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US Says Supports Lebanese People's Call for Action for Economic Reform

Reuters

   WASHINGTON - Lebanese people are "rightfully angered" with their
   government over its refusal to tackle corruption and Washington
   supports their right to demonstrate peacefully, a senior U.S. State
   Department official said on Wednesday.

   Hundreds of thousands of people in Lebanon have flooded the streets for
   nearly a week in an unprecedented wave of demonstrations, furious at a
   political class they accuse of pushing the economy to the point of
   collapse.

   Describing the protests "long overdue," the official called on the
   Lebanese government to carry out the economic reforms demanded by the
   people, adding Beirut should not get a "bailout" from the crisis.

   "The people in Lebanon are frustrated. The crowds that are coming out
   are enormous...and people want to see action. The United States
   government supports their call for action for reform for fighting
   corruption," the official told reporters. "This is not a new problem.
   The economic crisis that Lebanon is currently facing was a slow train
   coming."

   Flag-waving protesters kept roads blocked with vehicles and makeshift
   barricades for a seventh day on Wednesday. Banks have been closed since
   Friday and will remain shut on Thursday, the banking association said.
   Schools are also closed.

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