IMF says open to discussions on new Lebanon deal
The International Monetary Fund said Tuesday it is open to a new loan agreement with Lebanon following discussions with its recently-appointed finance minister.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam formed a new government this month, ending more than two and a half years of caretaker leadership.
Salam tapped Yassine Jaber, a former economy and transport minister, to head the finance ministry, an important position as the new administration weighs whether to implement painful economic reforms in exchange for fresh financial support from the Fund.
Lebanon's economy has been in shambles for years, a collapse blamed on corruption and mismanagement.
"We look forward to working with the President and new government in addressing the major challenges that the Lebanese economy faces," an IMF spokesperson said in a statement shared with AFP, referring to President Joseph Aoun.
"This could include discussions on a new program that could help restore external and debt sustainability and rehabilitate the economy if the authorities request it."
The IMF's comments follow Jaber's meeting with the Fund's resident representative in Lebanon, Frederico Lima, earlier Tuesday.
Jaber told Lima that "the government and specifically the finance ministry have a keen interest in achieving an agreement with the IMF," according to a statement from the finance ministry.
He added that the authorities were aware of the importance of the IMF's role "in proceeding along the path of reforms and attracting the international community again and in incentivizing it (the international community) to assist Lebanon."
19 February 2025, 18:08
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It is unbelievable that our government is still borrowing money to help supporters of an Iranian Foreign Legion brigade (Hizbollah) instead of confiscating all properties and arm depots owned by Hizbollah and putting Hizb leaders in jail. They are Iranian mercenaries that have bankrupted Lebanon, occupied the country turning it into an Iranian rocket base, and destroyed our economy and all government institutions forcing two thirds of Lebanese below poverty line with many unable to afford food or medicine. The money for repairing the damage caused by HizbIran wars should come from the criminal Iranian regime through courts. Hizb arms and salaries were paid by Iran as proudly declared by Nassrallah. This war was not Lebanon war but Iran mercenaries (Hizbollah) war for Iranian objectives. Iran has $120 billion in frozen funds from the Shah days. All victims of Hizb wars, especially dual nationals, should sue Iran in international courts.
