Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper), A seasoned advocate for peace in the Middle East, Omar Harfouch, has urged the UK, EU, and its member states to assist in combatting corruption in his homeland, Lebanon.
During a recent debate in the UK House of Commons, Harfouch, a long-time campaigner against corruption, developed 3 main subjects: corruption, radicalization, and the Palestinian issue. All three are interconnected.
Harfouch, founder of the Third Lebanese Republic political party and a prominent reformist voice, described Lebanon as a hub of “hot actions” at present, shackled by a corrupt system and devoid of a functioning government.
Pressed on the link between corruption and radicalization, Harfouch attributed it to the religion-based political system with sectarian positions and a system based on connections rather than merit. He emphasized the imperative to change the system by encouraging merit-based preferment to bring about meaningful change.
In his fight against corruption, Harfouch disclosed that, with international collaboration, he succeeded in freezing €1.6 billion in EU banks, which was still only a fraction of the funds allegedly misappropriated by the Lebanese state (10 billion€). He stressed that today the country is bankrupt and is therefore not functioning, proving the interconnectedness of solving Lebanese and regional issues.
In response to questions about his meetings in the EU, Harfouch alleged that European funds are used for weapons and training militants rather than humanitarian needs. Brussels had confirmed this to him, he said, but it had not taken any action for change.
He emphasized that Hezbollah, due to its apparent activity and huge cash resources, is perceived by many as the only effective force in the country.
Regarding Hezbollah’s funding sources, Harfouch pointed to the Black Market and illegal sales, asserting that cash sent to Gaza does not benefit ordinary Palestinians but perpetuates conflict and misery.
He also underlined that the stated aims of Hezbollah, including to ‘liberate’ Jerusalem, were not a concern for Lebanon, since it has its issues to be solved.
Addressing the Palestinian question, Harfouch raised concerns about the denial of basic rights to Palestinians in Lebanon, equating their situation to “apartheid”, saying they were denied citizenship, education, job opportunities, and a future. Harfouch asserted that Lebanon needs to treat Palestinians as full citizens and questioned the nation’s credibility in supporting Palestinians elsewhere while mistreating them domestically.
He also highlighted the need for Lebanon to prioritize its issues. Despite recent agreements between Lebanon and Israel, he emphasized the importance of economic peace and acknowledged de facto recognition of Israel through the maritime agreement.
He concluded that nobody from outside Lebanon, neither the French President nor the Americans, can bring about the changes that Lebanon needs for all its citizens to prosper. The only way that effective change will happen will be from inside, originating from the Lebanese people themselves. That is why despite having survived three attacks, Harfouch promised that he would continue, emphasizing the importance of speaking out for positive change and advocating for the separation of religion and politics. Only this, he said, will pave the way for progress.
