EU Welcomes Lebanese Govt After Confirmation

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The European Union welcomed Tuesday the confirmation of Mikati's government, calling on Lebanon to start making urgent reforms to take the country out of its stifling crisis.

"The announced agenda of the new government outlines important steps to address Lebanon's multifaceted crises, including resuming negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, implementing structural reforms, notably of the electricity sector, and holding the 2022 elections as scheduled," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. 

Lebanon has long been suffering from a power crisis that has seen its cities submerged in darkness, in addition to an economic crisis that saw its currency losing much of its value. The currency lost up to 90% of its value in light of a high inflation rate and a rising unemployment rate.

"It is now time to begin the path to recovery with the credible implementation of urgent and essential reforms to address the needs and demands of the Lebanese people," Borrell added.

He also asserted that all Lebanese political parties and their leaders are responsible for supporting and actively contributing to efforts to pull the country out of its crisis.

The EU had previously threatened the political leaders in Lebanon with sanctions had they not come together to form a government amid concerns over the country's future and stability.

Mikati in France

According to French President Emmanuel Macron's public schedule, he will be hosting the new Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Friday.

Mikati had met with the French ambassador to Lebanon, Anne Grillo. The two discussed the situation in Lebanon and bilateral relations between Paris and Beirut.

These developments come after the new Lebanese government gained Parliament's confidence on Monday with a majority of 85 to 15 votes.