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This Week In Lebanon: 12/18/2021

Saturday, December 18, 2021
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December 18, 2021

US Treasury official meets with the Association of Banks in Lebanon
US Watching Closely as Lebanese Military Court Tries Civilians 
Minister of Interior Says Elections Likely to Happen in May 
US Treasury official meets with the Association of Banks in Lebanon
On December 16, US Department of the Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson delivered an address to the Association of Banks in Lebanon. Undersecretary Nelson reaffirmed the US government’s solidarity with the Lebanese people against Hezbollah and its exploitation of them and the international financial system. He pressed banks to prioritize due diligence measures such as identifying politically exposed persons and identifying their funding sources and warned that those who do not do so may face US sanctions. [L’Orient Today]

RESPONSE

“Undersecretary  Nelson’s clear and authoritative comments received wide applause in Lebanon. Underscoring the Biden Administration’s priority to expose corruption around the world, Nelson invited the bankers to work with the United States in an effort to weed out corrupt depositors, stop illegal flows of money, and enact transparent banking practices that protect honest depositors. He also put them on notice that corrupt bankers would suffer consequences under international and US law. It is clear the Biden administration is prioritizing anti-corruption efforts and will hold corrupt actors accountable for their part in destabilizing Lebanon’s banking system, and that more sanctions on individuals will be forthcoming.”

-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel

US Watching Closely as Lebanese Military Court Tries Civilians

“Governments should protect the rights of all persons to voice their views without fear of intimidation, even in cases where we do not agree with those views,” a State Department official told Al Arabiya English. In Lebanon, the Publications Court is where journalists are supposed to face any legal actions. The Military Court was formed to bring legal action against security personnel, but it has often been used against those accused of endangering national security or terrorism… “The use of courts, particularly military ones, to prosecute defamation cases against civilians undermines freedom of expression,” the State Department official said. [Al Arabiya]

RESPONSE
“Why do Lebanese officials continue to disregard Lebanon’s laws and Constitution? The Publications Court is where charges against journalists and the media are to be investigated. Yet, frequently, the Military Court, which was set up to bring charges against security personnel, is used to silence critics of the government under the rubric of ‘harming the military.’ The LAF does not supervise the Military Court which is under the Ministry of Defense. This makes a mockery of the judicial system. Fundamental human rights such as speech and association, seem to be arbitrarily cast aside when they inconvenience those with power and influence. This does not inspire hope that the Lebanese will figure out how to empower independent and credible institutions any time soon.”

-ATFL Vice President for Policy Jean AbiNader

Minister of Interior Says Elections Likely to Happen in May

Minister of Interior Bassam Al-Mawlawi said that December 27th is the deadline by which the electoral law can be amended and the elections rescheduled. Minister Mawlawi also indicated that he will not issue an official decree appointing a date for elections, signed off by the President of the Republic, before an agreement is settled between President Aoun and Prime Minister Miqati. According to him, President Aoun is unlikely to sign off on a March 27th date for Parliamentary elections. [Naharnet]

RESPONSE
“Time is running out for the election law to be finalized. By the end of December, all of the rules must be in place including date, final verdict on mega-centers (which will likely be ruled out), the diaspora vote, and other key issues. While it appears that elections will be held on May 22, we won’t know for sure until December 27 when the final decree is due. Lebanon’s politicians must unequivocally understand that elections must be held on time, with international monitors,  without political obstructions, and fair treatment of the diaspora voters. These are clear expectations from the international community and most Lebanese. Scheming to extend the terms of Parliament and the President will have severe consequences for those involved, regardless of affiliation. It’s time to stand for what is right for the people.”

-ATFL Vice President for Policy Jean AbiNader

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed 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.