The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, brandished Friday, May 7 from Lebanon the threat of sanctions against those responsible for the political impasse, in order to prevent a "
collective suicide
" for the country in full collapse.
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Lebanese leaders never miss an opportunity to speak out in favor of reform, especially after the deadly and devastating August 4 explosion at the port of Beirut. But nine months later, absorbed in interminable bargaining, they still cannot provide the country with a new government.
"
It is indeed urgent to break the political deadlock in which the country finds itself,
" Jean-Yves Le Drian told reporters, before leaving Beirut after a two-day visit. "
To date, I note that the political actors have not yet assumed their responsibilities and have not yet started to work seriously for the rapid recovery of the country
", lambasted the French minister. "
I am here precisely to avoid this kind of collective suicide organized by some,
" he added.
Lebanon is experiencing a historic depreciation of its currency. More than half of its inhabitants today live below the poverty line, according to the UN. Jean-Yves Le Drian, who often compares Lebanon to a “
Titanic without an orchestra
”, met Thursday with President Michel Aoun, Head of Parliament Nabih Berri and Prime Minister designate Saad Hariri. "
If they do not act today in a responsible outburst, they will have to assume the consequences of this failure,
" he warned.
Paris recently adopted restrictions on access to French territory against Lebanese personalities deemed responsible for the blockage, without however revealing their identity. "
If the blockage persists, these measures can be hardened or extended,
" warned Jean-Yves Le Drian. "
They could also be supplemented by the pressure instruments available to the EU
".