Iran Press/Middle East: Lebanese President Michel Aoun said on Thursday he was ready for a dialogue with protesters to help save the country from collapse after days of demonstrations against the ruling elite, and he suggested a government reshuffle was possible.
Protests fueled by worsening economic conditions have paralyzed the country and kept banks shut. Lebanon’s banking association said it would keep lenders closed on Friday for a seventh consecutive working day, citing safety concerns.
“Once normalcy is restored, we are very confident that we can resume servicing our customers in full capacity,” said Salim Sfeir, chairman of the Association of Banks in Lebanon.
The protests, expressing outrage with an establishment seen as corrupt, have buffeted Lebanon since last week despite reforms meant to appease discontent and reassure Western donors that have pledged badly needed aid but not yet disbursed it.
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