On Friday, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission will visit Lebanon for two major reasons: the first of which will focus on the outcomes of the International Support’s conference granted to the Lebanese Army and Security Forces. The second reason behind the visit of the EU’s High Representative is the European sanctions that will imposed on Lebanese officials who are preventing the formation of a government. The European Union is committed to these measures, and the latest news is that Germany is attempting to eliminate the veto upon voting on sanctions’ mechanisms, in order to prevent Georgia and other countries from being preservative about some names.
On the other hand, in a very dangerous and reflective move, the UN circulated to its employees on Wednesday a list of precautionary measures that it urged them to follow in the next stage in Lebanon, as a result of the country’s deteriorating economic conditions, as stated in the circular that was sent to Lebanese and foreign employees via e-mail. Some saw this circular as a natural preventive precaution for what might happen under the UN Security Office’s traditional context of activity. According to diplomatic sources, this circular is unlike any other previously given to personnel in Lebanon, and it cannot be distinguished from information that may have entered the country. The United Nations foresees a disaster.
The circular is addressed to all UN employees and their families, and the most important instructions are to guarantee they have enough food supplies for at least one to two weeks, especially canned goods that don’t require refrigeration, to keep the car’s fuel tank as full as possible, and to be extremely cautious while waiting in lines. Make sure that first aid is available at any time, and ensure a quantity of medicines, especially for those in critical cases, that is sufficient for two or three months, to avoid undesired situations that may turn violent in certain scenarios. The UN has also advised people to keep lamps, candles, and batteries for use during prolonged power outages, as well as sufficient funds in Lebanese pounds and dollars.
The UN State Security Administration emphasizes the importance of continuing to monitor the situation, analyzing recent developments, and providing security updates as appropriate in the conclusion of the letter.
