Saudi Arabia turns back trucks carrying Lebanese produce

A big problem began in Lebanon when returned shipments began arriving back to Bekaa from Saudi Arabia. Trouble that may cause an another agricultural trade crisis reappeared following the rejection of hundreds of tons of Bekaa potato exports on the grounds that they did not meet packing specifications.

An exigency meeting of growers and exporters was held at the Chtaura headquarters of the General Confederation of Agricultural Unions after Saudi Arabia turned back dozens of trucks carrying Lebanese produce for a second day.

Union president Ibrahim Tarshishi called the Saudi move "surprising" and accused the kingdom of employing specifications that were too demanding for growers.

"It is especially surprising because Saudi Arabia does not have local production at this time of the summer," he said. "We appreciate the Saudi’s help to Lebanon, but are surprised that they are going to do away with our livelihood," Tarshishi added.

The union decided to wait for an official Lebanese action in the next two days before announcing its response to the measures.

Tarshishi warned that if crops are returned a catastrophe would affect 100,000 people.