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Carlos Ghosn to Asharq Al-Awsat: I Will Seize Nissan’s Properties in Lebanon, the World

Carlos Ghosn speaks to Asharq Al-Awsat
Carlos Ghosn speaks to Asharq Al-Awsat
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Carlos Ghosn to Asharq Al-Awsat: I Will Seize Nissan’s Properties in Lebanon, the World

Carlos Ghosn speaks to Asharq Al-Awsat
Carlos Ghosn speaks to Asharq Al-Awsat

Former Chairman of the Board of Nissan Carlos Ghosn said he was serious in suing the company “to compensate for the moral and physical abuse he suffered as a result of his arrest in Japan,” hinting at seeking to seize Nissan’s property in Lebanon and the world.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Ghosn denied local “political support” or an intention to work in politics.

Ghosn maintains the theory of a “conspiracy” plotted against him, which he said was prepared a year before his arrest.

“On the same day, they stripped me of everything, prevented me from accessing information, entered my house... and took all the information they wanted,” he stated.

Recounting how he was arrested in Japan on charges of not declaring money that he did not receive in the first place, he said that when the authorities discovered that the case was groundless, plots began against him.

The former Nissan CEO justifies the reason for waiting so long to file the lawsuit, by saying: “It took a long time to re-investigate what happened and go into the details... because they stripped me of everything.”

He added that he assigned a team of lawyers to collect files and evidence that back his case.

According to Ghosn, the one billion dollars, which he is requesting as compensation from Nissan, is not a large amount compared to the damage and losses he has incurred.

He stressed that the company has distorted his reputation and future, because of the accusations launched against him.

“A billion dollars is a small compensation,” he underlined.

Ghosn said, however, that he was not surprised by the skeptical questions.

“Everyone is wondering: Can Japan do such a thing? Yes, in Japan there are many good things, but on the other hand there are bad things,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat, saying that the country “does not care about human rights.”

He explained that he chose Lebanon to file a lawsuit against Nissan, as he had to resort either to a Lebanese or a Japanese court.

“There must be a relationship between the crime and the country, and the two countries are either Japan or Lebanon, and I can only file a lawsuit in Lebanon,” he remarked.

Ghosn added that he would have preferred to resort to a court in the United States, should he have this option.

“I would have asked for $10 billion. These things do not happen in America. No one can behave with another person in this way in America... A billion dollars does not affect Nissan ... but $10 billion surely does.”

Ghosn stressed that if he won the case in Lebanon, he could seize Nissan’s properties in the country and elsewhere.

He explained that by virtue of international conventions, a foreign ruling can be enforceable in other countries.

“You can seize factories in America, for example, and the same applies in England, Spain, Egypt, Dubai and Brazil... The company cannot escape,” he said.

Ghosn ridiculed accusations against him of taking refuge in Lebanon “to escape justice.”

He affirmed that he came to Lebanon because he has interests, a home, and a family. He added that Lebanon was not the only country in the world that does not extradite its citizens, citing France and Brazil as an example.

“I did not run away, I fight because I have a right,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

The former CEO of Nissan strongly refuses to link his current lawsuit with an Interpol red notice for his arrest at France’s request, in a case of bribery involving a French minister.

He stressed that the accusations were unfounded, saying that they were politically-driven. He also expressed confidence that the French minister would win the lawsuit.

On a different note, Ghosn said he had no intention to work in politics in Lebanon, “but I can help politicians if needed.”

He added that he was moving freely in his country, “without fear”, as he does not feel threatened, noting that he was only taking some security precautions at the request of his children.

Ghosn stressed that he was currently focusing on the lawsuit against Nissan, as well as managing his business in Lebanon, especially after his property and investments were seized by the French authorities.

“The French put their hands on all my property, but the Japanese did not lay their hands on anything. My investments are only in Lebanon,” he stated.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.