The IMF urged Lebanon to adopt a unified reform program to enhance economic recovery and restore investor confidence. This call came during a meeting with President Joseph Aoun, who affirmed his commitment to reforms. Additionally, Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem reiterated the group’s stance against Israeli presence in southern Lebanon, highlighting internal security and regional tensions.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called for Lebanon to initiate a unified financial reform program to foster economic recovery and restore investor confidence. During a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Ernesto Ramirez Rigo, head of the IMF mission, presented strategies for Lebanon to navigate its financial and economic crisis.
Rigo emphasized the need for a coordinated plan, developed in conjunction with Lebanese institutions, to hasten the country’s recovery. President Aoun expressed gratitude for the IMF’s support and reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to enacting fundamental reforms, stating they are a national priority as well as a prerequisite for international support.
In April 2022, Lebanon and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement for a $3 billion financing program over 46 months. However, several reform measures were outlined as conditions for finalizing this loan agreement.
On a different note, Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem stated that the organization will not allow any Israeli presence in southern Lebanon, reinforcing Hezbollah’s strength and commitment to Lebanon’s defense. In a televised address, he affirmed that Hezbollah maintains military readiness despite the ceasefire agreement, stressing that Israel has made multiple violations of the ceasefire.
Qassem stated that the agreement requires Israel to withdraw past the Litani River and reiterated Hezbollah’s commitment to national stability while asserting the necessity of their arms for resistance against perceived threats from Israel.
The IMF’s advocacy for a unified reform program in Lebanon highlights the urgent need for coordinated financial initiatives to expedite recovery and rebuild investor faith. The Lebanese government, led by President Aoun, appreciates the IMF’s support and emphasizes reform as a national imperative. Concurrently, Hezbollah’s position remains firm against Israeli presence, indicating ongoing regional tensions that may impact Lebanon’s stability. The situation showcases the interplay of domestic governance and external threats, emphasizing the complex challenges facing Lebanon.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
