Mikati: I Will Ask the International Community to Use Its Influence for the Election of a President

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, in an interview with the French newspaper "Le Figaro", indicated that the situation in Lebanon is uncomfortable, emphasizing that "two million people are living in extreme poverty, half of whom are Lebanese and the other half Syrians." He called on "the international community for urgent support to resolve the Syrian refugee crisis, which poses a danger to Lebanon's economic and social balance." Mikati considered that "the state is the primary responsible party for the situation, in addition to the spread of a culture of corruption, waste in public employment, and the absence of comprehensive reforms." He urged "the Parliament to take responsibility and expedite the adoption of the proposed budget from a week ago, which aligns with the reforms requested by the International Monetary Fund." Mikati views "these reforms as crucial for signing the agreement with the Fund and gradually restoring confidence in Lebanon to make the country once again a financial hub that attracts investors." He also revealed that he will ask the international community to assist Lebanon in various fields and will request global powers to use their influence to persuade different Lebanese factions to elect a president who is acceptable to all sides in order to close the chapter of the presidential vacuum.