EU to impose sanctions on Lebanese leaders before the end of July

The European Union said Monday it wanted to agree on the legal framework for a sanctions regime against Lebanese leaders by the end of July, but warned the measure would not be implemented immediately.

Led by France, the EU is trying to increase pressure on Lebanon’s bickering politicians after 11 months of a crisis that has left Lebanon facing financial collapse, hyperinflation, power outages and fuel and food shortages.

The move is part of wider international efforts to force a stable government capable of implementing crucial reforms to emerge from nearly a year of political chaos and economic collapse following an explosion that devastated Beirut’s port.

“I can say that the intention is to complete this before the end of the month. I’m not talking about the implementation of the regime, just building the regime on a sound legal basis,” EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell told reporters in Brussels.

Almost a year after the August 4 explosion that killed more than 200 people, injured thousands and destroyed parts of the capital, Lebanon is still run by an interim government.

“Lebanon has been in self-destruct mode for several months,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told reporters in Brussels. “Now there is a major emergency for a population in distress.”

The EU must first create a sanctions regime that could subsequently hit individuals with travel bans and asset freezes, although it can also decide not to immediately list anyone.

Le Drian said there is now a consensus among the bloc’s 27 countries for a regime.

Criteria for EU sanctions such as travel bans and asset freezes on Lebanese politicians are likely to include corruption, obstructing attempts to form a government, financial misdeeds and human rights abuses, according to a diplomatic note seen by Reuters.

(REUTERS)