EU considering sanctions against Lebanese politicians

France and the European Union are preparing proposals that could result in a freeze of assets and a travel ban on Lebanese politicians, according to Reuters. The move aims to push politicians to agree on forming a government that addresses the multitude of challenges that have rocked Lebanon in the past few months.  

The European Union has been providing key political and humanitarian support for Lebanon, with France pushing hardest for this, but local political forces have failed to agree on a new cabinet. 

"Concrete proposals are being prepared against the same people who have abandoned the common good for their own interests," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told lawmakers on Wednesday (7 April). 

The French minister added that if some Lebanese political actors do not assume their responsibilities, "we will not hesitate to take our responsibilities in this regard".

The sanctions, facilitated by the EU could include travel bans and asset freezing.

In the meantime the Arab League said it was ready to do anything to resolve the current Lebanese crisis and to reach a solution agreeable to all the Lebanese parties.

The Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, Hossam Zaki, confirmed the League's readiness to bridge the current rift, leading to a solution that enabled the prime minister-designate, Saad Hariri, to form a government.

 
Source: commonspace.eu with Reuters (London) and various agencies. 
Picture: Protests continue in Lebanon. (Twitter: @ChristianNewz). 

 

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Luhansk the first Ukrainian region fully occupied by Russia

Luhansk the first Ukrainian region fully occupied by Russia

A Russia-appointed official in Ukraine’s occupied Luhansk region was quoted by AP on Monday saying that Moscow’s forces have overrun all of it, one of four regions Russia annexed from Ukraine in September 2022. If confirmed, it would make Luhansk the first Ukrainian region fully occupied by Russia after more than three years of war with international peace efforts led by the US failing to make progress on halting the fighting. Russian President Vladimir Putin has effectively rejected a ceasefire and hasn’t budged from his demands, which include Moscow’s control over the four illegally annexed regions. 

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Luhansk the first Ukrainian region fully occupied by Russia

Luhansk the first Ukrainian region fully occupied by Russia

A Russia-appointed official in Ukraine’s occupied Luhansk region was quoted by AP on Monday saying that Moscow’s forces have overrun all of it, one of four regions Russia annexed from Ukraine in September 2022. If confirmed, it would make Luhansk the first Ukrainian region fully occupied by Russia after more than three years of war with international peace efforts led by the US failing to make progress on halting the fighting. Russian President Vladimir Putin has effectively rejected a ceasefire and hasn’t budged from his demands, which include Moscow’s control over the four illegally annexed regions.