Egyptian Minister of Finance Hazem al-Beblawi said the current demonstrations in Tahrir Square pose a real threat to Egypt's economy, which will not be able to afford such negative developments. He told Youm7 the current situation will force the Egyptian government to delay submitting a request to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to start negotiations about obtaining a financing package of U.S. $3.2 billion. He refused to confirm if he will resign in a protest against the recent clashes that erupted between the security forces and the demonstrators on November 19. He said, "I will announce my position during the next Cabinet meeting." He expressed resentment about what recently took place in Tahrir Square. About the next parliamentary elections, al-Beblawi said "I do not know if the elections will be held in time or not."
