The British Embassy in Beirut has categorically rejected the
"unsubstantiated, erroneous and misleading" claims made in a
report on UK support for the IMPACT project published by Al
Akhbar on 9 January 2023.
A statement by the Embassy stated:
We are and remain proud of our contribution to anti-corruption
efforts in Lebanon, including the important work of the IMPACT
platform, Central Inspection and Judge George Attieh.
The British Embassy agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with
Central Inspection on 20 August 2021 which detailed our
Governance, Oversight, & Accountability Project. The Lebanese
government mentioned the project in their financial plan issued
on 30 April 2020. This project consists of technical assistance
to Central Inspection. Despite baseless accusations, the project
complies with the highest international standards for data
protection and security using industry-leading providers.
We were disappointed that Al Akhbar’s editors did not contact us
for comment ahead of publishing the article. This would have
allowed us to correct a number of factual errors and
misunderstandings.
IMPACT’s work is ground-breaking and the first of its kind in
Lebanon. Improving access to e-governance provides much-needed
transparency and accountability. IMPACT’s high profile
achievements include enabling the COVID vaccine roll out and the
World Bank Social Safety Net.
The UK is clear that Lebanon’s leaders should focus on
establishing a government to deliver meaningful reforms,
including to secure an IMF deal. This is a vital step to
alleviate the economic crisis and improve the lives of the
Lebanese people. We have consistently called out corruption in
Lebanon’s governance systems, most recently in an article co-signed by G7
Ambassadors together with the EU Ambassador last month to mark
World Anti-Corruption day. We will continue to work with our
international partners in support of programmes and institutions
committed to combatting corruption and promoting transparency,
both of which are fundamental to a better future for Lebanon.
Note to editors: Central Inspection issued a statement yesterday.
