Our readers’ views matter to us, so comments to help improve and develop the publication have been especially welcome. We intend to be as responsive as possible to suggestions and would like to address some of the following comments made on Issue 0:

• Create a Web version.
• Add more pages.
• Maintain the independent nature of the publication by excluding pictures of personalities.
• Enlarge the font size.
• Use fewer graphs per page.
• Page titles should be enlarged.

Readers who responded to our queries inquired about a Web version of Ii Monthly. After considerable discussion of the pros and cons of print, compared to electronic formats, we are looking into designing a Web edition as well. Numerous requests for additional pages have led us to incorporate four more pages in the publication, starting with Issue 3. The style features mentioned above are also being reviewed, with each comment and suggestion being given careful consideration. Most importantly, Ii Monthly will continue to provide fresh facts and fair and independent analysis of the issues at hand.

We are committed to providing the highest possible standard of information and invite further suggestions on existing articles as well as future topics to help us make this publication better.

Jawad Adra
Managing Partner

  Current Statistics

• $515 million: Imports to Lebanon that came from the United States in 2001 (7% of total imports).

• 920,000: Number of tourists and Lebanese residing abroad that visited Lebanon in 2001, with an estimated expenditure of $1000 each.

• 88,000: Number of births registered in 2001 versus 20,000 deaths - an increase of 68,000 people and a growth rate of 1.88%.

• $330 million: Cost of interest increased by the Central Bank on treasury bills issued in May 2002 for a duration of 24 months.

• 75,755: Number of suits submitted to Lebanese courts in all the mohafazas from October 2001 - March 2002.

• $7,138 million: Amount transferred from the government’s Independent Municipality Fund to the Ministry of Education as payment to public schools, exempting students from paying registration fees for the academic year 2001-2002

• $180 million: Value of budgeted development and construction contracts supervised by organizations affiliated with the Council of Ministers in 2002.
 

Publications


Information International has developed the ‘Facts’ series of publications for use in understanding key issues facing Lebanon and the Arab world.

Salaries and Remunerations in the Public Sector

In order to undertake administrative reform in Lebanon, the key issue of public sector wages must be addressed so there can be a uniform and fair scale that takes into account the qualifications and duties of each employee. This booklet sheds light on wages and remunerations received by state employees in all departments, revealing the directionary and imbalanced structure the government must confront.

Public Seaside Properties/Occupancies

Reviews the legal history governing public seaside properties and the relevant occupancy issues to be addressed in order to find an adequate solution, as well as an analysis of the different value estimates that are necessary for the resolution of settlement sum dues.

Latest Opinion Polls and Surveys


Emigration Survey and Poll

Details emigration figures and motives of the Lebanese migrant population.

 

Environmental Awareness

Measures the extent of the Lebanese public’s knowledge of environmental issues and ecology in general.

Boycott of American Products

Assesses public opinion and the spectrum of boycott activities, ranging from products and services to institutions targeted by the Lebanese public.

Social Security Survey and Poll

Examines the state of the National Social Security Fund, the number of people covered, fees, opinions on how to improve its efficiency and coverage, as well as the impact of disagreements on the fund’s management.

Importance of Opinion Polls

Evaluates the Lebanese public’s regard for opinion polling and the value of information gathered by this method.