Belgian parliament urges EU to sanction Lebanese politicians
The Belgian Parliament has voted unanimously in favor of a resolution calling on the European Union to impose sanctions on Lebanese politicians.
The bill had been submitted by Malik Ben Achour, a member of Belgium’s socialist party who introduced the bill more than two years ago.
“It’s the first time that a parliament in Europe adopts a resolution on Lebanon calling on the EU to implement its sanctions framework,” Ben Achour told English-language Emirati newspaper The National.
“This is a strong signal of support to all those who want to fight for the rule of law in Lebanon and the independence of the judiciary,” he added.
Ben Achour had visited Beirut in late September with other European officials to meet Lebanese activists, lawyers and judges.
Adopted in July 2021, the EU’s framework for sanctions on Lebanon is designed to target those who are guilty of serious financial misconduct or obstruct the implementation of reform plans. It remains unused as the EU focuses on the war in Ukraine and rarely discusses Lebanon.
According to The National, the wide-ranging resolution adopted on Wednesday also asked the judiciary of Belgium and neighboring countries to deepen investigations into the wealth of Lebanese officials in Europe.
20 January 2023, 01:38
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At first, one would rejoice that a european nation takes interest in Lebanon's fate. But This is just a form of interference in the internal affairs of another country, which is inappropriate.
It's a political grandstanding and can't be seen as productive or helpful in resolving any underlying issues. I have a serious problem with the Belgians forcing us to adopt THEIR (IMF) reforms for our failed State.
The solution must be 100% Lebanese, and if we're to deal with the crooks, we should do it ourselves.
I googled "Malik Ben Achour" and he's himself a crook according to a Belgian newspaper article. https://www.sudinfo.be/id565165/article/2022-10-29/faillite-de-malik-ben-achour-il-me-doit-des-milliers-deuros-de-loyer-denonce-le
