[Iran Press TV Latest] The International Monetary Fund denies negotiating with the Hezbollah movement on a possible loan ahead of Lebanon's June elections. An IMF spokesperson, however, confirmed that its mission in Beirut met with a Hezbollah representative in February and March to discuss economic reform in the war-torn country. Hezbollah has not yet commented in this regard. "The IMF has not negotiated with Hezbollah members or sympathizers in Lebanon over a possible loan. By no means were future fund arrangements discussed," the official said. The denial came after both The New York Times and Financial Times claimed that the IMF had considered offering Hezbollah a possible loan ahead of Lebanon's June elections.
Many experts predict an election victory for Hezbollah and its allies. The IMF has helped Lebanon under an Emergency Post-conflict Assistance program since 2007.