IMF technical team to start Lebanon talks on Thursday

Breaking Headlines
17-02-2020 | 08:47
High views
Share
LBCI
Share
LBCI
Whatsapp
facebook
Twitter
Messenger
telegram
telegram
print
IMF technical team to start Lebanon talks on Thursday
LBCI
Watch now
More details about online video viewing packages
Whatsapp
facebook
Twitter
Messenger
telegram
telegram
print
Whatsapp
facebook
Twitter
Messenger
telegram
telegram
print
2min
IMF technical team to start Lebanon talks on Thursday
A team of IMF experts will begin consultations with the Lebanese government in Beirut on Thursday, a source familiar with the matter said, as the heavily indebted state seeks the Fund's help in addressing a major financial crisis.
 
Lebanon formally requested IMF technical assistance last week. The IMF has said Lebanon is seeking advice to help with reforms to restore stability and growth and has not asked for any financial assistance.
 
The source gave no further details on the IMF visit.
 
The financial crisis, worse than any Lebanon endured in its 1975-90 civil war, came to a head last year as slowing capital inflows led to a liquidity crunch and demonstrations erupted against the ruling elite.
 
Banks are imposing controls on access to cash and blocking transfers abroad, the Lebanese pound has slumped, prices are rising and firms are shedding jobs or slashing wages.
 
Lebanon must urgently decide on how to deal with fast-approaching debt payments, including a $1.2 billion Eurobond due on March 9. Lebanon's public debt is equivalent to around 150% of its GDP.
 
Speaking in Dubai on Sunday, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said Lebanon needed urgent and deep structural reforms. The IMF was sending a small technical team to "give a diagnostic recommendation on measures to take" though it was up to Lebanon to take decisions, she said.
 
Even as it seeks IMF technical help, comments attributed to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri last week indicated Lebanon's opposition to a full IMF program. He said Lebanese would not be able to bear IMF conditions.
The World Bank, which was already projecting a small recession in 2019, estimates that it will now be deeper.
 
 
 
 
REUTERS
 
 
 
 
To watch the full report, please click on the video above.
 
 
 
 

Breaking Headlines

IMF

Lebanon

Crisis

Subscribe to our VOD
SUBSCRIBE
Our visitors readings
d-none hideMe
LBCI
Middle East News
2025-09-22

Western powers recognize Palestinian state, drawing Israel’s fury

LBCI
Lebanon News
2025-10-30

Lebanese Army urges ceasefire committee to halt ongoing Israeli violations

LBCI
News Bulletin Reports
2025-10-20

Grade-tampering scandal rocks Lebanese University’s law faculty — the details

LBCI
Lebanon Economy
03:20

Lebanon sees new fuel price hike as gas drops slightly

Videos
d-none hideMe
LBCI
Lebanon News
2025-10-04

Meet Miss Lebanon 2025 contestants: Video

LBCI
Lebanon News
2025-10-02

Series of Israeli airstrikes spark massive fire in southern Lebanon

LBCI
Lebanon News
2025-09-07

Lunar eclipse captivates Lebanon: watch the stunning video

Most read
d-none hideMe
24 hours
7 days
Month
LBCI
News Bulletin Reports
13:10

Israel at ‘point of no return’: Is another Lebanon war inevitable? The details

LBCI
Lebanon News
08:40

President Aoun: Negotiation is Lebanon's only path forward

LBCI
Lebanon News
05:59

Israel strikes vehicle in Doueir in South Lebanon

LBCI
Lebanon News
15:02

Cancer cases in Lebanon reach highest rate in region, health minister tells LBCI

LBCI
News Bulletin Reports
13:08

Missing funds widen probe as treasury scandal rocks Beirut Municipality

LBCI
News Bulletin Reports
13:00

Inside the Shatila shooting: What investigators found about Elio Abou Hanna's death

LBCI
Lebanon News
07:25

Israeli strike targets motorcycle in Aita al-Shaab in South Lebanon

LBCI
Lebanon News
12:02

33,390 expat registration requests submitted for Lebanon’s upcoming elections; deadline set for Nov. 20

Download now the LBCI mobile app
To see the latest news, the latest daily programs in Lebanon and the world
Google Play
App Store
Download now the LBCI mobile app
We use
cookies
We use cookies to make
your experience on this
website better.
Accept
Learn More