Slow progress as Lebanon
awaits IMF economic deal

France 24

What is delaying progress on talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to strike a deal and unlock crucial donor funds?

Lebanon's prime minister said Tuesday that the first official meeting with the IMF would take place on January 15.

A potential IMF agreement will ultimately bring in other donors, such as the World Bank and Gulf Arab states, who may demand it as a precondition for support. FULL STORY