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US official links long-term aid to reform in Lebanon

Following his visit to Lebanon, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale told reporters that further economic assistance will be linked to IMF reform package.
US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale (2-L) and US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea (L), accompanied by Lebanese army officers, tour at the site of last week's explosion that hit the seaport of the Lebanese capital Beirut, on August 15, 2020. - Hale today called for a transparent and credible probe into the explosion at Beirut's port, as FBI investigators were set to arrive in Lebanon to assist authorities. (Photo by NABIL MOUNZER / POOL / AFP) (Photo by NABIL MOUNZER/POOL/AFP via Ge

US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale told reporters "long term assistance" to Lebanon will depend on a government program of "reform and change."

Hale, who visited Beirut last week, is the highest ranking US official to visit Beirut since the Aug. 4 blast, which killed more than 170 people, injured thousands more and plunged Lebanon into a fresh political crisis. The United States has offered more than $17 million in initial relief aid, but like other donor governments, wants to see the small Mediterranean country enact a long list of policy changes before releasing further funds. 

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