SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 19 March 2024, Tuesday |

Have all European countries joined one approach regarding the Lebanese crisis?

Have all EU countries joined the same approach regarding the Lebanese crisis? Have all European countries become consistent with the French and German descriptions of the causes that led to the Lebanese crisis? The question is raised after the visit of the representative of the European Union’s foreign affairs, Josep Borrell to Beirut, and after the Brussels meeting of foreign ministers held yesterday, Monday, where Borrell had the same impression that the French Foreign Minister spoke about after his visit to Lebanon.

According to the information, Borrell, in his speech at the European Union meeting, held the Lebanese officials responsible for what Lebanon has reached and the collapse that may befall it. It was learned that France, Germany, Italy and the Scandinavian countries supported Borrell and agreed with him on remedial measures and procedures, including sanctions.

Diplomatic sources reveal a diplomatic memorandum distributed to members of the European Union that stipulated four criteria for imposing sanctions on Lebanese officials. First, those accused of obstructing the formation of the government or the political process, second, those accused of obstructing the implementation of urgent reforms due to the financial, economic and social crisis. The third criterion is for those accused of financial crimes that may affect persons, entities and bodies considered responsible for managing public finances and the banking sector. The fourth criterion is the violation of human rights, and in this paragraph the diplomatic note considers that the political responsibility of the leaders in Lebanon is the basis for the massive collapse of the economy, and this collapse caused great suffering and affected the rights of the people.

This memorandum received enthusiasm from France and Germany, and there is talk that European sanctions may be imposed before the end of the summer vacation, that is, before the second of September, if they are not accelerated by dramatic developments on the ground in Lebanon.

    Source:
  • Sawt Beirut International