PARIS (FRANCE) – France’s foreign minister said on Thursday that Lebanon was likely to face risks of disappearing. He was talking in the light of inaction of its political elite, from whom quick action was required to implement a new government and bring about crucial reforms for the country.
Jean-Yves Le Drian told, “The international community will not sign a blank cheque if the they (Lebanese authorities) don’t put in place the reforms. They must do it quickly… because the risk today is the disappearance of Lebanon.”
Diplomatic efforts have been on from France for almost two years that would effectively help Lebanon push through reforms and get themselves closer to foreign aid needed to counter a financial meltdown.
In the aftermath of the August 4 blast, President Emmanuel Macron had reached Beirut hoping to put international reconstruction aid to use and to persuade to choose a new administration led by individuals, who were not corrupt and had the backing of foreign donors.
Macron will return to Beirut on September 1.
Le Drian said, “It’s for the Lebanese authorities to assume their responsibilities. They are trained and competent, but they have made a consensus among themselves for inaction and that’s no longer possible. The president told them that when he went on August 6 and will repeat it when he is in Beirut on Tuesday.”
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.