Speaking after a meeting with ambassadors and diplomats in Beirut, Hassan Diab told officials that Lebanon was facing a “painful and dark reality,” due to the social and economic impact of its financial crisis.

During his address, Diab declared that the combined challenges meant “the country [was] a short distance from social explosion,” adding, “I call on the world to save Lebanon.” He paired his plea with a request not to punish his people for the actions of “corrupt” political figures.

Diab urged the diplomats in attendance to support his economic recovery plan, which has been developed and is ready to be implemented. Lebanon had been in talks with the International Monetary Fund over a $10 billion bailout, but that fell through over concerns about its financial sector.