The new Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has said he is seeking to negotiate with international bodies and organizations to obtain the necessary support for his country, which urgently needs assistance.
During an interview with the Arabic Al-Sharq TV channel, he said: “We no longer have money to support the economy… The things that the International Monetary Fund will require to support Lebanon are being implemented, and we will then request the necessary assistance to provide foreign exchange to carry out the basic elements of a decent life in Lebanon.”
Lebanon is going through a major economic and political crisis. The World Bank has termed it as one of the deepest recessions recorded in modern times.
The Lebanese leader told Al-Sharq TV, partly owned by Bloomberg, that the economic reform plan is present, but he cannot reveal it before it is presented to the Council of Ministers.
He noted that it contains seven or eight basic articles that “we must cooperate with the Parliament to issue laws” of its own.
He told Al-Sharq: “I will not ask for a three-month (preparatory) grace period, because what is required is for me to solve these issues as soon as possible.”
Mikati added: “I want to stop the free decline in Lebanon… I will work hard to reach a satisfactory agreement with the International Monetary Fund… and that it will be good for Lebanon.”
The Lebanese prime minister believes one of the reasons behind his country reaching the current situation is the disconnect that occurred between it and many countries, especially the Arab nations.
He said, “I want to completely restore communication with the Arab countries and open up to the countries of the world with which communication has been cut off.”