Antony J. Blinken: ‘Lebanese economy is in free-fall’

Antony J. Blinken, US secretary of state, said the announcement that Saad Hariri “is resigning as Blinken added: “Prime Minister-designate is yet another disappointing development for the Lebanese people.”

“It is critical that a government committed and able to implement priority reforms be formed now.  The government must also start preparing for the 2022 parliamentary elections, which should be held on-time and conducted in a free and fair manner.

“Lebanon’s political class has squandered the last nine months.

“The Lebanese economy is in free-fall, and the current government is not providing basic services in a reliable fashion.

“Leaders in Beirut must urgently put aside partisan differences and form a government that serves the Lebanese people.  That is what the people of Lebanon desperately need.