Diab called on the regional and international leaders to help Lebanon in the crisis that has eroded 90 per cent of its currency value and left 77 per cent of households without enough food.

The country has been without a permanent elected government since August 2020 when Diab had to resign following the catastrophic Beirut blast as sectarian politicians have been unable to agree on a new government.

Diab also said that only a new government can start talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the recovery plan laid out by the current Cabinet may not be endorsed by the next government.

The disagreement between Lebanon's leaders, preventing the formation of a government, is to be blamed for the political and economic crisis and some could face sanctions if they continue to obstruct steps to form a new government and implement reform, the European Union's foreign policy chief told them last month, Reuters reported.

"I am calling on kings, princes, presidents and leaders of our friendly countries, and I am calling on the United Nations and all international organizations ... to help rescue Lebanon from its demise," Diab told the ambassadors, quoted CNN.

Diab said that the "siege imposed" on Lebanon was not affecting the corrupt in an apparent reference to the politicians.

He said Lebanese were losing patience and "linking Lebanon's assistance to the formation of a new government has become a threat to the lives of the Lebanese and to the Lebanese entity."