Ned Price to Al Mayadeen: World Bank aid to Lebanon hangs on 'reforms'
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US State Department Spokesperson calls on Lebanon's leaders to quickly choose a president and form a government.
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US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price
US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price confirmed that appointing a president in Lebanon is up to the Lebanese parliament, calling for taking this step in the nearest time possible and forming a government capable of implementing reforms.
During a press conference, Price responded to a question by Al Mayadeen correspondent about the Lebanese file, saying, "We have repeatedly emphasized that. It is up to the Lebanese parliament to determine who the next president will be according to the demands of the Lebanese people, and they are still facing a number of challenges and major crises."
The Spokesperson called on Lebanon's leaders to choose a president as fast as possible and form a government afterward, saying, "The Lebanese people deserve a political leadership that is willing to put the country's interests first and a government that is capable and willing to implement long-awaited reforms."
He went on to say that "Lebanon needs a government that responds to its people and is in a position to put the country's interests first in terms of making decisions, including decisions that would allow the international community, international financial institutions, and others to remain capable of providing support to the Lebanese people as they have done for so long when it comes to their energy needs."
Regarding the energy file, Price added, "The energy crisis needs a long-term solution within the proposed regional gas agreements with Egypt and Jordan as well," stressing that the implementation of the agreements depends on the financing of the World Bank, which demands a number of reforms that the Lebanese government must undertake.
Regarding the sanctions imposed on Lebanon, the US diplomat claimed that the State Department and Treasury "will review the details to assess and address any potential sanctions-related concerns, but first things first, as there are certain steps that need to be taken prior to that, including forming a government."
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