The International Monetary Fund director Kristalina Georgieva said that Lebanon is facing a very difficult economic situation and is in dire need of tough reforms to steer out of its crisis, media reports reported on Saturday.

A delegation from the financial firm Lazard is expected to visit Beirut next week as negotiations with the IMF stall, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Saturday.

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi emphasized Friday that he will continue calling for Lebanon's "neutrality."

Lebanon on Friday recorded another high daily tally of COVID-19 cases according to the Health Ministry.

In its daily statement, the Ministry said 80 of the cases were recorded among residents and 21 among Lebanese expats who arrived in the country in recent days.

Hundreds of protesters rallied Friday at Beirut’s Martyrs Square at the invitation of a grouping of retired servicemen and the Citizens in a State group.

Slamming the “government of impotence and no-decision,” the demonstrators stressed that “the alternative exists,” demanding the formation of “a transitional government with extraordinary jurisdiction.”

The prestigious American University of Beirut Medical Center has decided to lay off around 850 employees belonging to its nursing and administrative cadres, media reports said on Friday.

A number of employees meanwhile staged a sit-in outside the medical center in Hamra after they were summoned to the administration to be informed of the termination of their services.

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Friday reiterated that only “neutrality” would rescue Lebanon from its multiple crises.

“We are aspiring with the Lebanese to witness the day when Lebanon lives the joy of its neutrality,” al-Rahi said.

The anticipated visit of French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to Beirut will reportedly take place next week on Wednesday, VDL radio station (93.3) said Friday.

The United Nations is seeking an additional $3.6 billion for its Global Humanitarian Response Plan to battle the pandemic, warning developed countries on Thursday of "the price of inaction" if nations like Lebanon, Senegal, Belize, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Burundi don't receive help.

Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Bishop of Beirut Elias Aude received the Saudi ambassador to Lebanon Walid el-Bukhari on Friday at the Archdiocese in Ashrafieh, MTV station reported.