Positions

American Lebanese Foundation

For Lebanon and the Lebanese American Community

THE AMERICAN LEBANESE FOUNDATION (ALF) STATEMENT ON THE CURRENT PROTESTS IN LEBANON

10/24/2019

The American Lebanese Foundation is concerned but impressed and not surprised by the current protests in Lebanon. We are not surprised because for a long time we have heard, observed, commented and warned of the degree and dangers of the apparent corruption in the Lebanese system. We are now impressed by the size, the diversity, the civil and patient attitude of the apparently leaderless participants and the geographic expansion into all Lebanese regions and denominations. We are, however, concerned that some demands may not be achievable, considering that the patriots are said to be requiring the disappearance of the whole regime and all its components. Such a request if true appears unrealistic. First, while we may agree that there may be a possible majority of corrupt and/or incompetent politicians in the system, there may be at least a few good people in some positions. Second, if we suppose that the unrealistic request is possible, and all politicians in the executive, the legislative and the judicial branches resign or disappear by any magic or miraculous process??, how will the country be run in the transition while a new system is being organized? Third we are also concerned that some outside enemies or “fifth column” may find a way to incite violence.

We certainly wish that dialogue may be possible and the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament or the President may be willing to listen and participate. But the question is with whom can they talk, as long as the protests remain leaderless? We therefore suggest that the President summons the Prime Minister and the Speaker of Parliament and requests that all three agree to propose significant rapid reforms:

1. Resignation of the current government.

2. Formation of a new government with the implementation of separation of the ministerial positions from the parliamentary positions and the requirement that all ministers are chosen on qualifications, expertise, integrity and reputation with some anti-corruption history in their past.

3. A promise that after such a government is formed (and we know it won’t be easy, but possible with good will) some ministries will focus on reforms that will satisfy the “Cedres Plan” requirements to protect the country from economic collapse. Simultaneously others will work on a new electoral plan based on the “one person/one vote” and the smallest possible electoral districts (preferably single districts).

We assume that there will be enough intelligent, intellectual and patriotic individuals and future leaders in the protests crowds who will understand the reformative value of these crucial steps that ALF has advocated since its inception.

We hope President Aoun will take the initiative and that the Speaker and Prime Minister, will support him and avoid allowing the country to slide towards the unknown, be it some catastrophe or possible economic collapse. We wish to remind all concerned that at this time all the friendly big countries who have helped Lebanon during difficult times have now enough major problems of their own, to distract them from being readily available to help Lebanon again, as needed.

We have received contacts and videos from a broad base of patriots and have talked to diverse people. The protests appear to be very legitimate, broad based, encompassing most Lebanese regions and denominations. They also seem to have a spontaneous, sincere and unifying non-political trigger.

Some think that only the army can take-over power and solve the problem by jailing at least some of the most corrupt politicians. We prefer and hope that the top leaders will give a chance to the peaceful, progressive and constructive suggestions that ALF has advocated for more than a decade. The new government and parliament will reform the judicial system and all three branches will work together to fight corruption and recuperate what may be possible of the stolen monies If our suggestions are ignored, and if the army (the best symbol of unity and least tarnished by corruption at this time) has to take-over power temporarily, it will be welcome if it can help Lebanon avoid collapse and chaos.

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