President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, received U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Wayne Dayton at his residence, Beit Al-Bahr, in the presence of Political Adviser Dr. Carol Zouein. Dayton was accompanied by Political and Economic Adviser Jana Cooley. They discussed the situation in Lebanon and the region.

Following the meeting, Makhzoumi said that the discussion addressed the current situation in Lebanon and the region. He thanked the United States for its continued support for Lebanon and its people, commending the assistance provided by the U.S. following the Beirut Port disaster, as well as its support for the Lebanese Army and its efforts to help Lebanon confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

Makhzoumi stressed that the foremost concern today is to mitigate the risks facing the economy. He expressed hope that the new government would not be a replica of its predecessor, but would instead present a clear economic plan and an effective program capable of steering the country to safety.

He emphasized that any government must have a clear economic roadmap and a program capable of attracting the International Monetary Fund, conducting a forensic audit not only of Banque du Liban’s accounts but also of all state institutions, recovering misappropriated funds, restoring people’s rights to their savings, and rebuilding Beirut.

Above all, Makhzoumi stressed the need to rebuild confidence in state institutions and restore the trust of Lebanese citizens and expatriates so that they would invest in their country. Otherwise, he warned, Lebanon would remain like a leaky boat, repeatedly patched up from time to time without addressing its underlying problems.