The United States intends to intervene in selecting Lebanon’s Central Bank Governor to combat corruption and Hezbollah’s financing. This move coincides with Lebanon facing a prolonged financial crisis and reflects U.S. focus on influencing its political landscape. Key candidates for the role are under review as reforms for economic recovery are urgently needed.
The United States plans to engage in discussions with the Lebanese government regarding the selection of the new Governor of Lebanon’s Central Bank. This initiative aims to combat corruption and prevent Hezbollah’s financing through Lebanon’s banking system. The U.S. has been increasingly involved in Lebanese affairs, especially as the nation grapples with a severe financial crisis that has persisted for over five years, significantly affecting its economy.
Washington’s involvement underscores its commitment to weakening Hezbollah, which has lost influence in Lebanese politics, partly due to Israeli military actions during last year’s conflict. Following these developments, Joseph Aoun, a U.S.-endorsed candidate, became Lebanon’s president, and a government was formed that excludes Hezbollah from significant positions. The new government is tasked with appointing a Central Bank Governor after the departure of Riad Salameh, who faced multiple corruption charges.
U.S. officials are reportedly assessing various candidates for the position, as confirmed by multiple Lebanese sources, a Western diplomat, and a former Trump administration official. Meetings have been held with potential candidates at both the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and Washington. During these discussions, U.S. representatives emphasized the need for candidates to address “terrorism financing” and demonstrate a willingness to confront Hezbollah.
While the U.S. State Department and other officials declined to elaborate on their involvement, a spokesperson for the Lebanese presidency stressed the importance of appointing a qualified candidate. This U.S. intervention coincides with escalating military actions by President Trump against Houthi rebels in Yemen, underscoring U.S. foreign policy priorities in the region.
The selection criteria for the new Central Bank Governor clearly emphasize the exclusion of Hezbollah-affiliated candidates and those with a history of corruption. Anticipated reforms are deemed crucial for economic recovery, as Lebanon seeks assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under stringent reform conditions. The new governor will play a pivotal role in implementing these reforms which are essential for securing international support for Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts.
Among the identified candidates for the governor’s role are former minister Camille Abu Suleiman and IMF official Jihad Azour, along with investment managers Firas Abi Nassif and others. This selection process is interconnected with ongoing discussions between the United States and Saudi Arabia regarding potential appointments for this crucial position in the Lebanese financial landscape. The previous governor, Riad Salameh, faced severe accusations of corruption and financial mismanagement, tarnishing his extensive tenure at the Central Bank.
In summary, the United States is taking an unprecedented role in selecting Lebanon’s new Central Bank Governor, aiming to deter corruption and limit Hezbollah’s influence. The U.S. insists on appointing a candidate who prioritizes economic reforms and will collaborate closely with the international community. The outcome of this selection process is pivotal for Lebanon’s economic recovery and its relations with global financial institutions. Strong measures against corruption and financing of terrorism remain central to U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Original Source: www.jordannews.jo
