March 19, 2021
General McKenzie Visits Lebanon
General McKenzie Visits Lebanon
Discussion on European and US Sanctions on Political Leaders
Agreement to Give Lebanon Aid in US Dollars
General McKenzie Visits Lebanon
On Monday, Commander of the US Central Command General Kenneth F. McKenzie visited Lebanon. He met General Joseph Aoun, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and other LAF senior representatives to reaffirm the importance of preserving Lebanon’s security and sovereignty and to reinforce the strong partnership between the US and the LAF. General McKenzie also made visits to a USAID-funded water pumping and solar power station and the 3rd Land Border Regiment. [US Embassy in Lebanon]
On Monday, Commander of the US Central Command General Kenneth F. McKenzie visited Lebanon. He met General Joseph Aoun, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and other LAF senior representatives to reaffirm the importance of preserving Lebanon’s security and sovereignty and to reinforce the strong partnership between the US and the LAF. General McKenzie also made visits to a USAID-funded water pumping and solar power station and the 3rd Land Border Regiment. [US Embassy in Lebanon]
ANALYSIS
“US General McKenzie’s meeting with LAF Commander, General Joseph Aoun, was obviously timed to bolster support for the General following his remarkable speech last week. In that speech he frankly spelled out the hardship of his army and the ineffectiveness of the government to address the needs of the Lebanese people. And, in response to a demand by the President of Lebanon to clear the streets of protesters, General Aoun asserted that it was his job to protect the protesters as long as they were peaceful. With such dire conditions facing the LAF, the United States must step up immediately to provide an emergency grant to the LAF, with the help of Gulf and European partners, to alleviate the suffering of the soldiers and their families, and to provide the needed operational funds for the military.”
-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel
-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel
Discussion on European and US Sanctions on Political Leaders
A French diplomat speaking on the condition of anonymity said that the US and Europe should increase pressure on Lebanon’s leaders to form a new government by means of sanctions if necessary. The sanctions suggested would be specifically on political leaders who obstruct any political progress. [Naharnet]
A French diplomat speaking on the condition of anonymity said that the US and Europe should increase pressure on Lebanon’s leaders to form a new government by means of sanctions if necessary. The sanctions suggested would be specifically on political leaders who obstruct any political progress. [Naharnet]
ANALYSIS
“The international community has finally come to the conclusion that sanctions on key Lebanese political leaders are needed for credible actions to adopt vital reforms. The upcoming meetings between President Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri to resolve their differences and agree on an empowered government of experts, will now take place under the pressure of sanctions. What happens in the coming weeks will either drive Lebanon into even greater desperation or start incremental changes that earn the support of the international community and eventually the trust of the Lebanese people.”
-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader
-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader
Agreement to Give Lebanon Aid in US Dollars
A letter sent this week to Lebanon’s finance ministry from representatives of the EU, UN, and World Bank noted an agreement to hand out assistance in Lebanon in US dollars. It stressed the rollout of aid through the agreed-upon mechanisms to “ensure consistency and continuity of aid.” This letter follows last week’s approval by Lebanon’s parliament of a $246 million World Bank loan for a social safety net. [Reuters]
A letter sent this week to Lebanon’s finance ministry from representatives of the EU, UN, and World Bank noted an agreement to hand out assistance in Lebanon in US dollars. It stressed the rollout of aid through the agreed-upon mechanisms to “ensure consistency and continuity of aid.” This letter follows last week’s approval by Lebanon’s parliament of a $246 million World Bank loan for a social safety net. [Reuters]
ANALYSIS
“Failing to enrich themselves from the $246 million in aid from the World Bank by manipulating the exchange rate and diverting its oversight provisions, Lebanon’s leaders have bought a bit of time for addressing the needs of the very poor in the country. But they are fooling no one. Many members of Parliament showed their venality by watering down the conditions of the assistance. However, in a sign of the times, the international community did not back down and this may shine a light on the way ahead.”
-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader
-ATFL Policy Director 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.