Report: Arab Assistance for Lebanon ‘Blocked’ under New Govt.

W460

Naming of Lebanon’s new PM-designate Hassan Diab did not receive Arab and Gulf consent who consider Diab “affiliated” to the March 8 camp, “endorsed” by Hizbullah and “close” to Syrian President Bashar Asaad, Nidaa al-Watan daily reported on Saturday.

Arab diplomatic sources told the daily on condition of anonymity that there was “no Arab approval of Diab” and that his designation will reflect on the form of the new government “especially after reports that he visited Damascus and met with officials of the Syrian regime.”

Arab states were “willing and ready” to provide economic assistance for Lebanon, said the sources, but the Gulf Cooperation Council’s assistance “was excluded after revelations that the formation process is completely politicized and one-sided.”

The sources noted that Arab countries are watching the position of Dar al-Fatwa, the highest Sunni authority in Lebanon, which has not so far given its "blessing" for the designation of Diab.

Diab was named earlier in December replacing outgoing premier Saad Hariri after nearly two months of intense political wrangling.

But while his appointment was backed by Hizbullah-allied parliamentary blocs, he did not win the backing of parties from his own Sunni community.

SourceNaharnet
Comments 5
Missing samiam 28 December 2019, 12:23

And this is one of the reasons why the government won't be formed soon--they wanted to form the government next week, but when the international community said no bueno, they had to step back. Aside from no Arab aid, no world bank aid, no CEDRE funds, no western support of the currency and no confidence, they are doing great.

Thumb galaxy 28 December 2019, 13:04

What do Lebanon and its 'Strong' president expect?

Not a single penny should come to this failed state of hezbollah.

Thumb beiruti 28 December 2019, 16:45

Diab’s premiership is going nowhere. The Sunni “President” selected by Hezbollah has no political base, no Parliamentary party. True Aoun is the Maronite “President” selected by Hezbollah, as well, but Aoun has a constituency, a political base and seats in the Parliament for his Party, the FPM. Aoun is more legitimate in office only because of the charade of his party, which is propped up by Hezbollah. Diab lacks even the Ts what makes this so brazen and Diab so crippled from the start.

Thumb thepatriot 28 December 2019, 19:35

Ebola chose the President, The Prime Minister, and the President of the Chamber. Lebanon will NEVER see a penny from the rest of the world under these conditions.

Thumb the-truth 29 December 2019, 09:30

what exactly is your goal here? Other than making a fool out of yourself.