Report: U.S. Financial Sanctions against Hizbullah Continue

Lebanese banks are set to close the accounts of Hizbullah lawmakers, ministers, spouses and children that are deposited in the U.S. dollar, but will keep untouched those deposited in the Lebanese Lira, well-informed sources told Ashraq al-Awsat daily on Saturday.

The move comes after a reputable bank in Lebanon closed the bank accounts of Hizbullah officials and all individuals having links to the party, a Hizbullah MP told the daily on condition of anonymity.

He described the move as “arbitrary and stems from personal interests.”

The source pointed out that an agreement was reached between Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh and the party, under which stressing the necessity to comply with the conditions laid down by the Special Investigation Commission (SIC) to prevent the banks from taking individual decisions in this regard.

The source pointed out that the said bank must reevaluate its actions and adhere to the instructions of the central bank which monitors the application of law and take over the task of holding accountable those who violate the instructions.

Salameh had assured early in May that the bank will abide by the restrictions in the Hizbullah International Financing Prevention Act, which was signed into law in December.

But he stressed that Lebanese banks must “offer justifications” and consult with the Central Bank before suspending accounts suspected of violating the anti-Hizbullah U.S. sanctions law.

The U.S. regulations say Washington will target those "knowingly facilitating a significant transaction or transactions for" Hizbullah or any individual, business or institution linked to the group.

Those under sanctions include Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and slain top commander Mustafa Badreddine as well as some businessmen. The list also includes the group's al-Manar TV and al-Nour Radio.