LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
July 26/09

Bible Reading of the day
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 20:20-28. Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, "What do you wish?" She answered him, "Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom." Jesus said in reply, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?" They said to him, "We can." He replied, "My cup you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left (, this) is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special Reports
 The Palestinians and “the conspiracy of the withdrawal from Shebaa”. By: Hazem al-Amin 25/07/09
 Arab states can go even further in supporting inter-Arab investment-The Daily Star 25/07/09

Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for July 25/09
 Sfeir: Majority should rule-Future News
 Iran vows to hit Israel's atomic sites if attacked-Now Lebanon
Hariri meets Hussein Khalil, communication with FPM on hold-Now Lebanon
 Meeting to be held between UNIFIL, LAF, opposition MPs on Monday-Now Lebanon
 Najjar: Opposition no longer adamant about obstructing-third-Now Lebanon
 Williams: UN to renew UNIFIL mandate in South Lebanon-Now Lebanon
 A closed meeting held between Nasrallah-Aoun-Franjieh-Now Lebanon
 Moallem: Syria can play role in solving Iranian nuke dispute-Jerusalem Post
 UN convinced Lebanon-Israel truce will hold-Ynetnews
Hizbullah kept arms cache in violation of Resolution 1701 – UN-Daily Star
Jarrah: I am a Double Agent, Hizbullah Commissioned Me to Blow Up Israeli Embassy in Rome-Naharnet
 Shapiro Reiterated U.S. Support to Lebanon-Naharnet
 Qassem: Syria Is Not Our Substitute…Hariri Didn't Inform Us Of Any Government Layout Yet-Naharnet
 U.N.: Hizbullah Actively Maintained Arms Cache-Naharnet
 Wahab: Government Formation Takes a Holiday, Egypt Hindering Formation-Naharnet
 Britain Plays Down Hizbullah Contacts-Naharnet
 Qassem Sees No Cabinet Formation in Near Future-Naharnet
Aoun says cabinet formation a Middle Eastern issue, insists on six ministers and Interior Ministry-Now Lebanon
Aoun Demands Six Ministers, Wants Ministry of Interior-Naharnet
 Lebanon: UN Official Points to Hezbollah in Blasts-New York Times
 Two Meetings Next Week Set to Relieve Tensions-Naharnet
 Berri: Why Doesn't Hariri Provide Potential Names and Formulas?-Naharnet
 Hariri: Cabinet formation moving ‘in right direction-Daily Star
 Terror suspect arrested in Greece-Daily Star
Maronite League sees progress in inter-Christian reconciliation bid-Daily Star
Lebanon vows more firm approach in crackdown on copyrights violations-Daily Star
Lebanese consumer confidence remains optimistic-Daily Star
Public debt biggest challenge facing next Lebanese cabinet-By Agence France Presse (AFP)
USAID completes expat project-Daily Star
 Army kills gunman in north-Daily Star
Number of H1N1 cases in Lebanon rise to 105-Daily Star
New academy looks to foster performing arts-Daily Star
Argentinean cuisine finds its way to Gemmayzeh-Daily Star
Eyes of the world on Jeita Grotto as voters select New Seven Wonders of Nature-Daily Star


Hizbullah kept arms cache in violation of Resolution 1701 – UN
Saturday, July 25, 2009
BEIRUT: Hizbullah actively maintained an arms depot which exploded in southern Lebanon earlier this month, violating a ceasefire, the UN said in a document obtained by AFP on Friday. The United Nations head of peacekeeping operations Alain Le Roy told the Security Council in a closed-door briefing on Thursday that the July 14 explosion marked a “serious violation” of Resolution 1701 which ended Israel’s summer 2006 war on Lebanon. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is responsible for the monitoring of the 2006 ceasefire and Resolution 1701, which calls for southern Lebanon to be free of Hizbullah militants and arms.
“A number of indications suggest that the depot belonged to Hizbullah , and, in contrast to previous discoveries by UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces of weapons and ammunition, that it was not abandoned but, rather, actively maintained,” Le Roy said. A UNIFIL team investigating the explosion of the ammunition which was stored in an abandoned house in the village of Khirbet Slim, 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Israeli border, was obstructed by civilians at the site, he said.
“Some of the individuals present at the site of the explosion in the early morning hours of 15 July at the time when UNIFIL was discouraged from accessing the site, were identified to UNIFIL as belonging to Hizbullah. In addition, the activities of these individuals appeared to be aimed at removing evidence from the site,” Le Roy told the Security Council.
“At least one vehicle also was observed being loaded with boxes from the explosion site and subsequently departing the site” following the explosion.
Fourteen UNIFIL personnel were also lightly injured on July 18 by more than 100 civilians hurling stones against the probe team in the area, Le Roy said, noting “an increasing level of organization among those confronting UNIFIL.”
According to Le Roy, the arms cache comprised of light ammunition as well as rockets similar to the thousands of projectiles fired against northern Israel during the 2006 conflict, and they were in good condition. “The contents included mortars, AK-47s, various calibers of artillery shells, and 122mm rockets, originating from various countries. The weapons and ammunition dated from the 1970s to the 1990s and generally appeared to be in good order.” But Le Roy’s report dismissed Israeli claims that the weapons were smuggled into Lebanon after the end of the war. “There is no evidence that suggests that the weapons and ammunition present in the building had been smuggled into the UNIFIL area of operations since the adoption of Resolution 1701. “The type and age of the ammunition that has been identified could be an indication that it was collected and stockpiled in this location over a period of time.”
Meanwhile, Michael Williams, the UN special coordinator for Lebanon said on Friday that Israel, Lebanon and Hizbullah want to maintain the truce that ended 2006 war despite a series of incidents that have raised tensions along the border. The UN envoy added he was confident that the UN Security Council would renew the mandate of peacekeepers when it expires next month. “There is not a shadow of doubt,” Williams said, following discussions with officials in Israel and Lebanon, as well as representatives of Hizbullah, that the parties are interested in renewing the mandate of UNIFIL. “The fact that we have had difficulties and real challenges underline the imperative of the renewal of that mandate and I am confident that the Security Council will do so,” he told the Associated Press in an interview. Williams said that in his discussions in Israel, officials there did not want any change in the rules of engagement.
“They emphasized and they expected and they wanted to see renewal of UNIFIL mandate and that there was no question on their side of questioning the mandate or rules of engagement,” he said. – AFP, AP

Shapiro Reiterated U.S. Support to Lebanon
Naharnet/U.S. Director of Near East Affairs at the National Security Council Daniel Shapiro reiterated his country's support to Lebanon in all fields, particularly in the military and security fields to preserve civil peace and control Lebanese borders. Shapiro who visited Beirut on Friday, met with President Michel Suleiman, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Fouad Saniora and Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri. During his meetings Shapiro stressed efforts by U.S. Special envoy to the Middle East George Mitchel in reviving the Middle East peace process. President Suleiman reiterated Lebanon's stance in having a full, just and comprehensive peace, adding that any peace formula that falls short of providing the Palestinians with their right of return is doomed to remain incomplete. The president also stressed the need for Israel to fully respect and implement United Nations Security Council resolution 1701. Shapiro later met with Defense Minister Elias Murr, discussions focused on U.S. military aid to the Lebanese armed forces. Beirut, 25 Jul 09, 11:34

Qassem: Syria Is Not Our Substitute…Hariri Didn't Inform Us Of Any Government Layout Yet
Naharnet/Hizbullah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naeem Qassem said Syria did not ask the parliamentary minority for anything adding Syria respects the opposition's stance and is no substitute to it. In an interview with the daily Ad-Diyar on Saturday, Qassem called on the prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri to benefit from the calm atmosphere and form a national unity government but not to return the country to a period re-dating the 2007 Doha agreement. The deputy secretary-general said Hariri did not inform the parliamentary minority of the government's layout yet, adding that Hariri must produce a formula that guarantees actual participation and partnership by all. He did not mention anything regarding providing the parliamentary minority with veto powers in cabinet. Qassem stressed that the opposition remains open to any proposal or formula. He disclosed that Hizbullah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah reminded Hariri of his father's traditional policy[ the late Rafik Hariri] of mixing the concept of the resistance with that of construction in Lebanon. "This formula could be applied," Qassem said. Beirut, 25 Jul 09, 09:06

Aoun Demands Six Ministers, Wants Ministry of Interior
Naharnet/'Change and Reform' leader MP Michel Aoun renewed his insistence on obtaining his share of six ministers at the new government. Aoun stressed his desire to have the Interior Ministry saying it is in need of deep-rooted reform. In an interview with the daily An-Nahar on Saturday, Aoun said: "I won't provide anyone with anything from my own pocket," adding," I don't believe the Prime Minister-designate is carrying out any visible activity to form a government." However, he commended the parliamentary majority's initiative for forming a national unity government "to spare Lebanon any dangers.""All parties participated in the [parliamentary] elections, so let every party take its share in the new government according to their gains [in parliament]," Aoun said. The Free Patriotic Movement leader added, "Up to now we don't know the number of ministers in the new government, nor do we know how the various government portfolios would be distributed." He wondered how this whole process could be done before month's end. Aoun believes Lebanon's problem is Middle Eastern by nature "It is not the number of ministers in government that brings in French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner to Lebanon…this is not what brings the Americans, French, saudi and Syrians."
Beirut, 25 Jul 09, 08:31

Two Meetings Next Week Set to Relieve Tensions
Naharnet/A meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday in Tibneen attended by United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Commander Major General Claudio Graziano with a Lebanese armed forces delegation headed by Colonel Abbas Ibrahim and members of parliament Hassan Fadlallah (Hizbullah) and Ali Bezzi (Amal Movement) and regional municipal heads and officials in the region. That meeting is to be succeeded by a trilateral meeting gathering between UNIFIL-Israel and Lebanon in Naquora. The daily As-Safir on Saturday said, this meeting comes as part of taken steps that were earlier agreed to by the military and UNIFIL as a process for relieving tensions in the south following the Khirbet Selim incident last week. "The aim here is to remove all negative impacts following recent events and to re-establish the fact that we all need to strengthen and expand our relationship between local residents and the UNIFIL, since the international force is committed to fully implementing U.N. Security Council resolution 1701," a southern sources told As-Safir. Beirut, 25 Jul 09, 10:59

Berri: Why Doesn't Hariri Provide Potential Names and Formulas?
Naharnet/Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri questioned why doesn't the prime minister-designate who is working on forming a national unity government, provide potential names of individuals who could lead ministerial portfolios and present possible government structural formulas. In an interview with the daily al-Akhbar on Saturday, Berri warned against taking a long time to form a government, adding that the longer time the process takes the more pessimistic the situation becomes. Berri said that no one is adamant in wanting one thing alone adding that on the contrary everyone wants to participate in a national unity government. The Speaker praised the recent Beirut meeting hosted by military intelligence that gathered the Amal, Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal movement respresentatives. Berri described the meetings as preliminary step towards a larger reconciliation on a wider basis, hoping that this would lead to a Muslim-Christian spiritual meeting at the Dar al Fatwa in Beirut. Berri reiterated his stance that security is the sole responsibility of the Lebanese military and security forces. Beirut, 25 Jul 09, 10:45

Jarrah: I am a Double Agent, Hizbullah Commissioned Me to Blow Up Israeli Embassy in Rome
Naharnet/Press reports on Saturday said arrested Lebanese national Ali al-Jarrah currently on trial for espionage stated that he is a double agent working for both Israel and Hizbullah. Reports added that Jarrah was commissioned by Hizbullah to carry out a suicide attack inside the Israeli embassy in Rome, while carrying a briefcase full of explosives.
Jarrah's statements were allegedly said in court during his trial. On July 15 during his first court session, Jarrah requested to have a closed door trial 'to say the truth that should reach the United Nations Security Council." He accused an unnamed party of "standing behind a case that does not concern me …I am a hero but after July 9th I was made an agent simply because I refused to carry out a single act."He called on the court to arrest his brother Khaled and his brother's girlfriend "for wanting to place an item in my bedroom in exchange for $30,000, and this item is the truth." Jarrah added that while under arrest at Roumeih prison someone came to see him and told him to confess to his crime exactly in the manner he did earlier when being interrogated by Hizbullah "otherwise he would threaten my family."
"I began working for Israel in 1982, as requested by the Palestinian Fatah movement, which he joined in 1976. The first time Jarrah visited Israel was in 1990 via Rome. At the time he provided the Israeli with information about the Palestinian Intifada in exchange for $10,000, a three year pay." He added that he had a special night table next to his bed, which had a special sophisticated communications device, which he used to contact the Israelis when his family was away from home. Jarrah added that is family did not know the nature of his double life.
He was asked by the Palestinians in 1998 to end his contacts with the Israelis because of the peace process at the time. Jarrah was told by the Palestinians that they wouldn't be able to protect him as before. During the 'Grapes of Wrath' Israeli war on southern Lebanon in 1996, Jarrah built up his contacts with Hizbullah, and in 2001 he visited Israel, with the full knowledge of Hizbullah's Security Chief Hajj Abbas. While in Israel, Jarrah was received by his old recruiters who trained him on new communication methods. In the same year Jarrah visited Syria. The next trial session is scheduled on October 2. Beirut, 25 Jul 09, 10:19

U.N.: Hizbullah Actively Maintained Arms Cache
Naharnet/Hizbullah actively maintained an arms depot, which, exploded, in southern Lebanon earlier this month, violating a ceasefire, the U.N. said in a document obtained by Agence France Presse (AFP) on Friday. The United Nations head of peacekeeping operations Alain Le Roy told the Security Council in a closed-door briefing on Thursday that the July 14 explosion marked a "serious violation" of Resolution 1701 which ended the devastating 2006 war in Lebanon between Israel and Hizbullah.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is responsible for the monitoring of the 2006 ceasefire and Resolution 1701, which calls for southern Lebanon to be free of Hizbullah militants and arms. "A number of indications suggest that the depot belonged to Hizbullah, and, in contrast to previous discoveries by UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces of weapons and ammunition, that it was not abandoned but, rather, actively maintained," Le Roy said. A UNIFIL team investigating the explosion of the ammunition that was stored in an abandoned house in the village of Khirbet Selim, 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Israeli border, was obstructed by civilians at the site, he said. "Some of the individuals present at the site of the explosion in the early morning hours of 15 July at the time when UNIFIL was discouraged from accessing the site, were identified to UNIFIL as belonging to Hizbullah. "In addition, the activities of these individuals appeared to be aimed at removing evidence from the site," Le Roy told the Security Council.
"At least one vehicle also was observed being loaded with boxes from the explosion site and subsequently departing the site" following the explosion.
Fourteen UNIFIL personnel were also lightly injured on July 18 by more than 100 civilians hurling stones against the probe team in the area, he said, noting "an increasing level of organization among those confronting UNIFIL." According to Le Roy, the arms cache comprised of light ammunition as well as rockets similar to the thousands of projectiles fired against northern Israel during the 2006 conflict, and they were in good condition. "The contents included mortars, AK-47s, various calibers of artillery shells, and 122mm rockets, originating from various countries. The weapons and ammunition dated from the 1970s to the 1990s and generally appeared to be in good order." Le Roy's report however dismissed Israeli claims that the weapons were smuggled into Lebanon after the end of the war. "There is no evidence that suggests that the weapons and ammunition present in the building had been smuggled into the UNIFIL area of operations since the adoption of Resolution 1701," Le Roy said. "The type and age of the ammunition that has been identified could be an indication that it was collected and stockpiled in this location over a period of time," he said. (AFP) Beirut, 24 Jul 09, 19:00

Wahab: Government Formation Takes a Holiday, Egypt Hindering Formation
Naharnet/Former Lebanese Minister and March 8 Forces Member Weam Wahab said government formation would probably take place following the holy month of Ramadan, he accused Egypt of hindering the process of government formation. "It is obvious that [the process of] government formation is on a long vacation that could stretch way beyond the Eid al-Fitr holiday," Wahab said. Following a luncheon invitation by Agriculture Minister Elias Skaff on Friday, Wahab told reporters "what is happening is because the Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri has no initiative, proposal or even an attempt of any kind to find an exit…he waits and waits, and this is the real problem." "Clearly there is an Egyptian obstacle when it comes to forming a government. The [government] formation here is linked to progress in Gaza concerning the issue of the [captured] Israeli soldier and the Fatah-Hamas reconciliation process."Wahab did not stop here; he went on to accuse the United States State Department of doing the same thing. "There could also be another obstacle, for I do not rule out the basic negative role of the U.S. State Department official Jeffery Feltman. The American administration must pay attention to this man who has personal and financial interests in Lebanon. He received a lot of bribes when he was in Beirut. His negative role could reflect on the entire U.S. administration," Wahab charged. He expressed fears against the reproduction of Fouad Saniora as prime minister saying: "this seems to be a serious attempt, there are regional parties and in particular Egypt that has this option." Beirut, 24 Jul 09, 22:02

Britain Plays Down Hizbullah Contacts
Naharnet/Foreign Secretary David Miliband played down British contacts with Hizbullah lawmakers on Friday, saying they are not negotiating with the leadership of the Shiite group.
Amid reports of U.S. discontent over London's decision to open low-level contact with the political wing of Hizbullah, a group viewed as terrorists in Washington, Miliband said Britain was committed to the group's disarmament. "We decided last summer that we would resume contact with carefully selected Hizbullah MPs" after the group joined the Lebanese national unity government, he said. "We are not conducting negotiations with the leadership of Hizbullah." Speaking at a press conference in London following talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, Miliband confirmed that Britain's ambassador in Damascus had attended two meetings with Hizbullah MPs.
"Our intention has been first of all to reiterate our commitment to all aspects of (United Nations) resolution 1701, all aspects of resolution 1701 including the need to demobilize militias," he said. "At the same time we are ready to listen to what the Hizbullah MPs have to say." Resolution 1701, passed unanimously in 2006, ended a 34-day war between Israel and Hizbullah. It demands the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon but Hizbullah, which is backed by Iran and Syria, retains its arsenal. Miliband said he and Muallem had discussed the recent Lebanese election, in which a Hizbullah-led alliance lost to a Western-backed coalition, and applauded the "relatively good security" during the campaign.
A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said in March that he was unhappy with Britain's overtures to Hizbullah. He said he would like the British to explain to him "the difference between the political, military and social wings of Hizbullah because we don't see a difference between the integrated leadership that they see." Muallem described the talks with Miliband as "fruitful" and said they covered a range of issues including Iran. He reiterated Syria's desire to help with the stand-off with Tehran but, in a reference to Israel, he said the Middle East must be "free of mass destruction" to persuade Iran to stop its disputed nuclear drive. "The Middle East free zone of mass destruction is a recipe for security and stability in the region. This has to include all countries," adding this would ensure "no double standards in approach the nuclear program" of Iran.(AFP) Beirut, 24 Jul 09, 21:08

Qassem Sees No Cabinet Formation in Near Future
Naharnet/Hizullah's deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem played down optimism that a deal on government formation was imminent, saying conditions were not yet right. "Optimism just does not sound right given that circumstances, both internally and externally, are not yet ripe for the establishment of a government," Qassem said in an interview published by the daily As Safir Friday. He was hitting back at Speaker Nabih Berri who has repeatedly said he was optimistic an agreement on a Cabinet lineup will be reached before month's end.
Qassem pointed that Syrian-Saudi contacts have so far failed to produce a pact that could be a "motive" for the formation of the government. He stressed, however, that "no matter how long it takes, eventually formation of a government will take place." "The ball is now in the hands of the Prime Minister-designate (Saad Hariri)," Qassem believed. He said the Opposition is looking forward to a "courageous decision" from Hariri to strike a deal on a new Cabinet "that, in itself, would serve as a guarantee to all." "Responsibility now falls on his (Hariri's) shoulders to convince his allies in March 14 (forces). We believe that MP Walid Jumblat could play a vital role in helping out with this," Qassem added. Beirut, 24 Jul 09, 08:34

Hariri after meeting President and Patriarch Hazim: Matters Moving in Right Direction and I Want Coexistence
Naharnet/Prime Mnister-designate Saad Hariri told reporters on Friday that matters are moving in the right direction, but refused to provide further details adding "i don't want to talk too much."Hariri was speaking from Baabda presidential palace following his meeting with President Michel Suleiman for about 45 minutes. Earlier in the day Hariri discussed the Lebanon situation Friday with Greek Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius IV Hazim. Hariri refused to discus politics after the meeting, stressing on the need for rapprochement between Muslims and Christians. "My concern is coexistence," he said. Beirut, 24 Jul 09, 13:38

Hariri: Cabinet formation moving ‘in right direction’
Berri expects government by month-end
By Elias Sakr /Daily Star staff
Saturday, July 25, 2009
BEIRUT: Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri on Friday echoed Speaker Nabih Berri’s optimism concerning the formation of the government. Hariri stressed on Friday that the formation process of the next cabinet was moving “in the right direction.” A source close to the Future Movement leader told The Daily Star on Friday that Hariri’s ongoing consultations on the government’s structure aimed at eliminating the remaining obstacles delaying its formation. The source said Hariri adopted a strategy based on confidentiality when it comes to deliberations on the cabinet’s form to pave the way for real progress away from media spotlights that could hinder agreements among Lebanese political players. “If not before the end of this month Hariri could reach an accord anytime later next month on the next cabinet given the ongoing discussions with all parties,” the source said.
Following a meeting with President Michel Sleiman, Hariri refused to elaborate further on the topic, adding that last week’s events in south Lebanon underscored the need to from a national-unity government. Last week, 14 peacekeepers operating as part of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were injured when protesters confronted them near the southern village of Khirbit Silim.
Also on Friday, Hariri said his main concern was Christian-Muslim coexistence “since we are not only destined to live side by side but chose to do so.” After discussions with Greek Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius IV Hazim regarding Lebanon’s political situation, Hariri made no comments on the effort to form a cabinet. Hariri told reporters that he cared for coexistence and fair partnership among Christians and Muslims and stressed the need for rapprochement. Commenting on the future government’s role, Middle East senior director of the United States National Security Council Daniel Shapiro told reporters that the next cabinet should implement reforms and decisions to ensure Lebanon’s stability and best interests. Following a meeting with Hariri at his residence in Beirut’s Qantari neighborhood, Shapiro highlighted that the formation process was on the right track since all Lebanese leaders, “though embracing different prospects regarding the government’s make-up, have agreed to reach an agreement on a national-unity structure accepted by all parties.”
Prior to his meeting with Hariri, Shapiro held talks with Sleiman at the Baabda presidential palace.
Tackling the timing of the next cabinet’s formation, media reports published on Friday said that Berri was optimistic about reaching an accord before the end of the month.
The reports quoted sources close to Berri saying that the speaker’s optimism was based on “facts rather than wishes.” However, Hizbullah’s second in command Naim Qassem played down the speaker’s optimism on the cabinet’s formation before the end of the month. Qassem told As-Safir that an agreement on the government’s formation was premature since the Syrian-Saudi dialogue failed to “drive the process forward.” “Optimism might not be right given that domestic and regional circumstances were not ripe yet for the establishment of a cabinet,” Qassem said. Qassem stressed that the opposition awaited Hariri’s proposals on the cabinet’s structure, adding that it was up to the premier-designate to figure out an “original make-up” to facilitate the formation course.
Qassem told As-Safir that it was Hariri’s responsibility to convince his March 14 allies to agree on a cabinet structure that would serve as a guarantee for all parties, adding that Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt could help Hariri accomplish the task. Refusing to comment on the cabinet’s formation, Jumblatt reiterated on Friday his demand to declare Beirut a “safe city for all,” adding that this issue was unrelated to Hizbullah’s weapons.
Jumblatt, who praised the security coordination meeting on Thursday between Future Movement, Amal and Hizbullah representatives, told As-Safir that discussions at the Lebanese Army Intelligence headquarters in Mathaf were in harmony with his demands for “broader reconciliation [among Lebanese factions].” Jumblatt stressed that the gathering would facilitate and support the security forces’ efforts to establish stability as well as enhance reconciliations among Lebanese groups.
The PSP chief called on Lebanese leaders to “lift any political cover off perpetrators” regardless of their political affiliation. “We should deal firmly with those who break the law and jeopardize stability,” Jumblatt said. Jumblatt also highlighted the need to differentiate between the “resistance’s weapons” and “arms used by gangsters.”
In other news, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said that “sides tampering with UNIFIL” were not acting in Lebanon’s best interest, a reference to last week’s incident near the southern village of Khirbit Silim between the village’s residents and the peacekeeping forces. During a dinner in the Metn region, Geagea reiterated his support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 as well as UNIFIL, adding that they prevented Israel from carrying military offensives against Lebanon. Concerning the formation of the cabinet, Geagea slammed opposition forces for disregarding the June 7 parliamentary elections results given their demand for veto power.

Maronite League sees progress in inter-Christian reconciliation bid
Meeting participants agreed minor clashes should not hamper talks
By Carol Rizk /Special to The Daily Star
Saturday, July 25, 2009
BEIRUT: Inter-Christian reconciliation seems to be going in the right direction, according to a statement issued after a meeting of the Maronite League hea­ded by Joseph Tarabey Thursday. The league’s political committee met to “follow up on the reigning atmosphere of dialogue and to include the Christian parties in the prevailing spirit of reconciliations,” the statement added. Representatives from the Lebanese Forces (LF), the Marada Movement and the Free Patriotic Movement attended the meeting held at the league’s headquarters. Representatives of the National Liberal Party (NLP) and the Phalange party did not make it to the meeting. The Phalange Party representative could not attend the gathering due to “personal reasons” said sources close to the league. The Phalange Party is considered as one of the main players in inter-Christian reconciliation. MP Sami Gemayel, the son of party leader former President Amin Gemayel, held talks earlier in July with Marada Movement leader MP Slei­man Franjieh. That meeting was described as “a step toward Christian reconciliation.”
Thursday’s meeting discussed ties among various Christian factions, and means to overcome past tensions, particularly bet­ween the Marada and the LF.
Fanjieh accuses the LF lea­der Samir Geagea of plotting for the assassination of members of his family and other Ma­rada supporters in the northern village of Ehden on June 13, 1978.
According to reports carried by the Central News Agency (CNA) and An-Nahar newspaper on Thursday, “morals were high” during the meeting as representatives agreed to work on establishing a common ground. The participants also agreed that minor clashes “should not come in the way of an important reconciliation.”
Sources close to the League told the CNA all those present at the meeting expressed their good will and their readiness to work toward “realizing inter-Christian reconciliation.”
“The league has never stopped its efforts to establish inter-Christian reconciliation but most of the time we are discrete so as to reach tangible results,” the sources added.
But not all Christian groups were pleased with the goals of the league’s meeting. NLP representative, Elias Abou Assi told An-Nahar that such meetings “would not offer any breakthroughs.” “The purpose behind holding inter-Christian meetings is to strengthen communication among various Christian groups and prevent violent and bloody confrontations among them,” Abou Assi said. Marada sources were skeptical, saying the meeting’s agenda wasn’t clear and the assembly was “solely meant to reactivate the work of the league’s political committee.” However, despite the low level of optimism, more inter- Christian gatherings are scheduled in the near future. The CNA reported that Franjieh may be meeting with Amin Gemayel at the latter’s residence in Bekfaya “in the next few days.”Media reports also mention a possible meeting between Franjieh and Geagea. LF sources said the league’s meeting showed the importance of keeping political differences in the care of the Maronite Church, adding that “we should not jump to any conclusions concerning the Franjieh-Geagea meeting since its grounds have not been set yet.”

The Palestinians and “the conspiracy of the withdrawal from Shebaa”
Hazem al-Amin , July 24, 2009 /Now Lebanon
The release upon presidential pardon of Youssef Shaaban, a Palestinian national sentenced to life in prison for a crime he did not commit and for which he wrongly served 16 years, gives occasion to ponder the state of the Lebanese judiciary firstly, and secondly the state of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. Shaaban said in a recent television interview that the delay in justice owed to the fact that he is Palestinian. Whether his sentiment was correct or not, it brought up an important issue regarding Palestinian bitterness and the ease with which their situation is exploited in internal Lebanese disputes. Perhaps the most prominent source of this employment, used absurdly time and again during the long internal Lebanese crisis, is the issue of preventing Palestinian naturalization.
A few weeks ago, members of MP Michel Aoun’s Free Patriotic Movement held a press conference transcribed on their website. They “uncovered” that, while bulldozers were working to rebuild the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr al-Bared, an underground archeological site was dug up. Instead of the government halting the work on the project to rebuild the camp, it turned a blind eye to the site – located in the heart of the camp – and continued to build on top of it.
However, if we were to imagine that the opposite had happened: that the government had decided to halt the project to rebuild the camp and took to considering transforming the archeological site, which according to FPM members was a Phoenician city… into an archeological reserve, what, then, would have happened?
The obvious answer, which any Lebanese or Palestinian knows, is that other members of the Free Patriotic Movement would have held a press conference saying that halting the construction in the camp is part of “a conspiracy to naturalize Palestinians.” The message behind this press conference would be that halting the construction signifies an effort to prevent the camp’s resident’s from returning to it and to integrate them into the society of the Sunni north, paving the way for their becoming Lebanese citizens.
The Palestinians are being dangled about by our inclination to employ them continuously in our disputes. As such, they will be the final consideration in the discussion of the problem of weapons – not Palestinian weapons, but those of Hezbollah. General Aoun is trying to prepare a suitable atmosphere for after the possible Israeli withdrawal from the Shebaa Farms and the village of Ghajar. The unresolved issue that will come to justify the presence of Hezbollah’s weapons will be “the fate of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.” Weapons for preventing naturalization: this is the equation General Aoun is formulating, since “preventing naturalization” speaks to a Christian mindset, whereby such naturalization represents a change in the demographic make-up of Lebanon not in their favor.
Not too long ago, General Aoun spoke about the issue of Palestinian naturalization in most of his speeches and press conferences. Now it is the next issue that will serve to legitimize Hezbollah’s weapons after “we fall into the conspiracy of Israel’s withdrawal, owing to diplomatic efforts.” This time the justification will be firm and in defiance of diplomatic efforts. Israel’s withdrawal from the Shebaa Farms and from Ghajar has become a possibility, perhaps even an inevitability. However, the Right of Return negates the concept of Israel as a state, something Israel will never concede to.
Michel Aoun is hoping to reap more rewards in his new role, and Hezbollah is hoping to gain more time after the occupation and violations of Lebanese airspace cease to be pretexts for their actions. As for the Palestinians… all they hope for is either to actually return – something difficult, maybe impossible – or to leave the camps for God’s vast land. Indeed it is very vast, and Lebanon is but one of its narrowest corners.
*This article is a translation of the original, which was posted Friday July 17 on the NOW Arabic site

 

LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN

LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
July 26/09

Bible Reading of the day
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 20:20-28. Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, "What do you wish?" She answered him, "Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom." Jesus said in reply, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?" They said to him, "We can." He replied, "My cup you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left (, this) is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special Reports
 The Palestinians and “the conspiracy of the withdrawal from Shebaa”. By: Hazem al-Amin 25/07/09
 Arab states can go even further in supporting inter-Arab investment-The Daily Star 25/07/09

Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for July 25/09
 Sfeir: Majority should rule-Future News
 Iran vows to hit Israel's atomic sites if attacked-Now Lebanon
Hariri meets Hussein Khalil, communication with FPM on hold-Now Lebanon
 Meeting to be held between UNIFIL, LAF, opposition MPs on Monday-Now Lebanon
 Najjar: Opposition no longer adamant about obstructing-third-Now Lebanon
 Williams: UN to renew UNIFIL mandate in South Lebanon-Now Lebanon
 A closed meeting held between Nasrallah-Aoun-Franjieh-Now Lebanon
 Moallem: Syria can play role in solving Iranian nuke dispute-Jerusalem Post
 UN convinced Lebanon-Israel truce will hold-Ynetnews
Hizbullah kept arms cache in violation of Resolution 1701 – UN-Daily Star
Jarrah: I am a Double Agent, Hizbullah Commissioned Me to Blow Up Israeli Embassy in Rome-Naharnet
 Shapiro Reiterated U.S. Support to Lebanon-Naharnet
 Qassem: Syria Is Not Our Substitute…Hariri Didn't Inform Us Of Any Government Layout Yet-Naharnet
 U.N.: Hizbullah Actively Maintained Arms Cache-Naharnet
 Wahab: Government Formation Takes a Holiday, Egypt Hindering Formation-Naharnet
 Britain Plays Down Hizbullah Contacts-Naharnet
 Qassem Sees No Cabinet Formation in Near Future-Naharnet
Aoun says cabinet formation a Middle Eastern issue, insists on six ministers and Interior Ministry-Now Lebanon
Aoun Demands Six Ministers, Wants Ministry of Interior-Naharnet
 Lebanon: UN Official Points to Hezbollah in Blasts-New York Times
 Two Meetings Next Week Set to Relieve Tensions-Naharnet
 Berri: Why Doesn't Hariri Provide Potential Names and Formulas?-Naharnet
 Hariri: Cabinet formation moving ‘in right direction-Daily Star
 Terror suspect arrested in Greece-Daily Star
Maronite League sees progress in inter-Christian reconciliation bid-Daily Star
Lebanon vows more firm approach in crackdown on copyrights violations-Daily Star
Lebanese consumer confidence remains optimistic-Daily Star
Public debt biggest challenge facing next Lebanese cabinet-By Agence France Presse (AFP)
USAID completes expat project-Daily Star
 Army kills gunman in north-Daily Star
Number of H1N1 cases in Lebanon rise to 105-Daily Star
New academy looks to foster performing arts-Daily Star
Argentinean cuisine finds its way to Gemmayzeh-Daily Star
Eyes of the world on Jeita Grotto as voters select New Seven Wonders of Nature-Daily Star


Hizbullah kept arms cache in violation of Resolution 1701 – UN
Saturday, July 25, 2009
BEIRUT: Hizbullah actively maintained an arms depot which exploded in southern Lebanon earlier this month, violating a ceasefire, the UN said in a document obtained by AFP on Friday. The United Nations head of peacekeeping operations Alain Le Roy told the Security Council in a closed-door briefing on Thursday that the July 14 explosion marked a “serious violation” of Resolution 1701 which ended Israel’s summer 2006 war on Lebanon. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is responsible for the monitoring of the 2006 ceasefire and Resolution 1701, which calls for southern Lebanon to be free of Hizbullah militants and arms.
“A number of indications suggest that the depot belonged to Hizbullah , and, in contrast to previous discoveries by UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces of weapons and ammunition, that it was not abandoned but, rather, actively maintained,” Le Roy said. A UNIFIL team investigating the explosion of the ammunition which was stored in an abandoned house in the village of Khirbet Slim, 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Israeli border, was obstructed by civilians at the site, he said.
“Some of the individuals present at the site of the explosion in the early morning hours of 15 July at the time when UNIFIL was discouraged from accessing the site, were identified to UNIFIL as belonging to Hizbullah. In addition, the activities of these individuals appeared to be aimed at removing evidence from the site,” Le Roy told the Security Council.
“At least one vehicle also was observed being loaded with boxes from the explosion site and subsequently departing the site” following the explosion.
Fourteen UNIFIL personnel were also lightly injured on July 18 by more than 100 civilians hurling stones against the probe team in the area, Le Roy said, noting “an increasing level of organization among those confronting UNIFIL.”
According to Le Roy, the arms cache comprised of light ammunition as well as rockets similar to the thousands of projectiles fired against northern Israel during the 2006 conflict, and they were in good condition. “The contents included mortars, AK-47s, various calibers of artillery shells, and 122mm rockets, originating from various countries. The weapons and ammunition dated from the 1970s to the 1990s and generally appeared to be in good order.” But Le Roy’s report dismissed Israeli claims that the weapons were smuggled into Lebanon after the end of the war. “There is no evidence that suggests that the weapons and ammunition present in the building had been smuggled into the UNIFIL area of operations since the adoption of Resolution 1701. “The type and age of the ammunition that has been identified could be an indication that it was collected and stockpiled in this location over a period of time.”
Meanwhile, Michael Williams, the UN special coordinator for Lebanon said on Friday that Israel, Lebanon and Hizbullah want to maintain the truce that ended 2006 war despite a series of incidents that have raised tensions along the border. The UN envoy added he was confident that the UN Security Council would renew the mandate of peacekeepers when it expires next month. “There is not a shadow of doubt,” Williams said, following discussions with officials in Israel and Lebanon, as well as representatives of Hizbullah, that the parties are interested in renewing the mandate of UNIFIL. “The fact that we have had difficulties and real challenges underline the imperative of the renewal of that mandate and I am confident that the Security Council will do so,” he told the Associated Press in an interview. Williams said that in his discussions in Israel, officials there did not want any change in the rules of engagement.
“They emphasized and they expected and they wanted to see renewal of UNIFIL mandate and that there was no question on their side of questioning the mandate or rules of engagement,” he said. – AFP, AP

Shapiro Reiterated U.S. Support to Lebanon
Naharnet/U.S. Director of Near East Affairs at the National Security Council Daniel Shapiro reiterated his country's support to Lebanon in all fields, particularly in the military and security fields to preserve civil peace and control Lebanese borders. Shapiro who visited Beirut on Friday, met with President Michel Suleiman, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Fouad Saniora and Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri. During his meetings Shapiro stressed efforts by U.S. Special envoy to the Middle East George Mitchel in reviving the Middle East peace process. President Suleiman reiterated Lebanon's stance in having a full, just and comprehensive peace, adding that any peace formula that falls short of providing the Palestinians with their right of return is doomed to remain incomplete. The president also stressed the need for Israel to fully respect and implement United Nations Security Council resolution 1701. Shapiro later met with Defense Minister Elias Murr, discussions focused on U.S. military aid to the Lebanese armed forces. Beirut, 25 Jul 09, 11:34

Qassem: Syria Is Not Our Substitute…Hariri Didn't Inform Us Of Any Government Layout Yet
Naharnet/Hizbullah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naeem Qassem said Syria did not ask the parliamentary minority for anything adding Syria respects the opposition's stance and is no substitute to it. In an interview with the daily Ad-Diyar on Saturday, Qassem called on the prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri to benefit from the calm atmosphere and form a national unity government but not to return the country to a period re-dating the 2007 Doha agreement. The deputy secretary-general said Hariri did not inform the parliamentary minority of the government's layout yet, adding that Hariri must produce a formula that guarantees actual participation and partnership by all. He did not mention anything regarding providing the parliamentary minority with veto powers in cabinet. Qassem stressed that the opposition remains open to any proposal or formula. He disclosed that Hizbullah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah reminded Hariri of his father's traditional policy[ the late Rafik Hariri] of mixing the concept of the resistance with that of construction in Lebanon. "This formula could be applied," Qassem said. Beirut, 25 Jul 09, 09:06

Aoun Demands Six Ministers, Wants Ministry of Interior
Naharnet/'Change and Reform' leader MP Michel Aoun renewed his insistence on obtaining his share of six ministers at the new government. Aoun stressed his desire to have the Interior Ministry saying it is in need of deep-rooted reform. In an interview with the daily An-Nahar on Saturday, Aoun said: "I won't provide anyone with anything from my own pocket," adding," I don't believe the Prime Minister-designate is carrying out any visible activity to form a government." However, he commended the parliamentary majority's initiative for forming a national unity government "to spare Lebanon any dangers.""All parties participated in the [parliamentary] elections, so let every party take its share in the new government according to their gains [in parliament]," Aoun said. The Free Patriotic Movement leader added, "Up to now we don't know the number of ministers in the new government, nor do we know how the various government portfolios would be distributed." He wondered how this whole process could be done before month's end. Aoun believes Lebanon's problem is Middle Eastern by nature "It is not the number of ministers in government that brings in French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner to Lebanon…this is not what brings the Americans, French, saudi and Syrians."
Beirut, 25 Jul 09, 08:31

Two Meetings Next Week Set to Relieve Tensions
Naharnet/A meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday in Tibneen attended by United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Commander Major General Claudio Graziano with a Lebanese armed forces delegation headed by Colonel Abbas Ibrahim and members of parliament Hassan Fadlallah (Hizbullah) and Ali Bezzi (Amal Movement) and regional municipal heads and officials in the region. That meeting is to be succeeded by a trilateral meeting gathering between UNIFIL-Israel and Lebanon in Naquora. The daily As-Safir on Saturday said, this meeting comes as part of taken steps that were earlier agreed to by the military and UNIFIL as a process for relieving tensions in the south following the Khirbet Selim incident last week. "The aim here is to remove all negative impacts following recent events and to re-establish the fact that we all need to strengthen and expand our relationship between local residents and the UNIFIL, since the international force is committed to fully implementing U.N. Security Council resolution 1701," a southern sources told As-Safir. Beirut, 25 Jul 09, 10:59

Berri: Why Doesn't Hariri Provide Potential Names and Formulas?
Naharnet/Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri questioned why doesn't the prime minister-designate who is working on forming a national unity government, provide potential names of individuals who could lead ministerial portfolios and present possible government structural formulas. In an interview with the daily al-Akhbar on Saturday, Berri warned against taking a long time to form a government, adding that the longer time the process takes the more pessimistic the situation becomes. Berri said that no one is adamant in wanting one thing alone adding that on the contrary everyone wants to participate in a national unity government. The Speaker praised the recent Beirut meeting hosted by military intelligence that gathered the Amal, Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal movement respresentatives. Berri described the meetings as preliminary step towards a larger reconciliation on a wider basis, hoping that this would lead to a Muslim-Christian spiritual meeting at the Dar al Fatwa in Beirut. Berri reiterated his stance that security is the sole responsibility of the Lebanese military and security forces. Beirut, 25 Jul 09, 10:45

Jarrah: I am a Double Agent, Hizbullah Commissioned Me to Blow Up Israeli Embassy in Rome
Naharnet/Press reports on Saturday said arrested Lebanese national Ali al-Jarrah currently on trial for espionage stated that he is a double agent working for both Israel and Hizbullah. Reports added that Jarrah was commissioned by Hizbullah to carry out a suicide attack inside the Israeli embassy in Rome, while carrying a briefcase full of explosives.
Jarrah's statements were allegedly said in court during his trial. On July 15 during his first court session, Jarrah requested to have a closed door trial 'to say the truth that should reach the United Nations Security Council." He accused an unnamed party of "standing behind a case that does not concern me …I am a hero but after July 9th I was made an agent simply because I refused to carry out a single act."He called on the court to arrest his brother Khaled and his brother's girlfriend "for wanting to place an item in my bedroom in exchange for $30,000, and this item is the truth." Jarrah added that while under arrest at Roumeih prison someone came to see him and told him to confess to his crime exactly in the manner he did earlier when being interrogated by Hizbullah "otherwise he would threaten my family."
"I began working for Israel in 1982, as requested by the Palestinian Fatah movement, which he joined in 1976. The first time Jarrah visited Israel was in 1990 via Rome. At the time he provided the Israeli with information about the Palestinian Intifada in exchange for $10,000, a three year pay." He added that he had a special night table next to his bed, which had a special sophisticated communications device, which he used to contact the Israelis when his family was away from home. Jarrah added that is family did not know the nature of his double life.
He was asked by the Palestinians in 1998 to end his contacts with the Israelis because of the peace process at the time. Jarrah was told by the Palestinians that they wouldn't be able to protect him as before. During the 'Grapes of Wrath' Israeli war on southern Lebanon in 1996, Jarrah built up his contacts with Hizbullah, and in 2001 he visited Israel, with the full knowledge of Hizbullah's Security Chief Hajj Abbas. While in Israel, Jarrah was received by his old recruiters who trained him on new communication methods. In the same year Jarrah visited Syria. The next trial session is scheduled on October 2. Beirut, 25 Jul 09, 10:19

U.N.: Hizbullah Actively Maintained Arms Cache
Naharnet/Hizbullah actively maintained an arms depot, which, exploded, in southern Lebanon earlier this month, violating a ceasefire, the U.N. said in a document obtained by Agence France Presse (AFP) on Friday. The United Nations head of peacekeeping operations Alain Le Roy told the Security Council in a closed-door briefing on Thursday that the July 14 explosion marked a "serious violation" of Resolution 1701 which ended the devastating 2006 war in Lebanon between Israel and Hizbullah.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is responsible for the monitoring of the 2006 ceasefire and Resolution 1701, which calls for southern Lebanon to be free of Hizbullah militants and arms. "A number of indications suggest that the depot belonged to Hizbullah, and, in contrast to previous discoveries by UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces of weapons and ammunition, that it was not abandoned but, rather, actively maintained," Le Roy said. A UNIFIL team investigating the explosion of the ammunition that was stored in an abandoned house in the village of Khirbet Selim, 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Israeli border, was obstructed by civilians at the site, he said. "Some of the individuals present at the site of the explosion in the early morning hours of 15 July at the time when UNIFIL was discouraged from accessing the site, were identified to UNIFIL as belonging to Hizbullah. "In addition, the activities of these individuals appeared to be aimed at removing evidence from the site," Le Roy told the Security Council.
"At least one vehicle also was observed being loaded with boxes from the explosion site and subsequently departing the site" following the explosion.
Fourteen UNIFIL personnel were also lightly injured on July 18 by more than 100 civilians hurling stones against the probe team in the area, he said, noting "an increasing level of organization among those confronting UNIFIL." According to Le Roy, the arms cache comprised of light ammunition as well as rockets similar to the thousands of projectiles fired against northern Israel during the 2006 conflict, and they were in good condition. "The contents included mortars, AK-47s, various calibers of artillery shells, and 122mm rockets, originating from various countries. The weapons and ammunition dated from the 1970s to the 1990s and generally appeared to be in good order." Le Roy's report however dismissed Israeli claims that the weapons were smuggled into Lebanon after the end of the war. "There is no evidence that suggests that the weapons and ammunition present in the building had been smuggled into the UNIFIL area of operations since the adoption of Resolution 1701," Le Roy said. "The type and age of the ammunition that has been identified could be an indication that it was collected and stockpiled in this location over a period of time," he said. (AFP) Beirut, 24 Jul 09, 19:00

Wahab: Government Formation Takes a Holiday, Egypt Hindering Formation
Naharnet/Former Lebanese Minister and March 8 Forces Member Weam Wahab said government formation would probably take place following the holy month of Ramadan, he accused Egypt of hindering the process of government formation. "It is obvious that [the process of] government formation is on a long vacation that could stretch way beyond the Eid al-Fitr holiday," Wahab said. Following a luncheon invitation by Agriculture Minister Elias Skaff on Friday, Wahab told reporters "what is happening is because the Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri has no initiative, proposal or even an attempt of any kind to find an exit…he waits and waits, and this is the real problem." "Clearly there is an Egyptian obstacle when it comes to forming a government. The [government] formation here is linked to progress in Gaza concerning the issue of the [captured] Israeli soldier and the Fatah-Hamas reconciliation process."Wahab did not stop here; he went on to accuse the United States State Department of doing the same thing. "There could also be another obstacle, for I do not rule out the basic negative role of the U.S. State Department official Jeffery Feltman. The American administration must pay attention to this man who has personal and financial interests in Lebanon. He received a lot of bribes when he was in Beirut. His negative role could reflect on the entire U.S. administration," Wahab charged. He expressed fears against the reproduction of Fouad Saniora as prime minister saying: "this seems to be a serious attempt, there are regional parties and in particular Egypt that has this option." Beirut, 24 Jul 09, 22:02

Britain Plays Down Hizbullah Contacts
Naharnet/Foreign Secretary David Miliband played down British contacts with Hizbullah lawmakers on Friday, saying they are not negotiating with the leadership of the Shiite group.
Amid reports of U.S. discontent over London's decision to open low-level contact with the political wing of Hizbullah, a group viewed as terrorists in Washington, Miliband said Britain was committed to the group's disarmament. "We decided last summer that we would resume contact with carefully selected Hizbullah MPs" after the group joined the Lebanese national unity government, he said. "We are not conducting negotiations with the leadership of Hizbullah." Speaking at a press conference in London following talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, Miliband confirmed that Britain's ambassador in Damascus had attended two meetings with Hizbullah MPs.
"Our intention has been first of all to reiterate our commitment to all aspects of (United Nations) resolution 1701, all aspects of resolution 1701 including the need to demobilize militias," he said. "At the same time we are ready to listen to what the Hizbullah MPs have to say." Resolution 1701, passed unanimously in 2006, ended a 34-day war between Israel and Hizbullah. It demands the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon but Hizbullah, which is backed by Iran and Syria, retains its arsenal. Miliband said he and Muallem had discussed the recent Lebanese election, in which a Hizbullah-led alliance lost to a Western-backed coalition, and applauded the "relatively good security" during the campaign.
A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said in March that he was unhappy with Britain's overtures to Hizbullah. He said he would like the British to explain to him "the difference between the political, military and social wings of Hizbullah because we don't see a difference between the integrated leadership that they see." Muallem described the talks with Miliband as "fruitful" and said they covered a range of issues including Iran. He reiterated Syria's desire to help with the stand-off with Tehran but, in a reference to Israel, he said the Middle East must be "free of mass destruction" to persuade Iran to stop its disputed nuclear drive. "The Middle East free zone of mass destruction is a recipe for security and stability in the region. This has to include all countries," adding this would ensure "no double standards in approach the nuclear program" of Iran.(AFP) Beirut, 24 Jul 09, 21:08

Qassem Sees No Cabinet Formation in Near Future
Naharnet/Hizullah's deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem played down optimism that a deal on government formation was imminent, saying conditions were not yet right. "Optimism just does not sound right given that circumstances, both internally and externally, are not yet ripe for the establishment of a government," Qassem said in an interview published by the daily As Safir Friday. He was hitting back at Speaker Nabih Berri who has repeatedly said he was optimistic an agreement on a Cabinet lineup will be reached before month's end.
Qassem pointed that Syrian-Saudi contacts have so far failed to produce a pact that could be a "motive" for the formation of the government. He stressed, however, that "no matter how long it takes, eventually formation of a government will take place." "The ball is now in the hands of the Prime Minister-designate (Saad Hariri)," Qassem believed. He said the Opposition is looking forward to a "courageous decision" from Hariri to strike a deal on a new Cabinet "that, in itself, would serve as a guarantee to all." "Responsibility now falls on his (Hariri's) shoulders to convince his allies in March 14 (forces). We believe that MP Walid Jumblat could play a vital role in helping out with this," Qassem added. Beirut, 24 Jul 09, 08:34

Hariri after meeting President and Patriarch Hazim: Matters Moving in Right Direction and I Want Coexistence
Naharnet/Prime Mnister-designate Saad Hariri told reporters on Friday that matters are moving in the right direction, but refused to provide further details adding "i don't want to talk too much."Hariri was speaking from Baabda presidential palace following his meeting with President Michel Suleiman for about 45 minutes. Earlier in the day Hariri discussed the Lebanon situation Friday with Greek Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius IV Hazim. Hariri refused to discus politics after the meeting, stressing on the need for rapprochement between Muslims and Christians. "My concern is coexistence," he said. Beirut, 24 Jul 09, 13:38

Hariri: Cabinet formation moving ‘in right direction’
Berri expects government by month-end
By Elias Sakr /Daily Star staff
Saturday, July 25, 2009
BEIRUT: Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri on Friday echoed Speaker Nabih Berri’s optimism concerning the formation of the government. Hariri stressed on Friday that the formation process of the next cabinet was moving “in the right direction.” A source close to the Future Movement leader told The Daily Star on Friday that Hariri’s ongoing consultations on the government’s structure aimed at eliminating the remaining obstacles delaying its formation. The source said Hariri adopted a strategy based on confidentiality when it comes to deliberations on the cabinet’s form to pave the way for real progress away from media spotlights that could hinder agreements among Lebanese political players. “If not before the end of this month Hariri could reach an accord anytime later next month on the next cabinet given the ongoing discussions with all parties,” the source said.
Following a meeting with President Michel Sleiman, Hariri refused to elaborate further on the topic, adding that last week’s events in south Lebanon underscored the need to from a national-unity government. Last week, 14 peacekeepers operating as part of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were injured when protesters confronted them near the southern village of Khirbit Silim.
Also on Friday, Hariri said his main concern was Christian-Muslim coexistence “since we are not only destined to live side by side but chose to do so.” After discussions with Greek Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius IV Hazim regarding Lebanon’s political situation, Hariri made no comments on the effort to form a cabinet. Hariri told reporters that he cared for coexistence and fair partnership among Christians and Muslims and stressed the need for rapprochement. Commenting on the future government’s role, Middle East senior director of the United States National Security Council Daniel Shapiro told reporters that the next cabinet should implement reforms and decisions to ensure Lebanon’s stability and best interests. Following a meeting with Hariri at his residence in Beirut’s Qantari neighborhood, Shapiro highlighted that the formation process was on the right track since all Lebanese leaders, “though embracing different prospects regarding the government’s make-up, have agreed to reach an agreement on a national-unity structure accepted by all parties.”
Prior to his meeting with Hariri, Shapiro held talks with Sleiman at the Baabda presidential palace.
Tackling the timing of the next cabinet’s formation, media reports published on Friday said that Berri was optimistic about reaching an accord before the end of the month.
The reports quoted sources close to Berri saying that the speaker’s optimism was based on “facts rather than wishes.” However, Hizbullah’s second in command Naim Qassem played down the speaker’s optimism on the cabinet’s formation before the end of the month. Qassem told As-Safir that an agreement on the government’s formation was premature since the Syrian-Saudi dialogue failed to “drive the process forward.” “Optimism might not be right given that domestic and regional circumstances were not ripe yet for the establishment of a cabinet,” Qassem said. Qassem stressed that the opposition awaited Hariri’s proposals on the cabinet’s structure, adding that it was up to the premier-designate to figure out an “original make-up” to facilitate the formation course.
Qassem told As-Safir that it was Hariri’s responsibility to convince his March 14 allies to agree on a cabinet structure that would serve as a guarantee for all parties, adding that Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt could help Hariri accomplish the task. Refusing to comment on the cabinet’s formation, Jumblatt reiterated on Friday his demand to declare Beirut a “safe city for all,” adding that this issue was unrelated to Hizbullah’s weapons.
Jumblatt, who praised the security coordination meeting on Thursday between Future Movement, Amal and Hizbullah representatives, told As-Safir that discussions at the Lebanese Army Intelligence headquarters in Mathaf were in harmony with his demands for “broader reconciliation [among Lebanese factions].” Jumblatt stressed that the gathering would facilitate and support the security forces’ efforts to establish stability as well as enhance reconciliations among Lebanese groups.
The PSP chief called on Lebanese leaders to “lift any political cover off perpetrators” regardless of their political affiliation. “We should deal firmly with those who break the law and jeopardize stability,” Jumblatt said. Jumblatt also highlighted the need to differentiate between the “resistance’s weapons” and “arms used by gangsters.”
In other news, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said that “sides tampering with UNIFIL” were not acting in Lebanon’s best interest, a reference to last week’s incident near the southern village of Khirbit Silim between the village’s residents and the peacekeeping forces. During a dinner in the Metn region, Geagea reiterated his support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 as well as UNIFIL, adding that they prevented Israel from carrying military offensives against Lebanon. Concerning the formation of the cabinet, Geagea slammed opposition forces for disregarding the June 7 parliamentary elections results given their demand for veto power.

Maronite League sees progress in inter-Christian reconciliation bid
Meeting participants agreed minor clashes should not hamper talks
By Carol Rizk /Special to The Daily Star
Saturday, July 25, 2009
BEIRUT: Inter-Christian reconciliation seems to be going in the right direction, according to a statement issued after a meeting of the Maronite League hea­ded by Joseph Tarabey Thursday. The league’s political committee met to “follow up on the reigning atmosphere of dialogue and to include the Christian parties in the prevailing spirit of reconciliations,” the statement added. Representatives from the Lebanese Forces (LF), the Marada Movement and the Free Patriotic Movement attended the meeting held at the league’s headquarters. Representatives of the National Liberal Party (NLP) and the Phalange party did not make it to the meeting. The Phalange Party representative could not attend the gathering due to “personal reasons” said sources close to the league. The Phalange Party is considered as one of the main players in inter-Christian reconciliation. MP Sami Gemayel, the son of party leader former President Amin Gemayel, held talks earlier in July with Marada Movement leader MP Slei­man Franjieh. That meeting was described as “a step toward Christian reconciliation.”
Thursday’s meeting discussed ties among various Christian factions, and means to overcome past tensions, particularly bet­ween the Marada and the LF.
Fanjieh accuses the LF lea­der Samir Geagea of plotting for the assassination of members of his family and other Ma­rada supporters in the northern village of Ehden on June 13, 1978.
According to reports carried by the Central News Agency (CNA) and An-Nahar newspaper on Thursday, “morals were high” during the meeting as representatives agreed to work on establishing a common ground. The participants also agreed that minor clashes “should not come in the way of an important reconciliation.”
Sources close to the League told the CNA all those present at the meeting expressed their good will and their readiness to work toward “realizing inter-Christian reconciliation.”
“The league has never stopped its efforts to establish inter-Christian reconciliation but most of the time we are discrete so as to reach tangible results,” the sources added.
But not all Christian groups were pleased with the goals of the league’s meeting. NLP representative, Elias Abou Assi told An-Nahar that such meetings “would not offer any breakthroughs.” “The purpose behind holding inter-Christian meetings is to strengthen communication among various Christian groups and prevent violent and bloody confrontations among them,” Abou Assi said. Marada sources were skeptical, saying the meeting’s agenda wasn’t clear and the assembly was “solely meant to reactivate the work of the league’s political committee.” However, despite the low level of optimism, more inter- Christian gatherings are scheduled in the near future. The CNA reported that Franjieh may be meeting with Amin Gemayel at the latter’s residence in Bekfaya “in the next few days.”Media reports also mention a possible meeting between Franjieh and Geagea. LF sources said the league’s meeting showed the importance of keeping political differences in the care of the Maronite Church, adding that “we should not jump to any conclusions concerning the Franjieh-Geagea meeting since its grounds have not been set yet.”

The Palestinians and “the conspiracy of the withdrawal from Shebaa”
Hazem al-Amin , July 24, 2009 /Now Lebanon
The release upon presidential pardon of Youssef Shaaban, a Palestinian national sentenced to life in prison for a crime he did not commit and for which he wrongly served 16 years, gives occasion to ponder the state of the Lebanese judiciary firstly, and secondly the state of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. Shaaban said in a recent television interview that the delay in justice owed to the fact that he is Palestinian. Whether his sentiment was correct or not, it brought up an important issue regarding Palestinian bitterness and the ease with which their situation is exploited in internal Lebanese disputes. Perhaps the most prominent source of this employment, used absurdly time and again during the long internal Lebanese crisis, is the issue of preventing Palestinian naturalization.
A few weeks ago, members of MP Michel Aoun’s Free Patriotic Movement held a press conference transcribed on their website. They “uncovered” that, while bulldozers were working to rebuild the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr al-Bared, an underground archeological site was dug up. Instead of the government halting the work on the project to rebuild the camp, it turned a blind eye to the site – located in the heart of the camp – and continued to build on top of it.
However, if we were to imagine that the opposite had happened: that the government had decided to halt the project to rebuild the camp and took to considering transforming the archeological site, which according to FPM members was a Phoenician city… into an archeological reserve, what, then, would have happened?
The obvious answer, which any Lebanese or Palestinian knows, is that other members of the Free Patriotic Movement would have held a press conference saying that halting the construction in the camp is part of “a conspiracy to naturalize Palestinians.” The message behind this press conference would be that halting the construction signifies an effort to prevent the camp’s resident’s from returning to it and to integrate them into the society of the Sunni north, paving the way for their becoming Lebanese citizens.
The Palestinians are being dangled about by our inclination to employ them continuously in our disputes. As such, they will be the final consideration in the discussion of the problem of weapons – not Palestinian weapons, but those of Hezbollah. General Aoun is trying to prepare a suitable atmosphere for after the possible Israeli withdrawal from the Shebaa Farms and the village of Ghajar. The unresolved issue that will come to justify the presence of Hezbollah’s weapons will be “the fate of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.” Weapons for preventing naturalization: this is the equation General Aoun is formulating, since “preventing naturalization” speaks to a Christian mindset, whereby such naturalization represents a change in the demographic make-up of Lebanon not in their favor.
Not too long ago, General Aoun spoke about the issue of Palestinian naturalization in most of his speeches and press conferences. Now it is the next issue that will serve to legitimize Hezbollah’s weapons after “we fall into the conspiracy of Israel’s withdrawal, owing to diplomatic efforts.” This time the justification will be firm and in defiance of diplomatic efforts. Israel’s withdrawal from the Shebaa Farms and from Ghajar has become a possibility, perhaps even an inevitability. However, the Right of Return negates the concept of Israel as a state, something Israel will never concede to.
Michel Aoun is hoping to reap more rewards in his new role, and Hezbollah is hoping to gain more time after the occupation and violations of Lebanese airspace cease to be pretexts for their actions. As for the Palestinians… all they hope for is either to actually return – something difficult, maybe impossible – or to leave the camps for God’s vast land. Indeed it is very vast, and Lebanon is but one of its narrowest corners.
*This article is a translation of the original, which was posted Friday July 17 on the NOW Arabic site