The logo of the Banque du Liban (BDL) on a wall at the BDL headquarters on Jan. 8, 2025. (Credit: Philippe Hage Boutros/L'Orient Today)
The Banque du Liban, (BDL, central bank) denied in a statement Monday the "rumors and speculation regarding the existence of negotiations, discussions, or contacts concerning the total or partial sale of Middle East Airlines, the national carrier, of which it owns 99 percent via the Intra Investment Company."
"The BDL affirms that no such discussion or contact has been, nor is currently, taking place with any party whatsoever, be they natural or legal persons, local or foreign, neither now nor in the near future," the central bank stressed, referring to "baseless" rumors and calling on media platforms and internet users to "exercise rigor and responsibility."
It also threatened to take legal action against anyone who publishes or repeats false information that harms the public interest or national institutions.
The BDL's denial appears to target information released mid-afternoon on X by the @beirutreview25 account, which claimed, without naming sources, that "secret negotiations are underway between the BDL, on one hand, and the head of the French carrier CMA CGM, Franco-Lebanese Rodolphe Saade for the acquisition of MEA."
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