General News Anti Bribery Network - 1/1/2009 Author: arpacnetwork.org On October 20th 2008, The Lebanese Transparency Association (LTA), in partnership with the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), launched a newly established Anti-Bribery Network (ABN) in Lebanon at the intercontinental Phoenicia Hotel. This event to launch the Network was attended by representatives of Ministries (including the Justice and Interior Ministries), several presidents of prominent business associations, a sample of owners and directors of Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs) from Beirut and all peripheries of the country, as well as representatives of academia and civil society. The event began with a welcoming speech by Fadi Saab, Secretary General of LTA. Mr. Saab noted that this is initiative represents an important attempt to launch a practical program which directly targets the issue of bribery in Lebanon. He also emphasized that in Lebanon, even bribery and corruption have become politicized. Yet, de-politicizing this issue is the first step we should all prioritize as we launch this dialogue and network. During the meeting, a constructive dialogue on the status of Bribery in Lebanon was introduced (moderated by Badri el Meouchi, co-executive Director), and initial upcoming activities were also introduced: Upcoming Activities: • Creation of an anti-bribery guidebook for companies; • Creation of a code of ethics for SMEs; • Developing three position papers covering specific aspects of bribery and including recommendations for both public and private sector actors. More importantly, this first Network meeting has served to discuss the most effective ways to counter bribery in Lebanon. Indeed, while all participants saw the added value of this inclusive approach to tackling this systemic problem, a sizeable majority of participants also stressed the important role of politicians and public officials – particularly the need for more will-power to act and lead by example, and the equally important need to enforce existing laws and regulations by strengthening the capacity of the police and judiciary. Next Steps: Work will continue on the activities mentioned above; and a second AB Network meeting will soon be organized to discuss and prepare a comprehensive National Anti-Bribery Action Plan. Ultimate objectives: Increase the will-power of politicians and public officials to act on this issue (360° lobbying); provide, through research and position papers, more information and data on the status of bribery in Lebanon; Raise the Public’s awareness on the status and vices of bribery; Encourage and support the enforcement of rules and regulations in all sectors. View Count: 879 times