Michel Moawad stepped down as an MP after the port explosion in Beirut last August. AFP
Michel Moawad stepped down as an MP after the port explosion in Beirut last August. AFP
Michel Moawad stepped down as an MP after the port explosion in Beirut last August. AFP
Michel Moawad stepped down as an MP after the port explosion in Beirut last August. AFP

Son of slain president urges action before Lebanon becomes ‘failed state’


Elias Sakr
  • English
  • Arabic

Lebanon's economic crisis will lead to chaos if left unchecked, one of the country's political leaders has told The National.

For more than 15 years, Michel Moawad, leader of the Independence Movement, has campaigned for a sovereign and independent Lebanon.

But the country, he said, can ill-afford to wait for a new Parliament to begin tackling the worst economic crisis in its modern history.

The National is interviewing political and civil society figures  who are looking ahead to elections in 2022, claiming they can offer a route out of the crisis.

We are very close to reaching a comprehensive agreement that will bring major opposition groups under the umbrella of a uniform programme

Once known for its vibrant banking sector, tourism industry and nightlife, more than half of Lebanon's people are now in  poverty.

"The cost of inaction will be tremendous both for ordinary Lebanese and the international community if Lebanon were to turn into a failed state," Mr Moawad – the son of Rene Moawad, the Lebanese president murdered in November 1989 after just 18 days in office – told The National.

Mr Moawad was speaking from his residence in Baabda overlooking Beirut port – the site of a massive explosion in August which strained Lebanon's already battered economy.

Mr Moawad resigned from Parliament after the blast in protest at what he said was widespread corruption throughout the state.

  • Families of August 4 Beirut port blast victims carry portraits of the deceased during a protest near the scene of explosion in the Lebanese capital, on May 4 2021. EPA
    Families of August 4 Beirut port blast victims carry portraits of the deceased during a protest near the scene of explosion in the Lebanese capital, on May 4 2021. EPA
  • Family members of August 4 Beirut blast victims carry portraits of the deceased relatives, during a protest at the scene of the explosion, on May 4 2021. EPA
    Family members of August 4 Beirut blast victims carry portraits of the deceased relatives, during a protest at the scene of the explosion, on May 4 2021. EPA
  • Protesters gather at the scene of August 4 Beirut port blast that killed more than 200 people, on May 4 2021. EPA
    Protesters gather at the scene of August 4 Beirut port blast that killed more than 200 people, on May 4 2021. EPA
  • Families of the August 4 Beirut blast victims carry portraits of the deceased relatives as they stage a protest in the Lebanese capital. EPA
    Families of the August 4 Beirut blast victims carry portraits of the deceased relatives as they stage a protest in the Lebanese capital. EPA
  • Activists hang portraits of the victims of the August 4 Beirut port explosion on a wall in the Lebanese capital. Artist Brady Black, in partnership with the Art of Change organisation, drew more than 200 caricatures of the victims. EPA
    Activists hang portraits of the victims of the August 4 Beirut port explosion on a wall in the Lebanese capital. Artist Brady Black, in partnership with the Art of Change organisation, drew more than 200 caricatures of the victims. EPA
  • Activists hang portraits of the victims of the August 4 Beirut port explosion on a wall in the Lebanese capital. Artist Brady Black, in partnership with the Art of Change organisation, drew more than 200 caricatures of the victims. EPA
    Activists hang portraits of the victims of the August 4 Beirut port explosion on a wall in the Lebanese capital. Artist Brady Black, in partnership with the Art of Change organisation, drew more than 200 caricatures of the victims. EPA
  • Protesters carry portraits of August 4 Beirut port blast victims during a demonstration in the Lebanese capital on May 4 2021. EPA
    Protesters carry portraits of August 4 Beirut port blast victims during a demonstration in the Lebanese capital on May 4 2021. EPA
  • Artist Brady Black drew caricatures of more than 200 victims of the August 4 Beirut port blast as part of the campaign titled 'They Matter'. EPA
    Artist Brady Black drew caricatures of more than 200 victims of the August 4 Beirut port blast as part of the campaign titled 'They Matter'. EPA
  • Activists hang portraits of August 4 Beirut blast victims on a wall in the Lebanese capital. Artist Brady Black, in partnership with the Art of Change organisation, commemorated the deadly explosion that killed more than 200 people. EPA
    Activists hang portraits of August 4 Beirut blast victims on a wall in the Lebanese capital. Artist Brady Black, in partnership with the Art of Change organisation, commemorated the deadly explosion that killed more than 200 people. EPA
  • Silhouette images representing the unidentified victims were also part of the artist's tribute to Beirut port blast victims. EPA
    Silhouette images representing the unidentified victims were also part of the artist's tribute to Beirut port blast victims. EPA

He was joined by a number of independent MPs and members of the Kataeb party, another opposition group.

Since then, Mr Moawad has called for a transitional government of independent experts  to contain the crisis and prepare for parliamentary elections scheduled for May 2022.

But Mr Moawad's calls, like those of his opposition peers,  are falling on deaf ears.

Lebanon is still without a fully functioning government  and it is still not known what triggered the explosion, who owned the explosive chemicals stored there or why they were kept unsafely for six years at one of the region's busiest ports, with the knowledge of the country's top officials and security agencies.

A new economic model

Mr Moawad said the lack of accountability and worsening economic crisis led  the Independence Movement and like-minded opposition groups to rethink their programme beyond the traditional political divide over the pivotal issue of Iran-backed Hezbollah's weapons.

“Prioritising Lebanon’s national interests over foreign agendas is key to the stability and prosperity of our country but should go hand in hand with a new economic model that protects our free-market economy and upholds our liberal values while advancing social justice,” he said.

That model is currently being discussed with the Kataeb party among other opposition groups, Mr Moawad said.

“We are very close to reaching a comprehensive agreement that will bring major opposition groups under the umbrella of a uniform programme that touches on reforming Lebanon’s political system and economic model.”

This programme touches on a wide array of reforms, from the introduction of structural economic changes to decentralisation – one of the main political changes stipulated in the 1989 Syrian-Saudi brokered Taif agreement that ended Lebanon's 15-year civil war.

“Our ultimate objective is to build a functioning decentralised civic state that safeguards pluralism and allows the Lebanese to prosper,” he said.

Like his father, Mr Moawad has long-held the belief that Lebanon would prosper only when the state exercises its full sovereignty.  This was at the core of the alliance that emerged following the assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri in 2005, an event that divided the country into two major rival camps.

The western-backed alliance that brought Mr Moawad together with other members of the March 14 coalition pressured Damascus – blamed by many at the time for Mr Hariri's assassination – into withdrawing its forces from Lebanon after decades of political and military domination .

Rene Moawad died  when a car bomb hit his motorcade on Independence Day. He was known for his moderate positions and his efforts to bridge the gap between warring parties.

His assassination, less than three weeks after his election and the ratification of the Taif agreement, was widely blamed on Damascus.

Mr Moawad says his message resonates more than ever today because Lebanon can no longer afford the costs associated with regional tensions between Iran and its rivals.

The heavy toll the economic crisis is taking on the country’s armed forces was evident in the Lebanese army chief's recent, rare criticism of the ruling class.

"Where are we are heading? What are your plans?" Gen Joseph Aoun asked politicians in March as hundreds of Lebanese took to the streets to protest against a record plunge in the Lebanese pound, which has lost more than 85 per cent of its value against the dollar since August 2019.

  • An anti-government protester shouts slogans in front of the Lebanese Central Bank, at Hamra street, in Lebanon's capital Beirut. EPA
    An anti-government protester shouts slogans in front of the Lebanese Central Bank, at Hamra street, in Lebanon's capital Beirut. EPA
  • Anti-government protesters burn tyres and rubbish bins to block the road leading to Hamra street, during a rally against power cuts, the high cost of living and the low purchasing power of the Lebanese pound, in Beirut. EPA
    Anti-government protesters burn tyres and rubbish bins to block the road leading to Hamra street, during a rally against power cuts, the high cost of living and the low purchasing power of the Lebanese pound, in Beirut. EPA
  • Riot police stand guard in front of the Lebanese Central Bank during an anti-government demonstration. Many Lebanese are angered at the deadlock among political parties in forming a new Cabinet. EPA
    Riot police stand guard in front of the Lebanese Central Bank during an anti-government demonstration. Many Lebanese are angered at the deadlock among political parties in forming a new Cabinet. EPA
  • The Lebanese Central Bank is shrouded in black smoke from burning tyres and rubbish bins. EPA
    The Lebanese Central Bank is shrouded in black smoke from burning tyres and rubbish bins. EPA
  • An anti-government protester shout slogans during a demonstration in Beirut. The national currency has lost more than 85 per cent of its market value against the dollar. EPA
    An anti-government protester shout slogans during a demonstration in Beirut. The national currency has lost more than 85 per cent of its market value against the dollar. EPA
  • Demonstrators have also been protesting against power cuts, caused by fuel shortages and mismanagement in the electricity sector. EPA
    Demonstrators have also been protesting against power cuts, caused by fuel shortages and mismanagement in the electricity sector. EPA
  • An anti-government protester in front of the Lebanese Central Bank, at Hamra street, Beirut. EPA
    An anti-government protester in front of the Lebanese Central Bank, at Hamra street, Beirut. EPA
  • Riot police stand guard in front of the Lebanese Central Bank during an anti-government rally in Beirut. EPA
    Riot police stand guard in front of the Lebanese Central Bank during an anti-government rally in Beirut. EPA
  • Anti-government protesters block a main road in Beirut. EPA
    Anti-government protesters block a main road in Beirut. EPA

Since then, Gen Aoun has engaged major powers, including the US and France, to secure financial and logistical aid for the army, as discontent grows among soldiers whose salaries are losing value.

Co-ordinating international aid 

French Foreign Minister Jean Yves Le Drian warned Lebanese officials during a visit to Beirut last month that his government was preparing sanctions on officials they regard as responsible for obstructing the formation of a new Cabinet.

Mr Le Drian’s latest visit featured meetings with members of Lebanon’s growing opposition movement, including Mr Moawad.

Mr Moawad said he was urging the international community to support Lebanon's army, healthcare industry and education sector.

“Maintaining a strong and cohesive military institution and vital health and educational services is key to saving Lebanon and laying the foundations for a strong state,” Mr Moawad said.

“Otherwise, chaos will prevail.”

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Winners

Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

TikTok Fans’ Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski

Top Goal Scorer of All Time: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Best Women's Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

Best Men's Club of the Year: Chelsea

Best Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona

Best Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy)

Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)

Best Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini (Italy)

Best National Team of the Year: Italy 

Best Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello

Best Sporting Director of the Year: Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)

Player Career Award: Ronaldinho

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

Hili 2: Unesco World Heritage site

The site is part of the Hili archaeological park in Al Ain. Excavations there have proved the existence of the earliest known agricultural communities in modern-day UAE. Some date to the Bronze Age but Hili 2 is an Iron Age site. The Iron Age witnessed the development of the falaj, a network of channels that funnelled water from natural springs in the area. Wells allowed settlements to be established, but falaj meant they could grow and thrive. Unesco, the UN's cultural body, awarded Al Ain's sites - including Hili 2 - world heritage status in 2011. Now the most recent dig at the site has revealed even more about the skilled people that lived and worked there.

The Bio

Favourite vegetable: “I really like the taste of the beetroot, the potatoes and the eggplant we are producing.”

Holiday destination: “I like Paris very much, it’s a city very close to my heart.”

Book: “Das Kapital, by Karl Marx. I am not a communist, but there are a lot of lessons for the capitalist system, if you let it get out of control, and humanity.”

Musician: “I like very much Fairuz, the Lebanese singer, and the other is Umm Kulthum. Fairuz is for listening to in the morning, Umm Kulthum for the night.”

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

MATCH INFO

Manchester United v Brighton, Sunday, 6pm UAE

Essentials

The flights
Whether you trek after mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda or the Congo, the most convenient international airport is in Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. There are direct flights from Dubai a couple of days a week with RwandAir. Otherwise, an indirect route is available via Nairobi with Kenya Airways. Flydubai flies to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, via Entebbe in Uganda. Expect to pay from US$350 (Dh1,286) return, including taxes.
The tours
Superb ape-watching tours that take in all three gorilla countries mentioned above are run by Natural World Safaris. In September, the company will be operating a unique Ugandan ape safari guided by well-known primatologist Ben Garrod.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, local operator Kivu Travel can organise pretty much any kind of safari throughout the Virunga National Park and elsewhere in eastern Congo.

BOSH!'s pantry essentials

Nutritional yeast

This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.

Seeds

"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."

Umami flavours

"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".

Onions and garlic

"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."

Your grain of choice

Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."

Sunday's Super Four matches

Dubai, 3.30pm
India v Pakistan

Abu Dhabi, 3.30pm
Bangladesh v Afghanistan

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Race card

6.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (Dirt) 1.600m

7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 2,000m

7.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,600m

8.15pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed (TB) Dh 132,500 (D) 1,200m

8.50pm: The Entisar Listed (TB) Dh 132,500 (D) 2,000m

9.25pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 120,000 (D) 1,400m

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

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HOW TO WATCH

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