1.
GV PAN Beirut, Martyrs' Square TO market
0.06

2.
SV,GV People in market (2 shots)
0.14

3.
SV Apples, bananas & oranges (3 shots)
0.21

4.
SV Vegetables (3 shots)
0.29

5.
SV Lemons & other vegetables (3 shots)
0.38

6.
LV People unloading & loading vegetables (2 shots)
0.45



Initials SGM/1841 SGM/1908



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: On Monday (12 March) Iraq imposed a ban on the import of fruit, vegetables and consumer goods form Lebanon. The Iraqi Ministry of Economy issued a statement which stated that the measures were taken in the light of Iraq's economic requirements. The statement added that the decision was based "on the principle of protecting national agricultural and industrial products and in harmony with the aim's of the country's development plan." Goods other than those listed under the ban may only be imported through permits issued by the appropriate authorities.

Iraq's decision follows closely after the signing of an oil agreement between Lebanon and Iraq. Commenting on Iraq's measures, the Lebanese Economy Ministry said that the ban came as a surprise. The Ministry added that they would ask the Foreign Ministry to seek an explanation from the Iraqi authorities.