LCCC
ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
July 05/09
Bible Reading of the day
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 9:14-17.
Then the disciples of John approached him and said, "Why do we and the Pharisees
fast (much), but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus answered them, "Can
the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will
come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No
one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness
pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. People do not put new wine
into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the
skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are
preserved."
Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special
Reports
Being his own man.
NowLebanon.com 04/07/09
Implementing change in
Lebanon. By:
Marco Vicenzino
04/07/09
Foreign meddling is no excuse for the Lebanese to not have a local agenda-
The Daily Star 04/07/09
Latest
News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for July
04/09
Hariri Pledges to Form
Made-in Lebanon Cabinet, 'Best Relations' with Syria in Due Time-Naharnet
Franjieh, Gemayel Vow to
Avert Inter-Christian Discord, Create Dialogue-Naharnet
Human Rights Watch urges Syria to
disclose fate of detainees-Future News
U.S.: Cabinet Internal Matter,
Obama's Visit to Damascus Conditional on Non-interference in Lebanon-Naharnet
Gunmen Seize 2 Buses after
Breaking into a Garage in Southern Suburbs-Naharnet
Calm and alertness… no for
exoneration-Future News
Sleiman pursues consultations on
government formation-Future News
Harb lauds efforts of Saudi King
and regrets Syria’s conditions.Future News
Souaid: Hariri shall visit Syria as
Lebanon’s PM-Future News
Gemayel sponsors appeals in
Northern Metn-Future News
Changes in the Syrian military
command-Future News
Nasrallah visits Syria-Future News
Syrian Deployment in Outskirts of Kfarqouq Town in Rashaya-Naharnet
Franjieh: Solution is in
Real Change and Turning Things Upside Down-Naharnet
Hariri Working on Cabinet
Formula, Will Meet Suleiman in 48 Hours-Naharnet
Report: Nasrallah Visited
Damascus-Naharnet
Report: Saudi-Syrian
Contacts Make Doha Accord Obsolete-Naharnet
Salvation List to Submit 4
Vote Recount Requests to Constitutional Council-Naharnet
Kouchner in Lebanon Next
Week in Support of Democracy-Naharnet
Opposition Again Presses
for Veto Power-Naharnet
Syrian-Saudi Summit on
Lebanon, Region Likely on Monday-Naharnet
Germany: Peaceful Lebanon
Polls, Improved Beirut-Damascus Ties 'Window of Opportunity-Naharnet
Gemayel: We Won't Forget
the Past, We Need Guarantees from Syria-Naharnet
Lebanon tops agenda of foreign states-Daily
Star
UNIFIL chief says festivals in south 'healthy sign-Daily
Star
Qabbani sees Syrian-Saudi talks benefitting Lebanon-Daily
Star
Fadlallah slams interference in Lebanese affairs-Daily
Star
Military court adjourns trial of
'spies' for Israel-By
Agence France Presse (AFP)
US
labels Iraq-based Kataeb Hizbullah a 'foreign terror group-Daily
Star
Amnesty defends report on Israel's destruction of Gaza-Daily
Star
Purse-snatchers prey on women in tourist districts-Daily
Star
Lebanon illiteracy report shows alarming urban-rural divide-Daily
Star
Europe lashes out at Iran plan to try UK Embassy staff-(AFP)
exoneration
: Absolution/amnesty
U.S.: Cabinet Internal Matter, Obama's Visit to Damascus Conditional on
Non-interference in Lebanon
Naharnet/Washington has stressed that cabinet formation in Lebanon was an
internal matter and U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Damascus is
conditional on ending interference in Lebanon. "They elected their MPs on their
own and named their prime minister. That's why they have to take the next step
of government formation," U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman said
about the Lebanese people. "Cabinet formation is an internal matter and we are
sure that the Lebanese are able to do that for themselves and they don't need
our assistance or interference," he added. On the decision to return the U.S.
ambassador to Damascus, Feltman said that the move came as Obama seeks to
achieve a comprehensive peace in the region. Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary of
State James Steinberg said Friday in the first official comment on Syrian
President Bashar Assad's announcement that he would be willing to meet Obama in
Syria, that such a visit will not take place any time soon. Steinberg, who made
his comment during the Aspen Ideas Festival 2009, wondered how Obama would visit
Damascus if Syria continues to provide Hizbullah with arms, supports Hamas and
allows fighters to cross the border into Iraq. He urged Syrians to stop
interfering in Lebanon's internal affairs although he admitted that meddling has
lately decreased. Asked by An Nahar daily's correspondent about the new U.S.
ambassador to Syria, Steinberg said that the decision to send the head of
mission was taken by the White House and things now depend on his confirmation
by the Senate. Steinberg didn't expect the ambassador to return before
September.
Meanwhile, An Nahar quoted U.S. officials as saying that Assad was upset by
Obama's decision to renew economic sanctions on Syria. Beirut, 04 Jul 09, 07:59
Being his own man
July 4, 2009
Now Lebanon web site
As NOW Lebanon wrote on July 1, “the struggle over veto power, or ‘the
obstructing third’ may well come to define the coming period of Lebanese
politics.”
It is very easy to get tangled in the knots of regional interests – the Special
Tribunal, Hezbollah’s weapons and UNSCR 1701, not to mention the apparent
overtures of friendship toward Washington coming out of Damascus – but focusing
on what should really count – the running of the country by a majority
government on behalf of the people who elected it – appears to be lost amid the
outrage surrounding the allocation of cabinet seats.
The opposition is doing its level best to throw a spanner into the works. Amal,
which is rapidly making a name for itself as Lebanon’s answer to the hated
Iranian Basij, is using its culture of naked thuggery to remind March 14 that
street violence can be unleashed at the drop of a hat. The good news is that no
one is fooled by Amal, which spearheaded the May 2008 invasion of West Beirut,
nor is anyone fooled by the shocking gall shown by the movement’s boss, Nabih
Berri, when he told An-Nahar on Friday that he would not “accept Zeina Miri
dying in vain” and that he is ready to launch a “transparent” investigation into
the incident, which was by all accounts perpetrated by his own gunmen.
Elsewhere in the March 8 coalition, Free Patriotic Movement leader and historic
icon-in-waiting, Michel Aoun, has clearly lost the constitutional plot by
demanding seven ministries according to his parliamentary share. Hezbollah
meanwhile, is like a football team that suddenly can’t stop losing. Not only did
the outcome of the election force Nasrallah to eat a huge dollop of humble pie,
his support for Iranian President “elect” Ahmadinejad, his bizarre edict that
Iran should only be discussed by those who understand it, and Hezbollah’s
puerile smear campaign of Moroccan comedian Gad Almaleh, have all stripped away
some of the party’s aura.
In short, the opposition is in disarray. Doha is dead; Amal is thoroughly
discredited; Aoun is…well…being Aoun, scolding and raging in equal measure like
King Lear on the heath; while Nasrallah is rapidly becoming an Orwellian
caricature, whose rulings are out of step with the aspirations of the majority
of Lebanese, whose strategic options are narrowing by the day and whose recent
tactical moves have reeked of desperation.
In this climate of utter disgust and ennui among the Lebanese, March 14 should
push to exercise its right to govern and be held accountable. What better time
for Lebanese to rage against, not only the blocking third, but also the proposed
15-10-5 compromise, which is already looking paper thin, given that Hezbollah
wants two allies within the president’s “bloc”. The alternative 16-10-4, while
still a compromise, is a safer bet when dealing with an opposition given to
tantrums of lethal violence when it doesn’t get its way.
Sadly, in reality, it is highly likely that Lebanon’s political future will be
decided in Damascus (despite President Bashar al-Assad’s laughable claims that
his country has no interest in meddling in Lebanese affairs) with Saudi Arabia
playing a major role in seeking to cement stability.
If, as is rumored, Lebanon First bloc leader Saad Hariri does make the trip to
the Syrian capital ahead of the visit by Saudi King Abdullah, the eyes of the
nation will be upon him. Already, eyebrows arched over his visits to Cairo and
Riyadh, and, while it is understood that the realities of the region are very
much part and parcel of what happens in Lebanon, and that internal stability
must be paramount, he must show that he is also his own man when it comes to
selecting his government.
As Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea reminded us, the way Lebanon’s political
groupings are carrying on, anyone would think there had been no elections. For
the record, March 14 won and it deserves to rule.
Human Rights Watch urges Syria
to disclose fate of detainees
Date: July 4th, 2009 Future News
Syrian authorities should immediately make public the fate of all detainees at
Sednaya prison, at least nine of whom are believed to have been killed when
military police used lethal force during unrest in the prison last July, Human
Rights Watch said Saturday.
Syria should also free those who have finished serving their sentences, Human
Rights Watch said.
“The government has not provided the families of detainees or the public with
any information regarding the events at Sednaya or the names of those injured or
killed, and it has prevented any contact between the prisoners in Sednaya and
their families since that incident”.
Human Rights Watch urged foreign diplomats visiting Damascus to ask President
Bashar al-Assad about the inmates' fate.
"A whole year has passed, and yet no one knows what has happened to these
people," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human
Rights Watch. "The Syrian government should end the anguish of the prisoners'
families, disclose the names of those injured or killed, and immediately grant
them access to their loved ones."
Prison authorities and military police used firearms to quell a riot that began
on July 5, 2008 at Sednaya prison, about 30 kilometers north of Damascus. Human
Rights Watch obtained the names of nine inmates who are believed to have been
killed in a standoff between the prisoners and authorities that reportedly
lasted for many days. Syrian human rights organizations have reported that the
number of inmates who were killed may be as high as 25. One member of the
military police was also confirmed dead.
The government has not released any information about the action its forces took
against the prisoners or any investigation it may have begun about the violence
at the prison. However, the government has imposed a communication ban on the
prisoners, who have not been able to contact their family members since the
violent episode a year ago.
Since that time, the Syrian authorities also have refused to release prisoners
from Sednaya who have finished serving their sentences.
Human Rights Watch has obtained the names of at least 25 prisoners who have
completed their sentences since the deadly attack but who apparently remain
imprisoned. They include Nizar Rastanawi, a prominent human rights activist whom
the State Security Court had sentenced to a four-year term on charges of
"spreading false news" and "insulting the President of the Republic" after a
member of the security services testified that he overheard a conversation
Rastanawi was having.
Rastanawi completed his sentence on April 18, 2009, but the government has not
released him. His family has been unable to obtain any information about him and
is extremely concerned for his safety.
Families of detainees in Sednaya have issued at least two appeals to President
Bashar al-Assad for information, but received no answer. On October 10, 2008, 17
mothers of Sednaya detainees from the town of Qatana publicly appealed to the
president to provide information about their sons and to allow them to visit,
after several failed attempts to obtain information from the Ministry of
Justice. In their appeal, they noted that they had "learned about the burial of
bodies in Qatana at night," and that they were concerned that these may have
been the bodies of their children.
"Ignoring these pleas for basic information is cruel and inhumane," said
Whitson. "Not only does President al-Asad fail to show respect for the rights of
Syrian citizens, he fails to show mercy to Syrian mothers and fathers trapped in
a nightmare of mystery about the fate of their children."
A brother of a detainee held in Sednaya since January 2007, who asked that his
name be withheld for fear that it would cause harm to his brother, expressed his
pain and frustration to Human Rights Watch: "There is no information whatsoever.
My brother was on trial at the State Security Court, but we have not heard
anything since the events in Sednaya. We want to know what happened to him. Is
he still alive or dead? My father keeps asking me to go inquire about my
brother. But who do I turn to?"
Gemayel sponsors appeals in Northern Metn
Date: July 4th, 2009 Source: Annahar
Annahar newspaper reported that President Amin Gemayel headed Friday a meeting
in Bikfaya that included members of the El-Metn Rescue List, who lost the
elections in Northern Metn district, in preparation to submit appeals to the
Constitutional Council on Monday. The meeting was attended by Elias Mkhaiber,
Emile Kanaan, Eddie Abi Lamae and Sarkis Sarkis.
After discussing the appeal formula, it was decided that the members will submit
appeal against four members of the Change and Reform bloc: MPs Ghassan Mkhaiber,
Ibrahim Kanaan, Nabil Nicolas, and Salim Salhab. Sources reported to Annahar
that the appeals include evidence and testimonies “in case accepted, will lead
to re-elections in the district.”
Nasrallah visits Syria
Date: July 4th, 2009 Source: Al Liwaa
Hizbullah’s Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah visited Syria to discuss
the current phase before the formation of the new Lebanese cabinet, Al-Liwaa
newspaper reported.
The paper added that the trip falls within the framework of consultations that
are taking place between Damascus and the leaders of the opposition to form a
national unity government.
Souaid: Hariri shall visit Syria as Lebanon’s PM
Date: July 4th, 2009 Source: Al Liwaa
Coordinator of the March 14 General Secretariat Fares Souaid confirmed on
Saturday that he agrees to Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri’s visit to Syria
as a Prime minister to restore trust between Beirut and Damascus, assuring that
such a trip should take place after the cabinet formation, and the confidence
vote is cast in parliament.
Syrian troops occupied Lebanon for three decades before Damascus was forced to
withdraw its troops in 2005. Syria came under heavy Lebanese and international
pressure to end its occupation of Lebanon after the 2005 assassination of former
Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. Lebanon and Syria exchanged embassies in a
sign of improving ties between the long-feuding neighbors. In an interview with
Al-Liwaa newspaper, Souaid asserted that March 14 alliance maintains unity and
coherence within its ranks. He stressed on the importance of a diplomatic visit
to Syria and hailed Hariri’s openness as a positive approach. The political
atmosphere in the Middle East has shifted since Lebanon's elections on June 7 in
which March 14 led by Hariri secured victory defeating the Hizbullah-led
alliance. Syria, long blamed for violently meddling in Lebanese affairs, appears
open to the Obama administration's efforts to normalize relations between both
countries. And Iran, which supports Hizbullah, has been engulfed in crisis over
the disputed reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the ensuing
crackdown against protesters.
Changes in the Syrian military command
Date: July 4th, 2009 Source: Annahar /Annahar daily newspaper mentioned that the
Syrian military command held transfers in the past few days at the level of
military leadership, where the General of the Security Branch Colonel Asef
Shawkat was promoted to the rank of brigadier and appointed Deputy Chief of the
Syrian army, while Brigadier Abdul-Fattah Kodsiyeh was appointed head of the
military security system.
Calm and alertness… no for exoneration
Date: July 4th, 2009 Source: Future News
The political panorama remains stuck since the designation of Prime Minister
Saad Hariri to form the upcoming government. The statements of ‘March 8’
alliance open to dialogue flow while information contradict around the progress
of Saudi-Syrian dialogue that would reflect on Lebanon’s domestic situation. The
birth of the Lebanese government seems to be prepared slowly and connections
from the PM’s residence in Kureitem are open in all directions to form a
government which all counterparts participate in “without the veto third share”.
Lebanon is strongly present at the international arena as international
delegates continue to arrive “to assist the government’s birth without
interfering in its affairs.”
France’s Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner will be visiting Lebanon next week
where he will deliver his country’s endorsement to the results of the June 7
polls which were conducted within a positive and democratic atmosphere.
Baabda escorts
Meanwhile, President Michel Sleiman follows up the political connections prior
to the government’s formation. Sleiman prioritized the services and tourism
sector, speaking to his visitors on Friday. Sleiman reassured that “the stable
political and security situation will contribute to the success of the tourism
season this year”, excepting the arrival of large numbers of tourists to the
country.
Syrian conditions!
Back to the Saudi-Syrian talks and Lebanon’s part in it, MP Boutros Harb said
the efforts of Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz to assist the birth of
Lebanon’s government are hampered by Syria’s conditions. “This is what we can
never tolerate”, Harb affirmed.
For his part, leader of the Kataeb Lebanese party former President Amine Gemayel
stressed that the ‘March 14’ coalition “supports naturalizing relations with
Syria upon clear guarantees and reassurances and not through exoneration.”
Parliament representative MP Michel El Murr said Syrian-Saudi talks “would help
bringing viewpoints closer thus pave the way for the government’s formation”.
However he said the Arab initiatives and connections “shall not interfere in the
names and numbers of ministers.”
Eddeh criticizes Jumblatt
in another development, leader of the ‘National Bloc’ Carlos Eddeh said those
who have voted for ‘March 14’ coalition during the June 7 parliamentary
elections “voted against the project of Hizbullah.” he called the Lebanese to
unite around a political stream and not around a leader “like MP Walid Jumblatt
(leader of the Democratic gathering) who defends the ‘Lebanon First’ slogan one
day and criticizes it the other.”
Sleiman pursues consultations on government formation
Date: July 3rd, 2009 Source: NNA
President Michel Sleiman is currently pursuing the ongoing consultations
regarding the formation of the forthcoming government.
Lebanon First bloc leader, MP Saad Hariri was designated to form the government
after performing a series of consultations with the prominent political
compatriots on the matter. President Sleiman received Energy Resources Minister
Alain Tabourian who briefed the President on the updates on prices of fuels and
oil derivatives, and the measures taken in the matter of increasing the number
of electricity feeding hours during the summer. He instructed all ministries and
administrations involved in tourism to take all measures to service tourists and
insure their safety. Sleiman, “relieved” about the stable political situation
strengthened by the parliamentary elections, expects the arrival of large
numbers of Lebanese expatriates, as well as Arab and foreign tourists. “This
helps draw investments in support of the Lebanese economy,” he stressed. Sleiman
met with a delegation of the Becharri district union headed by Nawfal Chedrawi
who briefed him on the details of the award the town received from International
Tourism for national sites, organized by the Swiss city of Lugano last April.
The President commended the efforts of the union and congratulated the
delegation for their win. Sleiman said “it is a model of what administrative
decentralization could achieve on the level of development,” hoping that the
state could contribute to enhancing tourism. He then received MPs Ahmad Fatfat,
Nabil De Freij and former MP Elie Ferezle to address the representation of
minorities in the government and table of dialogue.Later during the day, Sleiman
hosted State Minister Ali Kanso and discussed the current political situation.
Gunmen Seize 2 Buses after Breaking into a Garage in
Southern Suburbs
Naharnet/A group of gunmen in four Range Rovers and several motorbikes broke
into a garage in the Lailaki area of Beirut's southern suburbs and took over two
buses, the state-run National News Agency reported. NNA said the gunmen shackled
those inside the garage owned by Razan Amhaz, smashed several vehicles parked
inside it, and seized the two Pullmans.
Al-Mustaqbal newspaper said Saturday that the gunmen beat the garage workers and
injured three of them. The incident took place at 1:00 pm Friday, according to
NNA.
Interior Minister Ziad Baroud will announce on Saturday adoption of strict
security measures following several incidents, including the attack on the
vehicle impound, An Nahar daily reported Saturday. Beirut, 04 Jul 09, 09:40
Syrian Deployment in Outskirts of Kfarqouq Town in Rashaya
Naharnet/Syrian forces have expended their deployment in the area of Dawrat
Manqaa al-Touffaha in Rashaya after military units moved into the area near the
town of Kfarqouq, al-Mustaqbal daily reported Saturday. The newspaper added that
Syrian troops which are based on the border also deployed in the areas of
Daydiyyeh, Mrah al-Heet and Khirbet Meshemshe that fall in the territory of
Kfarqouq. The soldiers brought it military and human reinforcements, al-Mustaqbal
said. It quoted sources as wondering why the Syrian troops are upgrading their
presence in the area and moving into Lebanese territories at a time when
Beirut-Damascus ties are improving. The sources added that this infiltration
would put obstacles on demarcation of the Lebanese-Syrian border. Beirut, 04 Jul
09, 10:28
Franjieh: Solution is in Real Change and Turning Things Upside Down
Naharnet/Marada movement leader Suleiman Franjieh has called for real change in
the country, saying coexistence is not the ultimate solution. "A real solution
comes by turning things upside down," Franjieh said during a dinner banquet
thrown for Marada's campaign staff. "Coexistence would help for months but it is
not the real solution." He said there are some people in the March 14 forces who
care about Lebanon and its interest. "Understanding could be reached with them
to rebuild the future." "We should forget hatred and the past and cooperate to
rebuild this country," the MP said. Beirut, 04 Jul 09, 13:11
Hariri Working on Cabinet Formula, Will Meet Suleiman in 48 Hours
Naharnet/A week after his appointment, Premier-designate Saad Hariri is working
on finding the appropriate cabinet formula to propose it to President Michel
Suleiman, Hariri's close circles said. He is "working seriously and with calm on
a formula that he will propose to President Michel Suleiman and then political
forces," Hariri's circles told An Nahar newspaper in remarks published Saturday.
"The reactions will unveil the real atmosphere which we hope it would be
positive. The sources refused to give a timeframe for cabinet formation, saying
"political contacts are underway with all sides in the majority and the
opposition alike." Opposition sources told An Nahar, however, that discussions
haven't yet reached the stage of finding a cabinet formula. Sources following up
contacts between Baabda palace and Qoreitem said a meeting could be held between
Suleiman and Hariri in the next 48 hours to discuss cabinet formation. Beirut,
04 Jul 09, 08:45
Report: Nasrallah Visited Damascus
Naharnet/Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has visited Damascus to be
informed about latest Saudi-Syrian contacts on the situation in Lebanon, al-Liwaa
newspaper reported Saturday. The daily quoted a source as saying that Nasrallah
traveled to Syria although Hizbullah sources wouldn't reveal such a trip. The
Hizbullah chief has been in hideout since the July 2006 war with Israel. Media
reports said that Speaker Nabih Berri, and a Hizbullah delegation, which visited
Damascus lately, were also informed about latest results reached in discussions
between Saudi Arabia and Syria. Pan-Arab daily al-Hayat confirmed through
well-informed sources that the Syrian leadership is keeping the opposition
informed about its contacts with Riyadh. The newspaper said there are two trends
in the opposition: One is showing readiness to facilitate results of the
Syrian-Saudi contacts by not insisting on some cabinet formation demands, while
the other continues to insist on the demands, which might delay the distribution
of government seats. Beirut, 04 Jul 09, 11:25
Report: Saudi-Syrian Contacts Make Doha Accord Obsolete
Naharnet/Saudi-Syrian contacts on the Lebanese situation continued after the
Saudi King's son Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah and Information and Culture
Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja made a second visit to Damascus on Friday.
Well-informed sources told pan-Arab daily al-Hayat that talks have focused on
implementing the Taef Accord and considering the Doha Accord obsolete. This
would lead to the dropping of the veto power that the opposition had been
calling for with Syrian support.
A meeting could be held in the next 48 hours between President Michel Suleiman
and PM-designate Saad Hariri on latest developments on the cabinet formation and
visits to Syria by the Saudi envoys. An Nahar daily quoted sources following up
contacts between Baabda palace and Qoreitem as saying that the Syrians were
lately demanding a meeting with Hariri before the government's formation. But
they later proposed holding talks with him on the sidelines of a summit in Sharm
el-Sheikh.
As Safir daily said the Saudi envoys had proposed to the Syrian leadership a
visit by Hariri and all March 14 politicians to Damascus to welcome Saudi King
Abdullah at the airport.
But Riyadh asked for more time for final answers and was surprised to hear from
its Lebanon allies, except for MP Walid Jumblat, that Hariri is not ready to
visit Syria before cabinet formation. About King Abdullah's reported visit to
Damascus, sources told As Safir that Syrian President Bashar Assad is scheduled
to visit Azerbaijan on Tuesday ruling out the holding of a Saudi-Syrian summit.
Beirut, 04 Jul 09, 10:49
Salvation List to Submit 4 Vote Recount Requests to Constitutional Council
Naharnet/Members of the Salvation List have decided to submit four vote recount
requests to the Constitutional Council against Change and Reform bloc MPs, An
Nahar daily reported Saturday. The decision came after a meeting Friday night
between Phalange leader Amin Gemayel and MP Michel Murr. Elias Mukhaiber, Emile
Kanaan, Eddy Abi Lamaa and Sarkis Sarkis, who have lost in the June 7 elections,
also attended the meeting in Bikfaya. The conferees decided that Mukhaiber,
Kanaan, Abil Lamaa and Sarkis would contest the election of respectively MPs
Ghassan Mukhaiber, Ibrahim Kanaan, Nabil Nicolas and Salim Salhab who are all
members of MP Michel Aoun's Change and Reform Bloc. An Nahar said the requests
will be submitted on Monday, a day before the deadline for such requests
expires. Beirut, 04 Jul 09, 12:02
Kouchner in Lebanon Next Week in Support of Democracy
Naharnet/France's Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner is scheduled to visit Beirut
July 9 and 10 and Damascus on July 11 and 12 to hold talks on bilateral and
regional issues. A French Foreign Ministry Spokesman from the Quai d'Orsay said
on Friday that the Lebanon visit aims "to support the dynamism of democracy as
seen during the recent elections." "We await the formation of government," he
said, adding that France is not involved in the process and that its up to the
Lebanese to decide on their government. To this end Kouchner will meet with
various political leaders in Beirut. In Syria, Kouchner will hold meetings to
work on "building new relations" between France and Syria, French Foreign
Ministry Spokesman said adding that discussions are to cover bilateral relations
and major regional stakes without interfering in the internal affairs of
regional states. Kouchner is to also chair the annual Regional French
ambassadors meeting in Damascus. Beirut, 03 Jul 09, 18:12
Opposition Again Presses for Veto Power
Naharnet/The Hizbullah-led Opposition continued to press for veto power and
proportional representation in the new government contrary to the belief that
the minority March 8 coalition was willing to be lenient with that issue,
pan-Arab daily al-Hayat said Friday. It said nearly all the Opposition
parliamentary blocs have hinted during consultations with Premier-designate Saad
Hariri on the formation of a new government that the March 8 forces is not
holding on to veto power. Most of these forces, however, re-emerged to demand
veto power following talks on Sunday between Syrian President Bashar Assad and
Saudi envoy Prince Abdul Aziz in the presence of Saudi Information Minister
Abdul Aziz Khoja and Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, Al-Hayat reported.
It said the Opposition clearly wanted to send a message to the Lebanese that
Syrian-Saudi contacts have so far not yielded the desired results and that more
effort is needed to come out with the perfect form of government.
Opposition sources declined to go into details, saying that its final position
will only emerge after mulling over Hariri's proposals that should contribute to
opening a new page between March 8 and March 14 forces. Beirut, 03 Jul 09, 10:33
Lebanon tops agenda of foreign states
French minister to visit Beirut as Saudi king meets Syrian leader
By Elias Sakr /Daily Star staff
Saturday, July 04, 2009
BEIRUT: French Foreign Ministry spokesman Eric Chevalier announced on Friday
that Foreign Minister Kouchner will hold talks with Lebanese officials on July 9
to convey France's satisfaction with the manner in which Lebanon's June 7
parliamentary polls were managed.
The situation in Lebanon will also be the focus of talks between Saudi King
Abdullah bin Abdel-Aziz and Syrian President Bashar Assad, during talks
scheduled next week.
Chevalier stressed that Kouchner will not interfere in the country's internal
affairs during his meetings with Lebanese political leaders, particularly
regarding the formation of the upcoming national-unity government. In a
statement on Friday, the French spokesman said Kouchner would pay Lebanon a
two-day visit starting July 9, adding that he would later leave to Syria to head
a conference for French ambassadors in the region. Concerning the visit to
Syria, Chevalier explained that Kouchner will discuss with Syrian officials
their country's role vis-a-vis the latest regional developments, in reference to
the Saudi-Syrian talks between Saudi Prince Abdel-Aziz bin Abdullah and the
Syrian president.
Chevalier added that Kouchner will tackle the French-Syrian bilateral relations
and indicated the possibility of holding other Syrian-French meetings, a hint at
the possibility of a visit by Assad to France to meet with President Nicolas
Sarkozy, or vice versa.
On Friday, media reports surfaced with regard to Saudi King Abdullah's scheduled
visit to Damascus to hold talks with Assad concerning the political situation in
Lebanon. Egypt's official Middle East News Agency (MENA) indicated that the
visit of the Saudi king to Syria would take place on Monday.
Saudi Prince Abdel-Aziz and the kingdom's Information Minister Abdel-Aziz Khoja
held another round of talks in the Syrian capital on Friday, media reports said.
Khoja was the Saudi ambassador to Lebanon before being appointed as his
country's information minister.
MENA reported on Friday that talks between King Abdullah and Assad would focus
on Lebanon given the ongoing efforts to from a unity cabinet.
The agency added that the meeting is expected to bridge the gap in Saudi-Syrian
relations, which deteriorated after the assassination of Lebanon's former Prime
Minister Rafik Hariri on February 14, 2005.
However, An-Nahar news paper said in a report published on Friday that Syrian
conditions to facilitate the formation of the next government were "impossible
to implement."
The report added that the basket of conditions proposed by Syria involved a
visit by Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri to Damascus as part of a
tripartite Lebanese-Syrian-Saudi summit prior to the Cabinet's formation.
Also on Friday, As-Safir newspaper said Hariri might visit Syria prior to
Abdullah's meeting with Assad or might join the leaders' reunion.
Tackling Hariri's relations with Syria, the premier-designate's ally Progressive
Socialist Party (PSP) head MP Walid Jumblatt told As-Safir on Friday that Hariri
"can rule [Lebanon] but not against Syria" adding that "Hariri's governance is
based on a Syrian-Saudi agreement."
stressed that any "Syrian-Saudi consensus will lead to a Saudi-Iranian one, and
keep Lebanon away from sectarian strife."
The PSP leader urged the Lebanese to refrain from "mistakenly" depending on
deterioration in Syrian-Iranian relations, and advised Hariri to meet more
frequently with Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Speaker Nabih Berri.
Jumblatt also praised the efforts of the Lebanese Armed Forces following
Sunday's clashes in Aisha Bakkar. The clashes between the Future Movement and
Amal supporters left one woman bystander dead and wounded several others.
In other developments, Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel said the normalization
of ties with Syria should be "governed by clear rules and principles."
Gemayel in a statement on Friday stressed that the improvement of ties should
draw from past mistakes and experiences. He added that Syria should provide
Lebanon with a "set of guarantees," before relations between the two neighboring
countries return back to normal.
According to Gemayel, one of the major guarantees is to have Syria press
Palestinian groups outside refugee camps to hand their weapons to the Lebanese
state. Another guarantee is to have Syria provide Lebanon with information
regarding the Lebanese who went missing during the 1975-90 Civil War.
In other news, President Michel Sleiman said on Friday that a stable political
and security situation in the country were crucial to the success of the tourism
sector during the summer season.
He stressed that stability and security in Lebanon drew foreign investment,
which in turn boosts the Lebanese economy.
The president also predicted an inflow of Lebanese expatriates, Arab and foreign
tourists to visit the country in the next couple of months.
Separately, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will visit Israel on
Monday before holding talks in Syria and Lebanon on Tuesday.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Andreas Peschke said in a news conference that
Germany saw a "window of opportunity" in the region with regard to the peace
process following the June 7 peaceful legislative elections in Lebanon and the
improved Syrian-Lebanese bilateral relations.
Peschke stressed the important role of Israel's neighboring countries in
reaching a peace resolution based on a two-state Israeli-Palestinian solution.
Europe lashes out at Iran plan to try UK Embassy staff
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Hiedeh Farmani
TEHRAN: A powerful Iranian cleric said Friday British Embassy local staff
arrested for allegedly stoking unrest after the June election will be put on
trial, a move that prompted coordinated protests from European governments.
Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband said he was "urgently seeking
clarification" about the announcement as governments across the 27-nation
European Union called in Iranian ambassadors.
"In these incidents, their embassy had a presence, some people were arrested.
Naturally they will be put on trial, they have made confessions," Ahmad Jannati,
head of Iran's Guardians Council, said at Friday prayers.
Nine local staff at the British Embassy were arrested late last month. London
has said seven have been released while Iranian state television has said only
one remains in custody.
Miliband said he was "deeply concerned" about staff being detained. "We have
noted the remarks by Ayatollah Jannati suggesting that some of our local staff
in Iran may face trial," he added in a statement.
"We are urgently seeking clarification from the appropriate Iranian authorities.
I intend to speak to Foreign Minister [Manouchehr] Mottaki
We are confident our staff have not engaged in any improper or illegal behavior.
We remain deeply concerned about the two members of our staff who remain in
detention."
Tehran accused the embassy employees of instigating riots in the unrest that
followed the disputed re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, which his
rivals said was rife with fraud and irregularities.
Jannati, who is close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and is a strong
Ahmadinejad supporter, said "enemies" had been plotting a "velvet revolution" in
the Islamic Republic.
The cleric said London had predicted "street riots" around the June 12 election
and had warned Britons to stay away from public places.
Khamenei has described Britain, which has long had turbulent relations with Iran
and a lengthy history of mistrust, as the "most evil" of its enemies.
EU governments called in Iranian envoys in protest.
Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Frank Belfrage told Iranian
Ambassador Rasoul Eslami that Britain had the "full support" of the EU.
Stockholm currently holds the rotating European presidency.
Belfrage said after the meeting that if Tehran does not immediately free
Britain's detained staff "the EU will take further action."
Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt urged the EU to show "a united front"
toward Iran while French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed "total solidarity"
with Britain.
"It's up to the British to tell us what they need," Sarkozy said at a joint news
conference in Stockholm with Reinfeldt.
Iran lashed out at the West for "meddling" after an international outcry over
the election and the repression of opposition protests.
At least 20 people were killed in street violence and many hundreds were rounded
up in the most serious crisis since the 1979 revolution.
Britain appears to have replaced the United States, often dubbed "the Great
Satan" by Iranian leaders, as Tehran's top foe in the wake of the election.
Last month, Mottaki said Iran may downgrade ties with Britain, after the two
governments expelled each other's diplomats. Tehran has also expelled the BBC
correspondent and arrested a British-Greek reporter.
Iranian officials have been particularly angered by this year's launch of the
BBC's Persian satellite channel, which they accuse of fanning the flames in the
election dispute.
The roots of mutual distrust date back to the 1800s when Iran, then Persia, was
trapped in the colonial rivalry between Russia and Britain.
In 1953, nationalist Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh was overthrown in a
CIA-organized coup with support from British operatives after he nationalized
the Anglo-Iranian oil company, the forerunner to British Petroleum.
Diplomatic ties were severed when Britain's mission in Tehran was closed in 1980
after British special forces stormed the Iranian Embassy in London to end a
hostage siege.
A 1989 fatwa by Iran's revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini against
British writer Salman Rushdie sparked a new rupture in ties that were only
restored in 1999.
In 2007, Iran seized 15 British Navy personnel on patrol in waters between Iraq
and Iran and held them for 12 days.
Implementing change in Lebanon
By Marco Vicenzino
Saturday, July 04, 2009
First person by Marco Vicenzino
The 1989 Taif Accord which ended Lebanon's Civil War also ended Christian
dominance of national politics and drastically reduced presidential powers,
through which Christian hegemony was constitutionally expressed. However, the
symbolism of Lebanon's presidency can still carry significant political weight
if its office-holder astutely uses it to extend his influence. By tipping the
electoral scale in favor of the victorious pro-Western March 14 coalition, real
Christian influence resurfaced for the first time in post-Civil War Lebanon.
Ironically, it was lost through bullets and partially restored through the
ballot box but will never return to its pre-Civil War status.
Assuming office as a compromise candidate, President Michel Sleiman has the
opportunity to alter the national balance of power by shifting Lebanon toward a
more nationalist, and less sectarian, character after the recent election.
Sectarian differences and realities will always remain but can be reduced over
time. To do so successfully, Sleiman must begin by uniting Lebanon's Christians
and gain recognition over time as its chief representative.
Sleiman's personal assets include a moderate tone and pragmatic manner. As a
retired general, he is also clearly identified with the military, one of the few
respected institutions in Lebanon. The president must use these basic traits to
begin serving as a uniting factor not only for Christians but to a broad range
of secular Lebanese who seek a more normal state of affairs at home and abroad.
In theory, the president's role is largely ceremonial which prevents him from
entering the political fray. He must avoid doing so publicly. However, he must
play an influential role in overcoming political polarization and institutional
gridlock. Through personal example, he must become the national spokesman for
greater standards of transparency and accountability and help guarantee a better
sense of popular representation in government.
Over time, his political capital can accumulate and gradually allow him to alter
the political landscape - not so much to create a third force in Lebanese
politics but to act as a constructive power-broker in positively shaping
Lebanon's future. In his own peculiar way, Lebanon's president could emerge as a
minor statesman in the region but a larger statesman in the wider world,
particularly through subtle help from major powers.
Behind the scenes, Sleiman must influence the appointment of a more
technocratic, and less political, cabinet of experts with vast international
experience. This can help defuse political animosities, prevent a repeat of past
crises and increase public morale, particularly among the young. Helping to
ensure greater meritocracy in government can help overturn the prevailing
popular cynicism toward politics. A common view in Lebanon is that nothing will
change. Through results and efficiency, technocratic cabinet ministers can gain
greater credibility. This can further increase their ability to influence the
political process over time with public support.
The media and public activism will also play a crucial role. The predominant
belief is that powerful interests own the media through which they exert
influence. Through the use of current information technology, a young tech-savvy
generation can help alter the popular debate, the balance of power in the media
and the overall political process by holding public officials to account. In
addition, responsible coverage by international media can prove effective. After
all, most Lebanese can access global outlets through satellite television,
radio, internet and print.
By influencing the selection of a more technocratic cabinet, Sleiman will also
contribute to Lebanon's pressing economic needs. Despite a modest performance in
recent times, Lebanon's economy cannot escape the need for fundamental
structural reform to ensure long-term sustainability. Economic stability can
also contribute to the long-term political stability necessary to attract
greater foreign direct investment. It will be difficult to build a viable
economy simply on bank deposits. In times of domestic and regional instability
capital flight is always possible as is human flight which greatly threatens
Lebanon's future. The departure of its prized young talent seeking opportunities
elsewhere undercuts long-term growth.
Looming large over this cautiously optimistic analysis are shadow forces
responsible for assassinating those daring to speak out for change. Inaction due
to fear will only ensure the status quo, embolden these criminals and validate
their actions. Ultimately, change in Lebanon can only take place through
collective courage and action across the confessional spectrum.
**Marco Vicenzino is the director of Global Strategy Project, Washington, DC.
US labels Iraq-based Kataeb Hizbullah a 'foreign terror group'
Washington says organization poses risk to Iraqi security
By Nicholas Kimbrell /Daily Star staff
Saturday, July 04, 2009
BEIRUT: The US government has labeled the Iraq-based Kataeb Hizbullah a "foreign
terrorist organization" and levied financial sanctions against the outfit,
saying it poses a risk to Iraqi security and has received support and training
from the Lebanese Hizbullah movement. The US departments of State and Treasury
both blacklisted the group Thursday, according to a Treasury statement, along
with Abu Mehdi al-Muhandis, said to be an adviser to Qasem Soleimani, the
commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' Qods Force.
The US listed the Qods Force as a "specially registered global terrorist" in
October 2007.
"Al-Muhandis and Kataeb Hizbullah have committed, directed, supported, or posed
a significant risk of committing acts of violence against Coalition and Iraqi
Security Forces and as a result are designated today under Executive Order (E.O.)
13438, which targets insurgent and militia groups and their supporters," the
Treasury said.
The US State Department designated Kataeb Hizbullah as a "terrorist" group under
the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, signed by former
US President George W. Bush in September 2001.
The Treasury statement accused Kataeb Hizbullah of receiving arms training in
Iran and pledging to attack the Iraqi government if it continued to cooperate
with US forces. In addition, the statement charged that, beginning in 2007, the
group has launched rocket-propelled grenade and mortar attacks against US
forces, adding that confiscated hard drives showed hundreds of videos of the
group documenting its attacks.
The Treasury also claimed Kataeb Hizbullah had received support from Hizbullah,
noting the Lebanese movement's television affiliate Al-Manar had aired footage
of Kataeb Hizbullah attacks in Iraq.
"As of 2008, Kataeb Hizbullah was funded by the IRGC-Qods Force and received
weapons training and support from Lebanon-based Hizbullah," the statement said.
"In one instance, Hizbullah provided training - to include building and planting
IEDs and training in coordinating small and medium arms attacks, sniper attacks,
mortar attacks, and rocket attacks - to Kataeb Hizbullah members in Iran."
HIzbullah spokesman Ibrahim Mousawi denied the link, saying the movement doesn't
have relations with the several groups that bear its name.
"We have no branches outside of Lebanon," he said.
The US has listed Hizbullah as a terrorist organization for over a decade, and
the designation has been extended to several of the group's press and
construction affiliates, like Al-Manar and Jihad al-Binaa.
As for Muhandis, Treasury said the Iraqi born, Iran-based operator had formed a
Shiite militia in Iraq in early 2007 and provided logistical support for attacks
against US and Iraqi security forces. In addition, the statement said Muhandis
has played a role in the bombings of Western embassies in Kuwait in the 1980s
and a failed assassination bid on the emir of Kuwait.
The statement provided 19 possible aliases for Muhandis, and under the
Treasury's designation all of his US assets are frozen and any transactions with
US citizens are prohibited.
"These designations play a critical role in our efforts to protect Coalition
troops, Iraqi security forces, and civilians from those who use violence against
innocents to intimidate and to undermine a free and prosperous Iraq," said
Stuart Levey, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
Lebanon illiteracy report shows alarming urban-rural divide
DEVELOPMENT STUDY SHOWS 10 PERCENT HIGHER READING RATE IN BEIRUT THAN BEKAA
By Patrick Galey /Daily Star staff
Saturday, July 04, 2009
BEIRUT: If by naming Beirut as the 2009 World Book Capital the United Nations
wishes to encourage the Lebanese to study more, its latest report should be a
must-read. Lebanon's fourth National Human Development Report (NHDR), "Towards a
Citizen's State," highlights a worrying discrepancy in adult reading rates
between urban and rural regions.
Adult literacy (measured among those above 15 years of age) is highest in
Beirut, where only 6.1 percent of the population cannot read by adulthood. In
Nabetieh, by contrast, the illiteracy rate reaches 16.7 percent. The rate rises
even higher in the Bekaa, reaching 16.8 percent.
The NHDR, using data compiled from a variety of investigations, emphasizes the
need to close this educational gap and demonstrates the strong links between
poor education and poverty.
The report, by the United Nations Development Programme in Lebanon, says that
"the country's main areas of deprivation are to be found among that proportion
of the population that lacks functional literacy skills."
Maha Nahya, Project Director of the NHDR, who wrote the section related to
literacy levels in the report, offered her opinion on the discrepancy.
The problem is not the quality of the services but access to them. The majority
of good services are, of course, located in the capital, with some exceptions.
"There is a direct correlation between poverty and illiteracy. The poorer you
are the more likely you are to drag your children out of school," she told The
Daily Star.
She said that many children could not recognize the importance of going to
school. "Some don't see the value added in education. Many drop out and decide
to work so they can at least earn some money."
Paul Salem, of the Carnegie Middle East Institute, was on the report's advisory
board. He said that there were general literacy issues that needed to - and
could conceivably - be addressed by the new government.
Lebanon's recent history has hampered educational development among adults, with
relief and regeneration efforts taking precedence over teaching, according to
Salem.
"Certainly there are two variables with this issue. One is the security
situation which is disruptive to family life and the ability to have a
relationship with a school and go there," he said.
"In addition, it's known that in the outlying regions government services
including education are still catching up. [The situation] is better now but
there were certainly a number of districts were government officials haven't
caught up with the need."
The report also reveals the existing gulf between gender literacy rates, with
Lebanese females still lagging behind males in their ability to read.
Anita Nassar, Assistant Director of the Institute for Women's Studies in the
Arab World (IWSAW) at Lebanese American University, said that work was still
required to ensure true gender equality in education.
She said that it was initially hard for the IWSAW to persuade many families that
women needed to be literate as part of Lebanon's development.
"We are still in a patriarchal society where people think it's more important
for boys to be educated than girls, but this is changing," she said.
"We have worked with parents and families, teaching about the importance of
sending their women to school. Bit by bit we are finally making some progress,"
she added.
One sign of advancing gender equality is the fact that more women than men are
currently signing up for education, with the female enrolment rate outstripping
male for the first time in Lebanon.
According to the report, "female adult literacy levels have also increased
considerably in the past years especially in younger age brackets and have led
to gender parity in enrolment.
"Education is the base for the betterment of a woman and her family," said
Nassar.
Salem said that while education in schools is improving in Lebanon, more needed
to be done to address the illiteracy of previous generations whose studies were
interrupted by years of conflict.
"Lebanon prides itself on its high cultural output and that remains very true.
Unfortunately that doesn't match up with the kind of welfare state approach to
stamp out illiteracy.
"The Lebanese state has never tackled adult illiteracy as a major objective.
This remains very much linked to poverty and should be a major national goal,"
he added.
The NHDR highlights "the need to improve the functional literacy levels of
Lebanese youth and building up their ability to compete in today's economy."
The report also outlines a number of recommendations to continue literacy growth
across all demographics.
Concerted national efforts are required to improve the level of human
development in the North Lebanon, Bekaa and South Lebanon governorates
particularly in terms of income generating activities from the North and
improvements in literacy levels in the Bekaa and Nabatieh regions," it says.
"Even with low-income growth levels, attention to education can reap tremendous
benefits for the overall human development of the country."
Foreign meddling is no excuse for the Lebanese to not have a local agenda
By The Daily Star /Saturday, July 04, 2009
Editorial
For a long time it's been an open secret in Lebanon, although it continues to
raise eyebrows, and cause extreme puzzlement. It's the following: a series of
countries - Iran, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Israel, France, and the US, for
example - intervene in Lebanon. The players come and go, changing slightly, but
this is "great secret" that isn't so secret. The problem is when it becomes an
obsession, and an excuse. Perhaps our geography is partly to blame. If we were
located another 100 or 200 kilometers north, we might face a different set of
problems, and less interference. But we are where we are, and for much of the
last 150 years or so, it's been the eye of the storm, but not a calm place.
We've experienced colonialism, the two world wars, the Cold War, and we're still
here. And the intervention in our affairs by others remains. The problem is when
our appreciation of this state of affairs becomes a serious disconnect:
international powers rule our lives, and meddle in our affairs; therefore, we
can't do anything about our political system and, by extension, our daily lives.
We've acquired an attitude that paralyzes us when we think about our water
supplies, our electricity situation, traffic problems, education, public health,
the environment, and so on and so forth. We require radical reform and
thoughtful regulation on all these fronts. But why are such reform issues
relegated to the back burner? Because of the "critical regional situation"?
Geopolitics has an impact in Lebanon, certainly, but international factors
aren't to blame for lack of progress on making Lebanon's judiciary independent.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is not responsible for whether our pharmacies
abide by professional standards. Our public sector woes aren't linked to the
international scene as such; world wars might break
out but not necessarily impact our service provision, for example. Our
politicians spend a lot of time convincing us that the other side has a foreign
agenda, but everyone has a foreign agenda. The question is who really has a
local agenda?
President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri have the
potential to activate this local agenda; they and their colleagues in the
National Dialogue, or the Cabinet, can't negotiate with all of the regional and
international players; the matter is beyond us. But it's not beyond our power to
focus on what reforms Lebanon really needs, and now, and carrying them out.
It's a bit delusional to expect Sleiman and Hariri to solve the entire regional
stalemate and reduce international tension. But anyone who thinks they're not
capable of local reform is also being delusional. Outside influence is no excuse
for not having a