Lebanon requests aid from allies to secure imports - statement

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon's caretaker prime minister Saad al-Hariri has requested aid from friendly countries to help it secure imports of food and raw materials amid an acute dollar shortage, a statement from Hariri's office said on Friday.

The appeal for aid was sent to Saudi Arabia, France, Russia, Turkey, the United States, China, and Egypt, the statement said.

Lebanon is grappling with the worst financial strains since its 1975-1990 civil war.

(Writing by Eric Knecht; Editing by Alison Williams)