Lebanese businesspeople come to support of Turkish lira

BEIRUT - Anadolu Agency

Lebanese businesspeople have launched a solidarity campaign for the Turkish lira, which has recently lost ground against the dollar amid a raft of newly-imposed U.S. sanctions.

Hani Hariri of Lebanon’s Rawwad Izci Association told Anadolu Agency that his association had decided to launch a campaign in support of Turkey’s national currency, which, he said, was “under attack”.

“Through this simple campaign, we are showing our solidarity with the Turkish people against these artificial U.S. sanctions,” he said.

Ahmad al-Taish, a Lebanese businessman who recently converted thousands of dollars into Turkish Lira, told Anadolu Agency: “We are obliged to support Turkey, which has become a symbol of development and civilization in the Muslim world.”

Merchants in Lebanese capital Beirut, meanwhile, have launched a similar solidarity campaign, offering discounts to customers who make purchases in Turkish lira.

Turkey-U.S. are currently experiencing rocky relations since Washington imposed sanctions on Turkey’s interior and justice ministers last week after Ankara refused to release an American pastor who faces terrorism-related charges in Turkey.

Last Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on aluminum and steel imports from Turkey.