Informed sources revealed that the United States is currently holding with the Lebanese government to choose the new central bank of Lebanon in an American endeavor to curb the influence of Hezbollah in the Lebanese banking sector.
The new ruler will replace Wasim Mansouri, who temporarily runs the central bank since the end of the state of Riyad Salama, who held the position for 30 years in 2023 with a scandal.
During most of his assumption of the position of governor of the Bank of Lebanon, Salama was considered a financial expert and received the support of the United States, which shows great interest in the position due to its supervision of the broader Lebanese banking system and its help in ensuring its compliance with American laws that prevent the financing of groups classified “terrorist” organizations by America, including Hezbollah.
Bid that the financial collapse in Lebanon distorted the legacy of Salama. A month after his position in 2023, sanctions were imposed on him from the United States, Britain and Canada, which accused him of corruption to enrich himself and his partners, and is currently facing charges of financial crimes in Lebanon and abroad.
Last year, Lebanon was listed on the “gray list” of financial supervisory bodies after its failure to address concerns related to terrorist financing and money laundering through its financial system.
3 Lebanese sources and a Western diplomat and responsible from the administration of US President Donald Trump said that the United States has declined the files of a number of candidates for this position.
The sources spoke to Reuters to discuss the role of Washington in the selection process, provided that its names were not mentioned.
Lebanese sources stated that American officials asked the candidates questions, such as how they intend to fight “financing terrorism” through the Lebanese banking system and if they are ready to confront Hezbollah.
The Trump administration official said the meetings are part of the “usual diplomacy”, but added that the United States clarifies the Lebanese government its directives on the qualifications of the candidates.
American abuse
The official explained that the guidelines are “neither for Hezbollah nor for anyone involved in corruption. This is a necessary thing from an economic perspective.”
“You need a person who is reforming, calling for him and refusing to turn a blind eye whenever people try to do their business as usual in Lebanon,” he added.
Washington’s awareness of its opinion on the candidates for the highest position in shaping Lebanon’s monetary policy is the latest example of the unusual American approach in dealing with the country that has been witnessing a continuous financial crisis for more than 5 years, which led to the collapse of its economy.
This also shows the continued focus of the United States on weakening Hezbollah, whose influence has diminished on the Lebanese government after suffering strong strikes from Israel in the war last year.
Lebanon has been elected since then Joseph Aoun, supported by the United States, as President of the Republic, and a new government took power without a direct role for Hezbollah.
This government has now to hold vacant positions, including the position of governor of the Bank of Lebanon, which is run by an interim governor since July 2023.
