The Regie asks banks to pay farmers' dues

The Regie Libanaise de Tabacs et Tombacs announced in a statement two days ago that, based on complaints it received about the manipulation of tobacco farmers on part of the Lebanese banks through so-called installment reimbursement of their dues, the Regie intervened to resolve the matter. The statement went on to say, that in a letter to the Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh and concerned banking institutions, the Regie asked for facilitating the process of payments and refraining from charging farmers ridiculous financial deductions, safeguarding the dignity of this struggling working class. Recalling, that the Regie has deposited LBP 100 billion worth of funds at banks as part of compensation of the debts for tobacco growers accumulated over a 12 month period. (Al Diyar, December 19, 2019)