US official says Lebanon should not be bailed out financially, calls for political change
- David Hale, the US undersecretary of state for political affairs, said that ‘systemic reforms’ were needed
- After the catastrophic blast, Lebanon’s government resigned on August 10 and is now serving in a caretaker capacity
There can be no financial bailout for Lebanon, a senior US official said Saturday, calling on the country’s political leaders to heed popular calls for change, real reform and an end to endemic corruption.
David Hale, US undersecretary of state for political affairs, said the US and its allies will respond to “systemic reforms with sustained financial support”. He also called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the August 4 blast that killed nearly 180 people and wounded thousands.
Devastating aftermath of deadly Beirut blasts as Lebanon reports at least 100 dead, 4,000 hurt
He said an FBI team is arriving this weekend to take part in the probe at the invitation of Lebanese authorities.
Hale arrived in Beirut on Thursday, where he met with volunteers helping out at the site of the blast, as well as the country’s top political and religious leadership.
“America calls on Lebanon’s political leaders to finally respond to the people’s long-standing and legitimate demands and create a credible plan – accepted by the Lebanese people – for good governance, sound economic and financial reform, and an end to the endemic corruption that has stifled Lebanon’s tremendous potential,” he said.
“But as the dozens of young activists and volunteers I met so bluntly demanded, there can be no bailout,” Hale said in a recorded message posted on the US Embassy website Saturday.