Lebanon doesn't expect waiver of debts

Lebanon's prime minister said Friday he does not expect an international parley for supporting Lebanon to waive the nation's $36 billion foreign debt.

At a press conference before heading to New York to attend the U.S.-sponsored conference, Fouad Siniora said, "Lebanon does not expect the world to write off its debts, but we are seeking assistance to alleviate the burden of serving the debt."

"We also do not expect the parley to come out with financial commitments, but with essential recommendations of moral and political support for Lebanon," Siniora said.

He stressed that the reform process in Lebanon, which no longer can be delayed and should not be obstructed, necessitates consensus between all Lebanese groups and factions.

Siniora said he has made close contacts with foreign and Arab countries to win their support for the government's reform program.

At the heart of the reform program proposed by Siniora's cabinet is privatizing loss-making public institutions such as the electricity company.

© Copyright 2005 by United Press International