France reiterated on Thursday its call for the rapid formation of a new government in Lebanon after the resignation of that of Hassan Diab and for the adoption of "emergency" reforms, warning that the country was otherwise in danger of disappearing.
"The risk today is the disappearance of Lebanon, so these measures must be taken," insisted French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on RTL radio. Beyond the humanitarian emergency and the "process of solidarity with Lebanon which is enormous", there is a "political emergency": "This country is on the verge of distress," said the minister.
#Liban: "This country is on the brink ... We are not going to sign a blank check ... The risk today is the disappearance of Lebanon", @JY_LeDrian in #RTLMatin with @VenturaAlba pic .twitter.com / YqbxuKiENW
- RTL France (@RTLFrance) August 27, 2020"Everyone knows the reforms that must be done", "the reform of the public market, the reform of the bank", detailed the head of French diplomacy. “We are faced with the responsibility of the Lebanese authorities to implement a mission government that can ensure the essential reforms. "
No "blank check"
“Otherwise the international community will not be there. We are not going to sign a blank check for a government that is not going to implement the reforms that everyone is familiar with, ”warned Jean-Yves Le Drian. “They phagocytose themselves among themselves to reach a consensus on inaction. This is no longer possible and we say it forcefully. "
"The President of the Republic said it when he went to Lebanon on August 6, he will say it again when he is in Beirut on Tuesday" for the centenary of the creation of the Lebanese state, a- he added.
VIDEO. Explosions in Lebanon: Emmanuel Macron calls to "act quickly and effectively"
Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Hassan Diab and his team resigned amid criticism of general neglect after the explosion at the port of several thousand tons of ammonium nitrate which killed around 180 and devastated neighborhoods entire Beirut.
