A spokeswoman from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced that “a team from the IMF will start virtual negotiations in the last week of January, while continuing discussions with the Lebanese authorities on many challenges they face, including macroeconomic challenges and the financial situation.”

She added, “We intend to continue our close engagement in the coming weeks to assist the authorities in formulating a comprehensive reform strategy that addresses Lebanon’s severe economic challenges. It is important to gain political support for implementing this strategy by any government in the future,” noting that “the required reforms must restore economic stability, debt sustainability, financial sector liquidity and recovery.”