LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
May 04/09

Bible Reading of the day.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 10,11-18. I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.  This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father."

Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special Reports
Obama’s Grand Delusion about Iran/A clearer, tougher policy is required urgently.By: Reza Kahlili/Pajamas Media 03/05/09
March 8 “democracy”: No to Lebanese judiciary…Yes to Syrian tutelage/Future News 03/05/09
What if March 8 militias win?Future News 03/05/09

Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for May 03/09
Lebanon arrests three more Israel 'spies'-AFP
Ahmadinejad to meet Assad in Syria-Jerusalem Post
Hamas open to Israel-Syria negotiations-United Press International
Israel Accepts Two-State Route to Peace, Ayalon Says (Correct)-Bloomberg - USA
Ahmadinejad: Zionist regime will be uprooted/Israeli News
'IDF staged drills over Gibraltar, in preparation for Iran strike'/Haaretz
Israel set to quit divided Lebanon border town/Haaretz
Hamas: We won't oppose Israel-Syria talks/Haaretz
Iran candidate wanted in attack on Argentine Jews: I'd work with U.S. A/P
Nasrallah’s words, a coup over the State-Future News
Hariri: the tutelage regime attempts to return-Future News
Najjar to Seek Amendment of Criminal Procedure Law while Mirza, Saqr Refuse to Resign-Naharnet
Report: Syria to Extradite Wanted Man in Army Ambush-Naharnet
Haaretz: Netanyahu to Announce Wednesday Plans for Ghajar Withdrawal-Naharnet
Netanyahu to prioritize Iran issue at Obama meeting-Ynetnews
March 8 “democracy”: No to Lebanese judiciary…Yes to Syrian tutelage-Future News
Sayed mediates between Berry and Aoun-Future News
Hizbullah’s cover to Sayed infuriates and jeopardizes Berry-Future News
Abu Faour: we will counter any new coup-Future News
Jumblat Urges Lebanese to Vote for Aley's March 14 Ticket and Arslan-Naharnet
Sfeir: Protect Judiciary against Campaign for Political Gains-Naharnet
Assaad Convoy Attacked for 2nd Time in 2 Days-Naharnet
Report: Syria Could Give Lebanon Information About October 13 Missing-Naharnet
Gemayel: Presence of Arms Strips Lebanon of its Sovereignty, Democracy-Naharnet
US diplomats return to Syria this week-Jerusalem Post
Hezbollah spy thriller grips Arab world-guardian.co
Lebanon: 1 more arrest in 'pro-Israel' spy-ring-Ynetnews
Hezbollah attacks inquiry into Hariri killing-Reuters
Hezbollah chief says Ban Ki-moon dragging UN into confrontation-Xinhua
Ex-Spy Turned Negotiator Sits Down With Islamists and the West-New York Time
Zahra: Hezbollah tries to move attention from regional accusations ...iloubnan.info
Gemayel: Some “State agencies are covering activities of Hezbollah”-iloubnan.info
Fayad: Hezbollah seeks the reform of the judicial system-iloubnan.info
New York Post Publishes AJC Op-ed on Hezbollah TV in US-American Jewish Committe

'IDF staged drills over Gibraltar, in preparation for Iran strike'
By Haaretz Service
Last update - 10:24 03/05/2009
The Israel Air Force recently staged military exercises over between Israel and the British colony of Gibraltar near southern Spain, the French newspaper L'Express reported on Saturday.
The fact that the drills were held 3,800 kilometers away from Israel "confirms that the Israel Defense Forces is making concrete preparations" to attack Iran over its refusal to cooperate with the international community over its contentious nuclear program, according to L'Express.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman vowed last week that Israel would not attack Iran even if the international sanctions against Tehran fail to convince President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to give up his country's nuclear program, in an interview with the Austrian daily Kleine Zeitung.
But The London Times reported a few weeks ago that the IDF was indeed making preparations to be able to launch a massive aerial assault on Iran's nuclear facilities, to be carried out within days of being given the go-ahead by Israel's government.
"Israel wants to know that if its forces were given the green light they could strike at Iran in a matter of days, even hours. They are making preparations on every level for this eventuality. The message to Iran is that the threat is not just words," one senior Israeli defense official told The Times.
The London Times report appeared to be an Israeli message to Iran conveying its capability and readiness to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
The report included a nation-wide home front drill, scheduled for June, among what it calls Israel's intensive preparations for the possibility of an attack, aiming to prepare Israel's civilians for the possible consequences of an attack on Iran.
"We would not make the threat [against Iran] without the force to back it. There has been a recent move, a number of on-the-ground preparations, that indicate Israel's willingness to act," another official from Israel's intelligence community told the Times.

Iran candidate wanted in attack on Argentine Jews: I'd work with U.S.
By The Associated Press
An Iranian presidential candidate who is wanted by Interpol in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish center in Argentina says he's willing to cooperate with the U.S. on security matters if elected.
Conservative candidate Mohsen Rezaei told a news conference Sunday that he would work with the U.S. and other countries on security matters if he wins the June 12 vote.
Rezaei is not considered a front runner, but he could siphon votes from hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose challengers blame his anti-U.S. rhetoric for Iran's isolation.
Rezaei headed Iran's Revolutionary Guards during the war with Iraq in the 1980s. Since 2007, he has been among five Iranians wanted by Interpol for the Buenos Aires bombing that killed 85 people. Iran has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attack and blames the United States for trying to implicate the Islamic Republic. The bombing of the AMIA Jewish center in Argentina came two years after an explosion destroyed the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires and killed 29 people. Neither crime has been solved.

Assaad Convoy Attacked for 2nd Time in 2 Days
Naharnet/The convoy of head of the Lebanese Option Ahmed al-Assaad was attacked for the second time in two days in southern Lebanon, the movement said in a statement on Saturday.
It said "Hizbullah and Amal movement supporters" attacked al-Assaad's convoy "as he was visiting the southern town of Toulin" in Marjayoun Saturday afternoon.
The two Shiite party's supporters "attacked al-Assaad's convoy with sticks, stones and guns, injuring several people and damaging several vehicles," the statement added.
Sources said the attackers first surrounded a house which al-Assaad was visiting. But security forces took the politician out and escorted him. The convoy was attacked again with stones near Toulin's mosque. The Lebanese Option on Friday accused Hizbullah and Amal elements of attacking al-Assaad during a visit to the town of al-Taybeh.
"The convoy was attacked with glass bottles, stones and with men wielding sticks and firing their gun," the statement said, adding that several people were wounded and vehicles were damaged in the attack. Beirut, 02 May 09, 19:10

Report: Syria to Extradite Wanted Man in Army Ambush
Naharnet/Lebanon is in contact with Syria over the extradition of Lebanese detainee Hussein Jaafar, accused of being behind a deadly ambush on an army convoy last month, the Lebanese daily An Nahar reported Sunday. Four soldiers were killed when their vehicle was raked with bullets and blasted with a grenade in an apparent drugs-related ambush in the Bekaa Valley. A massive man-hunt was launched in search for the perpetrators. The attack on the army was apparently in revenge for the death of Ali Abbas Jaafar, a drug baron killed by the military in March after refusing to stop at a checkpoint. Jaafar was wanted on several charges, including drug trafficking and the attempted murder of soldiers and civilians. Hussein Jaafar and a Syrian companion were first arrested in Turkey on April 28 after entering the country from Syria. Jaafar, who was using a fake Syrian ID, was handed over to the Syrian authorities. Syria will "respond to Lebanon's extradition request," as required by two cooperation agreements to combat terrorism and organized crime, An Nahar reported. "There is great anticipation that Jaafar will (reveal) he received help from a (political) party to facilitate his escape from Lebanon to Syria and then to Turkey," the paper said quoting informed sources. Beirut, 03 May 09, 13:01

Haaretz: Netanyahu to Announce Wednesday Plans for Ghajar Withdrawal
Naharnet/Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will likely announce this week his government's plans to withdraw from the Lebanese village of Ghajar, a senior Israeli official said in comments published Sunday. Netanyahu is expected to declare that Israel wants to remove all its military personnel from the northern sector of the village of Ghajar, the source told the Haaretz newspaper. Israel's security cabinet is due to discuss the issue at a meeting on Wednesday, he said. "Netanyahu wants to respond to the American request on the matter (of Ghajar)," the source told the Israeli daily Haaretz. U.S. special envoy George Mitchell raised the issue last month in talks with Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman in Israel. "He asked that Israel carry out the withdrawal as promised when Ehud Olmert was prime minister," Haaretz said. The timing of the report precedes Netanyahu's trip to Washington on May 17, his first since becoming prime minister in March. Netanyahu "wants to make a decision before his departure for Washington to be seen by the U.S. president as someone who can deliver the goods and carry out diplomatic moves," a Western diplomat told Haaretz. An announcement also comes as Lebanon gears up for crucial elections on June 7.
"The idea of offering a goodwill gesture ahead of the elections is obvious, but a debate is underway ... on how best to do it, and a decision will be made this week," the Israeli official said.
But he added that any withdrawal "would not take place before the Lebanese elections." "Everyone is aware of the narrow timescale," he told Haaretz. "Therefore, first a statement in principle on Israel's position, to be followed by practical action on the ground soon after." The village, at the foot of Mount Hermon straddling the Lebanese-Syrian border, is perched on a cliff overlooking the precious Wazzani spring, which has been a source of continuous disputes between Israel and Lebanon.(Naharnet-AFP) Beirut, 03 May 09, 11:51

Najjar to Seek Amendment of Criminal Procedure Law while Mirza, Saqr Refuse to Resign
Naharnet/The justice minister is preparing a draft law to amend the law of criminal procedure setting a time limit for the detention of suspects under investigation, the Lebanese daily An Nahar reported Sunday. Ibrahim Najjar's proposal to amend Article 108 comes as the Higher Judicial Council prepares to meet on Tuesday to contain a wave of condemnation triggered by the release of four generals held over the murder of ex-premier Rafik Hariri. Under the current law – kept in place by former President Emile Lahoud – authorities can detain suspects in terrorism and security-related crimes indefinitely pending investigation. Minority forces have called for the judiciary to be held accountable over what they described as the "arbitrary" detention of the four officials, who have been held since August 2005 without charge. Official sources told An Nahar that "the judiciary will be left to bear its responsibilities in this case and prove its credibility … its complete independence from the executive authority." Al-Manar television reported plans by the minority to stage a sit-in at the Justice Ministry to force the resignation Prosecutor General Saeed Mirza and examining magistrate Saqr Saqr. In an interview with al-Manar, Mirza rejected calls by Jamil al-Sayyed, one of the freed generals, to step down resignation saying "it was out of the questions."
"There are procedures and laws that I abide by," he added. In the meantime, the parliamentary majority "warned against harming the judiciary," and accused the minority of playing up the generals' release for electoral gains, the pan-Arab daily al-Hayat reported Sunday. "The current campaign (against the judiciary) is clearly being coordinated between the leaders of the opposition and goes beyond merely targeting the majority and the judiciary" a high-ranking source in March 14 told the paper. He said the campaign will use the banner of "judicial accountability" to go as far as "pushing President Michel Suleiman to respond to the opposition's demands." The opposition eventually hopes to "drown" Suleiman in a "biased policy" that adopts its positions, especially regarding the international tribunal and to "blackmail" the president by using his approval of "a centrist" parliamentary bloc Suleiman for electoral gains. The source expressed concern that the opposition was seeking to "paralyze both the judiciary and the security forces in the next phase." Beirut, 03 May 09, 10:44

Jumblat Urges Lebanese to Vote for Aley's March 14 Ticket and Arslan
Naharnet/In a goodwill gesture, Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat urged the Lebanese on Saturday to vote for the March 14 list in Aley, in addition to Youth and Sports Minister Talal Arslan, who is a member of the March 8 coalition. Jumblat also told his visitors in Mukhtara to run in the June 7 elections in a democratic spirit. Members of the Western Bekaa-Rashaya's Karameh list also visited Jumblat. It includes candidates Wael Abou Faour, Robert Ghanem, Jamal Jarrah, Antoine Saad, Ziad Qadri and Amin Wehbe. Jarrah stressed after the meeting with Jumblat that the visit is aimed at ensuring the political alliance between al-Mustaqbal movement, the Progressive Socialist Party, the Democratic Left and independents.
Beirut, 02 May 09, 15:46

Sfeir: Protect Judiciary against Campaign for Political Gains
Naharnet/Maronite Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir warned Sunday against smearing the judiciary's reputation in order to achieve political gains. "We must safeguard the judiciary against false statements that only serve political ends," he said during Sunday's sermon. "We must also protect the judges who have always had a reputation of integrity," he added. Sfeir congratulated the four generals on their release but voiced hope that "any hidden aspects in their case would be clarified in order to put an end to controversy." Beirut, 03 May 09, 12:16

Report: Syria Could Give Lebanon Information About October 13 Missing
Naharnet/Syria could give Lebanese authorities information about those who went missing in October 13, 1990, judicial sources told the Central News Agency on Saturday.
The sources from the Lebanese-Syrian committee tasked with following up the issue of missing told CNA that Lebanese members asked the Syrian side about the fate of soldiers who went missing during the last days of the civil war. The committee held its meeting in Jdeidet Yabous on Saturday. CNA said the Syrian side could give Lebanon information about the missing during the committee's next meeting in June. The Syrian side was also informed about all Syrians missing in Lebanon. It turned out they had died in accidents not related to political events.
The upcoming meetings will tackle the issue of Lebanese civilians and soldiers in Syrian jails and ways to repatriate Lebanese who were sentenced to jail in Syria, the sources added.
Beirut, 02 May 09, 18:29

Gemayel: Presence of Arms Strips Lebanon of its Sovereignty, Democracy
Naharnet/Phalange party leader Amin Gemayel said during the launch of his party's electoral platform that a sovereign state cannot be achieved as long as there are armed organizations in the country. "How can we talk of sovereignty amid the presence of armed Palestinian and non-Palestinian organizations?" Gemayel wondered during the rally at Ghazir basketball stadium.
"How can we talk of democracy as long as there are areas outside the control of the state," the Phalange party leader asked. "Stability and peace of mind are our obsessions to save Lebanon," he told cheering crowds. "They can't be achieved unless there is a responsible state." He said the Lebanese are paying the price of the pointless political bickering. Gemayel also called for a state that works for social justice. "There can't be stability or peace of mind without social democracy." He said his party also wants a state that holds people accountable and is not based on division of shares. The former president vowed Phalange candidates will win the June 7 elections and will work on guaranteeing stability, peace of mind and a free and sovereign state. "This is not a political battle. It is a national battle par excellence," he stressed. Phalange Deputy President Salim Sayegh and politburo member Albert Gostanian read the party's political platform following Gemayel's speech. Beirut, 02 May 09, 17:37

Hamas: We won't oppose Israel-Syria talks
By Haaretz Service /Last update 03/05/2009
Hamas has declared that it would not oppose peace negotiations between Israel and Syria, the A-Sharq al-Aswat daily reported on Sunday.
A member of the Gaza Strip's parliament, Yehye Moussa, told the newspaper that the negotiations would bear no influence on the group's own relations with Damascus.
Moussa said his group was aware of the constraints facing many regimes in the Arab world and would not involve itself in their internal manners.
Another Hamas MP, Aataf Adwan, said that the movement wanted to see the return of all Arab lands from Israel viewed bilateral negotiations as a legitimate method of achieving such a goal. Syria's ties with Hamas have long been denounced by Western governments, who accuse Damascus and its ally Iran of supplying military support to the Gaza Strip.
Syria recently said it would resume indirect peace talks with the new Israeli government as long as they focused on a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights, which Israel captured the 1967 Six-Day War. Defense Minister Ehud Barak has called resumption of negotiations a "crucial strategic interest" and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has said he is willing to enter peace talks as long as they are held without preconditions

REPORTERS SANS FRONTIERES / REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS
COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE / PRESS RELEASE
03.05.2009
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
WHEN GOVERNMENTS TAKE JOURNALISTS HOSTAGE
In the run-up to World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, Reporters Without Borders is campaigning for the release of three women journalists who have been “taken hostage” by governments.
Four members of Reporters Without Borders have been on hunger strike since 28 April in support of Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi, who has been sentenced to eight years in prison in Iran on a charge of spying for the United States. Saberi has herself been on hunger strike since 21 April in protest against her conviction on a trumped-up charge. Her life is in danger. Reporters Without Borders is taking over her hunger strike so that she does not have to continue it herself. Beginning on 3 May, similar protests are going to be staged in Canada, the United States, Britain, Belgium and Spain. There is also an urgent need to obtain the release of two American journalists employed by California-based Current TV, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, who have been held in Pyongyang since 17 March. During a special evening event dedicated to the subject of North Korea which Reporters Without Borders organised in Paris on 27 April, the French secretary of state for foreign affairs and human rights, Rama Yade, offered her support for human rights organisations campaigning for their release. The detention of Saberi, Lee and Ling on arbitrary charges demonstrates more than ever the importance of World Press Freedom Day, which we will be celebrating on 3 May. We appeal to the Iranian and North Korean authorities to free these three women without delay. Saberi, Lee and Ling are professional journalists who are neither spies nor criminals. Through them, press freedom and the right to report the news freely are being taken hostage by Iran and North Korea.

What if March 8 militias win?
Date: May 3rd, 2009 Source: Future News
There is no doubt that the elections are crucial in defining Lebanon’s future. In democratic countries, all elections rank “critical”, for they have two tasks: accountability and restructuring of authority. This applies to Lebanon, and attains as well extraordinary elements, after coming out of a severe political crisis embodied by street fights, square occupations, violation of the constitution, and cordoning the Grand Serail.
The Lebanese have to choose one out of two options: either March 8 militias win, or March 14 renews its majority.
In both cases, this will have a drastic impact on economic, internal and external politics. If the first choice was made, this means the country will be isolated, according to all standards. Hizbullah-a financial, moral and military entity- runs these diverse militias. This Khamenei-based monstrosity has regional liaison to a project that threatens the entire Arab region. The militia’s win means disconnecting all ties with the international society which ranks the group a terrorist one. It means Iran will have full control over Lebanon.
On the economic level, the vision of these militias is merely considered as “classical” or even “populist”. It sees nothing of the world economy but refusing privatization. In simpler words, this means saying no to lightening the state’s debt burden, improving the services level, providing Lebanon with liquid currency and job opportunities.
The Lebanese must never forget scenes of political and social injustice that came upon them at the time of Syrian tutelage.

March 8 “democracy”: No to Lebanese judiciary…Yes to Syrian tutelage
Date: May 3rd, 2009 Source: Future News
The Lebanese have long waited for the verdict over the generals’ release to conclude the “politicization” invention the Minority came up with to impair justice and state institutions along. It seems that the hostility that team bears towards Lebanese authorities, including the judiciary, is still the same. But the question posed is: what is the fate of the republic in case this group presides over the parliament?
At the time Hizbullah’s General Secretary, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was honest enough to announce that there will be no further cooperation with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, opening the way for Syrian tutelage “orchestra” to return, Speaker Nabih Berry stands neutral on the matter. This points to a systematic divergence with the Party of God and with MP Michel Aoun.
Keen on judiciary
Though Prime Minister Fouad Siniora assured that the issue of the Memorandum of Understanding between Lebanon and the Special Tribunal “was agreed upon at the cabinet session when President Michel Sleiman gave his orders to Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar to handle the matter,” Nasrallah expresses complete refusal to the MoU.
Siniora responded to the campaign against the Lebanese judiciary as well, asserting “we are keen on the independent judiciary. Its independence is non-negotiable. We are keen on the judicary’s reputation and neutrality. It is a firewall: no what can intervene in its affairs.”
Return of tutelage
Leader of alMustaqbal parliamentary bloc, MP Saad Hariri expressed belief that the Syrian regime is attempting to regain control over Lebanon, pointing that “the day the four officers were released, we saw a lot of faces we have not seen a long time ago, threatening and promising intimidation.”
He told the French Channel 4 “we accused Syria politically, because the generals were responsible for security services,” and assured that the Tribunal’s verdict “does not scare us. On the contrary, it makes us stronger.”
Vote for the tribunal
In the same context, State Minister Wael Abu Faour criticized “the return of the former regime malpractices through holding celebrations, thinking it would bury the truth and the international tribunal.”
He continued “together we fought for the tribunal, prevented strife and achieved independent issuances. We tell those who celebrated the release of the four generals that we will vote on June 7 for the international tribunal. We will say yes to sovereignty and independence.”
No for the democracy of coup
Despite rhetorical electoral campaigns that sunk to the lowest level since a long time ago, Kataeb Party launched its electoral program and announced its candidates.
Kataeb leader Amine Gemayel assured the battle is not “electoral”, but rather “patriotic”, and asked “how could sovereignty be achieved in the presence of armed organizations?”
He stressed that sovereignty can only be accomplished if the State is fully responsible for all its territories, and denounced the “democracy of coup that is based on financial seduction and threats.”
Openness…on blocked roads
Even though Hizbullah and Amal confirmed partnership and openness to other factions, supporters of these two threw rock at the convoy of leader of the Democratic Affiliation, Ahmad al-Assaad, during a visit to a house in Marjayoun. The house was besieged to prevent al-Assaad from leaving the house.
After contacting security forces, Internal Security “rescued” al-Assaad and escorted him safely out of the house. But the envoy was caught in surprise again, when passing the Toulin Village Mosque, where roads were blocked by a public gathering with people throwing rocks at al-Assaad. Houla and Sawwaneh citizens were also called for gatherings to prevent al-Assaad from holding his electoral meetings.

Hizbullah’s cover to Sayed infuriates and jeopardizes Berry
Date: May 2nd, 2009 Source: Future News
Fireworks and celebratory gunfire were heard across Beirut and in the four general's hometowns after the news of their release were spread. However, the welcoming ritual left many question marks and skepticism within the Shiite community as well as in the Free Patriotic Movement. One of the perplexing reactions was of Amal Movement leader and Speaker Nabih Berry who refrained from delegate his party’s representatives to throng Jamil al-Sayed house after his release.
When Nasrallah's political aid Hajj Hussein Khalil contacted Berry to inquire about his absence from the honorable reception, Berry replied "I am the Speaker of the Lebanese parliament, I shall not participate in greeting parties of a previous employee.”
On the other hand, MP Michel Aoun undergone a fierce debate within his party, Free Patriotic Movement about two controversial issues; the position they shall announce regarding General al-Sayed in terms of resuming his public life normally, and Hizbullah’s deeming the FPM a future Shiite political project.
According to the information, Aoun partisans and supporters recalled al-Sayed’s role in suppressing the Aunists throughout the Syrian tutelage and oppressing opponents of the Syrian occupation, in addition to imprisoning many political dissidents opposed to the Syrian occupation of Lebanon
It seems that the dissatisfaction within Amal Movement in response to Hizbullah’s portraying Jamil al-Sayed personality is escalating day after day. Amal is convinced that Hizbullah’s attempt to empower al-Sayed is to weaken Amal and eliminate Barry’s role within the Shiite equation. It also aims at resurrecting an old equation; Hizbullah in the south and General al-Sayed employed at its disposal, and under its tutelage in the Beqaa region.
However, this would heighten the tension between the Shiites' demographic areas, the South and the Beqaa.
A well-informed Shiite source reveals that Hizbullah’s plot in the previous two months, was to nominate Jamil el-Sayed on one of the opposition list but Berry prevented his candidacy. The same source clarified that Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah slacked and changed his mind in the last minute after he felt Berry’s irritability to the issue, and after he made sure that this measure would harm the bilateral relations. It was said that al-Sayed nomination was in return of supporting Berry’s re-election as Speaker.
The shaky relation between Ain el-Tineh and Haret Hreik has dramatically deteriorated recently, after Hizbullah showed a conspicuous support to Jamil al-Sayyed, whose candidacy would topple the Shiite equation upside down if he was named to a leadership role in the government.

Obama’s Grand Delusion about Iran
A clearer, tougher policy is required — urgently.
May 1, 2009 -
by 'Reza Kahlili'
Pajamas Media
President Barack Obama’s recent video message to Iranians and their ruling mullahs for the Persian new year was both kind and heartfelt. Norouz, the Persian new year, has been celebrated by Iranians for almost 3,000 years. Norouz means new day and it represents two symbolic ancient concepts: end and rebirth — or end of evil and rebirth of good.
But the ruling mullahs in Iran are trying to usurp our Persian heritage and replace it with Arab/Islamic events. They have even tried to ban the new year celebration, calling it un-Islamic. If it were not for the courage and resistance of Iranians, our new year would have been replaced with an Islamic event just like the many other social changes since the Iranian Revolution.
Forcing Iranians to adhere to a strict Islamic dress code is the least of it. We have been subjected to amputation as the punishment for stealing, lashing for drinking, stoning for adultery, and execution by hanging from cranes for speaking against our rulers. Just days ago, Ayatollah Mohammad Mohammadi Gilani was awarded the highest judicial honor for his 30 years of service to the Islamic Republic. As the chief judge of the Revolutionary Courts, he ordered that demonstrators be killed and virgin girls be raped prior to execution so they could not go to heaven. He called the torture and killing of male and female opponents of the regime fair and just. All for no other reason than they violated the Islamic law as viewed by the mullahs.
President Obama’s comments may be well-intentioned, but like previous U.S. presidents, he ignores the ideology behind the mullahs’ regime. The mullahs’ view of Islam is based on Sharia, Islamic law that condemns as enemies of God all those who oppose them and all those who don’t believe in Allah. The mullahs believe in jihad or holy war for Islam, shahadat (martyrdom), and mahdaviat (the coming of the Shiites’ 12th imam to usher in Armageddon.) They believe that justice can only be served by killing the infidels and raising the flag of Islam worldwide.
These beliefs shape the mullahs’ jihadist policies. And therein lies the reason that U.S. presidents have not managed to succeed in negotiations with Tehran — either through secret or open channels — since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. President Jimmy Carter failed to negotiate the release of American hostages in Iran after the U.S Embassy in Tehran takeover. President Reagan failed to improve relations and failed to release American hostages held in Lebanon in exchange for arms. President George H. W. Bush failed in his secret negotiations with Hashemi Rafsanjani, going as far as recognizing him as the new leader of Iran. President Bill Clinton failed to improve relations when he met Iranian demands, removed sanctions, and apologized to the Iranian government for past U.S. behavior toward Iran. And President George W. Bush failed with his constant threats, which saw no follow-through.
The lesson of America’s failed carrot-and-stick foreign policy toward Iran is clear: Carrots don’t work; sticks work only if there is a follow-through.
The mullahs have backed down only once. Reagan had just about had it with the mullahs after his failed negotiations with them. Iran would not accept peace with Iraq and constantly threatened the flow of oil through the Persian Gulf. Reagan ordered attacks on the Iranian oil fields and naval units in the Persian Gulf. A top Revolutionary Guards commander told me, “A message has been sent by Reagan that if we do not accept peace [with Iraq] immediately, they will nuke us.” It was only then that Ayatollah Khomeini caved in and ended the Iran-Iraq war.
President Obama must be clear and concise with his policy toward Tehran. An Iran with nukes must never be allowed. The mullahs must abandon their enrichment activity and allow full International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections of all suspected sites. And they must stop supporting terrorism. Only then should they be welcomed by the world community.
If the mullahs continue to defy U.N. Security Council resolutions, there must be serious consequences. It could start with a naval blockade of Iran’s refined oil imports, which account for almost half of its domestic consumption. If that does not persuade them, then taking out the mullahs’ nuclear installations would be a better solution than facing a nuclear-armed Iran. Hesitation with Iran will only result in an inevitable nuclear confrontation with dire consequences, not only for Iranians but the region and the world.
The mullahs’ lobbyists in the U.S. have been trying hard to influence the Obama administration with their delusional picture of the leaders of Iran. The mullahs say a softer tone will earn their love and that their problems are not with America but with Israel.
In a recent New York Times column, Roger Cohen defended the mullahs against claims that they are a messianic apocalyptic cult. He said the regime is “the same ‘messianic apocalyptic cult’ that has survived 30 years, ushered the country from the penury of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war … cooperated with America on Afghanistan before being consigned to ‘the axis of evil,’ and kept its country at peace in the 21st century.”
Apparently, Mr. Cohen has been living in a cave for the past 30 years, during which the Iranian regime was busy with the bombing of the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, the torture and killing of American hostages such as CIA agent William Buckley in 1985, the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988, and the bombings of the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires in 1994 and the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia in 1996. Other atrocities include:
the massacre of as many as 30,000 political prisoners in 1988
the stabbing and mutilation in France of Shahpour Bakhtiar in 1991 — the last prime minister under the shah — and the ensuing release of a French hostage by Hezbollah in exchange for the French turning a blind eye to the killing
the Mafia-style assassination of the Kurdish opposition leaders in Germany in 1992 (Mykonos Trial)
the serial killings of Iranian dissident intellectuals in 1998
the 1998 stabbing and mutilation of the leader of Iran’s National Party and his wife (Dariush and Parvaneh Forouhar) while tied to the chair in their home facing Mecca
the killing of the students in their uprising of July 1999
the 2003 rape, torture, and killing of Zahra Kazemi, an Iranian/Canadian reporter in Tehran
and the recent imprisonment of Roxana Saberi , a U.S. journalist on trumped-up charges of espionage.
some of the highest-ranking Iranian authorities are currently either on Interpol’s most-wanted list or have arrest warrants issued for them by several courts around the world for their terrorist activities.
Mr. Cohen also claimed after a short visit to Iran that life was not that bad for the Iranian Jews under the Islamic rule of the mullahs. I guess Mr. Cohen did not get the chance to talk with the Jews who were blindfolded and taken in front of an execution squad and told they were going to die unless they signed a confession letter admitting they spied for Israel. He probably didn’t have the opportunity to talk to those Jews who, out of fear, converted to Islam but still had their passports confiscated every time they came back from a trip outside of Iran and had to put up with hair-raising questioning sessions in the Revolutionary Courts about their travels.
Mr. Cohen, a short visit to Iran does not make you an expert. I have lived it and seen it. I was a member of the Revolutionary Guards and chose to spy for America, thus putting my life and the lives of my family on the line to help America see the truth about the mullahs and the true aspirations of the great people of Iran.
It’s time to learn from past mistakes and understand the seriousness of the situation. A nuclear-capable Iran will create uncertainty, havoc, and total imbalance in world order. If one thinks the proliferation of arms by Iran to Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Iraqi militants, the Taliban, Sudan’s radical regime, and many terrorist groups around the world is a problem now, wait until dirty bombs show up everywhere.
The mullahs will sit at the negotiating table and shake hands, but as they have done for the past 30 years, they will sting you in the end just like a scorpion, for it is their nature to help Islam conquer the world. The Quran is their best guidance: deceive your enemies until such time as you are powerful enough to destroy them.
“Today Iran, with the grace of God, is controlling the entire nuclear fuel cycle,” President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on state television of the nuclear fuel facility in Isfahan, which is capable of producing 10 tons of nuclear fuel annually. Once fully operational, it could produce sufficient plutonium for two nuclear weapons a year.
Iranian officials have also announced an increase in the number of centrifuges at Iran’s uranium enrichment facility in Natanz (7,000, up from 6,000) and indicated their progress in testing a more advanced type of centrifuge.
It is estimated that Iran currently possesses over 26 kilograms of U-235 in its stockpile of low-enriched uranium and produces close to two kilograms more a month. The amount needed for a first-generation atomic bomb is 21.6 kilograms, and the time needed for the conversion of low-enriched uranium to weapons grade uranium is estimated to be two to six months. This is while the Revolutionary Guards, with the help of North Korea, are working on long-range ballistic missiles in tests that are concealed by its space project. As long as America continues to step back from its red line, both Iran and North Korea will take a more offensive posture in their policies.
Learn the lessons of history, Mr. President. If you don’t, the world is in peril.

Ahmadinejad: Zionist regime will be uprooted
Iranian president, in public speech, says Zionists have told lies to create the 'germ' of Israel. 'Just as it was created, it can be dismantled,' he says of Israeli state
Dudi Cohen Published: 05.03.09, 14:58 / Israel News
Israel must "stop its crimes" against the Palestinians or "the strong hand of nations will root them out," Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Sunday in a speech in the Iranian city of Karaj.
The website of the Iranian IRIB news agency quoted him as saying that, "The era of aggression of the Zionist regime and its supporters has come to an end" and emphasizing that "just as (Israel) was created, it can be dismantled."
Other Voices
Presidential hopeful: Ahmadinejad isolated Iran / Reuters
Moderate cleric Mehdi Karoubi says Iranian president's questioning of Holocaust not in line with Islamic state's interests, accuses him of damaging country's relations with international community
He denied Israel's legitimacy, saying that "for 60 years, they have told lies and tried to defraud nations in order to create the germ called the Zionist regime" and added that "Zionism contributes nothing other than aggression, mass murder, terror and threats."
In reference to the political situation in the region, Ahmadinejad asserted that "recently, the Zionist entity gave the Palestinian people an ultimatum to leave their homes in order to destroy them and place a pack of professional thieves, who come from other places in the world, in their place."
Slamming the international community, he asked "where is the United Nations Secretary-General to transfer the cry of the Palestinian people to the ears of the world? Where are the supporters of human rights and democracy?"
The Iranian president called for a referendum in 'Palestine' and said that if Israel "doesn't accept this humane solution, the might of nations will bury them underground and bring about justice."
He also affirmed his intent to continue the nuclear program, saying that "Iran will stay unified until it achieves all the rights it deserves."
Ahmadinejad's statements come about a month before presidential elections, scheduled to take place on June 12, in which he is running for reelection. He has recently faced criticism about his last term from his political rivals, particularly regarding his failed economic policy and his aggressive foreign policy that has left him isolated within the international community and subject to sanctions.


 

LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
May 04/09

Bible Reading of the day.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 10,11-18. I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.  This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father."

Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special Reports
Obama’s Grand Delusion about Iran/A clearer, tougher policy is required urgently.By: Reza Kahlili/Pajamas Media 03/05/09
March 8 “democracy”: No to Lebanese judiciary…Yes to Syrian tutelage/Future News 03/05/09
What if March 8 militias win?Future News 03/05/09

Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for May 03/09
Lebanon arrests three more Israel 'spies'-AFP
Ahmadinejad to meet Assad in Syria-Jerusalem Post
Hamas open to Israel-Syria negotiations-United Press International
Israel Accepts Two-State Route to Peace, Ayalon Says (Correct)-Bloomberg - USA
Ahmadinejad: Zionist regime will be uprooted/Israeli News
'IDF staged drills over Gibraltar, in preparation for Iran strike'/Haaretz
Israel set to quit divided Lebanon border town/Haaretz
Hamas: We won't oppose Israel-Syria talks/Haaretz
Iran candidate wanted in attack on Argentine Jews: I'd work with U.S. A/P
Nasrallah’s words, a coup over the State-Future News
Hariri: the tutelage regime attempts to return-Future News
Najjar to Seek Amendment of Criminal Procedure Law while Mirza, Saqr Refuse to Resign-Naharnet
Report: Syria to Extradite Wanted Man in Army Ambush-Naharnet
Haaretz: Netanyahu to Announce Wednesday Plans for Ghajar Withdrawal-Naharnet
Netanyahu to prioritize Iran issue at Obama meeting-Ynetnews
March 8 “democracy”: No to Lebanese judiciary…Yes to Syrian tutelage-Future News
Sayed mediates between Berry and Aoun-Future News
Hizbullah’s cover to Sayed infuriates and jeopardizes Berry-Future News
Abu Faour: we will counter any new coup-Future News
Jumblat Urges Lebanese to Vote for Aley's March 14 Ticket and Arslan-Naharnet
Sfeir: Protect Judiciary against Campaign for Political Gains-Naharnet
Assaad Convoy Attacked for 2nd Time in 2 Days-Naharnet
Report: Syria Could Give Lebanon Information About October 13 Missing-Naharnet
Gemayel: Presence of Arms Strips Lebanon of its Sovereignty, Democracy-Naharnet
US diplomats return to Syria this week-Jerusalem Post
Hezbollah spy thriller grips Arab world-guardian.co
Lebanon: 1 more arrest in 'pro-Israel' spy-ring-Ynetnews
Hezbollah attacks inquiry into Hariri killing-Reuters
Hezbollah chief says Ban Ki-moon dragging UN into confrontation-Xinhua
Ex-Spy Turned Negotiator Sits Down With Islamists and the West-New York Time
Zahra: Hezbollah tries to move attention from regional accusations ...iloubnan.info
Gemayel: Some “State agencies are covering activities of Hezbollah”-iloubnan.info
Fayad: Hezbollah seeks the reform of the judicial system-iloubnan.info
New York Post Publishes AJC Op-ed on Hezbollah TV in US-American Jewish Committe

'IDF staged drills over Gibraltar, in preparation for Iran strike'
By Haaretz Service
Last update - 10:24 03/05/2009
The Israel Air Force recently staged military exercises over between Israel and the British colony of Gibraltar near southern Spain, the French newspaper L'Express reported on Saturday.
The fact that the drills were held 3,800 kilometers away from Israel "confirms that the Israel Defense Forces is making concrete preparations" to attack Iran over its refusal to cooperate with the international community over its contentious nuclear program, according to L'Express.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman vowed last week that Israel would not attack Iran even if the international sanctions against Tehran fail to convince President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to give up his country's nuclear program, in an interview with the Austrian daily Kleine Zeitung.
But The London Times reported a few weeks ago that the IDF was indeed making preparations to be able to launch a massive aerial assault on Iran's nuclear facilities, to be carried out within days of being given the go-ahead by Israel's government.
"Israel wants to know that if its forces were given the green light they could strike at Iran in a matter of days, even hours. They are making preparations on every level for this eventuality. The message to Iran is that the threat is not just words," one senior Israeli defense official told The Times.
The London Times report appeared to be an Israeli message to Iran conveying its capability and readiness to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
The report included a nation-wide home front drill, scheduled for June, among what it calls Israel's intensive preparations for the possibility of an attack, aiming to prepare Israel's civilians for the possible consequences of an attack on Iran.
"We would not make the threat [against Iran] without the force to back it. There has been a recent move, a number of on-the-ground preparations, that indicate Israel's willingness to act," another official from Israel's intelligence community told the Times.

Iran candidate wanted in attack on Argentine Jews: I'd work with U.S.
By The Associated Press
An Iranian presidential candidate who is wanted by Interpol in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish center in Argentina says he's willing to cooperate with the U.S. on security matters if elected.
Conservative candidate Mohsen Rezaei told a news conference Sunday that he would work with the U.S. and other countries on security matters if he wins the June 12 vote.
Rezaei is not considered a front runner, but he could siphon votes from hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose challengers blame his anti-U.S. rhetoric for Iran's isolation.
Rezaei headed Iran's Revolutionary Guards during the war with Iraq in the 1980s. Since 2007, he has been among five Iranians wanted by Interpol for the Buenos Aires bombing that killed 85 people. Iran has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attack and blames the United States for trying to implicate the Islamic Republic. The bombing of the AMIA Jewish center in Argentina came two years after an explosion destroyed the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires and killed 29 people. Neither crime has been solved.

Assaad Convoy Attacked for 2nd Time in 2 Days
Naharnet/The convoy of head of the Lebanese Option Ahmed al-Assaad was attacked for the second time in two days in southern Lebanon, the movement said in a statement on Saturday.
It said "Hizbullah and Amal movement supporters" attacked al-Assaad's convoy "as he was visiting the southern town of Toulin" in Marjayoun Saturday afternoon.
The two Shiite party's supporters "attacked al-Assaad's convoy with sticks, stones and guns, injuring several people and damaging several vehicles," the statement added.
Sources said the attackers first surrounded a house which al-Assaad was visiting. But security forces took the politician out and escorted him. The convoy was attacked again with stones near Toulin's mosque. The Lebanese Option on Friday accused Hizbullah and Amal elements of attacking al-Assaad during a visit to the town of al-Taybeh.
"The convoy was attacked with glass bottles, stones and with men wielding sticks and firing their gun," the statement said, adding that several people were wounded and vehicles were damaged in the attack. Beirut, 02 May 09, 19:10

Report: Syria to Extradite Wanted Man in Army Ambush
Naharnet/Lebanon is in contact with Syria over the extradition of Lebanese detainee Hussein Jaafar, accused of being behind a deadly ambush on an army convoy last month, the Lebanese daily An Nahar reported Sunday. Four soldiers were killed when their vehicle was raked with bullets and blasted with a grenade in an apparent drugs-related ambush in the Bekaa Valley. A massive man-hunt was launched in search for the perpetrators. The attack on the army was apparently in revenge for the death of Ali Abbas Jaafar, a drug baron killed by the military in March after refusing to stop at a checkpoint. Jaafar was wanted on several charges, including drug trafficking and the attempted murder of soldiers and civilians. Hussein Jaafar and a Syrian companion were first arrested in Turkey on April 28 after entering the country from Syria. Jaafar, who was using a fake Syrian ID, was handed over to the Syrian authorities. Syria will "respond to Lebanon's extradition request," as required by two cooperation agreements to combat terrorism and organized crime, An Nahar reported. "There is great anticipation that Jaafar will (reveal) he received help from a (political) party to facilitate his escape from Lebanon to Syria and then to Turkey," the paper said quoting informed sources. Beirut, 03 May 09, 13:01

Haaretz: Netanyahu to Announce Wednesday Plans for Ghajar Withdrawal
Naharnet/Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will likely announce this week his government's plans to withdraw from the Lebanese village of Ghajar, a senior Israeli official said in comments published Sunday. Netanyahu is expected to declare that Israel wants to remove all its military personnel from the northern sector of the village of Ghajar, the source told the Haaretz newspaper. Israel's security cabinet is due to discuss the issue at a meeting on Wednesday, he said. "Netanyahu wants to respond to the American request on the matter (of Ghajar)," the source told the Israeli daily Haaretz. U.S. special envoy George Mitchell raised the issue last month in talks with Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman in Israel. "He asked that Israel carry out the withdrawal as promised when Ehud Olmert was prime minister," Haaretz said. The timing of the report precedes Netanyahu's trip to Washington on May 17, his first since becoming prime minister in March. Netanyahu "wants to make a decision before his departure for Washington to be seen by the U.S. president as someone who can deliver the goods and carry out diplomatic moves," a Western diplomat told Haaretz. An announcement also comes as Lebanon gears up for crucial elections on June 7.
"The idea of offering a goodwill gesture ahead of the elections is obvious, but a debate is underway ... on how best to do it, and a decision will be made this week," the Israeli official said.
But he added that any withdrawal "would not take place before the Lebanese elections." "Everyone is aware of the narrow timescale," he told Haaretz. "Therefore, first a statement in principle on Israel's position, to be followed by practical action on the ground soon after." The village, at the foot of Mount Hermon straddling the Lebanese-Syrian border, is perched on a cliff overlooking the precious Wazzani spring, which has been a source of continuous disputes between Israel and Lebanon.(Naharnet-AFP) Beirut, 03 May 09, 11:51

Najjar to Seek Amendment of Criminal Procedure Law while Mirza, Saqr Refuse to Resign
Naharnet/The justice minister is preparing a draft law to amend the law of criminal procedure setting a time limit for the detention of suspects under investigation, the Lebanese daily An Nahar reported Sunday. Ibrahim Najjar's proposal to amend Article 108 comes as the Higher Judicial Council prepares to meet on Tuesday to contain a wave of condemnation triggered by the release of four generals held over the murder of ex-premier Rafik Hariri. Under the current law – kept in place by former President Emile Lahoud – authorities can detain suspects in terrorism and security-related crimes indefinitely pending investigation. Minority forces have called for the judiciary to be held accountable over what they described as the "arbitrary" detention of the four officials, who have been held since August 2005 without charge. Official sources told An Nahar that "the judiciary will be left to bear its responsibilities in this case and prove its credibility … its complete independence from the executive authority." Al-Manar television reported plans by the minority to stage a sit-in at the Justice Ministry to force the resignation Prosecutor General Saeed Mirza and examining magistrate Saqr Saqr. In an interview with al-Manar, Mirza rejected calls by Jamil al-Sayyed, one of the freed generals, to step down resignation saying "it was out of the questions."
"There are procedures and laws that I abide by," he added. In the meantime, the parliamentary majority "warned against harming the judiciary," and accused the minority of playing up the generals' release for electoral gains, the pan-Arab daily al-Hayat reported Sunday. "The current campaign (against the judiciary) is clearly being coordinated between the leaders of the opposition and goes beyond merely targeting the majority and the judiciary" a high-ranking source in March 14 told the paper. He said the campaign will use the banner of "judicial accountability" to go as far as "pushing President Michel Suleiman to respond to the opposition's demands." The opposition eventually hopes to "drown" Suleiman in a "biased policy" that adopts its positions, especially regarding the international tribunal and to "blackmail" the president by using his approval of "a centrist" parliamentary bloc Suleiman for electoral gains. The source expressed concern that the opposition was seeking to "paralyze both the judiciary and the security forces in the next phase." Beirut, 03 May 09, 10:44

Jumblat Urges Lebanese to Vote for Aley's March 14 Ticket and Arslan
Naharnet/In a goodwill gesture, Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat urged the Lebanese on Saturday to vote for the March 14 list in Aley, in addition to Youth and Sports Minister Talal Arslan, who is a member of the March 8 coalition. Jumblat also told his visitors in Mukhtara to run in the June 7 elections in a democratic spirit. Members of the Western Bekaa-Rashaya's Karameh list also visited Jumblat. It includes candidates Wael Abou Faour, Robert Ghanem, Jamal Jarrah, Antoine Saad, Ziad Qadri and Amin Wehbe. Jarrah stressed after the meeting with Jumblat that the visit is aimed at ensuring the political alliance between al-Mustaqbal movement, the Progressive Socialist Party, the Democratic Left and independents.
Beirut, 02 May 09, 15:46

Sfeir: Protect Judiciary against Campaign for Political Gains
Naharnet/Maronite Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir warned Sunday against smearing the judiciary's reputation in order to achieve political gains. "We must safeguard the judiciary against false statements that only serve political ends," he said during Sunday's sermon. "We must also protect the judges who have always had a reputation of integrity," he added. Sfeir congratulated the four generals on their release but voiced hope that "any hidden aspects in their case would be clarified in order to put an end to controversy." Beirut, 03 May 09, 12:16

Report: Syria Could Give Lebanon Information About October 13 Missing
Naharnet/Syria could give Lebanese authorities information about those who went missing in October 13, 1990, judicial sources told the Central News Agency on Saturday.
The sources from the Lebanese-Syrian committee tasked with following up the issue of missing told CNA that Lebanese members asked the Syrian side about the fate of soldiers who went missing during the last days of the civil war. The committee held its meeting in Jdeidet Yabous on Saturday. CNA said the Syrian side could give Lebanon information about the missing during the committee's next meeting in June. The Syrian side was also informed about all Syrians missing in Lebanon. It turned out they had died in accidents not related to political events.
The upcoming meetings will tackle the issue of Lebanese civilians and soldiers in Syrian jails and ways to repatriate Lebanese who were sentenced to jail in Syria, the sources added.
Beirut, 02 May 09, 18:29

Gemayel: Presence of Arms Strips Lebanon of its Sovereignty, Democracy
Naharnet/Phalange party leader Amin Gemayel said during the launch of his party's electoral platform that a sovereign state cannot be achieved as long as there are armed organizations in the country. "How can we talk of sovereignty amid the presence of armed Palestinian and non-Palestinian organizations?" Gemayel wondered during the rally at Ghazir basketball stadium.
"How can we talk of democracy as long as there are areas outside the control of the state," the Phalange party leader asked. "Stability and peace of mind are our obsessions to save Lebanon," he told cheering crowds. "They can't be achieved unless there is a responsible state." He said the Lebanese are paying the price of the pointless political bickering. Gemayel also called for a state that works for social justice. "There can't be stability or peace of mind without social democracy." He said his party also wants a state that holds people accountable and is not based on division of shares. The former president vowed Phalange candidates will win the June 7 elections and will work on guaranteeing stability, peace of mind and a free and sovereign state. "This is not a political battle. It is a national battle par excellence," he stressed. Phalange Deputy President Salim Sayegh and politburo member Albert Gostanian read the party's political platform following Gemayel's speech. Beirut, 02 May 09, 17:37

Hamas: We won't oppose Israel-Syria talks
By Haaretz Service /Last update 03/05/2009
Hamas has declared that it would not oppose peace negotiations between Israel and Syria, the A-Sharq al-Aswat daily reported on Sunday.
A member of the Gaza Strip's parliament, Yehye Moussa, told the newspaper that the negotiations would bear no influence on the group's own relations with Damascus.
Moussa said his group was aware of the constraints facing many regimes in the Arab world and would not involve itself in their internal manners.
Another Hamas MP, Aataf Adwan, said that the movement wanted to see the return of all Arab lands from Israel viewed bilateral negotiations as a legitimate method of achieving such a goal. Syria's ties with Hamas have long been denounced by Western governments, who accuse Damascus and its ally Iran of supplying military support to the Gaza Strip.
Syria recently said it would resume indirect peace talks with the new Israeli government as long as they focused on a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights, which Israel captured the 1967 Six-Day War. Defense Minister Ehud Barak has called resumption of negotiations a "crucial strategic interest" and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has said he is willing to enter peace talks as long as they are held without preconditions

REPORTERS SANS FRONTIERES / REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS
COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE / PRESS RELEASE
03.05.2009
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
WHEN GOVERNMENTS TAKE JOURNALISTS HOSTAGE
In the run-up to World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, Reporters Without Borders is campaigning for the release of three women journalists who have been “taken hostage” by governments.
Four members of Reporters Without Borders have been on hunger strike since 28 April in support of Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi, who has been sentenced to eight years in prison in Iran on a charge of spying for the United States. Saberi has herself been on hunger strike since 21 April in protest against her conviction on a trumped-up charge. Her life is in danger. Reporters Without Borders is taking over her hunger strike so that she does not have to continue it herself. Beginning on 3 May, similar protests are going to be staged in Canada, the United States, Britain, Belgium and Spain. There is also an urgent need to obtain the release of two American journalists employed by California-based Current TV, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, who have been held in Pyongyang since 17 March. During a special evening event dedicated to the subject of North Korea which Reporters Without Borders organised in Paris on 27 April, the French secretary of state for foreign affairs and human rights, Rama Yade, offered her support for human rights organisations campaigning for their release. The detention of Saberi, Lee and Ling on arbitrary charges demonstrates more than ever the importance of World Press Freedom Day, which we will be celebrating on 3 May. We appeal to the Iranian and North Korean authorities to free these three women without delay. Saberi, Lee and Ling are professional journalists who are neither spies nor criminals. Through them, press freedom and the right to report the news freely are being taken hostage by Iran and North Korea.

What if March 8 militias win?
Date: May 3rd, 2009 Source: Future News
There is no doubt that the elections are crucial in defining Lebanon’s future. In democratic countries, all elections rank “critical”, for they have two tasks: accountability and restructuring of authority. This applies to Lebanon, and attains as well extraordinary elements, after coming out of a severe political crisis embodied by street fights, square occupations, violation of the constitution, and cordoning the Grand Serail.
The Lebanese have to choose one out of two options: either March 8 militias win, or March 14 renews its majority.
In both cases, this will have a drastic impact on economic, internal and external politics. If the first choice was made, this means the country will be isolated, according to all standards. Hizbullah-a financial, moral and military entity- runs these diverse militias. This Khamenei-based monstrosity has regional liaison to a project that threatens the entire Arab region. The militia’s win means disconnecting all ties with the international society which ranks the group a terrorist one. It means Iran will have full control over Lebanon.
On the economic level, the vision of these militias is merely considered as “classical” or even “populist”. It sees nothing of the world economy but refusing privatization. In simpler words, this means saying no to lightening the state’s debt burden, improving the services level, providing Lebanon with liquid currency and job opportunities.
The Lebanese must never forget scenes of political and social injustice that came upon them at the time of Syrian tutelage.

March 8 “democracy”: No to Lebanese judiciary…Yes to Syrian tutelage
Date: May 3rd, 2009 Source: Future News
The Lebanese have long waited for the verdict over the generals’ release to conclude the “politicization” invention the Minority came up with to impair justice and state institutions along. It seems that the hostility that team bears towards Lebanese authorities, including the judiciary, is still the same. But the question posed is: what is the fate of the republic in case this group presides over the parliament?
At the time Hizbullah’s General Secretary, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was honest enough to announce that there will be no further cooperation with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, opening the way for Syrian tutelage “orchestra” to return, Speaker Nabih Berry stands neutral on the matter. This points to a systematic divergence with the Party of God and with MP Michel Aoun.
Keen on judiciary
Though Prime Minister Fouad Siniora assured that the issue of the Memorandum of Understanding between Lebanon and the Special Tribunal “was agreed upon at the cabinet session when President Michel Sleiman gave his orders to Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar to handle the matter,” Nasrallah expresses complete refusal to the MoU.
Siniora responded to the campaign against the Lebanese judiciary as well, asserting “we are keen on the independent judiciary. Its independence is non-negotiable. We are keen on the judicary’s reputation and neutrality. It is a firewall: no what can intervene in its affairs.”
Return of tutelage
Leader of alMustaqbal parliamentary bloc, MP Saad Hariri expressed belief that the Syrian regime is attempting to regain control over Lebanon, pointing that “the day the four officers were released, we saw a lot of faces we have not seen a long time ago, threatening and promising intimidation.”
He told the French Channel 4 “we accused Syria politically, because the generals were responsible for security services,” and assured that the Tribunal’s verdict “does not scare us. On the contrary, it makes us stronger.”
Vote for the tribunal
In the same context, State Minister Wael Abu Faour criticized “the return of the former regime malpractices through holding celebrations, thinking it would bury the truth and the international tribunal.”
He continued “together we fought for the tribunal, prevented strife and achieved independent issuances. We tell those who celebrated the release of the four generals that we will vote on June 7 for the international tribunal. We will say yes to sovereignty and independence.”
No for the democracy of coup
Despite rhetorical electoral campaigns that sunk to the lowest level since a long time ago, Kataeb Party launched its electoral program and announced its candidates.
Kataeb leader Amine Gemayel assured the battle is not “electoral”, but rather “patriotic”, and asked “how could sovereignty be achieved in the presence of armed organizations?”
He stressed that sovereignty can only be accomplished if the State is fully responsible for all its territories, and denounced the “democracy of coup that is based on financial seduction and threats.”
Openness…on blocked roads
Even though Hizbullah and Amal confirmed partnership and openness to other factions, supporters of these two threw rock at the convoy of leader of the Democratic Affiliation, Ahmad al-Assaad, during a visit to a house in Marjayoun. The house was besieged to prevent al-Assaad from leaving the house.
After contacting security forces, Internal Security “rescued” al-Assaad and escorted him safely out of the house. But the envoy was caught in surprise again, when passing the Toulin Village Mosque, where roads were blocked by a public gathering with people throwing rocks at al-Assaad. Houla and Sawwaneh citizens were also called for gatherings to prevent al-Assaad from holding his electoral meetings.

Hizbullah’s cover to Sayed infuriates and jeopardizes Berry
Date: May 2nd, 2009 Source: Future News
Fireworks and celebratory gunfire were heard across Beirut and in the four general's hometowns after the news of their release were spread. However, the welcoming ritual left many question marks and skepticism within the Shiite community as well as in the Free Patriotic Movement. One of the perplexing reactions was of Amal Movement leader and Speaker Nabih Berry who refrained from delegate his party’s representatives to throng Jamil al-Sayed house after his release.
When Nasrallah's political aid Hajj Hussein Khalil contacted Berry to inquire about his absence from the honorable reception, Berry replied "I am the Speaker of the Lebanese parliament, I shall not participate in greeting parties of a previous employee.”
On the other hand, MP Michel Aoun undergone a fierce debate within his party, Free Patriotic Movement about two controversial issues; the position they shall announce regarding General al-Sayed in terms of resuming his public life normally, and Hizbullah’s deeming the FPM a future Shiite political project.
According to the information, Aoun partisans and supporters recalled al-Sayed’s role in suppressing the Aunists throughout the Syrian tutelage and oppressing opponents of the Syrian occupation, in addition to imprisoning many political dissidents opposed to the Syrian occupation of Lebanon
It seems that the dissatisfaction within Amal Movement in response to Hizbullah’s portraying Jamil al-Sayed personality is escalating day after day. Amal is convinced that Hizbullah’s attempt to empower al-Sayed is to weaken Amal and eliminate Barry’s role within the Shiite equation. It also aims at resurrecting an old equation; Hizbullah in the south and General al-Sayed employed at its disposal, and under its tutelage in the Beqaa region.
However, this would heighten the tension between the Shiites' demographic areas, the South and the Beqaa.
A well-informed Shiite source reveals that Hizbullah’s plot in the previous two months, was to nominate Jamil el-Sayed on one of the opposition list but Berry prevented his candidacy. The same source clarified that Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah slacked and changed his mind in the last minute after he felt Berry’s irritability to the issue, and after he made sure that this measure would harm the bilateral relations. It was said that al-Sayed nomination was in return of supporting Berry’s re-election as Speaker.
The shaky relation between Ain el-Tineh and Haret Hreik has dramatically deteriorated recently, after Hizbullah showed a conspicuous support to Jamil al-Sayyed, whose candidacy would topple the Shiite equation upside down if he was named to a leadership role in the government.

Obama’s Grand Delusion about Iran
A clearer, tougher policy is required — urgently.
May 1, 2009 -
by 'Reza Kahlili'
Pajamas Media
President Barack Obama’s recent video message to Iranians and their ruling mullahs for the Persian new year was both kind and heartfelt. Norouz, the Persian new year, has been celebrated by Iranians for almost 3,000 years. Norouz means new day and it represents two symbolic ancient concepts: end and rebirth — or end of evil and rebirth of good.
But the ruling mullahs in Iran are trying to usurp our Persian heritage and replace it with Arab/Islamic events. They have even tried to ban the new year celebration, calling it un-Islamic. If it were not for the courage and resistance of Iranians, our new year would have been replaced with an Islamic event just like the many other social changes since the Iranian Revolution.
Forcing Iranians to adhere to a strict Islamic dress code is the least of it. We have been subjected to amputation as the punishment for stealing, lashing for drinking, stoning for adultery, and execution by hanging from cranes for speaking against our rulers. Just days ago, Ayatollah Mohammad Mohammadi Gilani was awarded the highest judicial honor for his 30 years of service to the Islamic Republic. As the chief judge of the Revolutionary Courts, he ordered that demonstrators be killed and virgin girls be raped prior to execution so they could not go to heaven. He called the torture and killing of male and female opponents of the regime fair and just. All for no other reason than they violated the Islamic law as viewed by the mullahs.
President Obama’s comments may be well-intentioned, but like previous U.S. presidents, he ignores the ideology behind the mullahs’ regime. The mullahs’ view of Islam is based on Sharia, Islamic law that condemns as enemies of God all those who oppose them and all those who don’t believe in Allah. The mullahs believe in jihad or holy war for Islam, shahadat (martyrdom), and mahdaviat (the coming of the Shiites’ 12th imam to usher in Armageddon.) They believe that justice can only be served by killing the infidels and raising the flag of Islam worldwide.
These beliefs shape the mullahs’ jihadist policies. And therein lies the reason that U.S. presidents have not managed to succeed in negotiations with Tehran — either through secret or open channels — since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. President Jimmy Carter failed to negotiate the release of American hostages in Iran after the U.S Embassy in Tehran takeover. President Reagan failed to improve relations and failed to release American hostages held in Lebanon in exchange for arms. President George H. W. Bush failed in his secret negotiations with Hashemi Rafsanjani, going as far as recognizing him as the new leader of Iran. President Bill Clinton failed to improve relations when he met Iranian demands, removed sanctions, and apologized to the Iranian government for past U.S. behavior toward Iran. And President George W. Bush failed with his constant threats, which saw no follow-through.
The lesson of America’s failed carrot-and-stick foreign policy toward Iran is clear: Carrots don’t work; sticks work only if there is a follow-through.
The mullahs have backed down only once. Reagan had just about had it with the mullahs after his failed negotiations with them. Iran would not accept peace with Iraq and constantly threatened the flow of oil through the Persian Gulf. Reagan ordered attacks on the Iranian oil fields and naval units in the Persian Gulf. A top Revolutionary Guards commander told me, “A message has been sent by Reagan that if we do not accept peace [with Iraq] immediately, they will nuke us.” It was only then that Ayatollah Khomeini caved in and ended the Iran-Iraq war.
President Obama must be clear and concise with his policy toward Tehran. An Iran with nukes must never be allowed. The mullahs must abandon their enrichment activity and allow full International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections of all suspected sites. And they must stop supporting terrorism. Only then should they be welcomed by the world community.
If the mullahs continue to defy U.N. Security Council resolutions, there must be serious consequences. It could start with a naval blockade of Iran’s refined oil imports, which account for almost half of its domestic consumption. If that does not persuade them, then taking out the mullahs’ nuclear installations would be a better solution than facing a nuclear-armed Iran. Hesitation with Iran will only result in an inevitable nuclear confrontation with dire consequences, not only for Iranians but the region and the world.
The mullahs’ lobbyists in the U.S. have been trying hard to influence the Obama administration with their delusional picture of the leaders of Iran. The mullahs say a softer tone will earn their love and that their problems are not with America but with Israel.
In a recent New York Times column, Roger Cohen defended the mullahs against claims that they are a messianic apocalyptic cult. He said the regime is “the same ‘messianic apocalyptic cult’ that has survived 30 years, ushered the country from the penury of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war … cooperated with America on Afghanistan before being consigned to ‘the axis of evil,’ and kept its country at peace in the 21st century.”
Apparently, Mr. Cohen has been living in a cave for the past 30 years, during which the Iranian regime was busy with the bombing of the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, the torture and killing of American hostages such as CIA agent William Buckley in 1985, the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988, and the bombings of the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires in 1994 and the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia in 1996. Other atrocities include:
the massacre of as many as 30,000 political prisoners in 1988
the stabbing and mutilation in France of Shahpour Bakhtiar in 1991 — the last prime minister under the shah — and the ensuing release of a French hostage by Hezbollah in exchange for the French turning a blind eye to the killing
the Mafia-style assassination of the Kurdish opposition leaders in Germany in 1992 (Mykonos Trial)
the serial killings of Iranian dissident intellectuals in 1998
the 1998 stabbing and mutilation of the leader of Iran’s National Party and his wife (Dariush and Parvaneh Forouhar) while tied to the chair in their home facing Mecca
the killing of the students in their uprising of July 1999
the 2003 rape, torture, and killing of Zahra Kazemi, an Iranian/Canadian reporter in Tehran
and the recent imprisonment of Roxana Saberi , a U.S. journalist on trumped-up charges of espionage.
some of the highest-ranking Iranian authorities are currently either on Interpol’s most-wanted list or have arrest warrants issued for them by several courts around the world for their terrorist activities.
Mr. Cohen also claimed after a short visit to Iran that life was not that bad for the Iranian Jews under the Islamic rule of the mullahs. I guess Mr. Cohen did not get the chance to talk with the Jews who were blindfolded and taken in front of an execution squad and told they were going to die unless they signed a confession letter admitting they spied for Israel. He probably didn’t have the opportunity to talk to those Jews who, out of fear, converted to Islam but still had their passports confiscated every time they came back from a trip outside of Iran and had to put up with hair-raising questioning sessions in the Revolutionary Courts about their travels.
Mr. Cohen, a short visit to Iran does not make you an expert. I have lived it and seen it. I was a member of the Revolutionary Guards and chose to spy for America, thus putting my life and the lives of my family on the line to help America see the truth about the mullahs and the true aspirations of the great people of Iran.
It’s time to learn from past mistakes and understand the seriousness of the situation. A nuclear-capable Iran will create uncertainty, havoc, and total imbalance in world order. If one thinks the proliferation of arms by Iran to Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Iraqi militants, the Taliban, Sudan’s radical regime, and many terrorist groups around the world is a problem now, wait until dirty bombs show up everywhere.
The mullahs will sit at the negotiating table and shake hands, but as they have done for the past 30 years, they will sting you in the end just like a scorpion, for it is their nature to help Islam conquer the world. The Quran is their best guidance: deceive your enemies until such time as you are powerful enough to destroy them.
“Today Iran, with the grace of God, is controlling the entire nuclear fuel cycle,” President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on state television of the nuclear fuel facility in Isfahan, which is capable of producing 10 tons of nuclear fuel annually. Once fully operational, it could produce sufficient plutonium for two nuclear weapons a year.
Iranian officials have also announced an increase in the number of centrifuges at Iran’s uranium enrichment facility in Natanz (7,000, up from 6,000) and indicated their progress in testing a more advanced type of centrifuge.
It is estimated that Iran currently possesses over 26 kilograms of U-235 in its stockpile of low-enriched uranium and produces close to two kilograms more a month. The amount needed for a first-generation atomic bomb is 21.6 kilograms, and the time needed for the conversion of low-enriched uranium to weapons grade uranium is estimated to be two to six months. This is while the Revolutionary Guards, with the help of North Korea, are working on long-range ballistic missiles in tests that are concealed by its space project. As long as America continues to step back from its red line, both Iran and North Korea will take a more offensive posture in their policies.
Learn the lessons of history, Mr. President. If you don’t, the world is in peril.

Ahmadinejad: Zionist regime will be uprooted
Iranian president, in public speech, says Zionists have told lies to create the 'germ' of Israel. 'Just as it was created, it can be dismantled,' he says of Israeli state
Dudi Cohen Published: 05.03.09, 14:58 / Israel News
Israel must "stop its crimes" against the Palestinians or "the strong hand of nations will root them out," Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Sunday in a speech in the Iranian city of Karaj.
The website of the Iranian IRIB news agency quoted him as saying that, "The era of aggression of the Zionist regime and its supporters has come to an end" and emphasizing that "just as (Israel) was created, it can be dismantled."
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He denied Israel's legitimacy, saying that "for 60 years, they have told lies and tried to defraud nations in order to create the germ called the Zionist regime" and added that "Zionism contributes nothing other than aggression, mass murder, terror and threats."
In reference to the political situation in the region, Ahmadinejad asserted that "recently, the Zionist entity gave the Palestinian people an ultimatum to leave their homes in order to destroy them and place a pack of professional thieves, who come from other places in the world, in their place."
Slamming the international community, he asked "where is the United Nations Secretary-General to transfer the cry of the Palestinian people to the ears of the world? Where are the supporters of human rights and democracy?"
The Iranian president called for a referendum in 'Palestine' and said that if Israel "doesn't accept this humane solution, the might of nations will bury them underground and bring about justice."
He also affirmed his intent to continue the nuclear program, saying that "Iran will stay unified until it achieves all the rights it deserves."
Ahmadinejad's statements come about a month before presidential elections, scheduled to take place on June 12, in which he is running for reelection. He has recently faced criticism about his last term from his political rivals, particularly regarding his failed economic policy and his aggressive foreign policy that has left him isolated within the international community and subject to sanctions.