Lebanon is facing a "financial siege" from foreign countries but mistakes by the state also contributed to the country's economic meltdown, its former foreign minister said on Tuesday.
Gebran Bassil is also leader of Lebanon’s Free Patriotic Movement and in 2015 took over the position that was occupied by the party's founder and Lebanese President, Michel Aoun.
Mr Bassil, an ally of the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, said he supported talks with the International Monetary Fund and hoped they would pressure the state into reforms.
But he said Lebanon was running out of time and any foreign aid could not come at the price of sovereignty.
Talks with the IMF were put on hold last week after a dispute on the Lebanese side over the scale of losses in the financial system.
Lebanon must also introduce reforms to address the root causes of the crisis, which is regarded as the biggest threat to Lebanon's stability since the 1975-1990 civil war.
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The arrivals' terminal at Beirut international airport is pictured as it re-opens. AFP -
An airport worker wearing a protective suit sprays disinfectant as a precaution against the spread of the Covid-19. EPA -
Beirut's airport is partially reopening after a three-month shutdown and Lebanon's cash-strapped government hopes thousands of Lebanese expatriates will return for the summer, injecting badly needed dollars into the sinking economy. AP -
Social distancing markings have been established in the arrival hall of the Rafik Hariri international airport during its re-opening in Beirut. EPA -
Social distancing markers line the floors to the passport control area in the departures hall at Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut. Bloomberg -
People arriving at Beirut international airport stop at a counter manned by health workers as the airport re-opens in the Lebanese capital. AFP -
A member of a Lebanese General Security checks the passports of passengers upon her arrival at Rafik Hariri international airport during its re-opening in Beirut. EPA -
Medical workers wearing personal protective equipment collect Covid-19 swab samples as they test travellers inside the arrivals hall at Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut. Bloomberg -
A passenger arrives at the Rafik Hariri international airport during its re-opening in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA -
A worker carries luggage at Rafik Hariri international airport during its re-opening in Beirut at 10 per cent capacity, which is expected to bring in around 2,000 travellers per day. EPA -
Social distancing markers sit on the floor around the baggage reclaim carousel in the arrivals hall at Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut. Bloomberg -
Passengers wearing protective face masks walk through the baggage reclaim area inside the arrivals hall at Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut. Bloomberg -
With many governments loosening travel restrictions to restart economies, airlines have begun restoring flights that were put on hold as the coronavirus pandemic spread. Bloomberg -
Lebanon was faster than most other countries to decide on a lockdown to avoid the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus. By the end of February, schools were closed, and the airport and most bars and restaurants soon follow suit. AFP -
Health workers checks the temperature of a passenger at the departure terminal of the Rafik Hariri International Airport during its re-opening in Beirut. EPA -
People wearing protective face masks against Covid-19 are pictured at the departure terminal of the Rafik Hariri international airport during its re-opening. EPA -
Passengers and officials wearing protective face masks against Covid-19 are pictured at Beirut international airport as it re-opens. AFP -
A healthcare worker adjusts the mask of a passenger who is departing the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, July 1, 2020. AP -
People wearing protective face masks against Covid-19 are pictured at the departure terminal of the Rafik Hariri international airport during its re-opening in Beirut. EPA -
People wearing protective face masks against Covid-19 are pictured upon their arrival at the terminal of the Rafik Hariri International Airport during its re-opening in Beirut. EPA -
Lebanese soldiers stand guard as a woman leaves the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut. AP -
Lebanese soldiers stand guard as a woman leaves Rafik Hariri international airport during its re-opening in Beirut. EPA -
A passenger waits in the departure hall of the Rafik Hariri international airport during its re-opening in Beirut. EPA -
Passengers wearing protective face masks push luggage carts outside the terminal at Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut. Bloomberg
Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni has said he would remain in contact with the IMF until talks resumed.
The government of Prime Minister Hassan Diab, which is backed by Mr Bassil and Hezbollah, has yet to embark on serious reforms sought by donors including the US and France.
They say Beirut must move against state waste and corruption before any aid is released.
"What we are subjected to is an economic, financial and political siege," Mr Bassil told Reuters.
"This doesn't pardon the state and the Lebanese from their mistakes ... at the forefront of them, corruption.
"When there is a desire to help Lebanon, tomorrow the gates will be opened.
"And when there are great powers blocking the gates, Lebanon does not have the capacity to open them."
"The absolute priority is how to keep Lebanon away from anarchy and strife."
Lebanese must also be protected from extreme poverty, said Mr Bassil, a son-in-law of Mr Aoun.
Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist group by the US. The group's influence in state affairs has grown since it won a parliamentary majority with its allies in 2018.
Opponents say the alliance forged by Mr Aoun and Mr Bassil with the heavily armed Hezbollah has provided political cover for its arsenal.
Mr Bassil warned of the risk of "an international game" unfolding to weaken Lebanon, or "a party in Lebanon such as Hezbollah".
"Syria must be a lesson for all," he said. "It would be a shame to take Lebanon on the path to destruction once again."
