Lebanese Politician Wiam Wahhab: We Should Boycott Banks that Comply with U.S. Anti-Hizbullah Law, Switch to Euro

Former Lebanese minister Wiam Wahhab called to boycott what he called "American" banks in Lebanon - banks that comply with the American law that imposes sanctions on banks that knowingly do business with Hizbullah. Speaking on LBC TV on June 16, he said: "Let's begin by boycotting the 'American' banks in Lebanon. Let's begin by boycotting the banks that implement the American resolution. Why should we keep working with them?" Wahhab further said: "We can switch to the euro. Why should we stay with the dollar?"

Following are excerpts

Wiam Wahhab: This country belongs to us, not to the Americans. This country abides by Lebanese laws, not by the laws of Congress.

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Some populists want to give the Americans more than they asked for. But there are other banks that do not comply with this resolution. I want to say to Hizbullah, to the March 8 Alliance, and to anyone who wishes to be with us: There are patriotic banks, and there are "American" banks. Let's begin by boycotting the "American" banks in Lebanon. Let's begin by boycotting the banks that implement the American resolution. Why should we keep working with them? There are other, excellent, banks, the owners of which followed the instructions of the Banque du Liban, and [its governor] Riad Salameh.

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Whoever wants to destroy the homes of half of the Lebanese people will have to bear [the consequences].

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This law should be implemented over there, not here. We can switch to the euro. Why should we stay with the dollar? Why stay with the dollar? Let's switch to the euro. Many countries have already done it. All of Europe uses euros. Does anybody there use the dollar?

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