Exclusive-US weighing in on Lebanon's next central bank chief, sources say

It also demonstrates the U.S.' continued focus on weakening
Since then,
The U.S. is reviewing the profiles of a handful of candidates for the role, according to three Lebanese sources briefed on the issue, one Western diplomat and an official from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.
The sources spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity to discuss
U.S. officials met with some potential candidates in
The Lebanese sources, who were briefed on the meetings, said the U.S. officials asked candidates questions, including how they would fight "terrorist financing" through
The Trump administration official said the meetings were part of "normal diplomacy" - but said the U.S. was making its guidance on candidates' qualifications clear to the Lebanese government.
"The guidelines are, no
"You need somebody who is going to implement reform, demand reform, and refuse to look the other way whenever people try to do business as usual in
MAJOR ROLE IN REFORM
The Lebanese sources said the candidates being seriously considered included former minister
The next governor will play a major part in any economic and financial reforms, which Aoun and Prime Minister
Triggered by widespread corruption and profligate spending by the governing political elite, the economic crisis impoverished most Lebanese, demolished the Lebanese pound and brought the banking system to a standstill.
Western and Arab countries have also set reforms as a condition to provide any reconstruction support to
In that vein, U.S. officials were discussing the candidates for central bank governor with
The Saudi government's media office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The incoming governor would replace interim chief
Through most of his time as central bank chief, Salameh was feted as a financial wizard and enjoyed the backing of the U.S., which has a keen interest in the position because it oversees
But
A month after he left office in 2023, Salameh was sanctioned by
Last year,
(Reporting by Maya Gebeily and
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