Two senior Republicans are urging US President Donald Trump to prepare sanctions against Lebanon’s powerful parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, warning that he is poised to block steps towards long-scheduled parliamentary elections next spring.
In a letter to Mr Trump, Representatives Darin LaHood and Darrell Issa of California said they were “watching closely the implementation of each step” and that the vote “will be pivotal to ensure that Hezbollah and its remaining political allies and aligned parties do not gain any additional ground".
They cautioned that “corrupt political elites and aligned parties are intent on blocking democratic rights and progress", and called on the administration to use “all tools available”, including reviewing and freezing US-based or dollar-denominated assets for any Lebanese officials who impede electoral reforms.
Lebanon is expected to elect a new 128-member parliament
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