The United States on Tuesday urged the new Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati to form as soon as possible a government capable of pulling his country out of the serious crisis in which it is plunged.
Read also: In Lebanon, an endless political crisis
"
The United States renews its call to quickly form a government
" that is committed "
to implementing essential reforms
," Jalina Porter, a spokeswoman for the State Department, told reporters.
Najib Mikati on Tuesday promised to form a new government as soon as possible, after a marathon day of consultations with the main parliamentary blocs.
One of the most serious crises in the world since 1850
The country defaulted on its debt in March 2020, and has since sunk into what the World Bank calls one of the most serious crises in the world since 1850. It has been managed for almost a year by an interim government which only takes care of day-to-day business.
Read also: Lebanon: electricity shortages caused by the crisis affect the country's vital sectors
Already twice appointed prime minister in the past, the wealthy businessman Najib Mikati was appointed on Monday, a few days after Saad Hariri's challenge.
Since the end of August 2020, this has been the third prime minister appointed to form a government of "mission" demanded internationally, in particular by France, which last year proposed a plan of economic reforms and the fight against corruption in return. a release of crucial financial assistance.
Najib Mikati, 65, is seen by many in Lebanon as one of the symbols of a power accused of corruption and nepotism and is suspected of illicit enrichment.
