Bassil’s association with Hezbollah helped with corruption

The United States Undersecretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Schenker, confirmed, in a television interview, that “he was aware of the sanctions imposed on the head of the Free Patriotic Movement, Gebran Bassil, but this matter has nothing to do with it. with me not visiting Basil the last time I came. To Beirut, “noting that” these sanctions target all of Basil’s accounts and possessions, and openly show how the United States feels about the corruption it practiced with its ally “Hezbollah” that allowed corruption to flourish; However, he is not the only politician who benefited from his office through corruption. “.

In response to a question on whether these sanctions will bring Bassil closer to Hezbollah, he asked: “Was he not originally in the arms of the party? And is the agreement signed in 2006 between the two parties not sufficient proof?”, Stressing that his ” association with “Hizbullah” helped with corruption that undermines security and prosperity in Lebanon. “

Schenker noted that “Basil can challenge the sanctions that are imposed on him, but these things are difficult, as these sanctions are based on facts and built on solid foundations. But in any case, you are welcome to try”, stating that “even if there is a change in the US administration. ” There is a continuation of the policy between all administrations. “

He added that “the Republican Party and the Democratic Party both support transparency and the fight against corruption, and these are essential factors in the success of any government, but Bassil does not support these issues,” and expressed his hope that “after from the imposition of sanctions, Basil and all politicians will focus more on reforms. “

Schenker stressed that “these sanctions should be a message to Lebanese politicians, and we have implemented a series of sanctions, especially since Lebanon can no longer continue in this way. A year has passed since the demonstrations, but still in the same place.” , considering that “there must be a hug”. For the change and we hope that politicians carefully analyze what they are doing and change it. “

Regarding the statement of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, he said: “Syria exploited the Lebanese banking system, and this formed a problem and undermined the Lebanese banking system”, highlighting that “the Syrian government is corrupt and has committed a massacre against its town”.