Lebanese Defence Minister Accuses IMF Of Basing Support On Political Considerations

BEIRUT, July 2 (NNN-NNA) – Lebanese Defence Minister, Zeina Akar, accused the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of basing its support for Lebanon on political considerations, LBCI TV channel reported.

“The IMF decided not to open up to our government, even if it announces readiness to offer great support, when structural reforms are achieved,” Akar said.

Lebanon must not wait for foreign aid, she added, noting, officials can save the country if they work seriously on structural reforms without wasting more time.

Lebanon held several negotiations with IMF in hope of accessing foreign aid and saving the country from its economic and financial crisis.

However, Lebanese officials have not yet been able to take proper reforms, raising concerns among IMF officials about Lebanon’s seriousness about making changes.

Earlier in the day, France expressed concern over the deepening economic and financial crisis in Lebanon, urging the government to implement necessary reforms, in exchange for help from the international community.