The Secretary-General of the Association of Lebanese Banks, Fadi Khalaf, affirmed that “bank managements are strict in sensitive files that may lead to the destruction of the sector, depriving the majority of depositors of their money, and blocking the possibility of economic advancement in the next stage. They are equally strict in protecting the interests of depositors and citizens in this regard.” difficult circumstances the country is going through.
In his statement, Khalq pointed out that “at this delicate stage, and with the insistence of banks to take all necessary measures, to prevent persistence in excesses that harm the depositor and the economy before anything else, yet they seek to prevent direct harm to people, and they listen with interest.” And he was keen on the voices that fear the consequences of closing the banks, as a result of the indifference with which those concerned deal with this dangerous crisis.
He continued: “Banks also differentiate between anxious and sincere voices, and they share this justified concern with their owners, and between suspicious voices that hunt in murky waters, and like targeting banks, in a variety of ways, starting with populism, fabricating news and spreading rumors, for multiple goals, including what is populist.” Among them is what is cheap blackmail, leading to larger goals that reach the extent of relentlessly seeking to destroy the sector and change the face of the economy.
He explained that “the honest voices, communications, and reviews that bank administrations receive in anticipation of the repercussions that the total closure may leave, prompt them to work silently to reach a formula to avoid harm to the citizen, and he has no fault in this abnormal path that some follow until Jacob’s breath ends. The banks are betting on the judiciary.” Honest, and it still constitutes the largest part of the Lebanese judiciary, and the awareness of the citizens, in order to pressure to achieve an awakening of conscience among those in whose hands the decision is, to quickly take the necessary steps to stop the suicidal path that is currently taking place.
Khalaf stressed that “the banks and the citizen are in one boat, even if some are trying to put the two parties in confrontation. Bankers are keen on the public interest, which is an absolute priority for them. And every decision they will take to solve the dilemma will inevitably take into account the public interest, and will deal with it.” The interest of citizens is an absolute priority that is not preceded by anything else.
