Reforms Under the Scrutiny of Washington and the IMF… and the South at the Core of Oertagus’ Talks with the Lebanese Government

Prime Minister Najib Mikati discussed the course of financial and administrative reforms with U.S. Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus. The meeting addressed the government’s steps in lifting banking secrecy, reforming the banking sector, adopting a new appointment mechanism, and efforts to combat corruption. Ortagus stressed the need to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund.

The talks also covered developments in southern Lebanon and the measures taken by the Lebanese Army to implement Security Council Resolution 1701 in cooperation with the Military Monitoring Committee, aimed at halting Israeli violations and completing Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territories. The situation on the Lebanese-Syrian border was also discussed, with an emphasis on border control, preventing tensions or chaos, and stopping all forms of smuggling.

Earlier, Ortagus met with Lebanese President Michel Aoun at Baabda Palace, where they discussed issues related to southern Lebanon, the work of the International Monitoring Committee, Israel’s withdrawal, the Lebanese-Syrian border situation, and the government’s reform agenda and anti-corruption efforts, according to the Lebanese Presidency’s statement.