LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
May 20/09

Bible Reading of the day.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 16:5-11. But now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.  And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. Coming of the Advocate

Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special Reports
Kuwait's people have spoken; now it's up to leaders to listen.The Daily Star 19/05/09
Towards Muslim-Christian understanding.By Saleem H. Ali and Hiba Zeino 19/05/09
March 8 militiamen/future News 19.05.09

Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for May 19/09
US Vice President Biden To Visit Lebanon Friday-NASDAQ
Report: Iran, Syria behind firing of top Hamas leader-Ha'aretz
Pentagon says Iranian weapons still coming to Iraq-The Associated Press
Lebanese Cabinet to Meet May 26, Saniora Defends Suleiman/Naharnet
Berri: We Must Remain Vigilant to Israel's Threats/Naharnet
Baroud Briefs Top Diplomats on Electoral Preparations: Polls Will Be Held on Time/Naharnet
Syria-US Thaw Awaits Concrete Steps.VOA
March 8’s arrows target the President… and March 14 supports the President of all the Lebanese/Future News
Hariri Rules Out Meeting Nasrallah Following Controversial Speech on May 7-Naharnet
Suleiman Denies Meddling in Elections-Naharnet
LBC Suspends Charbel Khalil-Naharnet
Geagea: Nasrallah not Aoun will govern if March 8 wins the ...iloubnan.info
Iran Dubs Nasrallah 'Hero'-Naharnet
Lebanon's election will shine a light on the Mideast/Globe and Mail
Iran Dubs Nasrallah 'Hero'-Naharnet
Lebanese Army Wants 'Written' Clarification on Israel Maneuvers-Naharnet
Geagea: Nasrallah, Not Aoun, Would Rule Lebanon if Opposition Wins Elections-Naharnet
Sfeir: Presidency above All Else-Naharnet
Kesrouan List Incomplete-Naharnet
U.S. Vice President in Beirut Soon to Convey Message of Support-Naharnet
Hariri Declares Full Support for Suleiman 'Whether they Like it or Not'-Naharnet
Nasrallah 'Ready' if Israeli Maneuvers Meant War-Naharnet
Murr Received U.S. Commander of Special Operations-Naharnet
Aoun: I Understand Nasrallah's Rhetoric; Cabinet Committed a Great Foolishness on May 5.-Naharnet
Gemayel: Hizbullah will Take Over Third Republic-Naharnet
Jumblat: Reluctance to Extradite Fugitive Raises Doubts on Syria's 'Good Intentions'-Naharnet
Hezbollah stands ready for new war with Israel: Nasrallah-AFP
Lebanese writer warns Sleiman to be wary of attempts to cut short his presidency-Daily Star
Egypt accuses Brotherhood of links to alleged Hizbullah cell-Daily Star
Sleiman 'very upset' over candidates' attacks on him-Daily Star
Obama presses Netanyahu on two-state solution-Daily Star
Canada calls for transparent, democratic elections in Lebanon-Daily Star
New committee to play key monitoring role in June Lebanese polls-Daily Star
FPM. Lebanese MP Kanaan's bodyguards released after attack incident-Daily Star
Beirut markets see calm after week-long surge in trading-Daily Star
Two alleged spies flee to Israel as more suspects are detained-Daily Star


Syria-US Thaw Awaits Concrete Steps
By Edward Yeranian
Cairo/18 May 2009
Relations between the United States and Syria remain rocky after a series of recent developments, including the arrest of a Syrian man involved in terrorist activities in northern Iraq, coupled with U.S. accusations that Damascus is still not controlling its border. U.S. President Barack Obama has been carefully seeking to improve ties with Syria, after several years of ostracizing Damascus by the Bush Administration and the wrld community. Senator George Mitchell applied for Syrian visa, he may visit Damascus
US Middle East special envoy George Mitchell, (File)
Word that U.S. peace envoy George Mitchell may be visiting Damascus soon is raising speculation of a new U.S. push to jumpstart stalled peace talks on the Israeli-Syrian track.
Jordan's King Abdullah indicated several days ago the United States was "preparing a new Middle East peace initiative."
Syrian Ambassador to Washington Imad Mustapha revealed, last week, that Senator Mitchell had applied for a Syrian visa, although State Department spokesman Robert Wood indicated that such a trip is not necessarily imminent. Acting Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman and National Security Council Senior Director Daniel Shapiro visited Damascus earlier this month. It was their second visit to the Syrian capital since President Obama vowed in January to engage with all Middle Eastern countries, including longtime foes Syria and Iran.
US-Syria relations deteriorated since invasion of Iraq
Ties between Washington and Damascus deteriorated after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, and the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq al Hariri in 2005, which many blamed on Syria. Damascus has steadfastly denied the charges.
The Bush administration withdrew Ambassador Margaret Scobie in February 2005 following Mr. Hariri's assassination and no replacement has been named.
Professor Joshua Landis of Oklahoma University's Center for Middle East Studies, who authors the popular Syria Comment website, thinks the United States and Syria are frustrated:
"They have hit a wall. The Syrians were very upset about the way sanctions were renewed by the Obama Administration," he said. "I think that they understood that there was going to be a renewal of sanctions, because talks have only just begun. But there was no change in language, and no softening of tone, and they were upset. Now, the Americans obviously want to see a number of things. They want to see good-faith measures being taken by Syria and they want action on this Iraqi border."
Syria's main issue: the return of the Israeli-occupied Golan Height
Israeli army officers look towards Syria from observation post in Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (file photo)
Professor Landis says Syria is waiting for concrete gestures from the United States before "unclenching its fists," as President Obama requested, back in January:
"Syria wants linkage: they want America to send back an ambassador, they want peace talks to go forward," added Landis. "So how do you proceed? That is the question. You know, Syria, of course, is very worried that America is going to ask it to take a lot of steps and it is not going to get very much in return. America is saying: "Trust us, you do these things and Obama is going to change the Middle East."
Paul Salem, who heads the Beirut-based Carnegie Center for Peace in the Middle East, says Syria's main ambition is the return of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights:
"The main issue for Syria has been restarting the peace track with Israel to regain the Golan Heights," he said. "What has clouded that process is statements by the Israeli government that they do not seem interested in restarting the peace track with Syria. But if there is no life on the Israeli side of the Israeli-Syrian track, then I think Syria will probably reconsider its overtures and the United States and Syria would have to figure out how to manage their relations, while Israel continues to occupy the Golan Heights."
Salem thinks that the United States is cautiously "biding its time and not rushing" to resume ties with Syria:
"The United States is not completely positive in its orientation towards Syria. It has a lot of misgivings and a lot of things it is not happy with," said Salem. "But I think President Obama understands that in order to make a real change in terms of Syria's regional policy will require some concessions from Israel."
Salem stresses that Syria's positions are connected to the issue of the Golan Heights. Everything else depends on it, he says, and " it is hard to get something for nothing."
 

Hezbollah stands ready for new war with Israel: Nasrallah
BEIRUT (AFP) — Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Monday vowed his Lebanese militant party stands ready to fight a new war with Israel, as the Jewish state readies large-scale military exercises later this month. "There is a possibility, albeit small, that Israel may be preparing to launch a new surprise war and is readying its people for such an eventuality," Nasrallah said in a televised address. "If Israel plans on pulling anything during the manoeuvres (May 31 to June 4), we're sending it a message that we stand ready and they will fail," he added. "We will not bury our heads in the sand."We must take preventive measures for the duration of the manoeuvres." The Hezbollah chief said the military exercises, which Israel has described as one of its largest ever, may be a "psychological message" aimed at restoring the Israeli people's faith in their state and defence forces in the wake of the 2006 war between the Jewish state and his Shiite militant party. "The manoeuvres could also be a scare tactic aimed at sending a strong message to the region," he said.
Apart from the manoeuvres lined up for the end of the month that were announced in March, an Israeli military spokesman said the country's air force on Monday started a large-scale four-day exercise. Nasrallah's speech came ahead of the crucial June 7 legislative election in Lebanon, in which his alliance could wrest the parliamentary majority from a Western-backed Sunni-led coalition. The speech also comes amid a crackdown in Lebanon on Israeli espionage networks that has led to the arrest of more than a dozen people, including a retired security official.
Nasrallah said he would address the issue of the elections and spy rings in another televised speech on Friday, when Beirut marks the ninth anniversary of the withdrawal of Israeli troops from south Lebanon after a 22-year presence.

U.S. Vice President in Beirut Soon to Convey Message of Support
Naharnet/U.S. President Barack Obama will dispatch his vice president to Lebanon at the end of this week to convey a message of support to President Michel Suleiman, media reports said. The Central News Agency said Joe Biden will make a short visit to Lebanon to deliver the message, which presents the vision of the new U.S. administration regarding the peace process in the Middle East. Biden will stay in Beirut for a few hours, during which he will meet with Suleiman and Premier Fouad Saniora, CNA said. It added that the top U.S. official will discuss with Suleiman latest developments on the eve of the June 7 parliamentary elections. Beirut media described the upcoming visit as part of U.S. efforts to declare support for Suleiman and state institutions. Meanwhile, al-Mustaqbal newspaper quoted diplomatic sources as saying that Paris and Moscow have intensified contacts with Washington to try to find out its stance on the aftermath of the Lebanese polls. European sides informed Russia before the contacts started with the U.S. that Moscow was right when it called for openness to Hizbullah and Hamas. It was also right by announcing that Russia will recognize the results of the June 7 polls no matter what they were. Although the U.S. stance is yet unclear, the sources said there are two things in common with the Europeans and Russia. First: Giving more support for President Suleiman and state institutions after the elections and counting on the ministerial statement.
Second: Continued commitment to U.N. Security Council resolutions and dialogue to solve the issue of illegitimate arms. Beirut, 19 May 09, 08:39

Sfeir: Presidency above All Else
Naharnet/Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir on Tuesday said the presidency should be left out of the election bickering. Sfeir was quoted by visitors as saying that he hoped the president seat would be neutralized "because the presidency is above all else." He stressed on the importance of setting up a mechanism to appoint members to the Constitutional Council as well as director-general to the interior ministry and other administrative appointments. Beirut, 19 May 09, 12:03

Geagea: Nasrallah, Not Aoun, Would Rule Lebanon if Opposition Wins Elections
Naharnet/Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and not Free Patriotic Movement leader Gen. Michel Aoun, would rule the country in the opposition wins the upcoming parliamentary elections. "If March 8 forces won the elections, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and not MP Michel Aoun, would rule," Geagea said.
In response to a question that brains which were capable of overcoming world's tyrants can govern a country hundred times bigger than Lebanon, Geagea replied: "Brains that think this way cannot rule even one alley or street." Beirut, 19 May 09, 11:37

Geagea: Beware of Hizbullah rule
Date: May 19th, 2009 Source:
Future News
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has warned that Lebanon will be ruled by Hizbullah and its secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah, if the opposition March 8 coalition wins parliamentary elections on June 7. Geagea, one of the key figures in the ruling March 14 alliance, was addressing supporters from the Kora district in north Lebanon on Monday.
March 8 does “not need to declare that they want tripartite rule because it’s already been implemented in the cabinet,” he said. “They declared a war to attain veto power in the cabinet and now it’s ready to declare a new war in order to preserve its gain.” Geagea decried the opposition’s allegations of “corruption, unbalanced development, reform” and their declared objective of “establishing a state” with functioning institutions, and said it has done nothing to achieve these goals. “They have actually impeded the establishment of the state since 1990 and monopolized the country by fortifying their mini-state and driving away Christians and all independent figures from decision-making in the country. “What sort of state do they want? Is it the state of the four generals, or that of cutting off tongues, hands and heads?” Geagea rejected Nasrallah’s boast that Hizbullah, with little experience in government, can run a country 1,000 times bigger than Lebanon. The opposition, he said, “can’t rule a neighborhood or even a block. It can monopolize, but it cannot govern.”

March 8’s arrows target the President… and March 14 supports the President of all the Lebanese
Date: May 19th, 2009
Future News
With 20 days to the parliamentary elections, March 8 tension is growing as this alliance is violating the agreement for calm, and is launching a campaign against the state and its institutions. This campaign targeted President Michel Sleiman as well, as former Minister Sleiman Franjieh accused the President of interfering in the elections.
March 8’s campaign that aims at controlling the Presidency was faced by condemning reactions that exposed their intentions to reach the third republic or the tripartite republic instead of the bilateral one that relies on equal sharing between Christians and Muslims.
While former MP Mansour Ghanem El Bonn quoted Maronite Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir as fully supporting the President, Almustaqbal bloc leader MP Saad Hariri, asserted that March 14 supports President Sleiman who is adopting a patriotic stance, and that he is the President of all the Lebanese.
Ministerial sources said meanwhile, that President Sleiman is upset by those campaigns and that he considered they are attempts to keep Lebanon in a tense situation until the post-elections period.
Aoun is proud of Nasrallah’s speech
Meanwhile, and for the commemoration of Palestine’s Nakba, Hizbullah’s secretary general Hassan Nasrallah made a m overview of the regional developments and to the Israeli threats to Lebanon, taking time to explain the Israeli maneuver scheduled for May 29, which is concurrent to the elections in Lebanon.
The flow of response to the glory he allocated to last year’s May 7 events continued yesterday except for MP Michel Aoun who considered that his ally’s speech triggers “pride.”
On the other hand, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora asserted that this speech is in vain, while vice Speaker Farid Mkari considered that Nasrallah wanted to tell the Christians that if he wins the elections, he has the ability to rule a country a hundred times bigger than Lebanon and that he will rule them whether they wanted it or not.
As for the leader of the Democratic Gathering MP Walid Jumblatt who worries for a calm atmosphere, he was surprised by the tension, as if everybody is not seeing the negative and positive developments around them.
Elections
At mean time, the electoral image awaits the completion of March 14’s lists for Beirut’s first district, and that of Kesserrwan in addition to March 8’s list for Zahle.
In Kesserwan, former MP Mansour Ghanem El Bon who visited yesterday the Patriarch and the President asserted that the list will be announced today afternoon from Saint Gregory’s monastery of Sahe Alma. Additionally, former Minister Fares Boueiz said that the list will include independent and party activists.
From Mehrab, and after meeting the candidates of west Bekaa and Rashaya’s Dignity List, Lebanese Forces Party leader Samir Geagea called on the Lebanese and his comrades to vote for March 14’s list of the region because the battle is not personal but for the future of Lebanon.

March 8 militiamen
Date: May 19th, 2009
Future News
The adoration and glorification of May 7 criminal incidents against Beirut and its innocent citizens do not only threaten the civil peace or puts our country on the track of civil war, but it also reflects the regional and international connotations that has long made this country an arena for settling accounts. The least that can be said of these statements is that they are heinous and hypocrite and distort all what’s been agreed upon in the Doha agreement despite the hidden excuses and retracted statements. As a matter of fact, the justifications over what prompted this invasion do not abolish the sadness of the memory. May 7 was nothing but a logical prolongation of Dec. 23 and Dec.25 insurgencies where the same perpetrators blocked roads, burned tires and in a word, meant to ignite sectarian rife. He who is so pious and bigoted in his political speeches has no right to evaluate people and accuse them of treason. The obvious tension that gripped the nation amid the renowned speech of ’Glory’ came after many hawkish attempts by March 8 to disfigure the role of the military institutions on the pretext of imminent threats coming from the Israeli maneuvers knowing that all Lebanese have agreed that their sole enemy is Israel.
Facts indicate that militiamen of March 8 see nothing in this country but a means of settling their accounts and a postal box to relay the messages from Syrian or Iran, which explains their rhetoric prior to any visit of a western leader to the region. And this indeed what did the bragger of May 7!

Hariri Declares Full Support for Suleiman 'Whether they Like it or Not'
Naharnet/Al-Mustaqbal movement leader Saad Hariri declared full support for President Michel Suleiman on Monday, saying the head of state is for all Lebanese.
"Suleiman's stances are nationalistic and he is the president of all Lebanese and rules according to the constitution," Hariri told supporters who visited him at his mansion in Qoreitem.
He said members of the opposition are attacking the president "because they don't like some of his stances." "It's true that the election of the president was based on consensus. But when he became head of state he had to rule based on the authorities given to him whether they (the opposition) liked it or not," the MP said. "President Michel Suleiman exists, will stay and we support him," Hariri stressed. Al-Mustaqbal movement leader's remarks came as a response to statements made by some opposition figures, including former Minister Suleiman Franjieh, who accused the president of interfering in the polls. Hariri also urged Lebanese to participate en masse in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Beirut, 19 May 09, 06:38

Iran Dubs Nasrallah 'Hero'
Naharnet/Iranian Shoura Council Speaker Ali Larijani dubbed Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah a "hero," and stressed Tehran's support for Hizbullah and Hamas.
"We believe Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is a world hero," Larijani said. "Even though he (Nasrallah) is described by his foes as a terrorist, no one believe them because the work of the resistance is based on the response to crimes of the Zionist entity," he added. Beirut, 19 May 09, 14:09

Lebanese Army Wants 'Written' Clarification on Israel Maneuvers
Naharnet/The Lebanese army command has asked UNIFIL to get a "written" clarification from Israel on the largest-ever military exercise to be carried out by the Jewish State between May 31 and April 4. The daily As Safir, which carried the report on Tuesday, said the army command demanded to know the "nature and the limit" of the maneuvers described by Israel as one of its largest ever. Apart from the maneuvers lined up for the end of the month, an Israeli military spokesman said the country's air force on Monday started a large-scale four-day exercise. Beirut, 19 May 09, 10:17

Suleiman Denies Meddling in Elections
President Michel Suleiman has reportedly denied remarks by Marada Movement leader Suleiman Franjieh about meddling in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The Central News Agency (CAN) quoted well-informed political sources as saying that Suleiman has expressed "dismay" over opposition attacks, accusing him of interfering in the elections.
The latest harassment came from Franjieh who accused President Suleiman of sticking his nose in the June 7 polls. Franjieh charged that Suleiman has dispatched "more than once" head of the General Security Maj. Gen. Wafiq Jezzini to meet with him in an effort to obtain a share in Kesrouan, Jbeil and Metn districts. The sources told CAN that Suleiman "did not assign anyone to make contact with anybody."They said contacts which took place or will take place were "initiated by individuals and not upon the president's instructions."
Beirut, 19 May 09, 08:23

Hariri Rules Out Meeting Nasrallah Following Controversial Speech on May 7
Naharnet/MP Saad Hariri said he won't be meeting Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah "anytime soon" following his controversial speech in which he described May 7 as a glorious day for the resistance. "The size of nervousness in (Nasrallah's speech) is unjustified," Hariri said in an interview with the weekly al-Anbaa newspaper published Tuesday.
Nasrallah's speech also was a "violation of the calm atmosphere which we are all committed to," Hariri added. Beirut, 19 May 09, 13:02

LBC Suspends Charbel Khalil
Naharnet/LBC TV network has reportedly decided to stop broadcasting satirical TV shows, including "Bas Mat Watan," until after the June 7 parliamentary elections. Al-Akhbar newspaper reported Tuesday that "Doumacratiyya" and "8-14 Wa Nahna" will also stop broadcasting. The reported decision came against the backdrop of a growing controversy over "Bas Mat Watan" which can translate into "A Nation's Smiles" or "A Nation That Died," depending how it is pronounced. Ad-Diyar newspaper's editor-in-chief Charles Ayoub vehemently criticized the producer of the TV satire, Charbel Khalil, last week in an article published in his newspaper. "Why didn't it (LBC) stop them (satirical shows) during the past elections? Does Charles Ayoub's article have anything to do with it?" al-Akhbar wondered. "Probably LBC prefers to avoid headache more than anytime because it has enough problems with the Lebanese Forces in its judicial conflict with it," according to al-Akhbar. The daily said, however, that LBCI's shows are less vehement than programs on Future TV, al-Jadeed or OTV.
Beirut, 19 May 09, 07:11

Nasrallah 'Ready' if Israeli Maneuvers Meant War
Naharnet/Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Monday said Lebanese security circles fear Israel could carry out a major violent act and warned that he is "ready" if there was a hidden agenda behind the Israeli maneuvers scheduled for May 31. Nasrallah, during a televised speech, named four possibilities behind Israel's largest-ever military exercise:
The first possibility, he said, has a psychological message aimed at restoring the Israeli people's confidence in their country. While the second preference has a defensive dimension due to Israeli concerns, Nasarllah believed the third option has an intimidating dimension. "Israel wants to relay a regional and global message that it is still strong," he said.
The fourth possibility, according to Nasrallah, is that Israel is likely planning towards a new, surprise war.
"If we consider this possibility very likely -- although we believe Israel would not carry out any attack at present -- how should we act? It's our duty to be cautious and alert."
He said Lebanese security circles, however, fear of a major security act. Nasrallah said that following the July 2006 war on Lebanon, Israel carried out "hundreds of maneuvers and drills."
"However, the maneuver scheduled for May 31 will put the entire internal front in a state of war," the Hizbullah chief believed. On the June 7 parliamentary elections, Nasrallah reiterated that polls should take place on time. "The opposition more than anything wants this election," he stressed. Turning to the issue of the Israeli-occupied territories, Nasrallah said: "We have to say the truth as is – the origin of the conflict in the region is the question of Palestine." Beirut, 18 May 09, 22:20

Aoun: I Understand Nasrallah's Rhetoric; Cabinet Committed a Great Foolishness on May 5.
Naharnet/Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun said Monday that he "understood" what Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah meant when he described May 7 as a "glorious day." "I understand the rhetoric of Sayyed Nasrallah. The swift security intervention prevented sedition (on May 7, 2008) and I agree with him that the cabinet committed a great foolishness on May 5," Aoun said after the bloc's weekly meeting. On an ongoing espionage investigation, Aoun congratulated the Internal Security Forces and said the crackdown was "reassuring."He linked organized crimes in the country to the rings and urged the ISF to "capitalize on their achievements to obtain more data" on previous murders.
"All the crimes are linked to the espionage rings. Had there not been networks scheming and others executing then the crimes would not remain hidden," Aoun said.
"This is why we were accusing the sides which were supposed to maintain security," he added. On the electoral process, Aoun said: "Everybody says that the difference in the elections will be by two, three or more seats." "In some districts, they are trying to support one candidate in the list, such as Nazem al-Khoury in Jbeil, Mansour al-Bon in Kesrouan, Michel Murr who is summoning municipality mayors in Metn, and Edmond Garios in Baabda…" he added. Aoun also refused to hold a public debate with Carlos Edde, the candidate for the Maronite seat in Kesrouan, saying "he scares me." "We are being targeted by individuals who entered the centrist game that embassies engage in. Let me say that all of their media campaigns have failed," Aoun said. "There is someone in the Water Authority called Antoine Fahd, who is using his electoral powers in Kesrouan," he added. On the subject of municipality mayors, Aoun said that talks were still ongoing. He added that reports of corruption in the country will be investigated immediately after the elections. Beirut, 18 May 09, 19:20

Gemayel: Hizbullah will Take Over Third Republic
Naharnet/Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel said Monday that Hizbullah will rule the "third republic." "The third republic proposed by the Free Patriotic Movement is purely a Hizbullah state," Gemayel said. He said trained Hizbullah cadres will takeover the third republic "in isolation of the views of the Lebanese people." "Hizbullah arms are directed domestically as much as they are directed externally," Gemayel stressed. "There is no need to look for a defense strategy as long as everything is settled and is considered divine and glorious," he concluded.
Beirut, 18 May 09, 20:25

Jumblat: Reluctance to Extradite Fugitive Raises Doubts on Syria's 'Good Intentions'
Naharnet/MP Walid Jumblat said Monday he was surprised at Syria's reluctance to extradite to Lebanon a fugitive involved in last month's deadly ambush on a Lebanese army convoy.
The main suspect, Hussein Jaafar, was arrested earlier this month in Turkey after entering the country from Syria with a forged Syrian ID. He was then handed over to the Syrian authorities.
"Does this (behavior) demonstrate Syria's good intentions toward Lebanon? Does it reflect a genuine Syria desire to deal with Lebanon as an independent state?" he said in an interview with the al-Anbaa newspaper. "Don't the army and security forces - which are everyday making great achievements by uncovering Israeli espionage rings - deserve custody of those who attacked them?" Syria had said it will hand over Jaafar to Lebanon once the investigation was completed. Jaafar is wanted in Lebanon in connection with the April 13 killing of four Lebanese soldiers. Jumblat also expressed astonishment at "tension emanating from all directions." "It seems as if everybody has become prisoners to their narrow slogans and are unable to read into the developments taking place around them," he said. On the Mideast peace process, Jumblat said the Arab-Israeli conflict can only be resolved through "a two-state solution and the return of Palestinian refugees to their land in the context of the Arab peace initiative." He said Israel's "stubbornness will sabotage all the opportunities that provide an exit to this bitter reality."
The political leadership "must perform a meticulous reading of changes (taking place in the region) and … shun the language of tension and treason," he said, pleading for an intimidation-free election. Beirut, 18 May 09, 18:47

Hamas leader Marzouk reportedly fired due to Syria and Iran pressure
By Jack Khoury, Haaretz Correspondent
Iranian and Syrian pressure has led Hamas Political Bureau Chief Khaled Meshal to dismiss his deputy Musa Abu Marzouk and senior militant Imad Al-Almi, according to a report in the Kuwaiti daily Al-Siyasa. According to Al-Siyasa, the dismissals were carried out because of a schism between the two militants and Meshal in regard to Iranian and Syrian influence on Hamas, and the issue of negotiations with Fatah. Marzouk and Al-Ami reportedly pushed for greater Hamas independence from Syria and Iran, while Meshal was adamant about adhering to diplomatic edicts handed down to the group from Damascus and Teheran. Al-Siyasa reports that the decision was dictated by the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard in Lebanon Hassan Mahdawi, who offered Meshaal the full support of the Revolutionary Guard. Al-Siyasa reports that the dismissals have reportedly sparked a great deal of anger within the ranks of Hamas in Damascus in Gaza. Following the dismissals, many senior Hamas officials have reportedly begun referring to Meshaal as a dictator who is going directly against the will of the organization's leaders and the policies it is looking to develop, with many saying the money Meshaal receives from Iran and the refuge he is given by Syria have afforded him the luxury of pursuing policies that contradict the desires of much of the group's leadership. Al-Siyasa reports that the two men brought in to replace the dismissed officers are viewed as "yes-men" who do not threaten the status quo of Syrian-Iranian influence on Hamas, one of which was named as Osama Hamdan, the Hamas representative in Lebanon.
The article also states that during Operation Cast Lead, while the Israel Defense Forces were battling Hamas in Gaza, Meshaal held an extravagant wedding for his daughter at his house in Damascus.

 

LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
May 20/09

Bible Reading of the day.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 16:5-11. But now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.  And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. Coming of the Advocate

Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special Reports
Kuwait's people have spoken; now it's up to leaders to listen.The Daily Star 19/05/09
Towards Muslim-Christian understanding.By Saleem H. Ali and Hiba Zeino 19/05/09
March 8 militiamen/future News 19.05.09

Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for May 19/09
US Vice President Biden To Visit Lebanon Friday-NASDAQ
Report: Iran, Syria behind firing of top Hamas leader-Ha'aretz
Pentagon says Iranian weapons still coming to Iraq-The Associated Press
Lebanese Cabinet to Meet May 26, Saniora Defends Suleiman/Naharnet
Berri: We Must Remain Vigilant to Israel's Threats/Naharnet
Baroud Briefs Top Diplomats on Electoral Preparations: Polls Will Be Held on Time/Naharnet
Syria-US Thaw Awaits Concrete Steps.VOA
March 8’s arrows target the President… and March 14 supports the President of all the Lebanese/Future News
Hariri Rules Out Meeting Nasrallah Following Controversial Speech on May 7-Naharnet
Suleiman Denies Meddling in Elections-Naharnet
LBC Suspends Charbel Khalil-Naharnet
Geagea: Nasrallah not Aoun will govern if March 8 wins the ...iloubnan.info
Iran Dubs Nasrallah 'Hero'-Naharnet
Lebanon's election will shine a light on the Mideast/Globe and Mail
Iran Dubs Nasrallah 'Hero'-Naharnet
Lebanese Army Wants 'Written' Clarification on Israel Maneuvers-Naharnet
Geagea: Nasrallah, Not Aoun, Would Rule Lebanon if Opposition Wins Elections-Naharnet
Sfeir: Presidency above All Else-Naharnet
Kesrouan List Incomplete-Naharnet
U.S. Vice President in Beirut Soon to Convey Message of Support-Naharnet
Hariri Declares Full Support for Suleiman 'Whether they Like it or Not'-Naharnet
Nasrallah 'Ready' if Israeli Maneuvers Meant War-Naharnet
Murr Received U.S. Commander of Special Operations-Naharnet
Aoun: I Understand Nasrallah's Rhetoric; Cabinet Committed a Great Foolishness on May 5.-Naharnet
Gemayel: Hizbullah will Take Over Third Republic-Naharnet
Jumblat: Reluctance to Extradite Fugitive Raises Doubts on Syria's 'Good Intentions'-Naharnet
Hezbollah stands ready for new war with Israel: Nasrallah-AFP
Lebanese writer warns Sleiman to be wary of attempts to cut short his presidency-Daily Star
Egypt accuses Brotherhood of links to alleged Hizbullah cell-Daily Star
Sleiman 'very upset' over candidates' attacks on him-Daily Star
Obama presses Netanyahu on two-state solution-Daily Star
Canada calls for transparent, democratic elections in Lebanon-Daily Star
New committee to play key monitoring role in June Lebanese polls-Daily Star
FPM. Lebanese MP Kanaan's bodyguards released after attack incident-Daily Star
Beirut markets see calm after week-long surge in trading-Daily Star
Two alleged spies flee to Israel as more suspects are detained-Daily Star


Syria-US Thaw Awaits Concrete Steps
By Edward Yeranian
Cairo/18 May 2009
Relations between the United States and Syria remain rocky after a series of recent developments, including the arrest of a Syrian man involved in terrorist activities in northern Iraq, coupled with U.S. accusations that Damascus is still not controlling its border. U.S. President Barack Obama has been carefully seeking to improve ties with Syria, after several years of ostracizing Damascus by the Bush Administration and the wrld community. Senator George Mitchell applied for Syrian visa, he may visit Damascus
US Middle East special envoy George Mitchell, (File)
Word that U.S. peace envoy George Mitchell may be visiting Damascus soon is raising speculation of a new U.S. push to jumpstart stalled peace talks on the Israeli-Syrian track.
Jordan's King Abdullah indicated several days ago the United States was "preparing a new Middle East peace initiative."
Syrian Ambassador to Washington Imad Mustapha revealed, last week, that Senator Mitchell had applied for a Syrian visa, although State Department spokesman Robert Wood indicated that such a trip is not necessarily imminent. Acting Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman and National Security Council Senior Director Daniel Shapiro visited Damascus earlier this month. It was their second visit to the Syrian capital since President Obama vowed in January to engage with all Middle Eastern countries, including longtime foes Syria and Iran.
US-Syria relations deteriorated since invasion of Iraq
Ties between Washington and Damascus deteriorated after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, and the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq al Hariri in 2005, which many blamed on Syria. Damascus has steadfastly denied the charges.
The Bush administration withdrew Ambassador Margaret Scobie in February 2005 following Mr. Hariri's assassination and no replacement has been named.
Professor Joshua Landis of Oklahoma University's Center for Middle East Studies, who authors the popular Syria Comment website, thinks the United States and Syria are frustrated:
"They have hit a wall. The Syrians were very upset about the way sanctions were renewed by the Obama Administration," he said. "I think that they understood that there was going to be a renewal of sanctions, because talks have only just begun. But there was no change in language, and no softening of tone, and they were upset. Now, the Americans obviously want to see a number of things. They want to see good-faith measures being taken by Syria and they want action on this Iraqi border."
Syria's main issue: the return of the Israeli-occupied Golan Height
Israeli army officers look towards Syria from observation post in Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (file photo)
Professor Landis says Syria is waiting for concrete gestures from the United States before "unclenching its fists," as President Obama requested, back in January:
"Syria wants linkage: they want America to send back an ambassador, they want peace talks to go forward," added Landis. "So how do you proceed? That is the question. You know, Syria, of course, is very worried that America is going to ask it to take a lot of steps and it is not going to get very much in return. America is saying: "Trust us, you do these things and Obama is going to change the Middle East."
Paul Salem, who heads the Beirut-based Carnegie Center for Peace in the Middle East, says Syria's main ambition is the return of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights:
"The main issue for Syria has been restarting the peace track with Israel to regain the Golan Heights," he said. "What has clouded that process is statements by the Israeli government that they do not seem interested in restarting the peace track with Syria. But if there is no life on the Israeli side of the Israeli-Syrian track, then I think Syria will probably reconsider its overtures and the United States and Syria would have to figure out how to manage their relations, while Israel continues to occupy the Golan Heights."
Salem thinks that the United States is cautiously "biding its time and not rushing" to resume ties with Syria:
"The United States is not completely positive in its orientation towards Syria. It has a lot of misgivings and a lot of things it is not happy with," said Salem. "But I think President Obama understands that in order to make a real change in terms of Syria's regional policy will require some concessions from Israel."
Salem stresses that Syria's positions are connected to the issue of the Golan Heights. Everything else depends on it, he says, and " it is hard to get something for nothing."
 

Hezbollah stands ready for new war with Israel: Nasrallah
BEIRUT (AFP) — Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Monday vowed his Lebanese militant party stands ready to fight a new war with Israel, as the Jewish state readies large-scale military exercises later this month. "There is a possibility, albeit small, that Israel may be preparing to launch a new surprise war and is readying its people for such an eventuality," Nasrallah said in a televised address. "If Israel plans on pulling anything during the manoeuvres (May 31 to June 4), we're sending it a message that we stand ready and they will fail," he added. "We will not bury our heads in the sand."We must take preventive measures for the duration of the manoeuvres." The Hezbollah chief said the military exercises, which Israel has described as one of its largest ever, may be a "psychological message" aimed at restoring the Israeli people's faith in their state and defence forces in the wake of the 2006 war between the Jewish state and his Shiite militant party. "The manoeuvres could also be a scare tactic aimed at sending a strong message to the region," he said.
Apart from the manoeuvres lined up for the end of the month that were announced in March, an Israeli military spokesman said the country's air force on Monday started a large-scale four-day exercise. Nasrallah's speech came ahead of the crucial June 7 legislative election in Lebanon, in which his alliance could wrest the parliamentary majority from a Western-backed Sunni-led coalition. The speech also comes amid a crackdown in Lebanon on Israeli espionage networks that has led to the arrest of more than a dozen people, including a retired security official.
Nasrallah said he would address the issue of the elections and spy rings in another televised speech on Friday, when Beirut marks the ninth anniversary of the withdrawal of Israeli troops from south Lebanon after a 22-year presence.

U.S. Vice President in Beirut Soon to Convey Message of Support
Naharnet/U.S. President Barack Obama will dispatch his vice president to Lebanon at the end of this week to convey a message of support to President Michel Suleiman, media reports said. The Central News Agency said Joe Biden will make a short visit to Lebanon to deliver the message, which presents the vision of the new U.S. administration regarding the peace process in the Middle East. Biden will stay in Beirut for a few hours, during which he will meet with Suleiman and Premier Fouad Saniora, CNA said. It added that the top U.S. official will discuss with Suleiman latest developments on the eve of the June 7 parliamentary elections. Beirut media described the upcoming visit as part of U.S. efforts to declare support for Suleiman and state institutions. Meanwhile, al-Mustaqbal newspaper quoted diplomatic sources as saying that Paris and Moscow have intensified contacts with Washington to try to find out its stance on the aftermath of the Lebanese polls. European sides informed Russia before the contacts started with the U.S. that Moscow was right when it called for openness to Hizbullah and Hamas. It was also right by announcing that Russia will recognize the results of the June 7 polls no matter what they were. Although the U.S. stance is yet unclear, the sources said there are two things in common with the Europeans and Russia. First: Giving more support for President Suleiman and state institutions after the elections and counting on the ministerial statement.
Second: Continued commitment to U.N. Security Council resolutions and dialogue to solve the issue of illegitimate arms. Beirut, 19 May 09, 08:39

Sfeir: Presidency above All Else
Naharnet/Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir on Tuesday said the presidency should be left out of the election bickering. Sfeir was quoted by visitors as saying that he hoped the president seat would be neutralized "because the presidency is above all else." He stressed on the importance of setting up a mechanism to appoint members to the Constitutional Council as well as director-general to the interior ministry and other administrative appointments. Beirut, 19 May 09, 12:03

Geagea: Nasrallah, Not Aoun, Would Rule Lebanon if Opposition Wins Elections
Naharnet/Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and not Free Patriotic Movement leader Gen. Michel Aoun, would rule the country in the opposition wins the upcoming parliamentary elections. "If March 8 forces won the elections, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and not MP Michel Aoun, would rule," Geagea said.
In response to a question that brains which were capable of overcoming world's tyrants can govern a country hundred times bigger than Lebanon, Geagea replied: "Brains that think this way cannot rule even one alley or street." Beirut, 19 May 09, 11:37

Geagea: Beware of Hizbullah rule
Date: May 19th, 2009 Source:
Future News
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has warned that Lebanon will be ruled by Hizbullah and its secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah, if the opposition March 8 coalition wins parliamentary elections on June 7. Geagea, one of the key figures in the ruling March 14 alliance, was addressing supporters from the Kora district in north Lebanon on Monday.
March 8 does “not need to declare that they want tripartite rule because it’s already been implemented in the cabinet,” he said. “They declared a war to attain veto power in the cabinet and now it’s ready to declare a new war in order to preserve its gain.” Geagea decried the opposition’s allegations of “corruption, unbalanced development, reform” and their declared objective of “establishing a state” with functioning institutions, and said it has done nothing to achieve these goals. “They have actually impeded the establishment of the state since 1990 and monopolized the country by fortifying their mini-state and driving away Christians and all independent figures from decision-making in the country. “What sort of state do they want? Is it the state of the four generals, or that of cutting off tongues, hands and heads?” Geagea rejected Nasrallah’s boast that Hizbullah, with little experience in government, can run a country 1,000 times bigger than Lebanon. The opposition, he said, “can’t rule a neighborhood or even a block. It can monopolize, but it cannot govern.”

March 8’s arrows target the President… and March 14 supports the President of all the Lebanese
Date: May 19th, 2009
Future News
With 20 days to the parliamentary elections, March 8 tension is growing as this alliance is violating the agreement for calm, and is launching a campaign against the state and its institutions. This campaign targeted President Michel Sleiman as well, as former Minister Sleiman Franjieh accused the President of interfering in the elections.
March 8’s campaign that aims at controlling the Presidency was faced by condemning reactions that exposed their intentions to reach the third republic or the tripartite republic instead of the bilateral one that relies on equal sharing between Christians and Muslims.
While former MP Mansour Ghanem El Bonn quoted Maronite Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir as fully supporting the President, Almustaqbal bloc leader MP Saad Hariri, asserted that March 14 supports President Sleiman who is adopting a patriotic stance, and that he is the President of all the Lebanese.
Ministerial sources said meanwhile, that President Sleiman is upset by those campaigns and that he considered they are attempts to keep Lebanon in a tense situation until the post-elections period.
Aoun is proud of Nasrallah’s speech
Meanwhile, and for the commemoration of Palestine’s Nakba, Hizbullah’s secretary general Hassan Nasrallah made a m overview of the regional developments and to the Israeli threats to Lebanon, taking time to explain the Israeli maneuver scheduled for May 29, which is concurrent to the elections in Lebanon.
The flow of response to the glory he allocated to last year’s May 7 events continued yesterday except for MP Michel Aoun who considered that his ally’s speech triggers “pride.”
On the other hand, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora asserted that this speech is in vain, while vice Speaker Farid Mkari considered that Nasrallah wanted to tell the Christians that if he wins the elections, he has the ability to rule a country a hundred times bigger than Lebanon and that he will rule them whether they wanted it or not.
As for the leader of the Democratic Gathering MP Walid Jumblatt who worries for a calm atmosphere, he was surprised by the tension, as if everybody is not seeing the negative and positive developments around them.
Elections
At mean time, the electoral image awaits the completion of March 14’s lists for Beirut’s first district, and that of Kesserrwan in addition to March 8’s list for Zahle.
In Kesserwan, former MP Mansour Ghanem El Bon who visited yesterday the Patriarch and the President asserted that the list will be announced today afternoon from Saint Gregory’s monastery of Sahe Alma. Additionally, former Minister Fares Boueiz said that the list will include independent and party activists.
From Mehrab, and after meeting the candidates of west Bekaa and Rashaya’s Dignity List, Lebanese Forces Party leader Samir Geagea called on the Lebanese and his comrades to vote for March 14’s list of the region because the battle is not personal but for the future of Lebanon.

March 8 militiamen
Date: May 19th, 2009
Future News
The adoration and glorification of May 7 criminal incidents against Beirut and its innocent citizens do not only threaten the civil peace or puts our country on the track of civil war, but it also reflects the regional and international connotations that has long made this country an arena for settling accounts. The least that can be said of these statements is that they are heinous and hypocrite and distort all what’s been agreed upon in the Doha agreement despite the hidden excuses and retracted statements. As a matter of fact, the justifications over what prompted this invasion do not abolish the sadness of the memory. May 7 was nothing but a logical prolongation of Dec. 23 and Dec.25 insurgencies where the same perpetrators blocked roads, burned tires and in a word, meant to ignite sectarian rife. He who is so pious and bigoted in his political speeches has no right to evaluate people and accuse them of treason. The obvious tension that gripped the nation amid the renowned speech of ’Glory’ came after many hawkish attempts by March 8 to disfigure the role of the military institutions on the pretext of imminent threats coming from the Israeli maneuvers knowing that all Lebanese have agreed that their sole enemy is Israel.
Facts indicate that militiamen of March 8 see nothing in this country but a means of settling their accounts and a postal box to relay the messages from Syrian or Iran, which explains their rhetoric prior to any visit of a western leader to the region. And this indeed what did the bragger of May 7!

Hariri Declares Full Support for Suleiman 'Whether they Like it or Not'
Naharnet/Al-Mustaqbal movement leader Saad Hariri declared full support for President Michel Suleiman on Monday, saying the head of state is for all Lebanese.
"Suleiman's stances are nationalistic and he is the president of all Lebanese and rules according to the constitution," Hariri told supporters who visited him at his mansion in Qoreitem.
He said members of the opposition are attacking the president "because they don't like some of his stances." "It's true that the election of the president was based on consensus. But when he became head of state he had to rule based on the authorities given to him whether they (the opposition) liked it or not," the MP said. "President Michel Suleiman exists, will stay and we support him," Hariri stressed. Al-Mustaqbal movement leader's remarks came as a response to statements made by some opposition figures, including former Minister Suleiman Franjieh, who accused the president of interfering in the polls. Hariri also urged Lebanese to participate en masse in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Beirut, 19 May 09, 06:38

Iran Dubs Nasrallah 'Hero'
Naharnet/Iranian Shoura Council Speaker Ali Larijani dubbed Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah a "hero," and stressed Tehran's support for Hizbullah and Hamas.
"We believe Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is a world hero," Larijani said. "Even though he (Nasrallah) is described by his foes as a terrorist, no one believe them because the work of the resistance is based on the response to crimes of the Zionist entity," he added. Beirut, 19 May 09, 14:09

Lebanese Army Wants 'Written' Clarification on Israel Maneuvers
Naharnet/The Lebanese army command has asked UNIFIL to get a "written" clarification from Israel on the largest-ever military exercise to be carried out by the Jewish State between May 31 and April 4. The daily As Safir, which carried the report on Tuesday, said the army command demanded to know the "nature and the limit" of the maneuvers described by Israel as one of its largest ever. Apart from the maneuvers lined up for the end of the month, an Israeli military spokesman said the country's air force on Monday started a large-scale four-day exercise. Beirut, 19 May 09, 10:17

Suleiman Denies Meddling in Elections
President Michel Suleiman has reportedly denied remarks by Marada Movement leader Suleiman Franjieh about meddling in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The Central News Agency (CAN) quoted well-informed political sources as saying that Suleiman has expressed "dismay" over opposition attacks, accusing him of interfering in the elections.
The latest harassment came from Franjieh who accused President Suleiman of sticking his nose in the June 7 polls. Franjieh charged that Suleiman has dispatched "more than once" head of the General Security Maj. Gen. Wafiq Jezzini to meet with him in an effort to obtain a share in Kesrouan, Jbeil and Metn districts. The sources told CAN that Suleiman "did not assign anyone to make contact with anybody."They said contacts which took place or will take place were "initiated by individuals and not upon the president's instructions."
Beirut, 19 May 09, 08:23

Hariri Rules Out Meeting Nasrallah Following Controversial Speech on May 7
Naharnet/MP Saad Hariri said he won't be meeting Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah "anytime soon" following his controversial speech in which he described May 7 as a glorious day for the resistance. "The size of nervousness in (Nasrallah's speech) is unjustified," Hariri said in an interview with the weekly al-Anbaa newspaper published Tuesday.
Nasrallah's speech also was a "violation of the calm atmosphere which we are all committed to," Hariri added. Beirut, 19 May 09, 13:02

LBC Suspends Charbel Khalil
Naharnet/LBC TV network has reportedly decided to stop broadcasting satirical TV shows, including "Bas Mat Watan," until after the June 7 parliamentary elections. Al-Akhbar newspaper reported Tuesday that "Doumacratiyya" and "8-14 Wa Nahna" will also stop broadcasting. The reported decision came against the backdrop of a growing controversy over "Bas Mat Watan" which can translate into "A Nation's Smiles" or "A Nation That Died," depending how it is pronounced. Ad-Diyar newspaper's editor-in-chief Charles Ayoub vehemently criticized the producer of the TV satire, Charbel Khalil, last week in an article published in his newspaper. "Why didn't it (LBC) stop them (satirical shows) during the past elections? Does Charles Ayoub's article have anything to do with it?" al-Akhbar wondered. "Probably LBC prefers to avoid headache more than anytime because it has enough problems with the Lebanese Forces in its judicial conflict with it," according to al-Akhbar. The daily said, however, that LBCI's shows are less vehement than programs on Future TV, al-Jadeed or OTV.
Beirut, 19 May 09, 07:11

Nasrallah 'Ready' if Israeli Maneuvers Meant War
Naharnet/Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Monday said Lebanese security circles fear Israel could carry out a major violent act and warned that he is "ready" if there was a hidden agenda behind the Israeli maneuvers scheduled for May 31. Nasrallah, during a televised speech, named four possibilities behind Israel's largest-ever military exercise:
The first possibility, he said, has a psychological message aimed at restoring the Israeli people's confidence in their country. While the second preference has a defensive dimension due to Israeli concerns, Nasarllah believed the third option has an intimidating dimension. "Israel wants to relay a regional and global message that it is still strong," he said.
The fourth possibility, according to Nasrallah, is that Israel is likely planning towards a new, surprise war.
"If we consider this possibility very likely -- although we believe Israel would not carry out any attack at present -- how should we act? It's our duty to be cautious and alert."
He said Lebanese security circles, however, fear of a major security act. Nasrallah said that following the July 2006 war on Lebanon, Israel carried out "hundreds of maneuvers and drills."
"However, the maneuver scheduled for May 31 will put the entire internal front in a state of war," the Hizbullah chief believed. On the June 7 parliamentary elections, Nasrallah reiterated that polls should take place on time. "The opposition more than anything wants this election," he stressed. Turning to the issue of the Israeli-occupied territories, Nasrallah said: "We have to say the truth as is – the origin of the conflict in the region is the question of Palestine." Beirut, 18 May 09, 22:20

Aoun: I Understand Nasrallah's Rhetoric; Cabinet Committed a Great Foolishness on May 5.
Naharnet/Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun said Monday that he "understood" what Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah meant when he described May 7 as a "glorious day." "I understand the rhetoric of Sayyed Nasrallah. The swift security intervention prevented sedition (on May 7, 2008) and I agree with him that the cabinet committed a great foolishness on May 5," Aoun said after the bloc's weekly meeting. On an ongoing espionage investigation, Aoun congratulated the Internal Security Forces and said the crackdown was "reassuring."He linked organized crimes in the country to the rings and urged the ISF to "capitalize on their achievements to obtain more data" on previous murders.
"All the crimes are linked to the espionage rings. Had there not been networks scheming and others executing then the crimes would not remain hidden," Aoun said.
"This is why we were accusing the sides which were supposed to maintain security," he added. On the electoral process, Aoun said: "Everybody says that the difference in the elections will be by two, three or more seats." "In some districts, they are trying to support one candidate in the list, such as Nazem al-Khoury in Jbeil, Mansour al-Bon in Kesrouan, Michel Murr who is summoning municipality mayors in Metn, and Edmond Garios in Baabda…" he added. Aoun also refused to hold a public debate with Carlos Edde, the candidate for the Maronite seat in Kesrouan, saying "he scares me." "We are being targeted by individuals who entered the centrist game that embassies engage in. Let me say that all of their media campaigns have failed," Aoun said. "There is someone in the Water Authority called Antoine Fahd, who is using his electoral powers in Kesrouan," he added. On the subject of municipality mayors, Aoun said that talks were still ongoing. He added that reports of corruption in the country will be investigated immediately after the elections. Beirut, 18 May 09, 19:20

Gemayel: Hizbullah will Take Over Third Republic
Naharnet/Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel said Monday that Hizbullah will rule the "third republic." "The third republic proposed by the Free Patriotic Movement is purely a Hizbullah state," Gemayel said. He said trained Hizbullah cadres will takeover the third republic "in isolation of the views of the Lebanese people." "Hizbullah arms are directed domestically as much as they are directed externally," Gemayel stressed. "There is no need to look for a defense strategy as long as everything is settled and is considered divine and glorious," he concluded.
Beirut, 18 May 09, 20:25

Jumblat: Reluctance to Extradite Fugitive Raises Doubts on Syria's 'Good Intentions'
Naharnet/MP Walid Jumblat said Monday he was surprised at Syria's reluctance to extradite to Lebanon a fugitive involved in last month's deadly ambush on a Lebanese army convoy.
The main suspect, Hussein Jaafar, was arrested earlier this month in Turkey after entering the country from Syria with a forged Syrian ID. He was then handed over to the Syrian authorities.
"Does this (behavior) demonstrate Syria's good intentions toward Lebanon? Does it reflect a genuine Syria desire to deal with Lebanon as an independent state?" he said in an interview with the al-Anbaa newspaper. "Don't the army and security forces - which are everyday making great achievements by uncovering Israeli espionage rings - deserve custody of those who attacked them?" Syria had said it will hand over Jaafar to Lebanon once the investigation was completed. Jaafar is wanted in Lebanon in connection with the April 13 killing of four Lebanese soldiers. Jumblat also expressed astonishment at "tension emanating from all directions." "It seems as if everybody has become prisoners to their narrow slogans and are unable to read into the developments taking place around them," he said. On the Mideast peace process, Jumblat said the Arab-Israeli conflict can only be resolved through "a two-state solution and the return of Palestinian refugees to their land in the context of the Arab peace initiative." He said Israel's "stubbornness will sabotage all the opportunities that provide an exit to this bitter reality."
The political leadership "must perform a meticulous reading of changes (taking place in the region) and … shun the language of tension and treason," he said, pleading for an intimidation-free election. Beirut, 18 May 09, 18:47

Hamas leader Marzouk reportedly fired due to Syria and Iran pressure
By Jack Khoury, Haaretz Correspondent
Iranian and Syrian pressure has led Hamas Political Bureau Chief Khaled Meshal to dismiss his deputy Musa Abu Marzouk and senior militant Imad Al-Almi, according to a report in the Kuwaiti daily Al-Siyasa. According to Al-Siyasa, the dismissals were carried out because of a schism between the two militants and Meshal in regard to Iranian and Syrian influence on Hamas, and the issue of negotiations with Fatah. Marzouk and Al-Ami reportedly pushed for greater Hamas independence from Syria and Iran, while Meshal was adamant about adhering to diplomatic edicts handed down to the group from Damascus and Teheran. Al-Siyasa reports that the decision was dictated by the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard in Lebanon Hassan Mahdawi, who offered Meshaal the full support of the Revolutionary Guard. Al-Siyasa reports that the dismissals have reportedly sparked a great deal of anger within the ranks of Hamas in Damascus in Gaza. Following the dismissals, many senior Hamas officials have reportedly begun referring to Meshaal as a dictator who is going directly against the will of the organization's leaders and the policies it is looking to develop, with many saying the money Meshaal receives from Iran and the refuge he is given by Syria have afforded him the luxury of pursuing policies that contradict the desires of much of the group's leadership. Al-Siyasa reports that the two men brought in to replace the dismissed officers are viewed as "yes-men" who do not threaten the status quo of Syrian-Iranian influence on Hamas, one of which was named as Osama Hamdan, the Hamas representative in Lebanon.
The article also states that during Operation Cast Lead, while the Israel Defense Forces were battling Hamas in Gaza, Meshaal held an extravagant wedding for his daughter at his house in Damascus.