Vice Prime Minister, Caretaker Minister of Defense, Zeina Akar, on Friday welcomed a delegation comprising of Beirut Port Blast victims’ families, who gave the Minister a briefing on the latest developments concerning their case.

Both sides stressed the need to follow up on the cases of the late victims after they have been considered military martyrs in accordance with Law No.196. They also underlined the need to start receiving benefits and compensations from the Ministry of Finance.

Akar confirmed that 48 files have been finalized and sent to the Ministry of Finance, which in turn is working to send them back for swift implementation, adding that eight new complete files will be sent next Monday to make a total of 56 files.

“13 out of 48 file holders will soon begin to receive compensations,” she added, underlining  “the importance of not wasting time handling this national responsibility.