Lebanon's Central Bank Governor, Riad Salameh, spoke to "Al-Hadath" today, Thursday, stating that "the notification from the French judge was not proper, and we asked the judge to notify us according to the proper procedures, which she refused. The IMF investigations showed that there was no forgery in the Central Bank’s accounts, and all the ongoing uproar has no basis. The demand was for the country to collapse months after the crisis, but it will not collapse." He continued: "I will attend any investigation session I am properly notified about," commenting, "The legal process is unfair, but I am prepared for it." He noted that the Hassan loan affiliated with Hezbollah is not licensed by the Central Bank, adding: "The authorities that licensed the Hassan loan should pursue it," affirming: "If any judgment is issued against me, I will resign."
Regarding the central bank, he clarified: "The bank will intervene and will not allow the exchange rate to further spiral and is ready to buy all local currency in the market. Deposits can be returned to their owners as they are, away from populism." He described the World Bank's report on the Sayrafa platform as "stupid." He concluded: "I advise the judiciary to start with the politicians, not the Governor of the Central Bank. I will not remain in my position after my term ends. After my term, the deputy governor will assume the position."
Judge Tannous, for his part, tweeted: "Lebanon does not hand over any Lebanese to any foreign state, even if they hold another nationality. Therefore, any foreign arrest warrant issued against a Lebanese is legally unenforceable."
Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh al-Shami called on Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh to resign today, Thursday, after France issued an arrest warrant against him in connection with an investigation into fraud allegations. Al-Shami told Reuters, "When a person is accused in any country of such crimes, they should not remain in a position of responsibility and must resign immediately." He added, "I believe he should resign."
A senior judicial source told Reuters that the investigating judge overseeing a local case against Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh rejected the defenses presented by his lawyers, paving the way for a session on June 15. Salameh, his assistant Marian Haoui, and his brother Raja are facing investigations in Lebanon and at least five European countries for allegedly embezzling over $300 million from the central bank.
