Original link: http://middleeastobserver.net/us-oil-cartels-blocking-russian-offer-to-resolve-lebanons-electricity-crisis-report/
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXxarsrCUg8
Description:
A news report surrounding a Russian offer to help resolve the long-standing electricity problem of Lebanon, which has devolved into a severe crisis in recent months.
The electricity problem in Lebanon is a highly politicised and controversial issue. This report suggests that it is the Americans and the local oil cartels within Lebanon that are blocking such a Russian offer from being accepted by the government in Beirut that would ease the suffering of the Lebanese people.
Source: Al Manar TV (Twitter)
Date: October 2, 2021
(Please help MEO keep producing independent translations for you by contributing a sustainable monthly amount https://www.patreon.com/MiddleEastObserver?fan_landing=true)
Transcript:
Reporter:
To whom it may concern, the Russian offer to resolve (Lebanon’s) electricity problem still stands, and these are its most recent developments.
Dr. Hassan Moqalled, Editor-in-Chief of the academic journal Al-E’mar w-al-Eqtisad (Construction and Economy):
In 7-10 days, a Russian company is going to come to Lebanon. It is one of the major (Russian) firms. It will come to present its offer in written form. This is no secret, I myself relayed the offer to relevant authorities (in Lebanon) – specifically to (Lebanon’s Energy) Minister – four days ago during my stay in Moscow. However, we’re going to give (the Minister) a complete and official presentation of the offer in 7-10 days.
Walid Fayad, Lebanon’s Energy Minister:
I’ll tell you whenever we receive a concrete offer (from Russia), so far there’s nothing concrete,
Reporter:
The intent is not to begin a pointless discussion or argument (with the Minister). In any case the Russian offer will become clearer and more concrete in a matter of days. In order to help clarify the contents of the (Russian) offer to officials in Lebanon, here is (an explanation).
Dr. Moqalled:
As for the offer, again, this is an offer to build an oil refinery (capable of refining) 150,000 barrels a day. During the first stage, a refinery can be built within a period of six months that can refine 20,000 barrels a day, while construction (of the refinery so that it can operate at full capacity) will take 12-18 months. The company will also supply Lebanon with its fuel needs until construction of the refinery is complete.
Reporter:
Clearly (this is a brilliant offer), as evidenced by the numbers. So how can an offer like this be refused, (an offer that will save) hundreds of millions of dollars (being spent) on temporary solutions that will only serve to increase power supply by a few hours (per day)? Who can block (such an offer)?
Dr. Moqalled:
Firstly, a large portion of officials (in Lebanon) believe that no solution can be accepted unless it comes from within the American orbit. Secondly, there is the sheer magnitude of the interests of the (local) oil cartels (at stake here], which is valued at hundreds of millions of dollars a year.
Energy Minister Walid Fayad:
Bring (the offer) to me next time. Bring it to me please.
Reporter:
It is on its way. The Russian offer will be presented yet again, just as the energy minister requested. This is an opportunity that only requires a decision…yet again.
Lebanon is a very complex, multi cultural and religiously open society since ages ago both by Christian influences and arabic ones all thru the historical French mandate over there.
All it has taken for their present status was the Sabra|Shatilla slaughter, the Zionist invasion and IDF thundering defeat in the 80’s. And the new actor: Hesbollah.
So the simplest of questions is who’s is true Lebanon’s friend in need and true ally: the empire and their Houston oil maffiosi or the Hezbollah?
Now the defiance gloves in the Zion’s face is they consider oil.gas tankers as sailed their national territory and the current Gazprom offer to basically solve in six months the acute gasoline and diesel crisis. And so it s Putin’s offer. Let see whether the Houston Maffia plus the internal Lebanese atlanticists turn strong enough to turn down and derail it.
The future of Lebanon, if it is to continue as a sovereign state, is with Russia as its protector, just as Syria will exist only with Russia as its guarantor.
All the intricacies below that umbrella and a new social foundation are transitory. France out, Israel out, US/CIA out, Saudi Arabia out.
Look to the zone around Deraa, Syria. The Russians have worked hard for two years to defuse this hotbed of rebellion against Assad, return the area control to the Syrian government, and demilitarize the zone. Using Hezbollah and Chechen MP special forces, deconfliction has been imposed, civil talks and humanitarian services have been established. The rebels are disarmed.
Russia’s approach is usually based on humanitarian and civil services. If it can solve the electricity issues and energy supplies, it can gain the confidence of most of society to grant it the position of guarantor of security. That would begin the salvation of Lebanon.
Not to forget Iran’s influence. This morning:
In Beirut, Iran FM assures Lebanon of full support, offers help in development projects
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2021/10/07/668009/Amir-Abdollahian-Iran-Lebanon-Beirut-resistance-support-al-Manar-government-formation
It’s great that
a) Russia and Iran both furnish assistance here
and
b) Hezbollah has strong influence inside Lebanon.
The main difference between Lebanon and Syria seems to be the pusillanimity and servitude of the Lebanese government in front of imperialism and Zionism. Russia, Iran, and Syria arguably have a golden opportunity to achieve the ouster of the stooges in Beirut, especially if accompanied by very harsh messages to the Zionist Entity and the Sultan in Turkey to stay clear.
The Sultan of Turkey is in a class of his own! Many countries have played the game of playing off US against USSR/Russia, but mostly the game was played with some finesse, plausible deniability, and much sweetness and politeness. This guy hisses, bares fangs, starts to go one way then abruptly slithers away some other way. Exactly lie a snake.
I really feel sorry for the common people of Lebanon. I know a few Lebanese (in fact my best friend is Lebanese) and they are simply the greatest people to have as friends. It’s a shame to see such unnecessary suffering.
I had same experience. Lebanese are beautiful people. Some of my most valued friends and colleagues. And most people of historical “Shaam” (greater Syria) too – which was broken up after WW1 into Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and even northern KSA, among other lands. Very intelligent, hard working and huge hearts. A resilient and persevering people.
Beirut is very rich in culture and was known as the Paris of the M.E. before its civil war.
Unfortunately they live next to Israel, like the Irish live next to British or Mexico/Cuba next to USA. They are under siege for having the most feared and capable non-state fighting force, water and other resources wanted by the Zionists.
Also like most countries now paralyzed by huge geopolitical changes underway, they are also somewhat in stasis. They cling on to an antiquated confessional political system which is being exploited by its enemies to divide them and prevent ready solutions, such as proposed by Russia here.
Yes what you say is true. Personally I believe the reason Lebanon is being squeezed so hard now is that Israel plans to attack Iran in the near future. The most effective counter will come from Southern Lebanon. In fact, Israel probably would’ve attacked along time ago if it weren’t for Lebanon. Their commitment to resistance makes each and everyone a hero in my eyes. I don’t think my family would be so strong. May God bless and reward the people of Lebanon!
Losing Lebanon is absolutely unacceptable for UKUS duopoly. Not to mention Israel.
If Russia and Iran manage to increase its influence, it will be yet another undisputable sign of western decline.
“yet another undisputable sign of western decline” Yes, and what’s curious is that the UK-US-French-Zionist empire is willing to concede their “loss” of Lebanon by this stupid refusal to help. Of course the empire has great responsibility in helping corrupt Lebanese bankers and politicians to loot the country, and we now see the consequences. But the curious part is that the empire seems to lack an “end-game” strategy. The 1982 Oded and 1998 PNAC strategy was to smash the Muslim countries and leave them in the stone age, but that is not going to happen. It’s the usual Zionist arrogance, stupidity and cruelty on display. Lebanon is too precious, its people are too resourceful and have friends around the world, so Lebanon will not remain in such sad shape for years. As for the proposed oil refinery, I guess it will eventually turn a profit for the Russians.
This all sounds very dodgy. Any company that remains anonymous and conducts business via the media before even presenting a proposal is to be treated with suspicion. Also, I doubt that any substantial company – Russian or otherwise – would be willing to invest that much capital in Lebanon without rock solid guarantees of profitability. That profitability would need to be massive given that the sovereign risk is overwhelming.
Finally, if this proposal was actually endorsed by Russia, it would already be diplomatically pre-agreed before any announcement.
In short, this is a scam or fictitious.
That said, I really think that Russia could be in there helping Lebanon because that in turn helps Syria and increases the number of locations where the US dollar can be by-passed. On the other hand, I’m guessing that Russia isn’t interested in supporting an endless list of dependent countries.
@This all sounds very dodgy. Any company that remains anonymous and conducts business via the media before even presenting a proposal is to be treated with suspicion.
Funny thing, I said the exact same thing about the democrats
The most depressing thing is that the braying sheep in the U.S. are told that ‘Hezbollah controls Lebanon’ and are oblivious to the workings of the U.S. (Israel by proxy) and Saudi Arabia.