US to Lebanon: End mismanagement or no financial assistance

A top State Department official said that the United States will not provide funds directly to the Lebanese government until it undergoes major reforms.

Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale said that the U.S. will continue to provide humanitarian assistance directly related to the explosion in Beirut, but it will not provide the government with assistance unless it roots out rampant corruption and mismanagement. Hale, on Wednesday, described his recent visit to Lebanon and said that some in Beirut told him: “Please no bailout of the government of Lebanon.”