Lebanon's Diab hopes for IMF programme

Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab said a reform program approved by the government on Thursday would be used to apply for an IMF program to help the economy through an acute crisis that could last up to five years. "We will use this ... to apply for an IMF program in light of which there will be negotiations," he said.

"If we get (IMF support), and God willing we will, it will help us to pass through this difficult economic phase which could be three, four, or five years," Diab said. "The amount (the IMF will give) is up to negotiations," he said, speaking to reporters after a cabinet session.