Representative Ashraf Rifi considered that the Iraqi pipeline project to the Mediterranean constitutes a strategic opportunity for Lebanon, warning that traditional or partial approaches may lead to wasting the opportunity to participate in a project capable of opening new economic and development horizons for the country.
Rifi said that it is unfortunate that Lebanon has neglected this path during the past years, at a time when countries and companies began preparing to begin implementing the project, which may later extend through Syria to Baniyas and Tripoli.
He welcomed the Lebanese move that recently began on this file, but pointed out that there are indicators that require serious and rapid treatment, pointing out that limiting the Lebanese approach to American cover and understanding with Iraq and Syria, despite their importance, is not enough to guarantee Lebanon’s position within the project.
He explained that the project is also governed by considerations related to commercial and investment feasibility, especially with regard to determining the route of the pipeline between options that pass through Jordan, Turkey, Syria and Lebanon, in addition to determining the business model, whether in terms of exporting crude oil or establishing refining refineries, storage facilities, and exporting oil derivatives.
Rifi stressed the necessity of preparing an integrated national file that addresses the geopolitical, diplomatic, oil, investment, financing and legal dimensions of the project, calling for giving special importance to cleaning the contractual record of oil facilities in Tripoli and determining the best ways to employ their assets within this path.
He also called for the government mechanism being formed to adopt a comprehensive approach to the file, through a specialized national team that possesses the necessary expertise to follow up on negotiations and investment opportunities related to the project.
Rifi stressed that Lebanon needs to move proactively and quickly, considering that the project may constitute an opportunity to make a qualitative shift in development, and return Tripoli to its natural position as a center for refining, storage, and oil trade, in addition to devoting a new role for Lebanon on the regional energy map.
