Ms. Julie Kozack, Director of the Communications Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), revealed recently that the Lebanese authorities, and while welcoming the IMF fact-finding mission that visited the country between March 10 and March 13, have requested the inking of a new program with the IMF. Ms. Kozack, however, reiterated that the key underpinning to such a step is the structuring of a comprehensive strategy for economic rehabilitation in order to restore growth, reduce unemployment & improve social conditions. Ms. Kozack added that the reform program should focus on fiscal and debt sustainability, financial sector restructuring, governance improvements, and reforms to state owned enterprises while also improving transparency. Ms. Kozack finally commented that the ongoing engagement with the Lebanese authorities is constructive and that the IMF remains fully committed to this cooperation.