acting information minister Abbas Halabi said, when the session ended, that all food and medical imports will be exempted from all kinds of fees and charges.

Acting information minister Abbas Halabi said Cabinet has discussed the land transport sector demands, in its session today, Wednesday.

Taxi and public transportation drivers had started on Wednesday a three-day strike to pressure the government to take a decision on improving the conditions of the drivers.

Director General of Economy Ministry Mohammad Abou Haidar raided Wednesday supermarkets in Beirut in order to control prices violations.

Fines were issued against violators.

President Michel Aoun warned Wednesday that every one responsible for the financial disaster will be exposed.

"The game has reached its final stages," Aoun said.

The European Union and the Samir Kassir Foundation launched Wednesday the 17th edition of the “Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press”.

Cabinet convened Wednesday at the Grand Serail to resume the discussion of the 2022 draft budget.

Cabinet discussed the so-called customs dollar but no agreement was reached concerning the LBP to USD exchange rate that will be used to calculate customs on imports. The current rate is 1,500 Lebanese Lira to 1 dollar. The issue will be postponed to another session.