U.S. Warns Lebanon to Beware of Syrian Attempts to Evade Sanctions

W460

A senior U.S. official was in Beirut on Wednesday to inquire about the role of the Lebanese banking sector in the alleged transfer of Syrian money to Lebanon to escape sanctions imposed on Damascus by the United States and the European Union.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes in the Department of Treasury Daniel Glaser will hold talks with top officials to stress the need for Lebanese authorities to remain vigilant against attempts by the Syrian regime to evade the U.S. and EU sanctions (by resorting) to the Lebanese financial sector,” As Safir daily quoted U.S. sources as saying.

Glaser will also travel to Moscow and Amman for a week-long visit.

On August 17, U.S. President Barack Obama signed an executive order authorizing sanctions against the Syrian regime because of what the White House termed a "continuing escalation of violence against the people of Syria."

The sanctions froze all Syrian government property in the United States and banned U.S. citizens from doing new business with the country, or importing petroleum products.

Informed sources told An Nahar newspaper that Glaser is also expected to discuss with Lebanese officials the issue of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon funding.

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