June 3, 2021
Daily News
New UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Begins Mission
The new United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka has officially begun her posting upon her arrival in Beirut on Monday. Wronecka is a Polish diplomat with over 25 years of experience in diplomacy, international security, and Middle East affairs. [The Daily Star]
Lebanon Central Bank Chief Reassures Depositors, Reverses Decision on Withdrawals
The Bank of Lebanon reversed a decision it had announced late Wednesday night that would have halted withdrawals from dollar accounts at the fixed rate of 3,900 pounds per dollar. Demonstrators in Beirut responded to the announcement with anger, blocking roads and burning tires. In response, the Bank of Lebanon announced it would seek a review by the state consultative council, before deciding to reverse its decision altogether. [Reuters]
Lebanon: French Judges Interrogate Ex-Nissan Executive
Carlos Ghosn has begun his testimony before a delegation of French judges in Beirut, where they have been questioning the former Renault-Nissan president on charges related to financial misconduct. Ghosn fled to Lebanon in December 2019 after his arrest in Japan in 2018. [Middle East Monitor]
‘Test Case’ for Lebanon’s New Sexual Harassment Law
Lebanese women have filed the first known criminal complaints under Lebanon’s new sexual harassment law. The charges are widely expected to serve as a test case for the legislation. While the law was championed by feminist groups as a means of accountability, others have cautioned that the law has shortcomings and does not offer full protections. [Reuters]
Opinion & Analysis
A Moral Calling from the Pope to Lebanon’s Christian Leaders
Jean AbiNader
AbiNader writes: “And just like that, the Vatican is challenging Lebanon’s Christian leadership to do what’s best for Lebanon. Most believe it would take a miracle, but maybe this is the beginning. After the noon prayer on Sunday, May 30, the Pope said “On July 1, I will meet in the Vatican with the main leaders of the Christian communities in Lebanon, for a day of reflection on the country’s worrying situation and to pray together for the gift of peace and stability.” The “Christian communities” would be quite large if he includes the Orthodox and Protestant churches, other Catholics such as the Melkites, and the leader of the Maronite Catholic Church…”
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.