European Union warns of sanctions over delay in Lebanese Cabinet formation

BRUSSELS: Josep Borrell, the European Union's (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, warned that the bloc could impose sanctions on Lebanese politicians over their involvement in the ongoing political stalemate of the country. Borrell's comments on Saturday came following his meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun to discuss obstacles hindering government formation, reports Xinhua news agency.

The top EU official said Lebanese politicians must quickly form a new government, implement reforms and reach a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to get the country out of its crisis. Lebanon's crisis started in late 2019 amid shortage in US dollar reserves. It was further exacerbated by the explosions that rocked the Port of Beirut, resulting in the resignation of the cabinet of Caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab on August 10, 2020.

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri was appointed on October 22, 2020 but he has been incapable of forming a new cabinet due to his differences with President Aoun over distribution of ministerial shares. In their last meeting held in March, Aoun and Hariri again failed to reach a consensus, raising concerns about further instability and a total economic and financial collapse in the country. "We cannot understand that nine months after the resignation of a Prime Minister, there is still no government in Lebanon," Borrell said. (IANS)

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