President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, received British Ambassador Chris Rampling at his office in downtown Beirut, in the presence of Political Adviser Dr. Carol Zouein. They discussed the situation in Lebanon and the region.

Following the meeting, Makhzoumi stressed the importance of relations between Lebanon and Britain, praising Britain’s continued support for Lebanon across various fields. He called for Lebanon to benefit from Britain’s economic expertise, particularly given the difficult circumstances the country is facing. He said that Lebanon is now in urgent need of support from Britain and the international community in general, especially at the economic and financial levels. In light of the conflicts affecting the region, he reiterated his call for Lebanon to be kept neutral and shielded from regional crises.

On another note, Makhzoumi explained that his decision to boycott the parliamentary session dedicated to approving the 2020 state budget was due to the fact that both the budget itself and the manner in which it was approved represented a continuation of the previous government’s misguided policies and practices in the economic, financial, and social spheres. He said such an approach was unworthy of a rescue government, which should instead pursue reform and development and put an end to waste and corruption.

He stressed that the government could not ignore citizens who had been protesting for more than 100 days while approving a budget prepared by a previous government that had been widely rejected by the public, in addition to being a failed government that had brought the country to its current state. He concluded by saying that what was needed today was to restore the confidence of the Lebanese people who had risen up in protest, as well as that of the international community.