The Lebanese Consumers Association on Friday issued a statement, in which it warned of Prime Minister Hassan Diab's promise that his office "will not witness a payment default of Eurobonds." 

The statement warned that the Prime Minister was referring to $ 4.8 billion worth maturities that were due in the first half of 2020, half of which were external bonds. "This payment will be made with the remaining deposit funds in the Central Bank," the statement said. 

"Paying $ 4.8 billion will most definitely be a new consolation prize for banks and large depositors, but it will deprive the Lebanese economy and the Lebanese in general from purchasing the most basic materials that the country needs including food, medicine, fuel, and other raw materials for industry and agriculture," the statement explained. 

"Paying the Eurobonds will torch the remaining citizens' rights," the Lebanese Consumers Association's statement added.