The IMF in unusually harsh words on 21 September slammed the seeming inability of Lebanon’s politicians to implement the economic reforms on which a $3bn loan, agreed in principle more than five months ago (MEES, 8 April), is contingent.

“Despite the urgency for action to address Lebanon’s deep economic and social crisis, progress in implementing the reforms agreed under the April SLA [provisional loan agreement] remains very slow,” the IMF said at the conclusion of a 19-21 September visit to Beirut. (CONTINUED - 158 WORDS)