Report: Arab, Foreign Embassies 'Request' Naturalization Decree Info

In light of the controversy surrounding a “secretive” presidential decree granting nationality to dozens including Syrian investors close to the Syrian regime, several Arab and foreign embassies have requested information about whether some of the figures are under international and Gulf sanctions, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Wednesday.

The daily said the “embassies have shown special interest in the decree in the last 24 hours. They indirectly asked for information about it to know whether the individuals granted citizenship are linked to international and Gulf sanctions.”

Lebanese politicians and ordinary citizens alike are fuming over the presidential decree, as critics have slammed the secrecy surrounding the move and say it adds insult to injury for thousands unable to acquire nationality because they were born to Lebanese mothers and foreign fathers.

It was reportedly issued on May 11 after being signed by President Michel Aoun, but news of its existence only emerged last week when dozens of names allegedly included in the edict were leaked to the media.

That agency, in turn, established a hotline and encouraged citizens to call in any relevant information about named individuals.

The official list has yet to be made public.

Media reported it may include as many as 300 people, including businessmen known to be close to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Names being circulated include powerful industrialists Khaldun al-Zoabi and Samer Foz, who has since denied he requested nationality, as well as Mazen Mortada, the son of a former Syrian minister.

Under Lebanese law, foreign businessmen are not permitted to invest in Lebanon without local partners, and foreigners can only be naturalised by presidential decree, signed by the prime minister and interior minister.

Among those set to become Lebanese citizens are the three sons of Syrian steel and flour mogul Farouq Joud, who told AFP the decree would "make their work easier".