Caretaker Economy Minister sees 'glimmer of hope' for Lebanon after visit to US

On his return from a visit to the United States that lasted several weeks, the outgoing Economy and Trade Minister, Amin Salam, spoke of “a glimmer of hope for the stage to come, despite the difficult situation Lebanon is going through,” reports the official National News Agency (NNA), while the American envoy Amos Hochstein is currently in Lebanon to continue indirect negotiations on a cease-fire.

At the end of a meeting with outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Grand Serail, he described the words he had heard from the new U.S. administration as “a good omen,” adding that he had sensed the interest of President-elect Donald Trump and those close to him in “supporting Lebanon” in the long term.

“The next phase will be transitional for Lebanon and the Middle East region, as the intention is clear to move towards the concept of zero conflict in the region and focus on the economy,” Amin Salam stressed, referring to ‘promises of support’ from U.S. investment agencies in Lebanon, should the latter take the direction desired by the U.S.

With regard to the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, Amin Salam said he had received a message of intent from Washington for an imminent cease-fire, followed by substantial economic and social support from the United States and other players such as the World Bank, the IMF and the European Union.

Lastly, the Minister observed that “recent hesitations” by the U.S. regarding Amos Hochstein's visit to Beirut “were nothing more than intimidation to put the Israeli side in a position of strength before the negotiations,” alluding to the contradictory information circulating on Monday evening regarding Hochstein's visit to Lebanon.