Franjieh ‘Adopts’ Bassil’s 'Earlier' Position that Corrupt Get Sanctioned
Marada Movement chief Sleiman Franjeih vented at the Free Patriotic Movement and newly US sanctioned ex-minister Jebran Bassil, saying the latter was right to say that US sanctions unveil “corrupt” officials in Lebanon, in a jab at Bassil.
Franjieh was indirectly hitting at Bassil saying he too was sanctioned because of corruption.
“After the US sanctions against (Marada) minister Youssef Fenianos and (Hizbullah) minister Ali Hassan Khalil, Bassil and some FPM officials reacted saying (sanctions) the corrupt and perpetrators were finally revealed. Commenting on the US sanctions against Jebran today, I adopt Bassil’s stance then,” said Franjieh.
The US Treasury announced sanctions against former energy and foreign affairs minister Jebran Bassil Friday, accusing him of corruption involving billions of dollars that has left the economy in a shambles.
Sanctions were imposed in September on former finance minister Ali Hassan Khalil and former Marada transport minister Youssef Fenianos for alleged corruption and support of Hizbullah.
On claims that sanctions against Bassil have freed Franjieh’s path from a future rival for the presidency post, Franjieh brushed these off.
“The presidential election issue can not be decided today. The name of the future president highly depends on the circumstances when the time is due in two years,” said Franjieh.
Source: Naharnet, Agence France Presse
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