A Bundle Of English Reports, News and Editorials For March 16-17/2020 Addressing All That is happing In the Iranian Occupied & Oppressed Lebanon
Compiled By: Elias Bejjani
March 17/2020
Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on March 16-17/2020
Lebanon Coronavirus Tally Jumps to 109
Lebanon announces two-week lockdown over coronavirus/Beirut international airport will close starting Wednesday.
Lebanon declares state of “public health emergency,” shuts down airport/Georgi Azar/Annahar/March 16/020
Hassan on Lockdown over Coronavirus: Next Two Weeks are Crucial
Akar: State of Emergency Does Not Apply at Present
Lebanon’s Prisoners Call For General Amnesty to Prevent Catastrophe
Europe Urges Lebanon’s Diab to Speed Up Rescue Plan
Lebanon in Lockdown, Iraq Imposes Curfew amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Health Minister launches National Fund for the Combat of Coronavirus
Aoun follows up on implementation of Corona measures, stresses strictness of implementation till recession of epidemic.
Diab discusses with Salameh monetary situation
Wazni voices rejection of bank closures
Civil Aviation denies landing of aircraft coming from Iran
Hitti discusses bilateral relations with ambassadors
Lebanese Banks to Close during Two-Week Lockdown
Hoballah follows up on industrial production cycle
Parliament Postpones Meetings
The Lebanese military court quitted Amer Al-Fakhouri & Dropped all Charges against
Military Court Orders Amer Fakhoury be Released
Al-Jadeed Reporter Collapses on Air, to be Tested for Coronavirus
Traffic Thin, Streets Almost Empty as Lebanon Goes on Virus Lockdown
Virus Lockdown Sinks Tripoli Deeper into Doldrums
Politicians Donate Salaries to Fight Coronavirus
The coronavirus outbreak proves Lebanon’s Diab cabinet has no idea how to govern/Makram Rabah/Al Arabiya/March 16/2020
The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on March 16-17/2020
Lebanon Coronavirus Tally Jumps to 109
Naharnet/March 16/2020
Lebanon on Monday said the novel coronavirus has recorded a new tally reaching 109 individuals infected, the National News Agency reported. The government had on Sunday imposed a two-week lockdown of the country and a “general mobilization” over the coronavirus crisis. The COVID-19 virus has officially infected 109 people in the Mediterranean nation with hopes to control its spread after the lockdown. The Beirut international airport will close from Wednesday until then, while no one will be allowed in through maritime or land ports of entry during that period. Diplomats, UN peacekeepers, employees of international organisations and goods shipments would still be permitted entry. Most institutions and businesses would remain closed. Security forces, health institutions, utilities companies and shops selling food will be exempted. Lebanon’s novel coronavirus outbreak is the latest crisis to hit a country reeling from a severe economic crunch and mass anti-government protests. Since early March, the government has progressively ordered schools, universities, bars and restaurants closed.
Lebanon announces two-week lockdown over coronavirus/Beirut international airport will close starting Wednesday.
The Arab Weekly/Agencies/March 16/2020
Lebanon on Sunday urged people to stay at home for two weeks and prepared to close its main airport to stem a novel coronavirus outbreak that has killed three people in the country. The COVID-19 virus has officially infected 99 people in the Mediterranean nation. Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad ordered “citizens to remain at home and not go out except out of extreme necessity” until March 29. The Beirut international airport will close from Wednesday until then, while no one will be allowed in through maritime or land ports of entry during that period, she said. Diplomats, UN peacekeepers, employees of international organisations and goods shipments would still be permitted entry, she cited a cabinet decision as saying. Most institutions and businesses would remain closed. Security forces, health institutions, utilities companies and shops selling food will be exempted. Lebanon’s novel coronavirus outbreak is the latest crisis to hit a country reeling from a severe economic crunch and mass anti-government protests. Since early March, the government has progressively ordered schools, universities, bars and restaurants closed. President Michel Aoun earlier in the day announced a “health emergency” and also called on Lebanese to stay at home. “All of us are called upon to continue our work from home,” he said in a televised speech. In recent days, Lebanese media and social media users have launched a campaign calling for social distancing, under the Arabic-language hashtag “Stay at home.” Streets in Beirut have been largely empty in recent days. Dozens however flocked to a seaside promenade in Beirut to stretch their legs on Sunday, prompting the municipality to dispatch police to ask them to go home. On Wednesday, Lebanon said it would suspend all trips to and from Italy, South Korea, Iran and China, countries hit hardest by the virus. It also said it would stop all travel to and from France, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom for at least a week from Monday. Muslim authorities — both Shia and Sunni — have suspended prayers in mosques until further notice.
Lebanon declares state of “public health emergency,” shuts down airport
Georgi Azar/Annahar/March 16/020
The policy was announced after a meeting between Lebanon’s top officials in response to the outbreak which has infected over 100 people and killed three.
BEIRUT: Lebanon declared Sunday a state of “public health emergency” and announced “full mobilization” to better combat the coronavirus outbreak in the wake of a dramatic increase in cases over the weekend. Lebanon’s airport will be shut down from March 18 until March 29, barring diplomats and UNIFIL personnel, Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad said. All other maritime and land crossings will also be closed. The policy was announced after a meeting between Lebanon’s top officials in response to the outbreak which has infected over 100 people and killed three.
“This outbreak concerns all Lebanese, who must now unite to confront this grave danger,” President Michel Aoun said. It will allow authorities to confine people, limit their movement, shut down factories and ration food. The majority of the public and private sectors will also be on lockdown in a bid to contain the spread of the virus. Banks’ operations will be restricted to “the bare minimum,” Samad said, with the Central Bank exempted from the public closure. In a statement, the Association of Banks announced that all branches would be closed during this period, in line with the government’s “measures to confront the outbreak.”Schools have already shut down across the country, with movie theatres, gyms, cafes and restaurants also ordered to seize operations. Bakeries, supermarkets and pharmacies will continue operations. “All the necessary measures were taken at an optimal pace to confront the threats of this pandemic and limit its spread,” Aoun added. Lebanon’s government approved these measures following at the end of its session Sunday, noting that “the current state requires a health emergency and general mobilization.” Spain ordered a similar lockdown after its number of cases jumped to the second-highest in Europe only behind Italy. The current Spanish tally stands at 6,100 up by about 2,000 cases from Friday and seven times as much as Monday. About 190 people have died. Hospitals have scrambled to better equip themselves for a spike in cases, with the American University of Beirut Medical Center leading the charge. It has transformed its Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon into a makeshift coronavirus ward, cutting it off from the rest of the hospital. Other hospitals, including Saint Georges, Hotel Dieu and Rizk are undertaking similar initiatives in anticipation of a drastic increase in infections. “Lebanon has a total of 12,555 beds, including 2,026 beds in Intensive Care Units (ICUs),” Health Minister Hamad Hassan said Thursday. China, where the virus is believed to have originated, also sent a team of experts along with medical and screening equipment to the cash-strapped Medeterean country.
Despite the government’s pleas calling for self-isolation, a number of Lebanese continued to heed its warnings while going about their day to day lives. In response, municipal police on Sunday cleared the landmark seaside corniche in Beirut’s Ain el-Mreisseh and Manara areas after hundreds of people flocked the area for leisure purposes. They were seen strolling, jogging, swimming and fishing before ordered to dismantle. Patrols will continue around the clock in the capital, a statement by the municipality said.
Hassan on Lockdown over Coronavirus: Next Two Weeks are Crucial
Naharnet/March 16/2020
Health Minister Hamad Hassan on Monday said the coming two weeks are the most critical in Lebanon’s attempt to fight coronavirus which claimed the lives of three individuals and infected 99 so far.The Minster said: “The next two week are very important and the weather conditions may play an important role in mitigating the latest measures imposed to combat the spread of the virus.”“Public transport is one of the factors that affect coronavirus transmission,” he noted, urging drivers to be vigilant and maintain the “cleanliness” of their vehicles. “The Social Affairs Ministry has stepped forward and will receive aid in order to distribute it to people in need amid the coronavirus crisis,” he concluded. Lebanon on Sunday urged people to stay at home for two weeks and prepared to close its main airport to stem a novel coronavirus outbreak that has killed three people in the country. The Beirut international airport will close from Wednesday until then, while no one will be allowed in through maritime or land ports of entry during that period. Lebanon’s novel coronavirus outbreak is the latest crisis to hit a country reeling from a severe economic crunch and mass anti-government protests. Since early March, the government has progressively ordered schools, universities, bars and restaurants closed.
Akar: State of Emergency Does Not Apply at Present
Naharnet/March 16/2020
Defense Minister Zeina Akar on Monday said the Cabinet took the “maximum” measures at the present moment in relation to the challenges of coronavirus, noting that a state of emergency can “only be declared in specific cases that do not apply at this phase,” al-Joumhouria daily reported on Monday.
The government declared general mobilization on Sunday over the coronavirus crisis and announced a two-week lockdown of the country. “The Cabinet took the maximum possible measures at the current moment. The level of measures may rise more in the future if things aggravate for the worse, God forbid,” said Akar in remarks to the daily. “The military and security institution will oversee the implementation of the plan, mainly to prevent crowding in public places similar to what happened yesterday in Manara area,” she added. Municipal police on Sunday cleared the landmark seaside corniche in Ain el-Mreisseh and Manara areas after scores of people flocked to it for strolling, jogging, swimming, fishing and other activities despite the coronavirus crisis. The Minister pointed out that some of the decisions issued by the government were “not easy or normal, but were necessary” especially those related to closing the airport, border crossings and legalizing work in some vital sectors within the framework of a preventive plan to confront coronavirus. Many have criticized the Cabinet’s “weak” response to counter the virus mainly after announcing general mobilization instead of a state of emergency. Reports said ministers were bickering during their meeting on Sunday disagreeing on whether to impose general mobilization or a state of emergency which gives the Lebanese army the upper hand.
Lebanon’s Prisoners Call For General Amnesty to Prevent Catastrophe
Beirut – Asharq Al-Awsat/Monday, 16 March, 2020
Inmates of Lebanon’s Roumieh prison (Northeast of Beirut) called on the concerned authorities to approve the General Amnesty Law, to avoid a health catastrophe that may be caused by the spread of the Corona virus among them. In a statement on Sunday, the prisoners said that a large number of them suffered from “chronic pulmonary diseases and diabetes”, adding that there was no thermometer in prison, and the pharmacy did not provide masks or sterilizers. They warned that they would begin a hunger strike in the coming days, if their demands were not met. Under the same slogan, a number of families of prisoners gathered on the road leading to the Presidential Palace in Baabda, in parallel with the holding of the cabinet session, calling on President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Hassan Diab for general amnesty for their children, for fear of the spread of the Corona virus in prisons in all regions. In this regard, the head of the Human Rights Committee, MP Michel Moussa, called for “the distribution of prisoners in vacant government buildings.”
Europe Urges Lebanon’s Diab to Speed Up Rescue Plan
Beirut – Khalil Fleihan/Asharq Al-Awsat/Monday, 16 March, 2020
Western officials have called on Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab to stop responding to his critics and instead take serious measures to resolve the country’s economic and social problems. An official specialized in Middle Eastern affairs at the foreign ministry of a European state told Asharq Al-Awsat in remarks published Monday that Diab is busy responding to the criticisms of al-Mustaqbal Movement and the Progressive Socialist Party at a time when the PM needs the support of all political factions to implement his reform plan. The official advised the Lebanese PM about the need to complete a rescue plan necessary to secure the release of Western funds pledged for Lebanon, particularly at a time when the country suffers from deteriorating economic and financial conditions. “The plan needs to be completed by next May,” the official said. Diab had earlier promised several European ambassadors to Lebanon that his government would work extensively to announce a rescue plan by May. U economists believe that such a plan does not require a long time to complete. Several European countries have announced willingness to send specialists to help Beirut speed up the implementation of reform projects and to offer technical advice. Separately, a number of European ambassadors have expressed dismay at Diab’s separate meetings last month with Iranian Speaker Ali Larijani and Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdel Karim Ali. Beirut’s response – that it has diplomatic relations with both Tehran and Damascus, and that Diab’s talks with the two officials did not come against any political backdrop – was unconvincing for the European diplomats.
Lebanon in Lockdown, Iraq Imposes Curfew amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Asharq Al-Awsat/Monday, 16 March, 2020
Lebanon went into lockdown and Iraqis prepared for a curfew Monday as part of regional efforts to contain the new coronavirus even as businesses remained open in Iran, which is battling the worst outbreak in the Middle East and where another senior official has died from the virus. The divergent approaches adopted by local authorities reflect continued uncertainty over how to slow the spread of a virus that has infected around 170,000 people worldwide and caused more than 6,500 deaths. Most people experience only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, and recover within weeks. But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by people with no visible symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. Panic broke out in Iraq after authorities announced a weeklong curfew late on Sunday. People raced to supermarkets and swiftly emptied shelves, while others stocked up on kerosene and cooking gas. The curfew, which is set to begin late Tuesday, includes the suspension of all flights from Baghdad’s international airport. Iraq’s Health Ministry has reported 124 cases of coronavirus and nine deaths. In Lebanon, where the government ordered a lockdown starting Sunday night, traffic was thin and, in some cases, streets were completely empty on Monday, the start of the working week. Restaurants, cafes and bars have been closed since last week and most private businesses were also shuttered Monday. In some areas, police were going around and asking shop owners to close in line with the government orders. Few people could be seen at Lebanon´s seaside corniche, and police were asking them to leave. Pharmacies, bakeries and other businesses related to making or selling food were allowed to stay open. The small country has reported 99 cases and three deaths from the new coronavirus. Hamra Street, the Lebanese capital’s most famous shopping street and a residential district, was eerily quiet as shops, restaurants and cafes along the usually bustling thoroughfare were closed. Both Iraq and Lebanon have been largely in disarray since anti-government protests broke out last year, and Lebanon was mired in its worst financial crisis in years even before the pandemic began. One of the worst outbreaks in the world has unfolded in Iran, which wields influence over both Iraq and Lebanon. Authorities there have reported 14,000 confirmed cases and more than 700 deaths, with the toll rising by more than 100 in the last 24 hours. The real numbers may be even higher, as some have questioned the government’s reporting. Authorities have not ordered businesses to close, however, and many Iranians have dismissed fears about the virus and advice from public health officials to avoid social contact. Restaurants and cafes have remained open, though business has diminished.
North Africa
Algeria will suspend all sea and air travel between it and Europe from Thursday over the coronavirus, Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad said in a statement. Algeria said on Sunday it would suspend all travel to and from France starting on Tuesday, adding that Air Algerie would arrange emergency flights to bring back citizens. Morocco will close eateries, cinemas, theaters, sports, public clubs, baths and other entertainment venues starting from today over coronavirus fears, the Interior Ministry said. Markets, and shops selling necessary goods as well as restaurants offering a delivery service are exempt, the ministry said in a statement. Morocco, which confirmed 29 coronavirus cases, including one death and one recovery, suspended all international flights, closed schools and banned gatherings of more than 50 people.
Health Minister launches National Fund for the Combat of Coronavirus
NNA/Monday, 16 March, 2020
Minister of Public Health, Dr. Hamad Hassan, on Monday has launchesd the National Fund for the Combat of Coronavirus
Minister Hassan also announced the opening of a donation account to help fight the pandemic, under the name: Corona Donation.
Aoun follows up on implementation of Corona measures, stresses strictness of implementation till recession of epidemic.
NNA/Monday, 16 March, 2020
President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, continued his revision of the stages of implementing measures taken by the Cabinet yesterday, after declaring general mobilization in Lebanon to confront Corona. In this context, the President received a series of reports from relevant Ministries and security apparatuses, concerning the adherence to decisions taken by the Cabinet, aiming to protect residents and citizens from the spread of Corona. President Aoun stressed the need for strict enforcement of the measures taken in order to preserve public safety, while waiting till the epidemic subsides.
Minister Ramzi Msharrafiye: President Michel Aoun received the Social Affairs and Tourism Minister, Prof. Ramzi Msharrafiye, today at Baabda Palace. Minister Msharrafiye briefed the President on the results of his visit to Syria, and talks he held with Syrian Ministers and officials, as part of the effort to return displaced Syrians to their homeland, in addition to the taken arrangements to facilitate this process. The meeting also tackled the Social Affairs Ministry follow-up of this file.
Former MP Emile Rahme: President Aoun met the head of “Solidarity” Party, Former MP, Emile Rahme, at Baabda Palace, and discussed with him recent developments, especially the steps taken by the Cabinet to combat Corona.
Diab discusses with Salameh monetary situation
NNA/Monday, 16 March, 2020
Prime Minister Dr. Hassan Diab met with Deputy PM and Minister of Defense Zeina Akar and Central Bank Governor Riyad Salame this morning at the Grand Serail. Discussions featured high on the local monetary situation. PM Diab finally received Ministers of Education, Tarek Majzoub, and Telecommunications, Talal Hawat. Talks touched on means to ensure and improve distance learning. Separately, PM Diab inspected the National Operation Room for Disaster Management at the Grand Serail with Ministers Majzoub and Hawat. Diab gave his instructions to activate work and asked all ministries to inform the operations rooms with new developments regarding coronavirus.– Grand Serail Press Office
Wazni voices rejection of bank closures
NNA/Monday, 16 March, 2020
Minister of Finance, Ghazi Wazni, on Monday voiced rejection of the banks’ decision to close until March 29 as part of measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“The banking sector is vital and essential in people’s daily life,” Wazni told the National News Agency. He added that work shift, however, could be arranged alongside the other measures recommended by the Cabinet.
Civil Aviation denies landing of aircraft coming from Iran
NNA/Monday, 16 March, 2020
Director General of the Civil Aviation, Fadi al-Hassan, on Monday denied news claiming an aircraft coming from Iran had landed in Beirut airport. In his statement, al-Hassan maintained that planes coming from countries included in the travel ban due to coronavirus were not allowed to touch down in Lebanon. He also highlighted the necessity of accuracy of news about the airport.
Hitti discusses bilateral relations with ambassadors
NNA/Monday, 16 March, 2020
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Nassif Hitti, held Monday a series of diplomatic meetings with Ambassadors Takeshi Okubo of Japan, Geza Mihalyi of Hungary, Hajriyanto Thohari of Indoneis, Najeeb Durrani of Pakistan, and Nicoletta Bombardier of Italy, respectively. Talks reportedly featured high on the bilateral relations and the means to assist Lebanon amid the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
Lebanese Banks to Close during Two-Week Lockdown
Naharnet/March 16/2020
The Association of Banks in Lebanon announced Monday that the country’s banks will close until March 29 except for operations related to ATMs, salaries and the food, oil and medical sectors. The government had announced Sunday that banks would remain open to maintain essential transactions despite the closure of most public and private institutions and businesses over the coronavirus crisis. ABL said its decision comes in response to a demand by the employees’ union to close during the lockdown period out of “keenness on the safety of banks’ employees, clients and their families.”
Noting that clients will be able to withdraw cash in Lebanese lira from ATMs during the closure period, the Association said banks will continue to secure the payment of all domiciled and non-domiciled salaries, also in Lebanese lira.
Hoballah follows up on industrial production cycle
NNA/Monday, 16 March, 2020
Minister of Industry, Imad Hoballah, on Monday held a meeting with a delegation of the Lebanese Industrialist Association, chaired by Fadi Gemayel. Conferees reportedly discussed the mechanisms adopted to ensure the continuity of the industrial production cycle, shedding light on the sector’s strategic needs, in line with the decision of the Council of Ministers.
Parliament Postpones Meetings
Naharnet/March 16/2020
The General Secretariat of the Parliament announced Monday the postponement of next Wednesday meeting in Ain-el-Tineh and the sessions of the parliamentary committees. It also said that lawmakers’ offices will be closed for sterilization.
The Lebanese military court quitted Amer Al-Fakhouri & Dropped all Charges against
LCCC/ Monday 16 March 2020
The Lebanese Military Court in Lebanon, headed by Brigadier Hussein Abdullah, issued today a ruling that ended the arrest of Amer Al-Fakhoury, in the case of the kidnapping, detention and torture of Lebanese citizens inside the Khiam prison, which resulted in the death of two of them.
In its ruling, No. 515/2020 that was issued this afternoon, the court considered that the crimes against the accused Amer al-Fakhoury, in terms of torturing prisoners in 1998, has become obsolete based on time, and decided to release him immediately unless he is charged and arrested in another judicial cases.
It is worth mentioning that Al-Fakhouri who is USA-Lebanese citizen is being prosecuted with another file before the Beirut investigating judge, Bilal Halawi, in the lawsuit against him from a number of former detainees in Khiam prison, with the crime of arresting them, seizing their freedom, and torturing them. The ruling is apparently is an appeasing one to the USA who has officially accused the Lebanese Judiciary of unlawful arresting of Al-Fakhoury and threatened to sanction all officials involved unless he is released and all charges dropped.
We learned from reliable Lebanese-USA sources that a Bipartisan legislation was about to slam sanctions on the Lebanese armed forces. It was too big to keep him as he has no value for them.
Sadly they have damaged him. Had he passed in their hands, it would have been big sanctions. Now he needs to recover. Lawmakers and those who moved in the USA, including his family did a great job
Military Court Orders Amer Fakhoury be Released
Associated Press/Naharnet/March 16/2020
Lebanon’s Military Court on Monday ordered the release of a Lebanese-American held in the country for nearly six months on charges of working for the Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army militia two decades ago, Lebanon’s state-run news agency said.
Amer Fakhoury was ordered released because more than 10 years had passed since he allegedly tortured prisoners at a jail run by the SLA, the National News Agency said. Fakhoury, 57, is is a former SLA member who became a U.S. citizen last year, and is now a restaurant owner in Dover, New Hampshire. His case has been closely followed in his home state of New Hampshire, where U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and other officials have called for imposing sanctions on Lebanon to pressure Beirut to release him. Fakhoury has not been attending questioning sessions in Lebanon over the past few months, after being hospitalized with stage 4 lymphoma. It was not immediately clear if he will be set free, as he’s facing another case filed by former prisoners who say they were tortured by him. Fakhoury has been jailed since Sept. 12 after returning to Lebanon on vacation to visit family. Lebanon’s intelligence services said he confessed during questioning to being a warden at Khiam Prison, which was run by the SLA during Israel’s 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon. Human rights groups have described the prison as a center for torture.Fakhoury’s family and lawyer, however, say he had no direct contact with inmates and was never involved in any interrogation or torture.Lebanon and Israel have been officially at war since Israel’s creation in 1948. Lebanon bans it citizens from traveling to Israel or having contact with Israelis. His lawyer and family say he fled Lebanon in 2001 through Israel and eventually to the United States because of death threats he and many other SLA members received after Israel ended its occupation of Lebanon in 2000. In February, Fakhoury was charged by a military investigative judge with the murder and torture of inmates at Khiam Prison. Hundreds of former Lebanese members of the SLA militia had fled to Israel, fearing reprisals if they remained in Lebanon. Others stayed and faced trial, receiving lenient sentences.
Al-Jadeed Reporter Collapses on Air, to be Tested for Coronavirus
Naharnet/March 16/2020
Al-Jadeed TV reporter Rachelle al-Husseini collapsed Monday during a live broadcast from the al-Masnaa border crossing.Al-Husseini and several other reporters were in the area to cover the closure of the country’s main border crossing with Syria as part of Lebanon’s two-week lockdown in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. A statement issued by al-Jadeed said the reporter collapsed after she felt dizzy and her blood pressure dropped.“She was immediately rushed to the Health Ministry’s border health center to conduct the necessary examinations and the doctor who examined her said she was not showing any coronavirus symptom,” al-Jadeed said. “Her body temperature is normal and her blood pressure returned to normal, but she suffered extreme fatigue and panic which pushed her into a state of dizziness and fainting,” the TV network quoted the physician as saying. Al-Jadeed added that al-Husseini and the cameraman Elie Abu Assli will isolate themselves for 18 hours after undergoing coronavirus tests pending the results. The TV network also stressed that it is keen on taking all the safety and precaution measures against the COVID-19 coronavirus, noting that binding protocols have been imposed on all its employees. Lebanon has so far confirmed 109 coronavirus cases among them three deaths. The country went into lockdown Monday after the government announced a two-week state of “general mobilization” and ordered the closure of public and private institutions as well as the country’s airport and land and sea ports of entry.
Traffic Thin, Streets Almost Empty as Lebanon Goes on Virus Lockdown
Associated Press/Agence France Presse/Naharnet/March 16/2020
Lebanon went into lockdown Monday after the government announced a two-week state of “general mobilization” and ordered the closure of public and private institutions as well as the country’s airport and land and sea ports of entry. Traffic was thin across the country and in some cases streets were completely empty on Monday, the start of the working week. Restaurants, cafes and bars have been closed since last week and most private businesses were also shuttered Monday. In some areas, police were going around and asking shop owners to close in line with the government orders. Few people could be seen at Beirut’s seaside corniche, and police were asking them to leave. Pharmacies, bakeries and other businesses related to making or selling food were allowed to stay open. The small country has reported 109 cases and three deaths from the new coronavirus. Hamra Street, the capital’s most famous shopping street and a residential district, was eerily quiet as shops, restaurants and cafes along the usually bustling thoroughfare were closed. Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport will close from Wednesday until March 29, while no one will be allowed in through maritime or land ports of entry during that period.
Diplomats, U.N. peacekeepers, employees of international organizations and goods shipments would still be permitted entry. Most institutions and businesses would remain closed. Security forces, health institutions, utilities companies and shops selling food will be exempted. Lebanon’s novel coronavirus outbreak is the latest crisis to hit a country reeling from a severe economic crunch. Since early March, the government has progressively ordered schools, universities, bars and restaurants closed. President Michel Aoun on Sunday announced a “health emergency” and also called on Lebanese to stay at home. “All of us are called upon to continue our work from home,” he said in a televised speech. In recent days, Lebanese media and social media users have launched a campaign calling for social distancing, under the Arabic-language hashtag “Stay at home”.
Virus Lockdown Sinks Tripoli Deeper into Doldrums
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/March 16/2020
In Lebanon’s anti-government protest hotspot Tripoli, Amim Mahbani has struggled to rescue his clothes shop from a freefalling economy. Now the novel coronavirus has left its very survival in peril. Lebanese authorities have ordered shops to close for two weeks to fight COVID-19, compounding a crisis that traders in the country’s poverty-stricken second city Tripoli say was already in full swing. “We’ve shuttered our shops, but no one was entering them anyway because of this grinding economic crunch,” Mahbani said. “The government announcing a health emergency has just come to finish us off,” the 52-year-old father of three said, following Sunday’s orders from Beirut. Dubbed the “bride” of Lebanon’s months-long protest movement for its vibrant anti-government rallies, Tripoli has been plunged into economic despair. “Traders are simply no longer able to sustain financial losses,” said Mahbani, who has been forced to lay off eight of his nine employees. As Lebanon faces its worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war, prices have skyrocketed, the Lebanese pound has plunged in value and unemployment is rampant. This is the case across the country, but Tripoli has been disproportionately hit because more than half of its population had already been living at or below the poverty line for years. In the city’s Azmi street and surrounding areas, shops have shuttered and others been starved for business.
‘Never been as hard’
Outside a lingerie store, Sherine pleaded with passersby to step inside before the ordered shutdown. Her eyes darting left and right, she scoured the street for desperately needed customers. “If I can sell, then I’ll be paid a salary,” the 28-year-old shop assistant told AFP. “If I don’t, then the store owner won’t pay me.” Her only colleague had already been fired and she feared her turn would be next. Tripoli, a port city on the eastern Mediterranean, had already suffered for several years from an economic downturn. From 2007 to 2014, it was the scene of frequent clashes between Sunni and Alawite residents of neighboring districts. The spillover of Syria’s war in 2011 fueled violence and unleashed a wave of attacks, including a 2013 twin bombing on two Tripoli mosques that killed 45 people. Despite all this, Hussam Zaher — who owns a women’s boutique on the same street — said business today was exceptionally bad. “It’s never been as hard as these days,” said the 60-year-old, who has owned the shop for around a quarter of a century. “My problem as a business owner is the liquidity crunch,” he told AFP. “People who have money are spending it just on food, while things like clothes have become secondary.”
‘Lives flipped upside-down’
As a result, more than 120 shops in and around Azmi street have shuttered for good, said Talal Baroudi, who heads an association of merchants in the area. “The shops that have survived in the face of the economic crisis… are considered semi-closed because of the lack of business,” he told AFP. “Most merchants have stopped stocking up on goods altogether.” Faced with a liquidity crunch, Lebanese banks have since September imposed stringent controls on dollar withdrawals and halted transfers abroad. Account holders have been forced to deal in the nose-diving Lebanese pound, which has lost more than a third of its value on the black market. With limited access to her money, Wafaa Merehbi said her outings have been reduced to window shopping. “Our purchasing power is zero,” said the 64-year-old. “We are using the $100 dollars the banks allow us to withdraw (every week) to eat.”Ismail Mukaddam said business at a nearby menswear store he has owned for the past 45 years was doomed. “Our lives have been flipped upside down,” the 70-year-old said. “Things have never been this bad, not even at the peak of the civil war.”
Politicians Donate Salaries to Fight Coronavirus
Naharnet/March 16/2020
Several politicians in Lebanon said they will donate their March salaries as a contribution to the anti-coronavirus campaign. In a tweet Information Minister Manal Abdul Samad said: “Health Minister Hamad Hassan has taken the initiative and I will donate my March salary for the national fund to fight coronavirus as part of supporting government hospitals to confront the disease,” she said. Minister of the Displaced, Ghada Chreim also said she will donate her salary for the month of March to support government hospitals and all of its employees. “I invite every capable Lebanese, resident and expatriate to provide help because through solidarity we can succeed,” she tweeted. MP Michel Daher donated 100 million Lebanese pounds, former MP Amal Abou Zeid donated 50 million Lebanese pounds to Jezzine Governmental Hospital. Minister Hassan, Independent MP Chamel Roukoz and Development and Liberation bloc MP Fadi Alameh had on Sunday announced that they will donate their salaries and compensations to hospitals as a contribution to the anti-coronavirus fight. The COVID-19 virus has officially infected 99 people in the Mediterranean nation. Lebanon on Sunday urged people to stay at home for two weeks and prepared to close its main airport to stem the outbreak that has killed three people in the country.
The coronavirus outbreak proves Lebanon’s Diab cabinet has no idea how to govern
Makram Rabah/Al Arabiya/March 16/2020
No need to panic! Words repeated by the Lebanese Minister of Public Health Hamad Hasan three weeks ago when he first announced that Lebanon had identified its first case of the notorious coronavirus, technically known as COVID-19. Hamad’s assurances soon proved fallacious, as the coronavirus continued to spread across the country with no clear plan of action being deployed by the government of Hassan Diab to try to limit its spread. Alarmingly the Lebanese government dragged its feet and took no immediate action by stopping flights from Iran and Italy, the two countries that were initially identified as the source of the infected cases Lebanon was treating.
Faced with perhaps the worst calamity since the great famine of 1915, the Lebanese ruling establishment opted to do all the wrong things. Rather than deploying a national emergency plan that would scientifically manage the crisis, the cabinet of Premier Hassan Diab stuck to its sectarian operating system and preferred to take a step back and simply “act” responsible, keyword here is act. Diab and his so-called technocratic government formed a ministerial crisis cell as such situations dictate, but unfortunately most of its decisions were reactive rather than preemptive and proactive to protect the lives of the Lebanese as well as the one million Syrian refugees currently calling Lebanon home.
Banning flights to and from Iran should have been one of the first things that Diab’s cabinet enforced regardless of the political implications of such a decision and the reaction of Hezbollah which simply cannot afford to sever its only remaining lifeline through which it receives weapons and more importantly dollars. Despite the popular outcry demanding that severe measures be implemented on flights from Iran, flocks of Iranians and Lebanese returnees kept entering Lebanon through the airport and through Syria with no serious testing or screening being conducted.
The fact that Hezbollah was in control of the Ministry of Public Health and its areas are beyond the scrutiny of the Lebanese state further heightened the public belief that the coronavirus had already infested the Shia community, thus leading to their further isolation. News that Hezbollah was using one of its biggest hospitals, Al-Rassoul Al-Azam, as a secret quarantine facility led to further panic in the ranks of the Lebanese who saw their state unresponsive to any of these dangerous allegations.
People wearing face masks walk outside Rafik Hariri hospital, where Lebanon’s first coronavirus case is being quarantined, in Beirut, Lebanon February 21, 2020. (Reuters)
Diab’s apprehensive approach also extended to the other religious communities as each respective community was left to issue instructions to their places of worship and congregation venues, sites which have the highest risk of transmission. Lacking grassroots legitimacy, Diab could not afford to cross any of his patrons and stepped back from declaring a state of national emergency, centralizing the decision-making process and locking down the country.
Such harsh and radical measures were the only chance that the Lebanese had to contain the spread of this plague. This government has made a habit of issuing directives and orders to the different entities including the municipalities, under the mistaken assumption that these bodies have the capabilities as well as the resources to carry them out. Contrary to what the Diab cabinet and its many advisors claim, the coronavirus outbreak confirmed their total lack of knowledge of how the state works. Moreover, having defaulted on its sovereign debt almost a week before, this government lacks the financial resources to confront the coronavirus as it spread through the country, especially given that nearly all of Lebanon’s hospitals were suffering from a lack of medical supplies including spare parts for the much needed ventilators even before the outbreak.
Another dangerous aspect which the Diab government has shown deliberate laxity in facing is the Syrian refugees whose unsanitary conditions in camps and high-density areas is inducive to the spread of the virus. While the UNHCR and some government agencies have scrambled to face this challenge, Diab and his xenophobic allies are unconcerned with the risk and brush it away as inconsequential.
In the final analysis, the ruling establishment fronted by the Hassan Diab and many other cabinets before it have repeatedly asked people not to panic when there banking sector was collapsing, or when the forest fires were threatening to devour their homes.
However, the Lebanese who are aware of the moral shortcomings of their leaders have taken the initiative to self-quarantine and to lockdown the country to save their souls. Perhaps more importantly, the coronavirus challenge proved once more, at least in the case of the Diab cabinet, that technocracy and statesmanship do not necessarily go together. Diab may be a technocrat, but he is also morally unfit to govern.
*Makram Rabah is a lecturer at the American University of Beirut, Department of History. His forthcoming book Conflict on Mount Lebanon: The Druze, the Maronites and Collective Memory (Edinburgh University Press) covers collective identities and the Lebanese Civil War.
