BEIRUT: Banking leader Francois Bassil defended himself Sunday against accusations of slander and defamation, insisting he was not referencing any specific figure when he attacked politicians for corruption earlier this year.
“I meant to address politicians that prioritize their private interests over those of the country,” said Bassil, president of Association of Banks, during a supportive gathering at his home the northern town of Jbeil.
Amal Movement’s MP Hani Qobeissi has filed a lawsuit against Bassil accusing him of slander and defamation against lawmakers based on comments he made in April.
“Everyone should respect the Constitutional institutions,” he added, offering salutations to Parliament Speaker and Amal Movement leader Nabih Berri.
Bassil also denied Lebanese banks were hindering the approval of the new salary scale.
“We refuse to accept the manipulation of the public opinion by distorting the reputation of the best and strongest economic sector in Lebanon,” he said.
He praised Parliament’s decision to postpone the wage hike’s discussion until further studies of potential state revenues can be conducted.
“[This decision] shows a true intention to avoid haste and pushing the country into a severe crisis,” he said.
He reiterated his support for workers’ rights, but rejected a wage hike that, he said, "overwhelms the economy and weakens its pillars."
“We will not accept that the [banking sector]’s great efforts to strengthen its institution’s immunity be wasted because of reckless decisions taken by those ... who have ruined the state’s institutions," he said.
“We will not accept, after we survived the most severe global economic crisis, to be defeated in battle over the ranks and salaries scale,” he added.
Bassil stated his testimony before Judge Charbel Abu Samra Wednesday, accompanied by his lawyers, Sakher Hashem and Elie Chamoun.
“I defended myself,” Bassil told reporters after the session, adding that he repeated the same remarks as those he made during an April news conference.
He said that although the Banks support the demands of the Union Coordination Committee, they believe that the salary scale should coincide with radical reforms and not be financed by new taxes.
Abu Samra set a session for July 9 to respond to Bassil’s testimony.
The ABL had criticized lawmakers for making “random decisions” for political gain, warning that such a step would have negative effects on inflation rates in the country, the stability of the national currency and the purchasing power of Lebanese.
Berri had insisted that Bassil publicly apologize for verbally attacking lawmakers and Parliament. Bassil has made a veiled apology to Berri.
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