September 18, 2021
New Miqati Government Moving Forward
Human Rights Organizations Call for International Investigation
Iranian Fuel Arrives in Lebanon
New Miqati Government Moving Forward
Following three committee meetings over the statement’s text, Prime Minister Najib Miqati’s cabinet unanimously approved a ministerial policy statement yesterday. Important items include immediate negotiations with the IMF and stressing cooperation in the Beirut Port blast investigation. [Naharnet] In an interview with CNN yesterday, Miqait expressed that he hoped Lebanese would put their trust in the government to implement emergency fixes to Lebanon’s energy, health, education, and work sectors as well as measures to increase government transparency. [CNN]
RESPONSE
“The new government of PM Miqati appears to be off to a quick start, with a focus on restarting IMF negotiations. It will be key for the new government to gain the trust of its citizens by focusing on subsidy reforms, stabilizing the lira, embracing cash cards for the most vulnerable, and addressing the immediate health and education needs of the Lebanese people. Importantly, the new government should begin the process of bringing electricity to its citizens and longer term reforms on customs and border controls, and should release a clear plan on how to implement these measures as soon as possible.”
-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel
145 Human Rights Organizations and Individuals Call for International Investigation Into Beirut Blast
In a joint letter, 145 Lebanese and international human rights groups, survivors, and families of Beirut blast victims called on the UN Human Rights Council to establish an international, independent, and impartial investigation into the August 4 Beirut explosion. The letter explains that the domestic investigation initiated by the Lebanese government has faced repeated obstructions and has failed to meet benchmarks based on international standards. The letter adds, “an international investigation would not impede, but rather assist the domestic process.” [Human Rights Watch]
RESPONSE
“It is with some relief that the ministerial statement calls for cooperation between Parliament and the government to conduct a full investigation of the Beirut Port explosion. Seen as the ultimate example of corruption in the country, the lack of a transparent and complete investigation has long been a complaint of the people and the international community. Details have not been provided, yet there is a mention that immunity from testimony is subject to legal constraints. Hopefully, a full independent investigation will be part of the IMF negotiations as a way to emphasize its importance.”
-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader
Iranian Fuel Arrives in Lebanon
In a deal brokered by Hezbollah, the first shipment of Iranian fuel arrived in Lebanon on Thursday. After the vessel docked in Syria, the shipment was trucked in to Lebanon by two convoys across the border. Hezbollah says three more vessels of Iranian fuel will follow and arrive in Syria soon. [Al Jazeera]
RESPONSE
“The new government faces a conundrum in its plans to reduce the distortions in the market for fuel for transportation and power generation. Will it approve the fuel oil being trucked in by Hezbollah which pledges to sell it below market price after providing it to hospitals, schools, institutions, and other service entities? Or will it wait for reassurance from the US that it will not be subject to sanctions? This is equally difficult for the US. There is no interest in penalizing the people who are in dire need. The competing efforts from Egypt and Jordan will not function for 3-4 months. So what to do in the meantime? Wisdom welcome!“
-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.