Lebanese Cabinet permits 'temporary' imports of Intel products

The Lebanese Cabinet today will discuss the question of importing computer parts produced by the Intel company to the Lebanese markets after the Lebanese customs confiscated imports from this company at Beirut's airport because its name is on the black list of companies dealing with Israel.

According to importers, some of these parts are for computers at the Baabda presidential place and the Ministry of Administrative Reforms.

Awaiting the decision of the Lebanese Cabinet a "temporary import" for these parts was permitted after intervention of ministers concerned and the vocational informatics society and the response of the Lebanese customs directorate.

Lebanese governmental sources said such a boycott of Intel "needs a decision from the Cabinet because it directly connects to the Israel boycotting office."

Sources at the Lebanese informatics society said that Intel products have been in the Syrian markets for 15 years, that its share in the local and international market is 93% and that its products are used by both the private and public sectors in Lebanon.

The Lebanese governmental sources expected the decision of the Lebanese parliament to take the side of freeing Intel's products from banning because the average of its use in Lebanon is estimated at 80%, and as several other Arab states permit Intel's products into their markets.