Joumblatt: The international community is not interested in Lebanon

Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Joumblatt said Saturday that the international community "is not interested in Lebanon," with the exception of French President Emmanuel Macron, and that the country is in the midst of an economic "war," the state-run National News Agency reported.

During a tour visiting religious figures in Metn, Joumblatt argued that "the war today is economic," adding that "some domestic problems could be overcome with patience and wisdom." Lebanon has been plagued by an unprecedented financial and economic turmoil for nearly three and a half years, while authorities have yet to implement serious reforms.

"Some people on the local scene think that the world is interested in us, but in reality, no one is interested in Lebanon," Joumblatt said, adding that "we are living in the middle of a global chaos with the war in Ukraine, and Lebanon is not on the map."

"After the explosions in Beirut port [Aug. 4, 2020], international organizations provided financial aid, but the funds evaporated, as usual," Joumblatt said, referring to the corruption within the Lebanese political class, of which Joumblatt is also a part. Such corruption is often referred to both locally and internationally.

"Today, there is nothing left. With the exception of French President Emmanuel Macron who is particularly interested in Lebanon," he added.

In mid-December, Macron, who is engaged on the local scene, said it was necessary to "change the leadership" of Lebanon and "clear" the politicians who are blocking reforms. He also mentioned the possibility of organizing an international conference on the Lebanese crisis.