A Bundle Of English Reports, News and Editorials For 07-08/2020 Addressing the On Going Mass Demonstrations & Sit In-ins In Iranian Occupied Lebanon in its 114th Day
Compiled By: Elias Bejjani
February 08/2020
Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on February 07-08/2020
Lebanon: Salameh Expects Economic Situation to Improve by Mid-2020
Lebanon’s New Sunni Leadership Projects
STL: Assignment of Defence Counsel for the Accused Salim Jamil Ayyash
World Bank Official Says Aid to Lebanon Hinges on Reform Program
Aoun Tells Higher Defense Council ‘Security Must Be Controlled’
Diab Urges Businessmen to Be Partners in Salvation Process
Hammoud Replies to Berri: All Lebanese Banks Transferred Funds Abroad
Report: ‘Emergency-Like’ Measures to Be Enforced Alongside Confidence Vote
Rally Commemorating Rafik Hariri Moved to Center House
In-Absentia Arrest Warrant Issued for Rabih al-Zein
Germanos Says to Resign for ‘Family Reasons’
Aswad Files Lawsuit Accusing Protesters of Injuring His Bodyguard
Lebanese Cabinet approves Policy Statement unanimously at Baabda Palace
Pope meets Eastern Catholic patriarchs, Rahi: His Holiness is aware Christians’ role and mission with their Muslim partners
Lebanon’s Vatican Ambassador: World sympathizes with us, expects concrete steps
Hitti meets Ambassadors of France, Germany, European Union
Lebanese Consumers Association: Paying Eurobonds will accelerate economic breakdown
Kumar Jha from Ministry of Finance: World Bank awaits the Cabinet’s reform program
Abdel Samad meets Daily Star delegation over circumstances to suspend print edition
Moucharafieh meets Lazzarini, Girard, Turkish ambassador
Osman, Indian Ambassador discuss general situation
Germanos tells NNA will step back for family reasons
Ambassador of Denmark, Merit Juhl
Chinese Ambassador to Lebanese, Chinese Businesspeople gathering: We will beat Coronavirus
Suicide epidemic sweeps Lebanon amid economic downturn/The New Arab/February 07/2020
Lebanese leaders hoped protesters would go home. They won’t, and here’s why/Michal Kranz/The New Arab/February/2020
The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on February 07-08/2020
Lebanon: Salameh Expects Economic Situation to Improve by Mid-2020
Beirut – Asharq Al-Awsat/Friday, 7 February, 2020
Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh said that the current crisis was not financial and economic, but came against internal and external political backdrops. He added that the economic situation would improve by June 2020. Salameh’s words came during his meeting on Thursday with a gathering of Lebanese businessmen and businesswomen in the world. Talks revolved around the current economic, financial, monetary and social conditions in Lebanon, and their impact on the private sector and economic and trade relations with the world. “The problem in Lebanon is not an economic-financial problem, but rather a problem that has preset political backgrounds internally, regionally and internationally,” Salameh said, noting that one of the factors of the problem was linked to “the need to reopen the market so we have foreign currencies, especially in the banking sector in order to revive trade and industry.” “We hope that within three to five weeks, we will put in place a specific mechanism that has the flexibility and freedom to finance urgent cases by banks”, the BDL governor announced. The current crisis is a great blow that occurred amid agonizing conditions in the region, Salameh said, stressing that the problem was initially aimed at “shaking the structure.”“But the structure has overcome the dangerous stage,” he underlined. Highlighting the importance of fresh money [coming directly from abroad] in providing liquidity, Salameh said: “From now until next June, the economic and financial situation will be at ease in Lebanon.”
Lebanon’s New Sunni Leadership Projects
Asharq Al Awsat/February 07/2020
The outbreak of the Lebanese uprising was preceded by several attempts to form alternative Sunni political entities to the Future movement of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Most of these attempts were made by politicians who had supported Hariri for many years before abandoning him. However, after October 17, many of them realized that the country has changed forever, especially with regard to the way in which Lebanese citizens view their affiliations and loyalties.
Sectarianism will not become irrelevant in the foreseeable future, but what has been happening for more than a hundred days indicates that transcending sectarianism is possible with the national Lebanese identity crystalizing. Thus, they have realized that their old projects have become obsolete.
Saad Hariri’s decline was gradual. It spanned many years, starting in 2009 when the March 14 coalition failed to translate their electoral victory into a political one, as it was forced to form a coalition government with its opponents. Then the setbacks continued: from internal austerity to the eventual total collapse of March 14 to the presidential settlement of 2016 that brought Michel Aoun to the presidency. These events were accompanied by a growing sense of frustration among the Sunni public stemming from their feeling that Hariri, who had invested in the community’s animosity against Hezbollah to mobilize his base, was too weak to stop Hezbollah’s expansion. After the Syrian Revolution, his helplessness became even more apparent. More importantly, Saad Hariri was not able to revive the economic project that was a pillar of his father’s leadership. Indeed, he closed the media and service-delivering institutions that his father established. Making matters worse, he was accused of corruption and imposing unfair taxes; the later culminated with Whats App tax, proposed by one of the Future ministers, which sparked the Lebanese revolution. Last but not least, we have his alliance with Gebran Bassil, the head of the Free Patriotic Movement, who was despised by the majority of the Lebanese, as demonstrated by the chants directed against him during the protests. Those who tried to replace Hariri failed because they failed, as he did, in both providing economic prosperity and countering Hezbollah’s influence. For example, Ashraf Rifi, who managed to win the 2016 municipal elections in Tripoli by taking a more hard-line stance on Hezbollah and contrasting the poverty of the city’s residents with their leaders’ wealth, failed miserably in the parliamentary election of 2018. It goes without saying that such projects will have even fewer chances of success in the future for two reasons: the first is their inability to produce the new kind of leadership in an environment where people have grown weary of the traditional leadership model. The second is that it impossible for these current Sunni leaders to mobilize on the basis of confronting Hezbollah since they did not hold a primary seat in the Sunni community at a time of deeper fragmentation within it. Today, the Sunni community, with its fragmentized leadership, presents a model that the rest of the sects should emulate.
STL: Assignment of Defence Counsel for the Accused Salim Jamil Ayyash
Naharnet/February 07/2020
On 5 February 2020, Trial Chamber II decided that Ayyash would be tried in absentia. The following day, the Pre-Trial Judge, Judge Daniel Fransen, requested the Head of Defence Office, Dorothée Le Fraper du Hellen, to assign Counsel to represent the interests and rights of the Accused, said STL in a press release. The Head of Defence Office therefore assigned Emile Aoun, a lawyer at the Beirut Bar, as Lead Counsel and Anta Guissé, a lawyer at the Paris Bar, as Co-Counsel to defend the interests and rights of Salim Jamil Ayyash in the case of The Prosecutor v. Ayyash (STL 18-10) in connection with the attacks against Marwan Hamade, George Hawi and Elias El-Murr. The Head of Defence Office considered that it was in the best interests of the Accused that Emile Aoun, Lead Counsel in the case of The Prosecutor v. Ayyash et al. (STL 11-01), should also represent the interests and rights of Ayyash in the present case (STL 18-10), as the case concerns the same Accused and in view of his in-depth knowledge of the procedures before the STL. The Defence Office will provide all the legal, logistical and financial support necessary to the newly constituted Defence team to enable it to fulfil its Defence mandate.
World Bank Official Says Aid to Lebanon Hinges on Reform Program
Naharnet/February 07/2020
World Bank Regional Director Saroj Kumar Jha held talks Friday in Beirut with Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni and said the Bank is awaiting the government’s reform program to decide how to support the Lebanese people. The official also stressed that the World Bank is committed to helping Lebanon create better job opportunities for its people and in funding projects in the health, education and electricity sectors. Kumar Jha also urged serious steps within specific timeframes and said it is up to the government to decide whether or not to pay off Eurobond debt in March. The official also stressed that any World Bank aid will not harm the poorest segments of the population.
Aoun Tells Higher Defense Council ‘Security Must Be Controlled’
Naharnet/February 07/2020
Lebanon’s Higher Defense Council convened at Baabda on Friday to tackle the security situation before next week’s parliament session dedicated to hold a confidence vote for the new Cabinet, amid demonstrators’ pledges to escalate protests. President Michel Aoun chaired the meeting held in the presence of PM Hassan Diab, ministers and leaders of security and military apparatuses. A spokesman for the Council recited a statement to reporters after the meeting stating that President Michel Aoun has “stressed the need to keep security under control to preserve stability and civil peace.”
“He also said that efforts must be coordinated between military and security agencies to preempt any acts of sabotage,” added the spokesman. As per regulations, the decisions of the Higher Defense Council are kept secret. The Parliament is scheduled to convene on Tuesday and Wednesday to review the new Cabinet’s Policy Statement and hold a confidence vote. Demonstrators have vowed to escalate protests in parallel with the confidence vote for Diab’s government which they rejected since inception on January 21. The policy statement, approved on Thursday, comes as Lebanon grapples with a financial crisis, which has seen the value of the Lebanese pound fall by a fourth on the parallel market. Lebanon has been rocked by protests since October 17 demanding a complete overhaul of a political class which activists say is inept, corrupt and motivated by personal gain. Demonstrators have on several occasions protested near the Parliament in Nejmeh Square preventing lawmakers from reaching the building, demonstrating against rulers blamed for mismanagement, corruption and steering the country towards economic collapse.
Diab Urges Businessmen to Be Partners in Salvation Process
Naharnet/February 07/2020
Prime Minister Hassan Diab on Friday urged the Lebanese to join efforts in order to salvage the country from multiple crises it “inherited from previous policies,” the National News Agency reported on Friday. Diab pinned hopes on the substantial role of the Lebanese abroad, including that of expatriates and businessmen, to assist Lebanon amidst this crucial stage. His remarks came during a meeting at the Grand Serail with a delegation representing the RDCL World, the Association of Lebanese Business People in the World, headed by RDCL World President Fouad Zmokhol. “We are wagering on this role to be part of the rescue plan, because if Lebanon collapses, God forbid, everyone will pay a dear price, be it Lebanese residents, expatriates, ordinary citizens, employees, businessmen, and economic institutions; no one will be spared,” Diab warned. “Our country is enduring an exceptional stage that carries many challenges and risks. Today we are facing a dead wall, and the solution remains to destroy the wall that strangles Lebanon, disrupts its economic cycle, causes social and living crises, increases unemployment and triggers an acute shortage of liquidity,” Diab said. He went on to point to the dwindling capabilities of the state in light of the current challenges. “Thus, we are exerting relentless efforts and employing all our capabilities and contacts to make a difference; however, we mostly look forward to the important role of Lebanese expatriates and businessmen.”
Hammoud Replies to Berri: All Lebanese Banks Transferred Funds Abroad
Naharnet/February 07/2020
Chairman of the Banking Control Commission of Lebanon (BCCL) Samir Hammoud replied to Speaker Nabibh Berri’s statement on Friday saying that all Lebanese banks, not just five of them, have transferred a total of $2.3 billion to banks in Switzerland after the October 17 uprising.
“Reports that owners of five Lebanese banks have transferred $2.3 billion are inaccurate. According to our information, the entire Lebanese banks, not just five of them, have sent funds equivalent to that amount to Swiss banks between October 17, 2019 and January 10, 2020,” said Hammoud in remarks to the daily. “BCCL is aware of the total amounts transferred to Switzerland, but the committee does not have the legal right to know the owners, and therefore there are no known names at all,” added Hammoud. On Wednesday, during his weekly Ain el-Tineh meeting with lawmakers, Berri said he managed to “confirm” that the owners of five Lebanese banks have sent their “personal money” abroad, estimated at $2.3 billion, despite the informal capital controls that have been imposed on depositors since November.
Report: ‘Emergency-Like’ Measures to Be Enforced Alongside Confidence Vote
Naharnet/February 07/2020
Extremely tight security measures will be imposed next week when the Parliament convenes on a confidence vote for the new government of PM Hassan Diab, with security officials describing the steps similar to ones taken in a state of emergency, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Friday.
“Security forces and army troops will be in a state of emergency in parallel with the confidence session vote,” a security source told the daily on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak publicly. “The troops will carry out intensive and strict measures around several areas mainly in downtown Beirut (the Parliament’s location), which will be more like a military operations zone. Military and security forces will be motivated to confront any riots, or any attempt to disturb security,” he added. The parliament would convene on Tuesday and Wednesday to review the new Cabinet’s Policy Statement and hold a confidence vote. The policy statement was approved Thursday expected to outline a broad action plan to save the protest-hit country from one of its worst economic crises in decades. The National News Agency said President Michel Aoun called the Higher Defense Council for a meeting on Friday to discuss security measures in line with the session. Diab and his new government face the twin challenge of angry street protests and a collapsing economy, with Lebanon burdened by debt of nearly 90 billion dollars, or more than 150 percent of GDP.
Rally Commemorating Rafik Hariri Moved to Center House
Naharnet/February 07/2020
A February 14 rally marking the 15th anniversary of the assassination of ex-PM Rafik Hariri and his companions has been moved from the BIEL venue in central Beirut to the residence of ex-PM Saad Hariri — the Center House. A statement issued by al-Mustaqbal Movement said the change comes at the request of the former premier. “Seeing as al-Mustaqbal Movement had distributed invitations specifying the rally’s venue as BIEL, and in light of the tight timeframe separating us from the date, it calls on all invitees to take note that the ceremony has been moved to the Center House, where ex-PM Saad Hariri will personally meet them and address a speech to them,” the statement added.
In-Absentia Arrest Warrant Issued for Rabih al-Zein
Naharnet/February 07/2020
Mount Lebanon Investigative Judge Bassam al-Hajj on Friday dismissed a medical report filed by the lawyer of protest movement activist Rabih al-Zein. The judge also issued an in-absentia arrest warrant for al-Zein and ordered a broader investigation. The lawyer, Nouhad Salma, said al-Zein has been admitted into hospital over a medical emergency. “I presented a medical report from the doctor examining my client, but the report was rejected by Judge al-Hajj who considered to be not serious and aimed at procrastination,” the lawyer added. He also noted that the arrest warrant is related to “incitement to the firebombing of banks and the torching of the office of the Free Patriotic Movement” in Jounieh. Al-Zein had been released on bail earlier this week.
Germanos Says to Resign for ‘Family Reasons’
Naharnet/February 07/2020
State Commissioner to the Military Court Judge Peter Germanos announced Friday that he is stepping down. In a phone call to the National News Agency, Germanos said he will on Tuesday submit a request to be relieved of his duties to Justice Minister Marie-Claude Najem for “purely family reasons.”Asked whether his decision is related to not being invited to the meeting of the Higher Defense Council or any other reasons, Germanos denied the hypotheses and stressed that the reason is strictly family-related.
Aswad Files Lawsuit Accusing Protesters of Injuring His Bodyguard
Naharnet/February 07/2020
MP Ziad Aswad of the Strong Lebanon bloc on Friday filed a lawsuit with the Mount Lebanon prosecution through his lawyer Antoine Atallah. The National News Agency said Aswad is suing the protesters Habib Najem, Alain Waked, Wajdi al-Arja, Rabih al-Zein, Carlos Zgheib, Ghassan Bustani, Michel Bustani, Charbel Zgheib aka Charbel Younan and Roger Akiki on charges of “harming one of his bodyguards and vandalizing public and private property.”A clash had erupted Wednesday evening between anti-government protesters and supporters of MP Aswad and the Free Patriotic Movement outside a restaurant the lawmaker was having dinner at in Jounieh. Aswad had tweeted that one of his bodyguards was injured after being run over by a car carrying protesters. “They tried to storm the place and one was carrying a visible gun that was handed over to the Ghazir police station after which it turned out that it is semi-real,” Aswad tweeted on Thursday. A circulated video meanwhile showed supporters of Aswad beating up and insulting a young man and telling him he had no business being in Keserwan since he hails from Tripoli. The video also shows a car with smashed windows. A group of lawyers had on Thursday filed a lawsuit against Aswad’s bodyguards and supporters, accusing them of “inciting hatred and sectarian and regional strife” and calling for their arrest and prosecution. Anti-government protesters have targeted several politicians in public places in recent weeks, mostly at restaurants. The protesters have argued that politicians should not engage in leisure activities at a time the country is facing its worst financial and economic crisis since the civil war.
Lebanon has been rocked by protests since October 17 demanding a complete overhaul of a political class which activists say is inept, corrupt and motivated by personal gain. The demonstrations have reduced in size in recent weeks.
Lebanese Cabinet approves Policy Statement unanimously at Baabda Palace
NNA/February 07/2020
The Cabinet approved the Policy Statement, today at the Presidential Palace in a session held at 9:00 am, chaired by President Michel Aoun, and attended by Prime Minister, Hassan Diab, and Ministers.
The session was preceded by a meeting between the President and Prime Minister, in which the most prominent issues, in the Draft Policy Statement (made by the Ministerial Committee and issued by the Government) were discussed.
After the session, Information Minister, Manal Abdel Samad, made the following statement:
“The Cabinet held a meeting, chaired by His Excellency, the President of the Republic, and attended by the Prime Minister and Ministers. At the beginning, His Excellency welcomed the Prime Minister, and Ministers, and thanked the efforts made to accomplish the Policy Statement, stressing the need to set priorities in every Ministry because the projects are numerous, and it is necessary to highlight what is essential and urgent, more than other issues.
The President of the Republic said: “Work must begin immediately, after the Government gains confidence, to make up for time in the past weeks. I am confident that Ministers can carry out all assigned tasks”
His Excellency asked the Prime Minister to add the issue of return of displaced Syrians to the Policy Statement, especially since the majority of these displaced came to Lebanon escaping difficult security conditions, and must return after it has become safe in most of Syria.
The President pointed out that some countries have been opposing the return of the displaced, and we wonder about reasons for this opposition. Even though we raised this file in all international and regional meetings, to help and encourage them to return, and we are still awaiting international response.
Afterwards, the Prime Minister said “This session is devoted to approving the Policy Statement’s format, which we consider as a work program defining our aspirations and methodology of thinking. This Statement is not reproduced, it resulted from 11 meetings, and will represent a model for following Governments. I praise the efforts exerted to complete the Policy Statement in its final form, and also acknowledge the seriousness that prevailed in Policy Statement- committee discussions, and among members, especially the effort made by the Deputy Prime Minister (Minister of National Defense)”.
PM Diab added that “The Policy Statement is a result of facts and studies, and does not carry any personal approaches or individual calculations. Our ambition is much greater, however pragmatism put us in front of non-ignorable facts”.
The Prime Minister indicated that the name he gave to this Government is “The Government of Facing Challenges”, and asked each Minister to draw up a list of projects to be ready during our meetings with international officials, as well as during work visits.
Afterwards, the Cabinet’s Secretary-General read out the Policy Statement, and some amendments were done. Afterwards the Statement was approved”.
Questions & Answers with Journalists:
Question: What amendments were made to the statement?
Answer: Technical amendments were added as a result of observations, made by concerned parties, i.e. concerned Ministers.
Question: Why was the issues of the displaced added as long as it is in the Statement?
Answer: It is true that it exists, but the desire was to clarify that the displaced in Lebanon are not political refugees, but rather security ones, whom came due to security conditions in order to ensure their safety, this matter is not disputable.
Question: Does this specify Lebanon’s position concerning the return of the displaced?
Answer: A clear and undetailed position, because ideas are visions, in the framework of the Ministerial Statement.
Question: Are there promises within the Policy Statement that set short deadlines for securing electricity?
Answer: There is a plan which was approved in the 2019 Cabinet, which will be implemented with some amendments if necessary, and this is an issue of the specified Ministry, which is the Energy Ministry to study all alternatives and secure electricity as promised.
Question: Why was the name changed to “The Government to Face Challenges”?
Answer: The Prime Minister intended to change the name from “Exceptional Government” to “The Government to Face Challenges”, in order to prevent any confusion which might be negatively understood by the name. Knowing that the Government, and all Ministries, are positive, and that it is also not understood in another framework as an exception for anyone. Hence, the clarification was made, but indeed the Government faces challenges that we all have to face.
Question: Has a paragraph been added to the electricity issue, which allows modifications?
Answers: Yes, the implementation of the electricity plan has been approved with some modifications, if necessary. This is a matter which refers to studies which will be conducted and is technical of course, and the concerned Minister will clarify all matters.
Question: has the “Triple Equation” based on Army, People and Resistance, been changed?
Answer: No, there is no dispute about this equation.
Question: Was the displaced issue inserted, as the President desired?
Answer: This item was noticeable, and His Excellency the President, gave his remarks and added them.
Question: Is it true that there was tension between Ministers?
Answer: There was no tension, because the discussion took place in an objective, scientific and frank manner.
Question: Will investigations continue concerning the issue of smuggling money abroad, till the end?
Answer: This matter was noted in the Policy Statement.
Question: What is the role of Lebanon at the foreign policy level?
Answer: The Foreign Minister gave valuable comments and ideas in this regard, and were added to the statement.
Question: What are the procedures to gain confidence of the international community?
Answer: The main confidence is the people’s confidence and that of the Parliament, because it is elected by the people. As for the international community, when they notice the reforms which will take place and the seriousness of the work and the objective approach in dealing with problems and files, we inevitably regain their confidence.
Question: Was the Eurobond issue raised?
Answer: No, this topic was not raised today.—Presidency Press Office
Pope meets Eastern Catholic patriarchs, Rahi: His Holiness is aware Christians’ role and mission with their Muslim partners
NNA/February 07/2020
The Holy Pontiff, Pope Francis, met this Friday at the Vatican with the Catholic Patriarchs of the East, with whom he tackled affairs related to the Church and the Middle East’s overall situation. The Pope received from Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi a memorandum containing a detailed explanation of the situation in Lebanon and the region. After the meeting, Rahi said “I was very happy that His Holiness is aware of the Churches’ issues in the Middle East and of the importance of Christians’ presence, role and mission with their Muslim partners.”
Lebanon’s Vatican Ambassador: World sympathizes with us, expects concrete steps
NNA /February 07/2020
Lebanon’s ambassador to the Vatican, Farid Elias Al-Khazen, stressed that “Europe and the Vatican have an interest and love for Lebanon, but the Lebanese have to face their domestic issues. It would have been possible to intervene directly and strongly if a war had been going on in Lebanon and foreign interference has been taking place, but that is not the case.”Ambassador Al-Khazen spoke to the NNA, describing the relationship between Lebanon and the Vatican as “normal, but the world is busy with major issues like the Coronavirus and Trump’s new heresy, the Deal of the Century.” “The Lebanese crisis is internal, and everyone sympathizes with Lebanon,” he said, stressing that “the political class ought to initiate more than necessary reforms.” “No one will come from abroad to assist this class and do the work on its behalf. The Vatican supports and provides assistance, but fruitful work must take place at the national level,” he asserted. Regarding the burdens incurred by Lebanon, he said: “There is an assertion in the Vatican that Lebanon has a certain specificity and cannot tolerate a large number of Syrians. Let’s be frank, there is special interest in Lebanon because it is the country of liberties; Christians and Muslims live in it safely, and Christians play an indispensable political role.” He pointed out that “His Holiness, Pope Francis deems his visit to Abu Dhabi historic, and should be activated. It is also from this perspective that Lebanon plays a role as an environment and a society prepared historically, politically and culturally for Islamic-Christian conviviality.”
Hitti meets Ambassadors of France, Germany, European Union
NNA/February 07/2020
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Nassif Hitti, received on Friday French Ambassador to Lebanon Bruno Foucher, German Ambassador George Berglin and European Union Ambassador Ralph Tarraf.
Discussions reportedly touched on the role of Lebanon in the Middle East peace process and its position vis-à-vis the “Deal of the century”.
Minister Hitti also discussed with his visitors the means needed to help Lebanon get out of its economic crisis. The Minister also met with Ambassadors of Switzerland, Poland, Canada and Armenia.
Lebanese Consumers Association: Paying Eurobonds will accelerate economic breakdown
NNA/February 07/2020
The Lebanese Consumers Association on Friday issued a statement, in which it warned of Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s promise that his era “will not witness a payment default of Eurobonds.”
The statement warned that the Premiere was referring to $ 4.8 billion worth maturities that were due in the first half of 2020, half of which were external bonds. “This payment will be made with the remaining deposit funds in the Central Bank,” the statement said. “Paying $ 4.8 billion will most definitely be a new consolation prize for banks and large depositors, but it will deprive the Lebanese economy and the Lebanese in general from purchasing the most basic materials that the country needs including food, medicine, fuel, and other raw materials for industry and agriculture,” the statement explained.
“Paying the Eurobonds will torch the remaining citizens’ rights,” the Lebanese Consumers Association’s statement added.
Kumar Jha from Ministry of Finance: World Bank awaits the Cabinet’s reform program
NNA/February 07/2020
Finance Minister, Dr. Ghazi Wazni, on Friday met with at his office in the Ministry a delegation from the World Bank Group headed by Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Saroj Kumar Jha. Discussions during the meeting emphasized the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Lebanon in terms of creating better job opportunities for the Lebanese people and expanding the horizon of investments in the various sectors, within projects funded in cooperation with the World Bank, especially those related to health, education and electricity. On emerging, Kumar Jha said that the World Bank was awaiting the reform program of the new government to determine accordingly how to support the Lebanese people. “Our meeting with the Minister of Finance was good. The World Bank has been a strong partner to the Lebanese people. We learned from the Minister that the ministerial statement has been finalized and will be voted upon very soon at the House of Parliament.” said Kumar Jha. Kumar Jha added the World Bank expected this statement to be strong encompassing solid measures and an action plan with a specific time limit, given the unprecedented crisis facing Lebanon. In reply to a question, the World Bank Official stressed that “The Lebanese government should provide an ambitious reform program that begins with addressing financial and banking issues, in addition to infrastructure, especially in the electricity sector. However, there are also other sectors that need immediate attention.”
“Lebanon could overcome the current crisis, but this would require strong political will and an action plan with a specific time limit. This is what the World Bank expects from this new government,” maintained Kumar Jha.
Abdel Samad meets Daily Star delegation over circumstances to suspend print edition
NNA/February 07/2020
Minister of Information Dr. Manal Abdel Samad Najed, on Friday met at her office in the Ministry the Daily Star’s Editor in Chief, Nabil Ladki, and the English-language Newspaper’s Financial and Administrative Director, Jamal Zein, with whom she discussed the circumstances that led to the suspension of the Daily’s print edition. Minister Abdel Samad underscored the importance of supporting the press to continue to play its pioneering and cultural role. The Minister emphasized that she will spare no effort to help fortify this profession that has long been a pioneer in Lebanon and the region.
Moucharafieh meets Lazzarini, Girard, Turkish ambassador
NNA/February 07/2020
Minister of Social Affairs, Ramzi Moucharafieh, received this Friday at his office in the Ministry, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs in Lebanon, Philippe Lazzarini, with whom he discussed the work of international organizations in Lebanon. Minister Moucharafieh then met with the Representative for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Lebanon, Mireille Girard, with talks reportedly touching on the Syrian refugees’ issue. Both agreed on the importance of finding a comprehensive national solution to the issue of the return of displaced Syrians to their country. The Minister also met with Turkish Ambassador to Lebanon Hakan Cakil, who expressed his country’s readiness to cooperate with the ministry on the issue of Syrian refugees.
Osman, Indian Ambassador discuss general situation
NNA/February 07/2020
Internal Security Forces chief, Imad Osman, received this Friday the Indian Ambassador to Lebanon, Suhel Ajaz Khan, with whom he discussed the general situation. Maj. Gen. Osman then received MP Edgard Trabolsi, with the country’s general situation featuring high on their talks.
Germanos tells NNA will step back for family reasons
NNA/February 07/2020
Government commissioner to the Military Court, Judge Peter Germanos, told the National News Agency this Friday that he has decided to submit to Justice Minister Marie Claude Najm an application to end his services, for “sheer family reasons.”Asked whether or not his decision was influenced by his non-invitation to the meetings of the Higher Defense Council or any other reasons, Judge Germanos dismissed such allegations, affirming that he was stepping back for “sheer family-related reasons.”
Ambassador of Denmark, Merit Juhl
NNA/February 07/2020
Minister of Energy and Water, Raymond Ghajar, met this Friday with the Turkish Ambassador to Lebanon, Hakan Cakil, with talks touching on ways to bolster cooperation in the fields of electricity, gas and water, especially in light of the opportunities available for investment in Lebanon in the sectors of energy and water. The Minister also welcomed the Ambassador of Denmark, Merete Juhl, and tackled with her the projects for securing wind energy and the possibility of using a Danish-made wind turbines for that purpose. The Danish Ambassador expressed her country’s desire to continue working in Lebanon and securing the necessary funding for future projects, for the sake of both countries.
Tarraf visits Najjar, utters European willingness to assist Lebanon
NNA/February 07/2020
Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Michel Najjar, received this Friday the head of the European Union Mission, Ralph Tarraf, on a protocol visit during which they discussed the political and economic conditions in the country and the current challenges facing Lebanon. Ambassador Tarraf expressed “the interest and willingness of the European Union to assist Lebanon, especially in terms of the projects related to public transport, after the government gains confidence.”
Chinese Ambassador to Lebanese, Chinese Businesspeople gathering: We will beat Coronavirus
NNA/February 07/2020
Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon, Wang Kejian, on Friday confirmed before a delegation representing the Lebanese-Chinese Businesspeople gathering, headed by Ali Mahmoud Al-Abdullah, that China would beat the Coronavirus. “China will overcome the Coronavirus and its aftermath,” the Chinese diplomat asserted. He also affirmed that the Chinese Government was doing a great job to contain the situation. “China will be able to overcome the difficulties accompanying this stage, especially that the Chinese economy is strong and able to deal with the crisis,” he added.
The Chinese Ambassador thanked the delegation for its solidarity visit, noting that the effect of the virus on the economy would be temporary and short. “The Chinese maritime shipments do not pose any health risk,” he added.
He finally confirmed that China was cooperating responsibly and transparently with the World Health Organization and was sharing information about the virus, its prevention, and its treatment methods.
Suicide epidemic sweeps Lebanon amid economic downturn
The New Arab/February 07/2020
Two suicides were reported on Wednesday by local media in Lebanon, as concern grew over the mental state of citizens amid harsh economic conditions.Tags:Lebanon, suicides, Embrace, protests, banks, economy, A Lebanese father of three shot himself on Wednesday, as reports of a second suicide on the same day surfaced amid growing concerns of the impact of the economy on the protest-hit country’s citizens. Danny Abou Haider, 41, ended his life shortly after returning from work, his father who was in the house at the time told local media. It was reported that Haider had been dismissed from his job, where he had only received only part of his salary the previous month. A second suicide was reported on Wednesday after the body of Antonio Tannous, a member of the Internal Security Forces, was found in the outskirts of Akkar, with his gun by his side. Wednesday’s reported suicides are not the first arising amid the harsh economic conditions faced by many in Lebanon today. Naji Fliti, a 40-year-old father of two, committed suicide outside his home in the border region of Arsal on Sunday after he was unable pay outstanding medical bills for his cancer-stricken wife, according to local reports.
His death resonated with many on social media, who blamed the country’s under-fire political class for failing to address a months-long economic downturn. “He is a victim of this regime, of this political class and their financial and monetary policies,” Doumit Azzi Draiby, an activist, said on Twitter. Protesters gathered in central Beirut on Wednesday to mourn Abi Haidar’s death. “How many more suicides do you want?” read one placard raised by a protester. Lebanon’s dire economic situation has resulted in inflation, swelling unemployment and fears of a currency devaluation. Last month, banks rolled out currency control measures, putting limits on the amount people can withdraw. The World Bank says around a third of Lebanese live in poverty and has warned the struggling economy could further deteriorate if a new cabinet is not formed quickly.
A state of anxiety
A number of attempted suicides were also reported on Wednesday, including one of a man who was hospitalised after setting himself on fire and another man prevented from jumping off a tall building. Many have also reached out to the local NGO Embrace, who runs a suicide prevention hotline. “Those thinking of attempting suicide are most likely suffering a mental illness, which comes as a result of increased stress and anxiety,” Lea Zeinoun, executive director at Embrace, told The New Arab. “So there is a biological factor there, which is then amplified by environmental and economic factor. “It is important not to pinpoint a suicide to one factor, as that simplifies the situation of mental illness, which is much deeper than that,” Zeinoun says. “When it comes to suicide, it is important to mention two things. Firstly, there are people who think about it, and secondly, there are people who attempt it,” Zeinoun said, noting that the organisation has had an increase in rate of calls recently. “We encourage people to reach out and speak to someone and we offer a telephone service to support them.”Embrace had requested from government officials to enable their prevention hotline to be accessed free of charge.
“They refused to do that,” she tells The New Arab. “So now we tell those who cannot afford to call us to give us a missed call and we would call them back.”The group operates with volunteers who have undergone specialised training in listening and suicide risk assessment. Their hotline number is 1564.
Lebanese leaders hoped protesters would go home. They won’t, and here’s why
ميكال كرنز/القيادات في لبنان يتمنون أن تنتهي الإنتفاضة ويعود الثوار إلى منازلهم ولكن هذا التمني لن يتحقق لهذه الأسباب
Michal Kranz/The New Arab/February/2020
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Over three months since they began, Lebanon’s anti-government protests have seen their fair share of stops and starts.
Protest fatigue, disillusionment, and partisan violence helped dampen protestors’ spirits in December as the country’s leaders struggled to form a new government that would appease the street and pave the way for Lebanon’s economic recovery.
Yet in mid-January, demonstrations started up again, this time with a new ferocity and at times turning violence, just in time for recetly appointed Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s cabinet to be unveiled on 21 January. Nationwide marches have now continued into February.
Now, Lebanese authorities are attempting to force another round of protest doldrums, this time perhaps permanently. Over the last several weeks, security forces have used instances of rioting to justify the use of excessive force and intimidation tactics, along with mass arrests, and they have also taken steps to limit the ability of people to demonstrate altogether.
New concrete walls and police fences have been erected across Beirut’s downtown, and late last month, there were attempts to open Martyrs’ Square to traffic for the first time since October 17.
But in the long run, tactics like these are inevitably doomed to fail. Few Lebanese are convinced that Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s new government is anything but a refashioning of the status quo under the tutelage of Hezbollah and its political allies, and there remains no credible solution to stop Lebanon’s downward spiral toward economic ruin and mass poverty.
Lebanese authorities are attempting to force another round of protest doldrums
Under other circumstances, the political will to revolt may have evaporated by now. But in Lebanon, deteriorating material conditions and ever-rising frustration with the political elite’s inability to relieve public suffering means that the country’s months-long unrest will not be stifled anytime soon.
In the eyes of Lebanon’s leaders, the political class has done its job – it has paid lip service to the aims of the revolution, allowed people to protest peacefully, and has created a new government that keeps them at the reins while giving the illusion of progress. Now, they want a return to normalcy.
But the steps the new cabinet has taken have not convinced demonstrators and civil society to give them what they want. Although the cabinet is indeed full of new faces and includes several ministers who are experts in their fields, it is far from independent.
Not to mention, Lebanon’s parliament has remained unchanged since the beginning of the protests and is still headed by one of the demonstrators’ primary targets, Speaker Nabih Berri.
It is difficult to imagine that any of Lebanon’s corrupt politicians will face accountability for their crimes before a shift takes place here first, ideally spurred by new elections under the auspices of a revised electoral law.
Yet political changes like these are only part of the solution. Diab’s cabinet has yet to lay out a credible economic recovery and reform plan that will convince the international community to lend its support to Lebanon.
The 2020 budget passed by parliament this week is unrealistic and offers little that would alleviate the country’s economic crisis. Although no new taxes were proposed, no economic assistance to the Lebanese people has been discussed either, even though rates of poverty in the country are set to rise if current realities continue.
It is no surprise then that many of the most committed demonstrators this month have hailed from the poorest parts of Lebanon – Tripoli, the north, and the Beqaa Valley. Without changes in material conditions, these people have little incentive to leave the streets. After all, how can they be expected to return to their daily lives when their already dire standards of living are degrading even further?
How can they be expected to return to their daily lives when their already dire standards of living are degrading even further?
Ultimately, political ideals aside, the longevity of this protest movement will be determined by people’s quality of life. The longer that access to basic goods and services is not available to Lebanese people at the bottom, and the longer that the Lebanese nation feels stifled by its traditional sectarian leaders, the longer these protests will go on.
Parties such as Hezbollah that have urged Lebanon to give this new government a chance are missing the point – words and promises are not enough anymore.
Although protest energy may wax and wane, Lebanon’s landscape has been forever changed by the realisation that a broad popular movement can indeed command power here. At the end of the day, so long as tangible changes don’t take place in people’s lives, masses of demonstrators are guaranteed to come back down to Lebanon’s streets.
“If I go back home, maybe my son will come down,” a protester told me last month in front of the concrete security barrier that went up in Riad al-Solh Square. “If a tired person sits, there is another who will come.”
*Michal Kranz is a freelance journalist based in Beirut, covering everything from US national security to refugee issues in Lebanon.
