Report: Bassil, Nader Hariri 'Blamed for Naturalization Decree’

A controversial naturalization decree granting Lebanese citizenship to foreigners has reportedly been “blamed on Free Patriotic Movement Jebran Bassil and former head of the premier’s office Nader Hariri,” the Kuwaiti Asseyasah daily reported Sunday.

The daily said that “political circles have held Bassil and Hariri accountable for bringing the naturalization law to the spotlight as part of the presidential settlement in Lebanon.”

“Other political leader had no knowledge about the law,” they told the daily on condition of anonymity.

Noting the contradiction between said law and the calls to return Syrian refugees back to their hometowns, they asked: “How does the (presidential) term call for the return of Syrian refugees out of naturalization fears, while at the same time embarks on selling the nationality to Bashar Assad’s aides?”

Reports have emerged lately that President Michel Aoun has signed the controversial decree one day before the government turned to its caretaker capacity.

The law grants citizenship to some 300 people mostly including names of Syrian figures close to Syrian President Bashar Assad who are also subject to US financial sanctions, to Palestinians, Western and Gulf businessmen, as well as a number of stateless applicants.

The decree has provoked criticism, especially since it will be issued by a caretaker government.

Kataeb party leader, MP Sami Gemayel emphasized that he will “obtain a copy of the decree from the Interior Ministry to take the action needed.”

The Democratic Gathering bloc said they will challenge the law in front of the Constitutional Council.

Head of the Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblat published on Twitter the names of some Syrian figures whom he said have “obtained the Lebanese nationality.”