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France warns Lebanese politicians: No special treatment for anyone, anymore
Le Drian says his country will put in place sanctions that could soon be endorsed by the EU.
Saturday 08/05/2021
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian walks after meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, Lebanon May 6, 2021. (REUTERS)
BEIRUT – French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian threatened to ratchet up pressure on Lebanese politicians, accusing them of seeking “collective suicide” by failing to pull the country out of its deep economic crisis.
It became clear, according to Lebanese political analysts, that Le Drian was referring to the entire Lebanese political class, that Paris blames everyone and that the rule from now on is that there will be no favouritism anymore in France’s attitude towards any of Lebanon’s leaders.
Lebanon president asks for Europe s help to recover smuggled funds
Lebanese President Michel Aoun [Ratib Al Safadi/Anadolu Agency] May 7, 2021 at 10:56 am
Lebanese President Michel Aoun has asked French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, for help to recover funds which have been smuggled out of the country, in an effort to begin reforms and prosecute those who have misused public resources.
During a meeting held Thursday the two officials yesterday, Aoun stressed that achieving reforms including financial auditing which constitutes the first item of the French initiative announced on September 1 is essential for the advancement of Lebanon and restoring the Lebanese people and the international community s confidence, a statement issued by the presidential office said.
Lebanon could go dark as cash for electricity runs out
The financial crisis has exacerbated the heavily-indebted nation’s problems, as the government struggles to find enough foreign exchange to pay for fuel and other basic imports.
Friday 07/05/2021
A file picture shows an anti-government protester holding up a placard in front the Lebanese electricity company headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon. (AP)
BEIRUT – Lebanon’s lights may go off this month because cash for electricity generation is running out, a lawmaker said on Thursday, as the country grapples with a deep economic crisis.
Lebanon’s parliament had approved a $200 million emergency loan to finance fuel imports for power generation in March, but a committee reviewing the loan has yet to approve it.
Cairo: Lebanese leaders have not kept reform pledges they made to French President Emanuel Macron, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian was quoted as saying Friday during a visit aimed to break a months-long logjam in forming a new government in the crisis-hit country.
Last month, France said it has restricted the entry into its territory for Lebanese officials perceived of blocking a solution to the crisis in their country and the introduction of imperative reforms.
“The declared sanctions are just the beginning on the road of tough sanctions,” Le Drian told a group of reporters in Beirut, according to Lebanon’s official news agency NNA.