LCCC
ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
May 29/09
Bible Reading of the day.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ
according to Saint John 17:20-26. I pray not only for them, but also for those
who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you,
Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may
believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that
they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be
brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that
you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish
that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you
gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous
Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you
sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the
love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them."
Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special
Reports
A Scenario for Military Exercises and the Lebanese Arena. By: Zuheir Kseibati
28/05/09
Hezbollah and the Opinions of Others. By: Hassan
Haidar 28/05/09
ِِِHezbollah Employs The Politics Of
Fear. By: Linda S. Heard/The Bulletin
28/05/09
Iran-Syria Alliance in Harmony.
By:Jonathan Spyer 28/05/09
Analysis: Hizbullah builds up its might-Jerusalem
Post 28/05/09
What do
Muslims stand to gain from bombings like the one in Lahore?
The
Daily Star 28/05/09
Our approach…and theirs/Future News
28.05.09
Latest News Reports From
Miscellaneous Sources for May
28/09-Future
News
Hizbullah
and Amal intimidate voters supporters of Assaad-Future
News
Hizbullah supports the Aounist
electoral machine-Future
News
Geagea slams Ahmedinijad’s
statement-Future
News
Chamoun: ‘March 8’s victory puts
Lebanon on “black list”-Future
News
Eddeh warns of the Iranian project-Future
News
Suleiman: President should Develop Balanced Solutions-Naharnet
Sleiman: Tripartite against
constitution…reducing my term in the parliament’s hands-Future
News
March 14 united to prevent costly
mistakes on June 7-Future
News
Netanyahu calls for 'normalized' Arab-Israeli ties-Daily
Star
Hezbollah Had Talks With the EU and the IMF-New
York Times
Hezbollah Supporters Targeted in Africa-Counterterrorism
Blog
US cracks down on alleged Hezbollah financiers-The
Associated Press
Israel worries about UNIFIL fate after Lebanon elections-Jerusalem
Post
Tests Point to Spread of Weapons Trade-Wall
Street Journal
Lebanon charges four more spy suspects-AFP
Hizbullah Cell Off for Trial as Egypt Mulls Making Direct Charges against
Nasrallah-Naharnet
Bomb Defused Near Debaal-Naharnet
Williams: U.N. to Respect
Election Results No Matter the Outcome-Naharnet
Hashish-Marijuana Essence
Sold in Lebanese Market-Naharnet
IMF: Future Loans Not
Discussed with Hizbullah-Naharnet
Monday's National Dialogue
Devoted to 'Calm' Elections-Naharnet
Washington Imposes
Sanctions on Hizbullah Financial 'Backers'-Naharnet
Lebanese Thought to Be
Qaida Member Released in Brazil-Naharnet
Khoja: Saudi Warned Hariri
to Leave Lebanon before His Assassination-Naharnet
Army, UNIFIL on High Alert
ahead of Israeli Exercises-Naharnet
Skaff Announces Popular
Bloc's List in Zahle-Naharnet
MP Sethrida Geagea asks
Aoun to apologize from Christian voters-iloubnan.info
Sleiman: 'Vote for whomever you believe is most competent'-Daily
Star
Hariri: We are not against Iran or Syria-Daily
Star
UNIFIL's S.Korean contingent to extend mandate-Daily
Star
Najjar sees Constitutional Council appointments as gift-Daily
Star
Lebanon, Syria re-open long-closed
border crossing-Daily Star
UNIFIL, Lebanese Army ready for Israeli maneuvers-Daily
Star
No
Tribunal officials talked to Der Spiegel journalist-Daily
Star
US
House delegation criticizes meddling in polls-Daily
Star
Slain
leaders' heirs using family legacies to vie for votes-Daily
Star
Plight of Palestinian refugees remains ignored - NGO chief-Daily
Star
Recent
burst of espionage arrests leaves Lebanese wary-(AFP)
Trade
liberalization would make Lebanon vulnerable-Daily
Star
Lebanon ranks 122nd in financial health index-Daily
Star
Bassil proposes new plan for privatizing telecoms sector-Daily
Star
Interior Ministry launches elections website, hotline-Daily
Star
Jabal
Moussa receives Unesco's coveted biosphere reserve designation-(RPN)
Probe
looks into how colonel spying for Israel was recruited-Daily
Star
Top Lebanese Officer Admits
Spying on Hizbullah, Syria for Israel-Naharnet
Hariri: Lebanon is heading towards
more stability after the elections-Future
News
Hariri: I Will Not Take Part in Government if Opposition Wins-Naharnet
Hizbullah
and Amal intimidate voters supporters of Assaad
Date: May 28th, 2009/Future News
Ahmad Al-Assaad leader of the Lebanese Option Current and candidate for one of
the Shiite seats in Marjaeyoun-Hasbayya district accused Hizbullah and Amal
movement of executing an “intended plan" to terrorize voters in the area.
These assaults are not in the dark, people of the South and Bekaa villages,
whether supporters to Al-Assaad or opposed to him are exchanging such news. For
example, a supporter of the Lebanese Option says that members of a certain party
threatened him that the Syrian Intelligence will not have mercy in dealing with
him if he votes for Asaad. And it appears that the direct threaten targets
doubtful voters, so that bombing cars of the supporters became a routine”.
Ali Eid the secretary general of the Lebanese Option said that “Amal and
Hizbullah do not want an opinion different of theirs, and do not want anyone to
share their kingdom.”“We are assaulted daily, and not sure if it is safe to send
our delegates to polling stations, according to the Lebanese electoral law. Amal
and Hizbullah members are blocking the roads to prevent our patrols from
crossing. They are executing armed demonstrations to put pressure on people and
prevent them from participating in any activity we organize. And in the absence
of the state, the citizen is afraid because he is unprotected. The Lebanese army
and security forces cannot interfere or confront Hizbullah and Amal in the
South” Eid said.
He explained an incident that took place in the South: “Three weeks ago, we
organized a meeting at Assad’s residence which was destroyed by Amal movement in
Taybeh area. When our supporters arrived, we were surprised with a statement
broadcasted from the town mosque, requesting people to block roads and destroy
everything around the meeting location. When Ahmad Al-Asaad from another road to
avoid them, armed crowds surrounded the place. The official security group
accompanying Al-Asaad couldn’t prevent them. After three and a half hours, a
force from the army and internal security interfered and couldn’t open the road,
but finally succeeded by negotiating with the armed members. They accused us and
called us American and Saudi people who want to divide the Shiite community.
They wrecked 23 cars in the location.”Village people say that Al-Asaad
supporters are not welcome. They are rejected by the people of their towns.
People make it clear that there is no place between them from people out of Amal
and Hizbullah. Akil Houssein says that a school director in Al-Taybeh was warned
that he will be punished if he does not expel a teacher from Houla area who
supports Al-Asaad. Houssein was kidnapped after attending a meeting for the
Lebanese Option Party in the Southern suburbs of Beirut and was detained for
hours in Borj-Al-Barajneh camp, and beaten and threatened with a knife. His
detainees told him that he is a criminal because he supports Al-Asaad.
In Kheyam area, Khalil Awada’s car was bombed in front of his house, and his
wife cannot talk with the neighbors and relatives who told her: why did your
husband involved in something that annoys Amal and Hizbullah? Wouldn’t it be
better for him if he remained silent?
Hizbullah supports the Aounist electoral machine
Date: May 28th, 2009/Future News
Reports say that preparations by the pro-Iranian Hizbullah or Party of God for
the June 7 parliamentary elections have intensified ten days before the
scheduled event.
Unlike any other, the electoral machine preparations of the Iranian-backed
Hizbullah Shiite party are similar to none in the world. They are forming teams,
groups and organizational structures similar to military compositions more than
that for elections, according to sources familiar with the organizational
structure of Hizbullah.
Publicly, the deputy assistant Secretary-General of Hizbullah Sheikh Naim Qassem
heads the machine, but in fact, the actual head are a group of leaders in the
party’s mobilization commission, a regulatory body responsible for organizing
events, festivities, and demonstrations. The electoral machine is not a
make-shift body but an active round-the-clock even when there are no election
preparations. Its duties are to train delegates, graduate coordination electoral
cadets that would collect information on the demographic distribution of voters
in Lebanon, in addition to conducting surveys on Lebanese immigrants outside the
country and monitor their geographic distribution. Sources pointed that since an
understanding was reached between General Michel Aoun and Hizbullah, a special
office named after Aoun was established in the leadership offices of Hizbullah
under the banner of electoral support for the Free Patriotic Movement leader.
Hizbullah has allocated some 5,000 delegates and full-time activists and
specialists for this task. Ghaleb Zainab apparently heads that office, while it
is actually run by a member in the motivation commission of the party. The
Aounist office constantly complained about the incompetency of the Free
Patriotic Movement’s electoral machine, describing it as unsystematic. This has
prompted its office, to conduct instructive sessions under the auspices of
Hizbullah. According to inside information, there are some 20,000 activists,
representatives and employees, 70% have been supplied with a portfolio that
contains all the necessary documents that a representative might need during the
election campaign. About 3,000 vehicles, 4,000 motorcycles and hundreds of
computers distributed in 700 offices have been allocated and put under the
Aounist electoral machine’s disposal. On its part, Hizbullah has slated 300
representatives to assist the Aounist machine in different districts. It also
purchased about 1000 advanced computers for this purpose, and a special
protection unit composed of 70 members to protect the Aounist leaders during
their movements.
Our approach…and theirs
Date: May 28th, 2009 /Future News
After the July 2006 Israeli aggression against Lebanon, Almustaqbal movement and
the ‘March 14’ coalition worked hard for the Stockholm conference to raise funds
and collect donations to heal the repercussions of the “Divine Victory”.
Meanwhile, the adventurers, who ventured through the war, were centering their
efforts to amplify political tensions, mistrust, and obstruct institutions thus
targeting all what supports Lebanon and its people.
‘March 14’ coalition spared no effort and expended its international relations
to achieve Paris 3 conference, which allocated for Lebanon more than 7 billion
dollars. Whereas ‘March 8’ alliance was pulling exceptional efforts, which
reached the extent of spilling the blood of the Lebanese, in order to shut down
the parliament, pull out from the cabinet, siege the Grand Serail, doubt the
legitimacy of the constitutional institutions, and invade Beirut and Mountain
Lebanon.
‘March 14’ coalition with Almustaqbal movement at its core, has presented a
serious and comprehensive political and economic program to all of the Lebanese
along with detailed mechanisms of implementation. On the contrary, the eloquent
leaders of ‘March 8’ opposition alliance have exhausted their throats shouting
out commercial electoral slogans and promises to trade the people and their
causes. Just for the record, the ‘March 8’ alliance governed Lebanon between
1998 and 2000, inconsiderate of the ‘partnership’ they now demand. What came out
of these two years is: the public debt increased by more than 33%, the highest
rate in the history of the country.
The public debt has never increased in any two other years as it did during
those two years. Strangely enough, this boost was accompanied by an increase in
the taxes and an alarming economic downturn. This entire breakdown was
sheltered by the ploy of the “heavy inherited load”, as if he who inherited a
war-torn country did not undertake the heavy load and the tremendous challenge
and confronted it with all his efforts and available contacts. It is our
approach based on construction, development, honesty, loyalty to the pledge,
against theirs which is set up on destruction, obstruction, and the
blood-stained ‘divine days’. But who pays the toll except for the Lebanese?
Eddeh warns of the Iranian project
Date: May 28th, 2009 Source: NNA
Leader of the national bloc Amid Carlos Eddeh warned of the dangerous Iranian
project which Hizbullah tries to execute in Lebanon. Eddeh stressed during an
electoral meeting in Keserwan that “Keserwan - Ftouh list has great luck in
victory”, pointing that he feels the popular respond day after day, and the
people of Keserwan are supporting the list.”Eddeh, a Maronite running on the
March 14 alliance and independents ticket in Kesserwan-Ftouh district, said that
the opposition’s victory in the elections will lead the state into a place that
the Cedars revolution and even Aoun’s supporters refuse to reach, stressing on
the Lebanese sovereign path, plurality and democracy in the state that includes
all communities.”
Chamoun: ‘March 8’s victory puts Lebanon on “black list”
Date: May 28th, 2009 Source: LBC /Leader of the National Liberal Party Dori
Chamoun warned Thursday that the victory of the ‘March 8’ opposition alliance in
the June 7 parliamentary elections “would put Lebanon on the International black
list and block out assistance from it.”Chamoun reiterated the refusal of ‘March
14’ pro-government coalition to participate with the current opposition in
governing Lebanon after elections. NLP leader and candidate in the upcoming
elections for one of the three Maronite seats in Chouf district on the March 14
ticket told the LBC in a televised interview “if the opposition won the majority
of the parliament it will be led by Hizbullah”.He added that in that case the
‘March 14’ coalition will not participate in the government via the ‘obstructing
third’, veto share of the government, which he said is “against the
constitution”. “Let them (March 8) handle full responsibility”, Chamoun firmly
stated.
Geagea slams Ahmedinijad’s statement
Date: May 28th, 2009 Future News/Samir Geagea, Head of the Executive Commission
of the Lebanese Forces said Thursday that some groups from the March 8 alliance
believed that the visit of the US Vice-President Joe Biden to Beirut aimed to
affect and fabricate more votes in favor of the majority. Geagea told
almustaqbal.org: “The minority thought Biden’s visit was to affect the
elections, they cannot comprehend that not all international relations are
conducted the same. Biden’s visit only made our rivals create fictitious
victories.”Geagea was referring to the relations between Syria and its Lebanese
allies running for the June 7 parliamentary elections.
Geagea, of the March 14 alliance, addressed the people of the northern
Zghotra-Zawyeh region he said: “I call on the people to vote for freedom,
sovereignty and independence, which the Lebanese forces and the March 14
alliance have always called for.”Geagea also referred to the words of the
Iranian President, who said that the opposition would win the elections, Geagea
said: “Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has supported his Christian ally- in reference to
General Michel Aoun- but these supports would go in vain although the Iranian
President Ahmedinijad has said the opposite. “The statement issued by
Ahmedinijad reflects the real nature of the ongoing confrontation.” He concluded
asking the people to vote massively in favor of the March 14 alliance, which
would open horizons for a new better era.
IMF: Future Loans Not Discussed with
Hizbullah
Naharnet/The International Monetary Fund denied media reports that it had
discussed possible loans with Hizbullah as Lebanon gets ready for the June 7
parliamentary elections.
The Financial Times and the New York Times reported Wednesday that Hizbullah has
held talks with the IMF and the European Union to try to secure financial
support for Lebanon if the group and its allies win the polls. "The IMF has not
negotiated with Hizbullah members or sympathizers in Lebanon over a possible
loan," the IMF said in a statement.
It said an IMF mission visited Beirut in March for annual consultations on
economic policies and met with Lebanon's main political parties as part of
standard outreach activities that also include talks with non-governmental
organizations. During the talks, it met with Abdel Halim Fadlallah, then deputy
director of an economic research center that has close ties with Hizbullah, to
explain the IMF's visit and "gather support toward economic reforms," according
to the statement. "By no means were future Fund arrangements discussed," it
added. Ali Fayad, a Hizbullah candidate who also heads the party's think-tank,
told the Financial Times that his party was considering the economic risks of a
possible punishment for Lebanon if Hizbullah wins the elections. The party is
also discussing such prospects with the EU and the IMF, he said. The EU says it
makes no distinction between Hizbullah and other parties in Lebanon, and will
work with any democratically elected government. The EU provides about $84
million a year to Lebanon and the IMF provides about $114 million. Beirut, 28
May 09, 08:16
Suleiman: President should Develop Balanced Solutions
Naharnet/President Michel Suleiman said the head of state should be able to
develop "balanced solutions," assuring that Lebanon was no longer an arena for
international conflicts.
The president is not required to "manage" a balance of power between the
branches of the government, Suleiman said, "but rather to develop balanced
solutions."
"Lebanon is your country, and the decision is yours, only yours," Suleiman told
a dinner banquet in Jbeil late Wednesday celebrating his one year in office.
Suleiman said relations with Syria were deeply rooted. "Our present faces the
same challenges and our bright and promising future lies in our determination
and willpower," Suleiman said during a televised speech. Suleiman said Israel
was crushed in May 2000 and July 2006 as a result of the unity of the Lebanese
people.
"The Lebanese Army and citizens are an example for fighting the Israeli enemy,"
he stressed. "Once again, we were able to prove that only a just, strong and
capable state can protect everyone with no exceptions." Suleiman voiced
dissatisfaction with the current election law. "Such system will keep our youth
away from sectarian affiliations and political tensions ... thus, fulfilling the
requirement of authentic citizenship," he explained. Suleiman urged the Lebanese
to "vote for whomever you believe is most competent," stressing that outcome of
polls should be "accepted" no matter who wins. Beirut, 28 May 09, 10:03
Hariri: I Will Not Take Part in Government if Opposition
Wins
Naharnet/MP Rafik Hariri reiterated that he will not take part in a new
government in the event the Hizbullah-led Opposition wins parliamentary
elections.
"I'm doing everything possible to avert a sectarian rift in Lebanon," Hariri
told Al Jazeera television network. "We were the ones who quelled a sectarian
rift that was sowed against Lebanon during the early days following the
assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. And we were the ones who quelled
the May 7 (2008) discord," Hariri said. He said if the majority March 14
coalition wins the June 7 elections, he would give President Michel Suleiman the
right to be an arbitrator. Hariri rejected veto power, stressing on partnership
without veto power. "I will not take part in the government if the opposition
wins, even if I were tasked with forming a new government," he told Al Jazeera.
Beirut, 28 May 09, 14:06
Top Lebanese Officer Admits Spying on Hizbullah, Syria for
Israel
Naharnet/Col. Mansour Diab admitted to investigators that he spied on Hizbullah
and the Syrian army for Israel's secret service, the Mossad, since 1997 in
exchange for hefty cash rewards.
The daily An Nahar on Thursday said security forces arrested Diab's wife and
brother-in-law overnight. It gave no further details. But Diab's wife, in a
telephone interview with Asharq radio station, denied that she or her brother
had been arrested. Diab, according to As Safir newspaper, pleaded guilty to
spying for the Mossad since 1997 when Israeli officers recruited him as he took
part in a military training program in the United States in exchange for large
amounts of money. He admitted providing information about Hizbullah and Syrian
troops before their withdrawal from Lebanon in 2005, the paper said. It said
Diab, from the northern town of Idbil in Akkar, also has "provided services to
the Israelis within the task set to him."
As Safir said the Intelligence Directorate confiscated communications equipment
from Diab's home and other places frequently visited by the detained officer.
An Nahar said two more suspects were arrested overnight Tuesday on suspicion of
links to the Israeli espionage networks. It identified the new detainees as Saeb
M.A., 66, from the border town of Kfar Shouba and 50-year-old R.M.A. from nearby
Rmeish. On Wednesday, the Intelligence Directorate arrested A.H. from the border
town of Khiam. He worked as a taxi driver in Beirut's southern suburbs.
According to the daily Al Akhbar, the suspect admitted to spying on Hizbullah
for Israel since 2002. Meanwhile, Al Liwaa newspaper said Lebanese troops have
arrested Lebanese soldier F. Nasereddine and another man from Rmeish identified
as Tanios Karam. Beirut, 28 May 09, 08:11
Hizbullah Cell Off for Trial as Egypt Mulls Making Direct
Charges against Nasrallah
Naharnet/The case of the so-called Hizbullah cell held in Egypt has reached the
final stages as Cairo was mulling making direct charges against Hizbullah leader
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
The daily al-Mustaqbal quoted an Egyptian judicial source as saying that he
expects Egypt's state prosecutor Abdel Majid Mahmoud to issue a decision to
refer the suspects in the Hizbullah cell to the state security court at the
beginning of next week. Sources confirmed that the number of suspects in the
Hizbullah cell has reached 27. They include Sudanese, Palestinians, Egyptians
and Lebanese. They said 22 other suspects remain at large. As Egyptians await
the prosecution's decision, which include names of leading Hizbullah officials,
observers feared this issue "could ignite a genuine political crisis." According
to international diplomatic sources, al-Mustaqbal went on to say, Egypt was
"seriously mulling" whether charges against the Hizbullah cell should openly
include an accusation that Hizbullah planned a coup d'état in Cairo upon
personal instructions by Nasrallah. Beirut, 28 May 09, 09:04
Bomb Defused Near Debaal
Naharnet/Security forces and U.N. peacekeepers defused a bomb that was not set
to explode in the area between Baflay and Maarakeh in south Lebanon. The bomb,
which was 1.5 kilograms, was found at the entrance to the road that leads to
Debaal town, east of the city of Tyre. Beirut, 28 May 09, 12:48
Williams: U.N. to Respect Election Results No Matter the
Outcome
Naharnet/Michael Williams, Special Advisor to the U.N. Secretary-General for the
Middle East, stressed that the international body would "respect" election
results no matter who wins.
"The U.N. will respect the vote of the Lebanese people no matter the results,"
Williams said in an interview published by the daily Al-Akhbar on Thursday.
He stressed U.N. cooperation with both March 8 and March 14 forces. Williams
expressed satisfaction on Lebanon's preparations for the elections "away from
violence and trouble."
While he expressed "cautious satisfaction," Williams believed that formation of
a new government "would take longer than expected" in light of the political and
electoral alliances between various sects and forces. The U.N. official denied
external meddling in Lebanese elections. Beirut, 28 May 09, 10:19
Hashish-Marijuana Essence Sold in Lebanese Market
Naharnet/"Jad – Youth against Drugs Association" has warned about the presence
of the essence of hashish in medicine containers that were being sold in the
Lebanese market. It said the containers, which clearly carry the hashish leaf on
its cover, are being sold under the name "Cannabis stimulator." Beirut, 28 May
09, 12:
Monday's National Dialogue Devoted to 'Calm' Elections
Naharnet/The upcoming national dialogue session will be fully devoted to the
preparations for holding secure and calm parliamentary elections on June 7,
informed sources told An Nahar newspaper.The sources said the latest reactions
to the Der Spiegel report proved that Lebanese leaders were with calm and with
holding the elections away from rattling events. The report, which was published
last Saturday, said Hizbullah was involved in ex-Premier Rafik Hariri's Feb.
2005 assassination. The next dialogue session will be held at Baabda palace next
Monday. Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat will call for calm
during a speech on Wednesday and will deal with the conditions that preceded
last year's May 7 events, the same sources told An Nahar. They said
comprehensive support for security and military agencies that are uncovering spy
networks has also positive effects on the general situation in the country.
Beirut, 28 May 09, 09:17
Washington Imposes Sanctions on Hizbullah Financial 'Backers'
Naharnet/The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on two African-based
alleged financial backers of Hizbullah.
The Treasury Department said it had designated Qassim Tajideen and Abed al
Menhem Qobaisi under a law that freezes the assets of alleged terrorists and
their backers and prohibits Americans from having any transactions with them. A
Treasury statement said Tajideen was "an important financial contributor to
Hezbollah who operates a network of businesses in Lebanon and Africa." It
accused him of channeling the funds through his brother, which it claimed was a
Hizbullah commander in Lebanon.
Tajideen and his brothers were also alleged to have run "cover companies" for
Hizbullah in Africa. In 2003, Tajideen was arrested in Belgium in connection
with fraud, money laundering and diamond smuggling, the statement said. Qobaisi,
an Ivory Coast-based Hizbullah supporter, is a personal representative of the
group's secretary general Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and has hosted senior
Hizbullah officials traveling to Africa to raise money, the statement said.
Qobaisi also allegedly helped establish an official Hizbullah foundation in
Ivory Coast used to recruit new members for the group's military ranks in
Lebanon. "We will continue to take steps to protect the financial system from
the threat posed by Hizbullah and those who support it," said Under Secretary
for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey. "Not only is Hizbullah
itself a terrorist organization with global reach, it also recently acknowledged
publicly that it provides support to Hamas," he said. Hamas -- a multi-faceted
Islamist political, social and armed movement which controls the Gaza Strip in
the Palestinian territories -- was designated a terrorist organization by the
United States in 1995.(AFP) Beirut, 27 May 09, 22:03
Lebanese Thought to Be Qaida Member Released in Brazil
Naharnet/A Lebanese man held in Brazil for three weeks for making anti-U.S.
comments on the Internet is not a member of al-Qaida, as one Brazilian newspaper
reported, federal prosecutors said Wednesday. The man, identified only as "K",
is a self-employed computer technician with permanent residency in Brazil, where
he lives with his Brazilian wife and daughter, officials and his lawyer said. He
was released after being arrested three weeks ago in Sao Paulo and investigated
for possible links to al-Qaida or other extremist organizations because of his
inflammatory comments in an online forum. Federal prosecutor Ana Leticia Absy
said in a statement that the investigation "did not show that the detainee in
Sao Paulo was a member of al-Qaida." Absy added that Brazilian police had been
alerted to "K" by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which had
detected his "discriminatory and anti-U.S. messages" written in Arabic on the
Internet. The Brazilian newspaper Folha de S. Paulo newspaper had reported
Tuesday that an alleged senior member in "the international communications
sector of al-Qaida" was being held by Brazilian police. It did not give a source
for its report, but its repeated reference to the FBI in the story suggested the
U.S. agency gave the information.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, questioned about the report on
Tuesday, said "I don't know anything" about an al-Qaida member in custody.
He confirmed "K" had been probed, but "for all that, there are no grounds to
accuse this person of anything." In a swipe at those who initiated the newspaper
story, Lula also expressed irritation at unidentified "people outside of Brazil
to give opinions on what goes on inside here." "K"'s lawyer, Mehry Daychoum,
told Wednesday's edition of Folha de S. Paulo that his client "has no ties
whatsoever with any paramilitary or terrorist organization." He simply "made the
unfortunate mistake of commenting on the Internet without every imagining that
that might be a crime in Brazil," Daychoum said.(AFP) Beirut, 27 May 09, 21:14
Khoja: Saudi Warned Hariri to Leave Lebanon before His Assassination
Naharnet/Saudi Information Minister Abdel Aziz Khoja on Wednesday revealed that
Riyadh had warned former Premier Rafik Hariri to leave Lebanon before his
assassination due to threats against his life. Khoja, in a television interview
late Wednesday, believed that accusations against Saudi claiming the Kingdom was
"distributing money in Lebanon has election motives." Responding to a question
whether he considered May 7, 2008 as a "glorious day" as dubbed by Hizbullah
chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Khoja said: "May 7 was a very sad day."Khoja
urged Nasrallah to "remain a symbol of resistance only." Beirut, 27 May 09,
20:45
Army, UNIFIL on High Alert ahead of Israeli Exercises
Naharnet/The Lebanese army and UNIFIL were on high alert Wednesday in
anticipation of large-scale Israeli military maneuvers expected to begin on
Sunday
Lebanese soldiers and international peacekeepers were deployed along the
southern border and on the outskirts of the Shebaa Farms in anticipation of any
emergency, the National News Agency reported. In parallel, tens of Israeli
tractors and other heavy machinery, under heavy security, were fortifying
military outposts located off the Lebanese territories, it added.
The five-day exercises will simulate simultaneous rocket strikes from the Gaza
Strip and Lebanon and missile attacks from Syria and Iran, Defense Ministry
spokesman Shlomo Dror told AFP. The Israeli army was also working on raising a
new wired fence around surveillance tower overlooking the town of Shebaa and
providing it with new equipment, the NNA said.
In addition, new military posts were erected in the villages of Tallat al-Ramta,
al-Summaqa, Rwaissat al-Alam, all of which overlook al-Arqoub region. Exercise
Turning Point 3 will also simulate rescue and medical services' conduct during
earthquakes and epidemics.(Naharnet-AFP
Skaff Announces Popular Bloc's List in Zahle
Naharnet/Minister Elias Skaff on Wednesday unveiled the Popular Bloc's ticket in
Zahle and warned that the fate of Lebanon was "at stake" at the elections.
In addition to Skaff, the list includes deputies Salim Aoun, Hassan Yaaqoub,
George Qassarji, Kamil al-Maalouf and candidates Fouad al-Turk and Rida al-Mayss,
who replaced Issam Araji. "Lebanon's fate is at stake and each citizen is a
designated guardian of the ancestors' heritage which was built on mutual respect
and amiability," Skaff told crowds of supporters in front of his residence in
Hay al-Midan-Zahle. He accused political rivals of "cheating and building their
policy on lies" and vowed not to surrender the "seven deputies to the other
team."
He said the opposition and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon were behind the
release of four top generals after nearly four years in detention without
charge. They were suspected of being involved in the 2005 murder of former
Premier Rafik Hariri. Skaff also said opponents were "using money in their
electoral campaign." He called for "accountability and asked each candidate for
honesty, stability and commitment."Beirut, 27 May 09, 20:10
American Task Force for Lebanon Still Going Strong After 22 Years
Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, May-June 2009, page 56
FORMER SECRETARY of Energy Spencer Abraham was a noble master of ceremonies at
this year’s American Task Force for Lebanon’s (ATFL) Gala Awards Night, held
March 13 at the Fairmont Washington, DC Hotel. He and ATFL president Peter
Tanous introduced the many Lebanese-American awardees from past years seated in
the audience. ATFL has much to be proud of: it not only has helped purchase 13
new ambulances for the Lebanese Red Cross, but has strongly urged the State
Department to add $2,325,000 to the funds already allocated to dispose of
unexploded ordnance in Lebanon following Israel’s 2006 bombardment.
ATFL chairman Thomas Nassif, a former U.S. ambassador to Morocco, described the
organization’s many legislative successes, including its continuing efforts to
ban landmines and cluster bombs. Dr. George Cody, ATFL’s executive director,
showed the audience a cluster bomb, which resembled a toy and which children are
still finding nearly three years after Israel dropped 1.2 to 4 million of them
in southern Lebanon during the last days of its invasion. (Spencer told him, “I
wish you’d mentioned that was that there was a cluster bomb under the podium!”)
Calling the U.S. position regarding the international Convention on Cluster
Munitions “incomprehensible,” Nassif said, “The U.S. should not be selling
cluster bombs and munitions.” [On March 11, President Barack Obama made
permanent a ban on nearly all cluster bomb exports by the United States. ATFL is
now working to build support for S. 416, which prohibits U.S. use of cluster
bombs where civilians are normally present.]
Awardee Rony Seikaly, a 6 ft. 11 inch former National Basketball Association
(NBA) star, joked about meeting other Lebanese during his basketball career who
inevitably asked him, “But what do you do?” His fame was “less exciting” for his
parents, who wanted him to become a businessman (which is what he is today, now
that he has retired from the NBA).
William Hanna, managing director of Jacobs Capital Group and founding president
and director of Cedars Bank, also accepted an award. For all his success in
business, he modestly said, the current financial crisis should teach us we’re
all the same: “We all came on a steamer.” As his business mentor Joseph Jacobs,
a founder of ATFL, used to say, Hanna quipped, “Don’t break your arm patting
yourself on your back.”
Superstar singer Gloria Estefan introduced her Cuban/Lebanese-American husband,
awardee Emilio Estefan, a successful songwriter and recording producer.
“Lebanese stand out,” Emilo said, because wherever they are thrown they grow and
thrive. America isn’t a melting pot, he elaborated—immigrants don’t melt down to
nothing here. They keep their roots. “I am proud of my heritage,” he concluded,
to great applause.
—DelindaC. Hanley
Iran-Syria Alliance in Harmony
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 5/28/2009
Global Politician
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran and President Bashar Assad of Syria
reconfirmed the close alliance between their two countries during the Iranian
president's visit to Damascus this week.
Ahmadinejad's visit came on the eve of the return of two senior US officials,
Jeffrey Feltman and Daniel Shapiro, to Damascus. Their visit is part of ongoing
US efforts at engagement with Syria. The tone struck by Ahmadinejad and Assad
this week, however, did not suggest a mood for compromise.
Syrian President Bashar Assad, in his address to the joint press conference held
by the two presidents after their meeting, accurately summed up the
Iranian-Syrian alliance as based upon both "principles and interests."
It is sometimes suggested that the Syrian-Iranian alliance is a marriage of
convenience between two essentially incompatible regimes. This view is
incorrect. The alliance is of long standing, is rooted in shared interests and
expresses itself in a shared ideological conception - that of the idea of
muqawama (resistance) to the supposed ambitions of the West and Israel in the
region.
Ahmadinejad's and Assad's statements following their meeting offer evidence of
the depth and nature of the alliance.
The Iranian president mocked US attempts at engagement, saying "We don't want
honey from bees that sting us. Efforts must be made to rid the region of the
presence of foreigners." He went on to demand US withdrawal from "Afghanistan
and the borders of Pakistan."
Ahmadinejad's speech radiated the sense that Iranian defiance was bringing
results. The Iranian president noted that those who once sought to put pressure
on Syria and Iran were now obliged to seek the assistance of these countries.
"Harmony and steadfastness," he said, "are the secret of victory." He went on to
demand reform of the United Nations, reiterating a claim he made in his recent
Geneva speech that the international body failed to reflect a world in which the
balance of forces was changing.
The Syrian president struck a similar tone. Assad said that Ahmadinejad's visit
confirmed once more the "strategic relationship" between the two countries. He
expressed the support of Syria and Iran for Palestinian "resistance."
Assad then detailed Syria and Iran's common satisfaction regarding current
developments in Iraq, and noted Syria's support for the Iranian nuclear program.
He also cast an eye over the history of the relationship between the two
countries. He noted that Syria had supported Iran at the time of the Islamic
Revolution and in the subsequent Iran-Iraq War, and that Damascus had in return
benefited from Iranian support when under pressure in recent years.
The words of the two presidents, for those listening closely, are instructive in
grasping both the principles and the interests underlying the Syrian-Iranian
alliance.
Regarding principles - the two speeches reflect the joint adoption of a secular
language of nationalist, anti-Western assertion which is reminiscent of earlier
times.
These ideas may have faded from view in the West in recent years, but they
retain popularity among broad populations in the Arab world. The Iranians -
non-Sunnis and non-Arabs - want to enlist this appeal to their own banner,
presenting themselves as the natural representative of all those countries and
forces opposing the West in the region.
Syria, meanwhile, has long been the chief guardian among the Arabs of the
archaic slogans of third-worldism and defiance. Iranian rhetoric of this kind
sits well with the Syrians. The Assad regime, of course, is committed ultimately
to its own survival, and not to any ideological path. But there is no sense that
an alliance based on an appeal of this kind is in any way unnatural or
uncomfortable for the Syrians. On the contrary, it fits perfectly the defiant
stance that has enabled the Syrian Ba'athists to punch above their weight in the
region for a generation.
Regarding interests, Assad's whistle-stop tour through the history of the
relationship reminds us of its longevity.
The mullahs in Teheran and the Ba'athist family dictatorship in Damascus have
stuck together for a long time.
The Syrian dictator's expressions of quiet satisfaction at the current turn of
events in Iraq, and Ahmadinejad's characteristic tone of triumphalism confirm
that the partnership continues to bear fruit.
The next arena for the meeting point of Syrian and Iranian principles and
interests is Lebanon, which may shortly be added to the regional alliance headed
by these countries. Next month's Lebanese elections formed the backdrop to
Ahmadinejad's visit, and perhaps explain the hurried return of Feltman and
Shapiro. No doubt the two US officials will reassert the need for
noninterference in the upcoming polls, which the Hizbullah-led alliance is
favored to win.
Lebanon has long been the ideal arena for the meeting of Iranian and Syrian
principles and interests. It is worth remembering that as far back as 1982, it
was Syrian facilitation of the entry of 1,500 Iranian Revolutionary Guards into
the Lebanese Bekaa which made possible the subsequent foundation of Hizbullah.
This long investment may be about to pay off.
In any case, the general direction of events in the region appears to the liking
of the two good friends from Damascus and Teheran - offering the prospect of
many good years of friendship to come.
**Jonathan Spyer is a senior research fellow at the Global Research in
International Affairs Center in Herzliya, Israel.
Hezbollah Employs The Politics Of Fear
By Linda S. Heard, For The Bulletin
Thursday, May 28, 2009
A May 15 speech by Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has
triggered dismay and outrage. Addressing graduating university students, he
referred to the events of May 7, 2008 as “a glorious day for the resistance in
Lebanon.”
A year ago, in response to a government decision to shut down Hezbollah’s
communications network, Mr. Nasrallah violated his sworn promise never to turn
his guns on his own people. On that day, offices of the March 14 alliance were
stormed by his militia, while thousands of West Beirut residents were driven
from their homes at gunpoint. For the families of the 87 Lebanese killed and the
250 injured, Mr. Nasrallah’s characterization of May 7th as “glorious” is
shocking.
Mr. Nasrallah’s glorifying of May 7 without any regard to the fallen — and the
implication that if Hezbollah is thwarted again it wouldn’t hesitate to use the
same tactics — has stunned Lebanese politicians, clergy and the public alike.
The International Lebanese Committee (ILC) for the implementation of U.N.
Security Council Resolution 1559 has now sent a letter to U.N. Secretary-General
Ban Ki-Moon. It states that Mr. Nasrallah has acknowledged he gave the order to
“attack, murder and destroy innocent people of Beirut and the Shouf Mountains of
Lebanon on that fatal day May 7, 2008.” The letter calls for the U.N. Security
Council to “investigate.”
“Hassan Nasrallah by his own admission is guilty of terrorism, aggression
against the sovereignty of a member state in the U.N. as well its army and
security forces, which opted to avoid any confrontation that might deteriorate
into civil sectarian strife much worse than the previous civil war in Lebanon
that killed 200,000 civilians, in addition to a similar number of injured and
homeless,” the letter reads.
According to the Kuwaiti Arabic-language daily Al-Seyassah, the ILC call is
strongly supported by French, U.S. and British parliamentarians. The paper
quotes a spokesman for Chairman of the Senate Committee for Foreign relations
John Kerry, as saying, “such a confession should be considered by international
bodies fighting crimes against humanity and push the UNSC to establish an
international independent investigation committee which does not report to any
other entity in the world. Such committee must investigate the confessions and
bring the one [Hassan Nasrallah] who has made them to justice for the crimes
against humanity, the instigation of civil strife, and the driving of tens of
thousands of people out of their homes under threat of death.”
Maronite Politician Antoine Zahra accused Hezbollah of seeking a “state that
subjugates itself to their weapons and visions. They want a state that doesn’t
resemble Lebanon,” he said. Mr. Zahra is no doubt alluding to the fact that
Hezbollah is financed and armed by Iran, which Mr. Nasrallah does his best to
gloss over.
However, he is unable to wish away his organization’s 1985 manifesto, in which
the Hezbollah leadership pledged their loyalty to Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini and
to a goal of Lebanon becoming an Islamic state and neither can he hide the giant
billboards depicting images of Iranian leaders starting along the road from
Beirut International Airport and scattered around Hezbollah strongholds in the
southern suburb of Beirut.
Moreover, when he addresses his followers, his fiery anti-Western rhetoric
sounds as though it has been crafted by Iranian mullahs, but when he reaches out
to the nation, he presents himself as a Lebanese patriot, who roots for all
irrespective of their religious beliefs.
June 7 is the day the Lebanese will go to the polls to decide the shape of their
new government. The battle is between the March 14 alliance that currently holds
power and the March 8th opposition — a strange marriage between Hezbollah and
Amal and Gen. Michel Aoun’s Free Patriotic Movement Party.
This is arguably the most important election in Lebanon’s history because it
will define not only the country’s direction but also the political face of the
region. The question is this: will the Hezbollah-led March 8th alliance gain
more power, as some polls suggest?
Certainly, Mr. Nasrallah believes victory is within his grasp. In the meantime,
he is attempting to threaten the nation with predictions that Israeli military
exercises signify that it might be gearing up to launch a new war. His military
wing as the country’s sole protector, he warns. In this respect, he is
capitalizing on his military success against Israel in the summer of 2006, which
he triggered when he ordered his men to capture and kill Israeli soldiers.
However, a conflict that resulted in the sacrifice of more than 1,200 Lebanese
innocents as well as the destruction of infrastructure to the tune of billions
of dollars was no “win” for Lebanon, however it is billed, and it was indeed a
blatant defeat for Hezbollah.
Although Mr. Nasrallah is a smooth-talking master manipulator, the Lebanese
should resist being seduced by his promises of security. With a perceived
Iranian proxy at the helm, the risk of an Israeli attack on Lebanon is
exponentially greater because Israel’s new hard line Prime Minister Binyamin
Netanyahu, currently itching to strike Iran, could take the fight to Israel’s
northern border.
Mr. Nasrallah has proved to be ruthless when it comes to getting his own way, as
we saw when he held the capital hostage with a year-long tent city in Downtown
Beirut that stifled business, damaged the economy and hampered day-to-day
government. The protest eventually delivered the Hezbollah-Aoun alliance 11
ministerial posts and an all-important power-of-veto.
Lebanese voters should think long and hard before they cast their ballots. If
Hezbollah is perceived as the hand that rocks Lebanon’s cradle, this will
undoubtedly have negative implications for Lebanon and beyond.
Certainly, Lebanon’s relationship with the U.S. and Europe would suffer as
Hezbollah has been branded a terrorist organization by six Western countries,
including Britain, which has legitimized Hezbollah’s political wing while
declaring its military wing “terrorist.” This seems like a cop out. Hezbollah is
one organization with one overall leader, and one destructive agenda. At present
Washington and London are taking a cool “wait and see” attitude just as they did
during the run up to the landslide victory of Hamas in 2006. Then, after
congratulating the Palestinians on free and fair elections, they wasted no time
in punishing them for an unwise choice.
A Lebanon with Hassan Nasrallah pulling the strings from his underground bunker
could also face strained relations with Egypt and Saudi Arabia and the entire
Arab world, Egypt has accused Hezbollah of plotting attacks on its soil, while
Saudi Arabia firmly backs the March 14th Hariri-led alliance. It could also
frighten potential investors and discourage tourism.
Lebanese voters should avoid being intimidated by Mr. Nasrallah’s scaremongering
and hold to their own vision. Do they want a country that is peaceful, open and
at ease with the international community or one that is fearful, isolated and
plagued by conflict? It’s their choice.
**Linda S. Heard is a British syndicated columnist
based in Egypt.