Lebanon has been convulsed by a severe economic crisis and mass protests since late last year. Then the country was hit by the pandemic and the blast at Lebanon’s main port.
Following Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate Mustapha Adib announcement of his resignation on Saturday in the midst of a deadlock over the formation of a new government, French President Emmanuel Macron has given Lebanese political leaders an ultimatum to form a new government within six weeks during a televised speech on Sunday.
Macron had earlier threatened Lebanese leaders with sanctions if they do not agree to reforms and a political change, saying on Sunday that he was “ashamed of Lebanon’s political leaders”.
Speaking in Paris during a news conference that was devoted to the latest events in Lebanon, Macron stated that the Lebanese political leaders had “decided to betray this commitment” to form a government by mid-September.
Macron also accused the Lebanese authorities and political forces of favouring “their partisan and individual interests to the detriment of the general interest of the country”.
The French president had initially proposed a roadmap to Lebanese authorities as a precondition to making available billions of dollars in funds from the international community during his short trip to Lebanon following the cataclysmic blast a Lebanon’s port in August.
The visit was criticized by many Twitter users over what they considered uninvited and unwanted interference in the internal affairs of Lebanon, which gained independence from French colonial rule in the 1940s.
Speaking on Sunday, although Macron said that he considered the failure to form new government a betrayal of the people of Lebanon, he proceeded to say that he would give Lebanon’s political leaders another 4-6 weeks to form a new government before punitive measures might be considered.
When asked whether sanctions might be imposed on individual politicians or political factions if no progress were made, Macron said he would only consider them at a later stage in conjunction with other possible steps as they would not serve any tangible purpose at the moment.
Adib announced his resignation almost a month after he was appointed by the president to form a new government in a televised address on Saturday following a meeting with President Michel Aoun.
Adib, who formerly served as ambassador to Berlin, was picked on August 31 to form a cabinet after the government led by Hassan Diab resigned following the Beirut port blast on August 4. LINK
Hassan Diab had spent many months in a futile effort to get the ruling political factions to agree to a set of fundamental reforms that would provide a basis for tackling the rampant corruption in the country’s political and economic institutions and trying to track down some of the many billions of dollars that have disappeared from the Treasury into offshore accounts. Early on in his lonely anti-corruption campaign one analyst observed:
Politicians want Mr Diab to stop digging up ancient corruption files, and to keep things as they were. The opposition – supported by the Shia Speaker Nabih Berri, the Sunni former PM Saad Hariri, the Druse Leader Walid Jumblat and the Maronite “Lebanese Forces” Leader Samir Geagea – are challenging Prime Minister Diab. They are trying to prevent him from reaching his objectives. These objectives are not limited to claiming back the funds transferred, they also aim to remove the governor of the Central Bank in a bid to avoid a bankrupt state. LINK
Many commentators have hastened to blame the failure to form a new government on the two dominant Shia parties – ‘Iran-backed’ Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement. However, it seems that noone is prepared to take on the responsibility of governing the country in its current condition, at the same time as they are determined to prevent anyone else from doing so.
Emblematic of the long standing breakdown in governance, a street in Beirut filled with garbage in 2016.
Although Macron singled out Hezbollah for criticism, no political factions was spared from his scathing critique. During the speech the French president warned that Hezbollah should “not think it is more powerful than it is.”
“It must show that it respects all the Lebanese. And in recent days, it has clearly shown the opposite.
Hizbullah cannot be an army in a war against Israel and a militia taking part in Syria’s war and still be a respectable party in Lebanon.
Amal and Hizbullah decided that nothing should change in Lebanon and I understood that Hizbullah did not honour the pledge it made to me.”
Macron did not limit his sharp criticism to Hizbullah, saying none of the leaders of Lebanon had been up to the task.
“All of them bet on the worst case scenario for the sake of saving themselves, the interests of their family or their clan…
I therefore have decided to take note of this collective betrayal and the refusal of Lebanese officials to engage in good faith.”
The French leader also weighed in with the opinion that ex-PM Saad Hariri had “erred by adding a sectarian factor to the roadmap” of forming a new government.
Mustafa Allouch, a member of the Future Movement, said that it appeared that the French president was criticizing everyone so that nobody could accuse him of bias.
“Macron directly criticizing President Michel Aoun, Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, along with the rest of the Lebanese parties including the Future Movement, was aimed at holding everyone responsible so that nobody can consider he is siding with a party against another,” he told Arab News. LINK
Hezbollah responded to Macron’s complaints and accusations on Monday:
Hizbullah’s al-Manar TV blasted French President Emmanuel Macron in its main news editorial Monday night, telling him that Hizbullah “is and will remain an army facing Israel and will keep supporting Syria and its people against extremists.”
It added that Hizbullah and its allies are not to blame for PM-designate Mustafa Adib’s failure in forming a Cabinet, saying that Macron’s threats of possible sanctions in the future against politicians are “unjustified and unacceptable.”
Al-Manar also asked whether Macron wants Hizbullah and its allies, who have majority seats in Parliament, to give power to groups allied with the United States. LINK
The leader of Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, is scheduled to make a televised address to the nation on Tuesday evening.
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Is this his ultimate ultimatum or is he going to hold his breath and count to 100 next time?
You think all this is a joke? You don’t see it as a group of powerful countries determined to destroy Hezbollah? Well, this guy Macron is only speaking on behalf of NATO. He isn’t the one designing such policies. He’s just a messenger because France is better positioned to influence some Lebanese. Seems Israel really intends to destroy Israel by whatever means necessary. The warning that Hezbollah should not think it’s more powerful than it is means the French will not stand idle if a war were to breakout between Hezbollah and Israel.
US and France were chased out with massive casualties by Hezbollah and Amal in 1982. You must have not been born then.
1982 is not 2020. The Shiites in Iraq could not stop an American occupation. even today, they are unable to get the U.S out of Iraq. And yet, they have the best support from Iran they ever had. Why do you think they refrain from killing Americans in Iraq despite having all the means to do so?
US is leaving Iraq and even shutting its embassy. You need to buy a TV set. No point discussing fantasy with third world Wahhabi trash.
You call yourself a sunni, your thinking not even close to a Muslim. Your are a confused khawarij (modern isis) that watches a lot of porn on the net…
Because Israel have nukes so they should be feared and all the countries and the groups in the region should be subdued. Ofcourse that is the reason they got the nukes in the first place. Yes they should nuke Lebanon or Iran if they like, yes it will be recorded in our future history that a country once was wiped out the map with dignity. Yes let them go ahead and nuke em.
The fake State of Israel, already has used nukes in Iran, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. Twice. Also in USA, and Japan. (WTC and Fuckupshima Daiaichi)
The only joke is on Macron, NATO and the Zionists, but i repeat myself.
I am mocking Macron. He is such a twit, as are his masters.
Only Hezbollah matters in Lebanon as the Shia are an absolute majority and Armenians, Palestinians and most Christians, including the President Aoun supports them. France is all bark.
Shias make only 30% of Lebanon. Who are you trying to fool?
Try 80%.
Proof?
These guys are not confused by facts.
You hate him now? I thought you love Macron for what he’s doing around the world against Sunnis. Well, for your information, if the Lebanese leaders don’t head this warning, then expect a civil way that tears the country to shreds.
“You hate him now?” – The Mullahs regime is built on anger and hatred. When Iranian exiles return from visiting Iran, the first thing they say is that the people in Iran are bitter and angry. This wasn’t the case in the past.
If you don’t like “the Mullahs regime”, go cry to UK/US fukers LMFAO. (1953 Iranian coup d’état). Free Apes back then weren’t hiding behind their words and what they wanted from Iran. UK/US: Oil company BP (British Petroleum):let’s clear up another misimpression: That BP is a British company. Sure, it’s headquartered there, but it’s a very multinational corporation–as much American-owned as it is British-owned https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2010/06/how-british-is-bp/345157/
When Iranian exiles return from visiting Iran.
Who are these “exiles” buddy? The MEK terrorists, cultists. “How Iranian MEK went from US terror list to halls of Congress” https://www.middleeasteye.net/big-story/Iranian-MEK-US-terror-list-halls-congress-PMOI-Iran
Or those who have dual citizenship and thinking they can get away from spying. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53729594
You not that stupid tho,
the first thing they say is that the people in Iran are bitter and angry
I wonder why they are unhappy you moron.
“This wasn’t the case in the past.” You can also say that to Iraqi people, who got backstab by the “West” :) Let me guess you gonna blame Iran for that as well. Not because US invaded them and feed Daesh with the help of Wahabi States. You still stuck in the past buddy.
He is not Iranian but a little PUNK, he keeps in repeating nonsense for effect.
Sounds like a very bitter little person.
How is Lebanese Government in an any way, responsible to what France fantasizes ? That spoiled brat parrots the bluff, and bluster of US Government, and other countries incapable of winning a war. Damnfool should be looking after his own country, instead of sticking the uppity French nose in the Government’s of other countries. France has no interest in Lebanon, this week attempted bullying by a wimp is done in the interests of The City of London.? But it’s not like the “Yellow Vests” are going anywhere. As an observation, it appears the Lebanese are quite sick of Western puppet Governments, that have CIA regional operations,based in Lebanon, the puppet Governments seem to always manage to keep the people living in poverty. While Hezbollah, which is a legitimate Lebanese militia, not a “terrorist organization,” as the fake State of Israel, and US Government have labeled it. I mean seriously no one knows “terrorist” like US Government, and the pretender State of Israel, do. There is mountains of evidence (you know facts, and shit) indicating their terrorist activity. US military’s trademark is the terrorist attacks it makes on civilian populations, and infrastructure first thing to every country it attacks since before the world wars. The most glaringly apparent terrorist attacks US Government is carrying out right now, is the bio-weapons attack against US citizens. COVID-19 is a weapon of mass destruction. This is a the epitome of the terrorist attack by it’s nature, and a deliberate attack on the civilian population of USA. Every other country that’s affected by this fizzling virus. US Government action against all known medical practices worldwide to “slow” the spread of the US Patented bio-weapon is not only ineffective, it exacerbates the spread. There’s multiple crimes against humanity committed in these continuous terrorist attacks. But you’re okay with that. I’m sure you’re aware your active support of US/NATO military conduct reflects poorly on your character. Right ?
Exposing Iran’s evil doesn’t mean supporting America or NATO. Hezbollah and all other Shiite militias are terrorists. Why? Cos they won’t operate under government command. Their policies and actions cannot be controlled by the government. They are predominantly Shiite despite Shiites making up only 30% of Lebanese population. Let me ask you a question: Would you tolerate a Sunni or Christian militia in Iran?
France is a toothless failed state and has no relevance. In Lebanon as the photo clearly shows the Hezbollah flag flying high, only Hezbollah with absolute demographic majority and Iran matter, and no one can trifle with them. Iran chased the US out of Iraq with pure grit and determination, so a little midget Goldman Sachs employee like Macron has less than a snow balls chance of accomplishing anything.
Im Armenian, my family is from the middle east including Beirut and we support Hezbolla.
Indeed, most Armenians support Iran and Hezbollah.
Some people don’t realize if not for Hezbollah the Israelis would occupy much of Lebanon right now.
Not only that, Wahhabi terrorism would be all over Europe and Russia.
Good for you, I hope the Azeris teach you a proper lesson, and we will help them too.
Blame the British and French cartographers, and the debacle of drawing lines in the Middle East that didn’t make sense. Originally, the French went to save the Maronites and Armenians in Lebanon, but due to fights with the British, ended up including the surrounding areas of Lebanon, including massive amounts of Shia and Sunnis called “greater Lebanon.” That was the start of the endless power struggle that wages until today. The only real power in the country that can effectively solve the divide is Hezbollah, and they were the ones to protect Armenians, while our fellow Christians wanted to kill us in the Civil War. So, keep an open mind, politics is a dirty game, dirtier than street prostitution.
Your 100K missiles will likely invite a nuclear strike against Iran. To me, it seems you can only stop this war by disarming Hezbollah.
LOL, you are a comedian for sure “nuclear strike” ???????
If you think it’s a joke, then you don’t know the Jews.
These guys do not understand the Israeli / Jewish mentality. Israel has built a disproportionate army to prevent a second Holocaust. They see an existential danger in every threat.
True, and we will act accordingly.
These guys are used to the loud mouths. That in practice only talk and do nothing significant. They don’t understand that they should fear the one who does things quietly.
And you think the Jews care about some radiation? I don’t think they’ll attempt to annihilate Iran. But they’ll drop one or two nukes just to scare the pants of Iran.
This is what Wahhabism has done for the illiterate masses. That is how these simple cretins think and how the Azeris were conned by the Turks into another humiliating defeat.
Well, yes they do. If you had a clue about the association between Iran and the Zionist Khazar Atheists pretending to be God’s Chosen Ones, you would not have made that statement. The pretenders feel the same way about Russia. Iran is not scared, pretenders should not flatter themselves in this manner. When it is they that fear Iran, and Russia. Putin drive’s the Zionist Khazar criminal Banking Cabal batshit crazy with a smirk, and “Nyet.” At best you possess the pretense of knowledge of the Middle East situation, and the influences that affect the entire world. Your large opinion does not substitute for the history you nevertlearned
Put it more correctly. Say: Iran does not want war cos it wants to win without fighting.
Jews are bombing Syria and killing Iranian generals in the middle east, and you talk about some cooperation between Jews and Persians? They’re sanctioning Iran to poverty, bombing or sanctioning any country Iran makes its friends in the middle east, demonization of Iran by Jewish owned media, assassination of scientists, sabotage bombings, Cyber attacks, and all kinds of subversion. Is this your idea of cooperation?
If the Jews can resurrect soleimani from the grave, then I believe you.
“it seems you can only stop this war by disarming Hezbollah.” – This is not what Hezbollah and the mullahs regime are. Shiite fanatics don’t know what compromises are. They sanctify their suffering on their way to reach their false goals. Iran and Lebanon are on the verge of much greater destruction because of these fanatics.
Good luck with “disarming” Hezbollah.
It may be more than disarming. It could be complete destruction.
Lebanon has not had a census since 1948, and the Shia and their allies like Armenians, Druze and Palestinians are absolute majority, so Macron is as usual barking up the wrong tree.
Thank god that he said he is absolutely against meddling of foreign countries into Lebanon’s affairs. Imagine what he’d do and say if he was for it!
If Lebanese amend their colonial-era constitution and let go of power sharing by ethno-religious divisions and like any other sane country, accept to share power based on the majority vote they will be out of these deadlocks forever. Their sectarian constitution is the biggest barrier in their road to have a united country and elect a Lebanese for a post, not for example a Shia Arab or a Druz. Alas, the constitution was designed from the get go to achieve exactly this, just like Iraq.
Ofcourse many among the Lebanese politicians would resist against such a change to their last breath. The only reason that they have a share in power is this sectarian constitution not their merits which they haven’t got a shred of or popular support which they simply have none. But I’m not optimistic about seeing a big reform like this, Nothing short of a revolution can achieve this. Unfortunately these days the only revolutions in the world are done by command and support of the ones who do not wish to see a unified and strong Lebanon.
Who died and appointed Macron Governor of the ME ? ?”Hizbullah cannot be an army in a war against Israel and a militia taking part in Syria’s war and still be a respectable party in Lebanon”? Hizbullah was FORMED TO DEFEND Lebanon from Israeli invasion, au French Resistance (but more effective).
Also unilateral sanctions are illegal under International law without a UNSC resolution. You over-manicured, French toy poodle.
Colonialism is part of the DNA with some people.
Especially the froggies who have committed some of the worst crimes against humanity in Africa and killed a million Algerians.
France has no relevance in today’s world and has enough internal problems and should just shut up.
Just talks and threats, why don’t you respond then? you know why? I’ll tell yo uwhy. Because in the first 48 hours we are going to destroy most of your infrastructures, after that we start a ground invasion that will send you 50 years backwards. You want to put it to the test? retaliate like Nasrallah has promised.
As French, I’m tired to be constantly humiliated by this guy’s clowning. In case of war I would undoubtly defend my country, but I can also say I’m not conected at all nor supporting Macron, and French international (and domestic) policy! Yet, our “Revolution” was in fact a Free Mason putsch, and our Republic just a Jew+Free Mason power and has nothing to see with real democracy. At the same time I’m conscious that French people have qualities but also many defects I really dislike. Trying to do my best to be differrent and show example :)). My message to Lebanon: I support you guys!!