Former US Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale in Baabda on April 15, 2021. (Credit: Dalati and Nohra)
BEIRUT — The United State's former ambassador to Lebanon and former senior official, David Hale, on Thursday and said that the "political will" to restore Lebanon's economy is missing.
"I was here a year before and I’m sensing a level of frustration like last year and the year before," Hale said during a press conference at Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's residency in Ain al-Tineh. "But I also know that not all is hopeless ... The path to economic reform and restoration and how to do it has been studied well. International support has been lined up, once those steps are taken."
"If this political will is found, I am absolutely confident about the future of Lebanon and absolutely optimistic," Hale added.
Lebanon is yet to implement basic structural reforms demanded by the International Monetary Fund to unlock a $3 billion aid package, as well as additional aid from the international community.
On Nov. 9, the US pledged $50 million to support higher education in Lebanon. It also announced $72 million in humanitarian assistance the previous day.
Washington is also the first foreign contributor to the Lebanese Armed Forces.