Q&A with Nassib Ghobril on Lebanon’s eurobonds

ENAR

Lebanon is due to make a $1.2 billion principal eurobond payment on March 9, with opinions divided on whether to pay or put in place a plan to restructure the debt. As part of our coverage, Executive spoke via telephone with Nassib Ghobril, chief economist of the Byblos Bank Group, to find out why he is in favor of Lebanon paying the dollar eurobonds due this year. There has been a fierce public debate on the issue of whether or not Lebanon should pay or default on its upcoming eurobond dollar payments in March. Is it correct you are part of a minority who believe it should be paid? I’m a part of the silent majority who believes it should be paid. What is your reasoning behind that? First of all, we have very little time left between now and the date the eurobond is due. And we have taken