EU Demands “Credible” Govt before More Aid for Beirut Explosion Released

The IMF said on Thursday it was ready to "redouble its efforts" to help Lebanon "overcome the social and economic crisis" once a new government was in place.

"The EU commission supports reaching an agreement with the IMF because that would unlock substantial resources that Lebanon desperately needs to revive its economy," Lenarcic said.

Read also: World Donors Demand Reforms Before Disbursing $300 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Lebanon

Referring to the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, he said it was a "reality in Lebanon", adding that "we would like to see the entire Lebanese political class unite behind the task".

Hezbollah has long been targeted by US sanctions and blacklisted as a "terrorist" organization, but the Shiite group is also a powerful political player with seats in Lebanon's parliament

"We believe it should play its part in this effort," he said. 

(Writer: Bachir El Khoury)

Source: http://u.afp.com/3EVb