The IMF urged Lebanon to adopt a unified financial reform programme to aid economic recovery during a meeting with President Joseph Aoun. The IMF emphasized the need for a coordinated plan to restore investor confidence, while Aoun expressed commitment to necessary reforms. Hezbollah’s Secretary General reaffirmed the group’s stance against Israeli presence in southern Lebanon.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on Lebanon to implement a cohesive financial reform programme aimed at strengthening economic recovery and restoring investor confidence. During a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace, Ernesto Ramirez Rigo, the head of the IMF mission to Lebanon, articulated the IMF’s strategy for guiding Lebanon out of its financial and economic turmoil.
Rigo emphasized the importance of a well-coordinated reform plan developed collaboratively with Lebanese institutions and the IMF to expedite the nation’s recovery. President Aoun expressed his appreciation for the IMF’s support and reiterated Lebanon’s dedication to enacting the necessary reforms, deeming them a national priority rather than solely an international obligation.
In April 2022, Lebanon and the IMF reached a preliminary agreement regarding a $3 billion financial package over 46 months. Nevertheless, the IMF outlined essential reform measures that Lebanon must address to secure the final agreement for the release of these funds.
In related political developments, Hezbollah’s Secretary General, Naim Qassem, stated that the organization will not allow any Israeli presence in southern Lebanon, affirming Hezbollah’s strength and commitment to national defense. During a televised interview, he revealed that while Hezbollah observed a ceasefire agreement, the group remained fully prepared for military action.
Qassem noted that Israel had violated terms of the ceasefire numerous times within the last sixty days and reiterated that Hezbollah’s defensive capabilities are crucial in confronting Israeli threats. He insisted that resistance against Israel remains a legitimate right for Lebanon.
The IMF’s call for a unified reform programme in Lebanon highlights the urgent need for coordinated measures to enhance economic recovery and restore investor confidence. The commitment from President Aoun to prioritize reforms underscores the seriousness of addressing Lebanon’s financial crisis. Furthermore, Hezbollah’s stance on national defense and internal security reflects the ongoing complexities within Lebanon’s political landscape.
Original Source: www.thehansindia.com
