Western ambassadors, most of them Europeans, agree on giving Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab an opportunity to see how well he will be able to fulfil his promises on a rescue plan over outstanding debts, banks, and financial and economic reform.
Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Diab has informed the ambassadors, mainly those concerned with the situation in Lebanon, that the government has “suspended” the payment of debts, pending negotiations with creditors.
He also said that the government was ready to put in place programs to fulfill its obligations.
A number of foreign ambassadors reported that whenever they asked Diab about the rescue plan, he replied: “The plan is being prepared and is in an advanced stage.”
While one diplomat stated that the plan would be announced on May 11, others denied discussions on “a specific date, due to several delicate matters tackled by the government and the difficulty to deal with them.”
Diplomatic sources said that major countries were monitoring with great concern the situation in Lebanon and underlined the need for rapid measures to find a solution.
They added that the International Support Group for Lebanon “believes that the situation can no longer handle more stalling, and requires urgent solutions,” including resolving a dispute on resorting to the World Bank to pump the liquidity needed by Lebanon.
