Zaki stressed that the Arab League’s offer to help Lebanon came from a firm conviction that it should support the country after matters had reached a dead end CAIRO: Arab League Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki confirmed that the troubling economic conditions that Lebanon is currently witnessing require action in an exceptional and unconventional manner. Zaki is conducting an official visit to Lebanon commissioned by the secretary-general of the Arab League, Aboul Gheit, to learn about the political situation, the developments in the formation of the new government and the difficulties Lebanon faces in this regard. He held a series of meetings with senior Lebanese officials and leaders, including the Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, and Caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab. He said that addressing the situation begins with the formation of the new Lebanese government as soon as possible. He added that the Arab League has never lost sight of Lebanon and is keen to communicate with the Lebanese leaders. It has shown willingness to provide political assistance with all its capabilities and tools at the Arab and international levels, if the Lebanese desire this matter. He pointed out that the Arab League is following closely what is happening in Lebanon, and acknowledged that the process of forming the new government takes a long time. He pointed out that there are worrying indicators in the economic and financial conditions and the living situation in Lebanon, which show that a new approach is needed. He expressed his surprise at the insistence of some on dealing with the situation using the usual traditional methods. “The international community wants to help Lebanon, and it wants to see a government for the country as soon as possible. We believe that completing the formation of the new government in light of what we have heard, especially from the Prime Minister-designate Saad Al-Hariri, will be in the Lebanese interest,” Zaki said. Zaki stressed that the Arab League’s offer to help Lebanon came from a firm conviction that it should support the country after matters had reached a dead end. “The offer we made is still standing and will continue, and the position and role of the secretary-general of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, is quite clear in this regard. We will respond immediately to any request made by Lebanon and with all our tools and capabilities, provided that there is a Lebanese desire to obtain this political aid,” he added.