Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati met on Monday with EU Ambassador Ralph Tarraf who said in the wake of the meeting that he held “constructive talks with Prime Minister Mikati on issues of common interest.”

“We’ve discussed areas of joint work, especially those related to security files, Syrian refugees, and economic opportunities, in addition to pending issues such the election of a president, and the reform program with the International Monetary Fund,” said Tarraf. 

“There is a common understanding that we are here to extend support, but all the measures and procedures on the ground must be taken by Lebanese decision-makers. We understand that these issues are complex and not easy,” Tarraf said in response to a question about the country’s rapid economic deterioration, suggesting that some sides should “give up some of their ambitions and aspirations” for the country’s best interest.