The European Union said on Monday (July 12) that it hopes to agree on a legal framework for the sanctions regime against Lebanese leaders by the end of July, but warned that the measure will not be implemented immediately.
Under the leadership of France, after Lebanon faced a financial collapse, hyperinflation, power outages, and fuel and food shortages for 11 months, the EU is seeking to increase pressure on Lebanon’s bickering politicians.
The move is part of a broader international effort aimed at forcing a stable government capable of implementing key reforms out of the political chaos and economic collapse that have occurred nearly a year after the Beirut port explosion.
“I can say that the goal is to complete this work by the end of this month. I am not talking about the implementation of the regime, but the establishment of the regime on a sound legal basis,” EU foreign policy chief Joseph Borel told reporters in Brussels.
Nearly a year after the explosion on August 4 killed more than 200 people, injured thousands and destroyed large areas of the capital, Lebanon is still led by a caretaker government.
“Lebanon has been self-destructing for months,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told reporters in Brussels. “Now, people in distress are facing a major emergency.”
The EU first needs to establish a sanctions regime, and then it can see that individuals are affected by the travel ban and asset freeze, although it may also decide not to put anyone on the list immediately.
Le Drian said that the 27 EU countries have now reached a consensus on the establishment of a regime.
A diplomatic note seen by Reuters showed that the EU’s sanctions against Lebanese politicians such as travel bans and asset freezes may include corruption, hindering efforts to form a government, financial misconduct and human rights violations.
