The IMF has called for a unified financial reform programme in Lebanon to boost economic recovery and restore investor confidence. During discussions with President Aoun, the need for a collaborative plan was stressed. In parallel, Hezbollah’s Secretary General reaffirmed the group’s stance against Israeli presence in southern Lebanon, emphasizing national defense and stability.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) called on Lebanon to implement a comprehensive financial reform programme to promote economic recovery and restore investor confidence. During a meeting at Baabda Palace with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Ernesto Ramirez Rigo, the head of the IMF mission to Lebanon, articulated the Fund’s strategy for helping Lebanon navigate its financial crisis.
Rigo emphasized the importance of a coordinated reform plan developed collaboratively with Lebanese institutions and the IMF to expedite the nation’s recovery process. In response, President Aoun expressed gratitude for the IMF’s support and reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to prioritizing necessary reforms, viewing it as a national responsibility as well as an international obligation.
In April 2022, the IMF had reached a staff-level agreement with Lebanon to provision $3 billion in a financing programme spanning 46 months. However, the agreement hinges on Lebanon fulfilling specific reform prerequisites prior to the disbursement of these funds.
On a different note, Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem recently declared that the organization will not tolerate any Israeli presence in southern Lebanon, highlighting Hezbollah’s strength and commitment to national defense. During an interview with al-Manar TV, Qassem elaborated on maintaining military readiness while adhering to the ceasefire agreement.
He condemned numerous Israeli violations over the past two months, reiterating that Israel must withdraw beyond the Litani River as stipulated by the ceasefire agreement. On domestic affairs, Qassem reinforced Hezbollah’s commitment to national stability while asserting the necessity of the group’s arms for confronting Israel, framing the ongoing conflict as an existential threat to Lebanon.
In summary, the IMF has urged Lebanon to pursue a unified reform approach to catalyze economic recovery, signifying a critical step towards restoring investor confidence. The Lebanese government recognizes this as a national priority, entailing necessary reforms to access anticipated financial support. Concurrently, Hezbollah maintains its defensive posture against Israeli threats, underlining the complex interplay of domestic stability and regional security in Lebanon.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
