IMF Open to Lebanon Negotiations for Economic Reform

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed its willingness to negotiate a new support program with Lebanon's recently formed government, led by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Finance Minister Yassine Jaber emphasized the government's commitment to implementing necessary reforms to revitalize the economy and secure international aid. The IMF's engagement comes after a prolonged political crisis in Lebanon, and discussions will focus on restoring debt sustainability and addressing the country's significant economic challenges. The government's policy statement highlights plans to restructure the banking sector as essential to economic recovery while omitting previous endorsements of Hezbollah's role in defense. An IMF mission is set to visit Beirut in March to further discuss the reforms needed. The new administration faces the dual challenge of managing internal reforms and external diplomatic relations to facilitate aid.