Miqati Promises '24/24' Electricity, Says IMF Talks 'on Track'

Prime Minister Najib Miqati confirmed Monday that the parliamentary polls will be held before May 21st. "No one can prevent the holding of elections,” he affirmed.

He also said that the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund are “on the right track,” and that the World Bank is “fully cooperating.”

He added that he is trying to secure funds for the ration card – a monthly cash assistance for needy families – from the World Bank, and that the latter has already offered $295 million to support the public transport section.

A plan for economic recovery was set in coordination with the Lazar financial advisory company, Miqati said, adding that his aim is to “protect the depositors’ rights” and to “restore trust in the banking sector.”

The prime minister promised “24/24” electricity in the long term.

He explained that, in the short term, the Iraqi fuel will secure 12 to 15 hours of electricity per day, but gas and electricity will be delivered to Lebanon from Egypt and Jordan (via Syria,) providing Lebanon with electricity “round the clock, once technical issues are solved.”

Miqati stressed that he has sensed an international concern for helping Lebanon to exit its crisis and that the reconstruction of the Beirut Port is a matter of priority.