Sfeir: Hizbullah has its own agenda
Prelate supports hariri’s syria visit
By Elias Sakr and Maroun Khoury
Daily Star staff/Tuesday, November 17, 2009
BEIRUT: Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir said Monday Hizbullah was attempting to implement its own agenda, adding that he refused to visit Syria in the current period. “Israel objects to all issues in Lebanon as well as elsewhere, but Hizbullah is known to be an armed party with aims and objectives which the party is attempting to implement,” Sfeir said, when asked about the Israeli campaign against Hizbullah’s participation in the Cabinet, adding that “Hizbullah’s stance toward Israel was adopted by all Lebanese.”
Following a meeting with a delegation of the journalists syndicate at Bkirki, Sfeir praised the formation of a Cabinet which represented all Lebanese factions, adding that foreign interference reflects negatively on the country depriving Lebanon its stability.
Commenting on the possibility of Premier Saad Hariri’s visit to Syria, Sfeir voiced hope that Hariri’s trip to Damascus would benefit Lebanon’s interests, adding that the Lebanese state should have good ties with its neighbors.
“We went to Syria several times but any visit at the moment is not possible since a political visit cannot be distinguished from a religious one,” Sfeir told reporters at Bkirki.
The prelate denied any recent contacts between the patriarchy and Syria as he stressed that any communication outside the official body of the Cabinet would be subject to several interpretations.
When asked about his earlier opposition to the formation of a national unity Cabinet, Sfeir stressed that the majority and minority should meet in the same government only under exceptional circumstances or during war time, adding that he supports the presence of a majority that governs and a minority that opposes.
Sfeir said last month that the minority and majority cannot meet in one Cabinet, just as democracy and arms cannot coexist, a reference to Hizbullah’s weapons.
“We hope the new Cabinet governs the country justly,” Sfeir said.“But when some groups resort to foreign parties to gain personal interests, how do we build a country?” the patriarch asked.
As for the Phalange Party’s discontent with its ministerial share, Sfeir said that the Phalange was granted a portfolio different from the one it demanded, but the issue was concluded.
When asked about the duration of the new Cabinet’s term, the patriarch expressed his belief that the Cabinet would stay in power for a sustained period given its consensual make-up.
“I cannot predict the age of the Cabinet but its make-up indicates that it would spend some time [in power],” Sfeir said.
Tackling the issue of drugs and their prevalence among the youth, Sfeir feared for the corruption of the Lebanese youth, and urged security forces to crack down on car theft and pursue assailants in order to preserve security.
The patriarch also rejected the naturalization of Palestinian refugees, saying that Lebanon was a small country that could barely accomodate its own people, causing many to emigrate.

Cabinet statement expected to exclude resistance weapons
By Elias Sakr /Daily Star staff
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
BEIRUT: The Cabinet’s policy statement is expected to be ratified prior to Independence Day on November 22 as political parties seemed to have agreed Monday to postpone tackling controversial issues, including but not restricted to Hizbullah’s weapons, to upcoming dialogue sessions. Prime Minister Saad Hariri presided on Monday over the ministerial committee tasked with formulating the Cabinet’s policy statement at the grand Serail in downtown Beirut.
“I formulated the first part of the ministerial statement’s draft to be discussed today including the political and economic policies of the new Cabinet, while the remaining articles would tackle each ministry’s priorities,” Information Minister Tarek Mitri said ahead of the committee’s meeting.
Mitri stressed that the formulation of the statement would be promptly concluded; however, he rejected to announce a deadline “The statement’s formulation would be open to dialogue and discussion,” Mitri said when asked about the issue of Hizbullah’s weapons.
The committee is scheduled to meet again on Wednesday to discuss the economic policies of the new government, particularly with regard to future privatization projects.
Prior to the committee’s meeting, Hariri held talks with Phalange Party official and Social Affairs Minister Salim Sayegh, who later took part in the session held to discuss the ministerial statement. Sayegh, who is a member of the committee charged with drafting the ministerial statement, missed the first session held by the committee, underscoring his party’s discontent with its ministerial share. The Phalange Party had demanded to be allotted the Education portfolio but was instead granted the Social Affairs Ministry.
The Phalange Party, along with Lebanese Forces officials and other March 14 figures, also expressed on earlier occasions their refusal to legitimize Hizbullah’s weapons in the ministerial statement. Sayegh stressed Monday the need to discuss controversial issues during national dialogue sessions, in order to speed up the conclusion of the ministerial statement, adding that the issue of Hizbullah’s weapons was related to the defense strategy. Sayegh added that it was normal for his party to hold an independent stance regarding the statement until the issue had been discussed with its allies in the parliamentary majority. Meanwhile, Future Movement MP Ammar Houri said the ministerial statement would be drafted in a direct and concise manner as he stressed that no major obstacles hindered its formulation.
Houri called for a ministerial statement that reflects national consensus, adding that Hariri’s upcoming visit to Syria is deemed normal, recalling former Premier Fouad Siniora’s visit to Damascus in the wake the Cabinet formation in 2005.
Future Movement MP Ahmad Fatfat said Monday the Future bloc would accept, without reservation, any ministerial statement already approved by its leader, Hariri.
Lebanon First MP Imad Hout said the statement would be based upon that of the previous Cabinet, particularly with regard to controversial issues such as Hizbullah’s weapons.
Similarly, Minister of State Adnan Sayyed Hussein – nominated by President Michel Sleiman – stressed that the ministerial statement adopted by the previous Cabinet was the most suitable, particularly concerning the resistance’s weapons, adding that the issue should be tackled away from the media. However, Hussein added that any article could be subject to amendment, since Lebanon faced a new period with all parties open to dialogue.
Hussein underlined the need to conclude the Cabinet’s policy statement prior to the Independence Day, given the positive atmosphere and consensus among the Lebanese.
Hussein added that the issue of privatization projects would not stir conflicts, since they would only be implemented if they were of benefit to the Lebanese people’s interests.
Meanwhile; opposition officials stressed Monday the need to strengthen national consensus and the role of the resistance, in order to stand firm against Israeli threats.
Development and Liberation bloc MP Abdel-Majeed Saleh said the ministerial statement would gain the approval of the Lebanese Parliament, despite differences between political parties, as he stressed the need to strengthen Lebanon’s domestic situation to stand firm against Israeli threats, preserve coexistence and promote national unity.
Hizbullah’s Loyalty to the Resistance bloc MP Mohammad Raad said the new Cabinet reflected consensus among Lebanese parties, as he stressed the need to strengthen the role of the resistance from within and outside the government, especially after strengthening Lebanese-Syrian relations.
Separately; Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt called on politicians to refrain from hampering the Cabinet’s work by overbidding on issues scheduled to be discussed during national dialogue sessions, like the defense strategy. “Before finding an alternative enabling the integration of Hizbullah’s weapons within the official state’s institutions, these arms in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, remain necessary in order to confront a possible Israeli attack,” Jumblatt said.

Controversy Brewing over Draft Cabinet Policy Statement
Naharnet/A hullabaloo over a draft government policy statement is brewing between Hizbullah and March 14 Christians after Opposition Cabinet ministers said they will oppose it if a clause stating that war and peace decisions are to be made on the state level exclusively. Ministerial sources told the daily Al-Liwaa in remarks published Tuesday that clauses 5 and 6 were still the subject of dispute between the Opposition and Christian leaders within the March 14 alliance. While the Opposition insists that the same approach used in the previous policy statement should apply in this case, March 14 Christians voiced no objection to that on condition that the phrase "the government makes decisions about war and peace" is added to clause 5, the sources said. They said the Opposition represented by Hizbullah State Minister Mohammad Fneish refused to add this paragraph. Also unresolved was Clause 6 which is related to Lebanon's obligations toward international resolutions where the Opposition wants the term "respect" U.N. resolutions rather than "commitment." On the economic situation, a heated debate took place during Monday's meeting between Prime Minister Saad Hariri's camp and Telecoms Minister Charbel Nahhas who represent Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun in the new government. Press reports said that while Hariri's team stressed commitment to decisions adopted at Paris 1, 2 and 3, Nahhas made several comments aimed at torpedoing Paris 1, 2 and 3. Al-Liwaa said a new dispute – privatization -- is likely to surface in Tuesday's meeting of the draft policy statement.
The Committee tasked with drafting the policy statement will hold a third meeting under Hariri at 5 pm on Tuesday in an effort to finalize a number of items regarding the political part before moving on to the economic aspect. Beirut, 17 Nov 09, 08:26

4 Palestinians Wounded in Shootout in Rashidiyeh
Naharnet/Four Palestinians were wounded Tuesday in a shootout in the Rashidiyeh refugee camp, the state-run National news Agency said. It said the shootout took place in the camp's playing field when Adnan, nicknamed Franjieh, opened fire on the four men. Members of the Palestinian Armed Struggle and the mainstream Fatah Movement rushed to the area and controlled the situation, NNA said. Beirut, 17 Nov 09, 11:10

Russian Delegation in Lebanon ahead of MiG-29's Arrival, UAE's Puma Early in January
Naharnet/A Russian military delegation arrives in Beirut Tuesday to inspect air bases at Lebanon's three airports in Beirut, Riaq and Qleiat and access their appropriateness to receive and run MiG-29s being donated by Russia. Al-Markazia news agency, which carried the report, said the delegation will also inspect Lebanese army logistic brigades and units as well as a number of institutions and military academies. The delegation, which will stay till Nov. 26, is scheduled to meet senior Lebanese military officers. The report said the first batch, comprising two of 10 MiG-29 aircrafts, would arrive in Beirut soon. In a related development, press reports said the first batch of Puma helicopters donated by the United Arab Emirates to the Lebanese army is likely to arrive at the beginning of the New Year. Beirut, 17 Nov 09, 10:52

Efforts Underway to Reconcile Franjieh, Jumblat
Naharnet/Efforts were reportedly underway to reconcile Druze leader Walid Jumblat with Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh. Press reports said President Michel Suleiman offered to host Wednesday a "political reunion" for Jumblat and Franjieh. It was also reported that President Suleiman will try to arrange a reconciliation between Jumblat and Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun as part of efforts to achieve political breakthroughs ahead of national dialogue. Beirut, 17 Nov 09, 09:01

Sarkozy Praises 'Maturity' of Lebanese
Naharnet/French President Nicolas Sarkozy lauded Tuesday the "maturity" of Lebanese and said formation of the Lebanese unity government is a positive step for the country and the entire region. "The formation of the national unity cabinet in Lebanon is very good news for Lebanon and the Lebanese and the entire region," Sarkozy told the Saudi newspaper Ar-Riyadh in an interview published Tuesday. Lebanese politicians "knew how to find a solution to the (cabinet) crisis through dialogue and a sense of responsibility," he said. The French president told Ar-Riyadh that the ability of politicians in Lebanon to put national interest above other interests is a sign of "political maturity and democracy." He urged the Lebanese to continue the path of dialogue and reconciliation that guarantees Lebanon's independence and sovereignty. On Middle East peace talks, Sarkozy said: "The priority is to restart as soon as possible the peace process." "It is urgent because the current deadlock plays into the hands of extremists and each day the chance of peace is slipping away a little," the French president said. Sarkozy arrives in the Saudi capital late Tuesday to spend the night at King Abdullah's desert ranch outside of Riyadh, in what officials described as a mostly personal visit aimed at tightening the bonds between the two leaders. Beirut, 17 Nov 09, 10:17

Election Challenges Decision to Come Out Soon
Naharnet/President of the Constitutional Council Issam Suleiman has uncovered that parliamentary election challenges will come out soon. He told the daily Al-Liwaa in remarks published Tuesday that election challenges were now at the final stage of the decision-making process. "The Council is still deliberating appeals submitted to it and reviewing reports prepared by special rapporteurs," Suleiman said in remarks published Tuesday by the daily Al-Liwaa. "No one can be briefed on their content. These issues are covert," he added. Suleiman had earlier told OTV that the Council was in the final phase of finalizing its reports. Beirut, 17 Nov 09, 09:27

FPM: Activist Arrested then Released in Homs Over Mistaken Identity
Naharnet/A Free Patriotic Movement member was arrested in the Syrian city of Homs on Monday morning over mistaken identity, FPM sources told An Nahar newspaper.
The sources said Walid al-Ashkar was released at 7:30 pm Monday and taken to the border area. They told An Nahar that the man wasn't subjected to any torture or mistreatment.
Al-Ashkar was arrested several times by Syrian intelligence during the neighboring country's hegemony over Lebanon. He was arrested in 1999 over alleged money counterfeiting and was tortured, according to An Nahar. Beirut, 17 Nov 09, 08:58

Hariri: New Approach in Tackling All Ministerial Policy Statement Topics
Naharnet/Prime Minister Saad Hariri stressed that daily efforts are being exerted to accomplish the ministerial Policy Statement, adding that "there will be a new approach regarding all of the topics" tackled in the ministerial Policy Statement. During a chat with reporters after the session of ministerial Policy Statement committee on Monday, Hariri said the discussions during the sessions have been conducted in a positive manner so far. Information Minister Tarek Mitri announced that the committee will meet again Tuesday afternoon, stressing that the "atmospheres are very good", adding that "discussion tackled the political aspect, as the resistance arms issue was discussed in a general manner, whereas tomorrow's meeting will discuss the economic aspect." "Hariri stressed at the beginning of the session that the government should work as one team," added Mitri.
The information minister added that the political stability atmosphere stemmed from the formation of the cabinet had positive impacts on many levels, including the economic side.
Earlier, media reports said the two contentious issues of resistance and privatization might delay formulation of the government's policy statement.
An Nahar said that the ministerial committee tasked with writing the cabinet platform might not vote on the draft during its second meeting, which was headed by Premier Saad Hariri on Monday, due to disagreement over the two issues between the March 8 and 14 forces.
Ministerial sources told the newspaper that some March 14 committee members might express reservations on the issue of resistance despite an agreement to adopt the article based on the one adopted by the previous cabinet of former PM Fouad Saniora. Signs that majority officials could express reservations over the resistance article appeared on Sunday night amid reports that ministers from the Lebanese Forces and the Phalange and Ministers Boutros Harb and Michel Pharaon held consultations over the issue.
Majority sources told An Nahar that they weren't satisfied with the article on international resolutions because it only mentions Security Council resolution 1701. They added that the article on the resistance will also be subjected to amendment. As for the privatization issue, the daily expected March 8 ministers to express reservations or propose amendments to it. The sources told An Nahar that Telecommunications Minister Charbel Nahhas left the committee's first meeting following a heated argument.
Ministerial sources told al-Liwaa daily that the committee could hold consecutive meetings to finish writing the last draft on Thursday. There has been an agreement between President Michel Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri and Hariri to complete the formulation of the policy statement before Independence Day on November 22. Beirut, 16 Nov 09, 20:22

Jumblat: Resistance Arms Essential to Fight Possible Israeli Aggression
Naharnet/In his weekly stance to PSP's al-Anbaa newspaper published Monday, Jumblat declared that "in the wait to reach the appropriate formula in the National Dialogue Table which allows the consequential possession of arms in official institutions, it is still essential to keep them to face any possible Israeli aggression in cooperation with the Lebanese army and other governmental institutions". Jumblat said that as long as Shebaa farms, Kfarshouba hills and the al-ghajar village are still occupied by Israel and as long as Israel makes up false pretexts "the resistance should remain". "After the strenuous labor during the government formation, it is necessary to take important issues into consideration and not halt before matters that only hinder the long awaited governmental starting line," Jumblat said in his attempt to restrict the escalatory voices to the National Dialogue Table.
On this front, Jumblat brought the safety issue up by reminding all the Lebanese "to hold on to the international decisions especially the UN resolution 1701. That's why it is better not to participate in the biddings turmoil especially that the international community couldn't till now convince Israel of withdrawing from the Lebanese village of al-ghajar," Jumblat added.
Regarding privatization, Jumblat insisted that the government should stick to its social role by forming a ministry for the Palestinian refugees that takes care of their human and social affairs. "It has to be kept, however, from being manipulated by launching settlement slogans as part of cheap political strategies," he warned.
On the region, Jumblat emphasized on the important role that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its independence play amongst the Arabs. He voiced a bold dialogue request to take place between the Arab countries and Iran. Beirut, 16 Nov 09, 19:23

Qassem: Today's Government is One to Work and not to Harass
Naharnet/Hizbullah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem said on Monday that "the resistance's rifle is the answer, the solution and the accomplishment" stressing that "Lebanon without resistance becomes a theater for Israeli policies". Qassem, in a pedagogical celebration in al-Rasoul al-Akram academy said that "we should make use of Lebanon's strength through its army, its people and its resistance. We should establish and invest in a defense strategy to aid us in remaining one force". "Today's government is that which is set to work and not to harass," Qassem said. He pointed out two major issues; fighting off the repetitious Israeli threats and improving the social and economical status so that "ours would be a government that serves and produces," Qassem concluded. Beirut, 16 Nov 09, 20:38

Iran's Islamic regime is no model to follow
By Raja Kamal
Commentary by
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
In 1979, the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was overthrown and replaced by an Islamic Republic basing much of its governance practices on its interpretation of Islam. Today, 30 years later, the answer to a basic question is overdue: Did the theocracy deliver a better life for the Iranian people? The answer is a resounding no. Iran is far worse off today – an argument supported by the continuing political unrest and economic contraction associated in many ways with the country’s ongoing brain drain.
According to the International Monetary Fund, of 91 countries tracked according to the displacement of their elite citizens (those with advanced education and technical know-how), Iran ranks first. It is estimated that 250,000 Iranian engineers and physicians currently reside in the United States. The estimates the wealth of Iranians living abroad at some $400 billion. Nor is there any indication that the brain drain is slowing down.
The regime in Tehran is showing signs of both political and economic fatigue.
According to Iranian government sources, the unemployment rate in the Islamic Republic is 12.5 percent. However, international economists believe the real rate of unemployment to be twice as large. Politically, the recent June presidential election brought to light the deep dissatisfaction of the Iranian population, which was expressed in the streets of Tehran. Even if the current regime survives, it is wounded and appears to be significantly weaker. If the Islamic Republic is a product introduced in 1979, its shelf-life is expiring. Iran’s revolution has depleted the human and natural resources of the nation.
What transpired in Iran in the last three decades must be viewed as a warning to Arabs tempted to see Islam as the political solution to their problems of governance.
Many in the Arab world, moved by the rise of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to power in 1979, came to regard Islam as the answer, and solution, to their state of decline. Since Arab secular nationalist regimes were unable to bring political stability and economic prosperity to a region falling behind – proponents of this view believed – some sort of Islamic governance might achieve both. Politically and militarily, secular Arab leaders failed to defeat Israel. Economically they failed to invigorate and launch an economic renaissance that would employ their increasingly younger populations.
Political Islam, which Iran’s revolution helped push forward and empower regionally, has American government estimates that 70 percent of Iranian immigrants in the US have a college degree. In fact, the value of Iranian assets transferred to the US and Europe in the form of specialized human resources is estimated at well over $10 billion. It is believed that the number of Iranians scattered around the world to be between two and seven million people. IMF gained both in the Middle East and beyond. On most Arab streets, the veil has become the custom rather than the exception. Bearded men – a signal of Islamic observance – are increasingly frequent. Islamic political parties have gained influence throughout the Arab world. The Muslim Brotherhood has become more vocal in Egypt; Jordan, Morocco, and Algeria, among others, have also seen an increase in Islamic organizations and political movements. In Lebanon, Hizbullah has become a powerful political movement. In Gaza, Hamas has forcibly taken over control of the territory – in a Palestinian society hitherto known for the strength of its secular impulses.
The failure of the Iranian regime to provide improvements to its own people should be an eye-opener to those Arabs hoping to emulate the Iranian model. The establishment of Islamic regimes in other nations may well prove as devastating as Iran’s experience. Substantial brain drains will provoke further economic contractions. There is a danger that Christians – who make up an important sector of the population in many Arab countries – would be among the first to leave. Vital and educated human resources would have little problem emigrating and integrating into the global economy.
Islamist-dominated regimes would drive the brightest, educated and most productive to relocate elsewhere. For example, about 3-4 million Iraqis have relocated as a result of the Iraqi conflict. A rise of Islamic parties to power in Baghdad would very probably further deplete Iraq’s human resources.
The Arab world is a very complex neighborhood, with different sets of challenges that each country must face individually. Yet, all countries share the need to reform their markets and educational systems. Three valuable decades have been wasted since the formation of the Islamic Republic of Iran; the region cannot afford another such period. Political Islam is not the answer. Skeptics should look at Iran and take note. It is not a pretty picture.
**Raja Kamal is senior associate dean at the Harris School of Public Policy Studies at the University of Chicago. He wrote this commentary for THE DAILY STAR.

Sleiman refuses to extend his term, adheres to Constitution
Daily Star staff
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
BEIRUT: President Michel Sleiman says he refuses to let his term be extended, adding that he “closely adheres” to the Constitution, in comments published on Monday. In an interview with the Kalam newspaper, issued by students from the Journalism and Communications Department at Universite Saint Joseph on Monday, Sleiman said that after being governed by foreign countries for over 35 years, Lebanon was heading toward a regime which respects democratic principles.
“Whereas back then, Cabinet formation was done within a few days, today, forming a government takes a lot of time, because it represents all of the country’s parties.”
Sleiman stressed that he would commit to the Constitution, and rejected an extension of his tenure. “We should pave the way for competent youth to take the lead,” he said
He underlined “significant achievements” and projects, which “could be built upon” since his election in May 2008, namely the development of Lebanese-Syrian diplomatic ties, the “transparent” 2009 parliamentary elections that took place in one day, the restoration of security following breaches since 2005. Sleiman emphasized the necessity of making constitutional amendments, however, and said agreement among parties was a prerequisite, adding that he requested during his speech on Army Day on August 1 the amendment of the powers of the president as well as of other authorities. “If there are flaws in the Constitution then let us amend them. However, if the problem lies within us [as politicians], then let us step down,” he said.
Sleiman touched on the issue of eliminating political sectarianism and called for forming a Senate Council to preserve particularity of each sect and equal participation.
On Lebanon’s election as a non-permanent member to the United Nations Security Council, Sleiman said that Lebanon has strengthened its team in New York and appointed specialists within its UN delegation. – The Daily Star

Hizbullah calls for ISF back-up in deteriorating south Beirut
Group asks security forces to assist in maintaining order
By Patrick Galey /Daily Star staff
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
BEIRUT: Opposition politicians have met with security officials to discuss ways of tackling the security situation in the Beirut southern suburb, commonly known as Dahiyeh, the head of Internal Security Forces (ISF) confirmed on Monday. ISF chief General Ashraf Rifi told The Daily Star he met with Amal Movement and Hizbullah representatives over the weekend, who asked for greater assistance in law and order enforcement. Rifi said delegates had “asked [the ISF] to reinforce our presence in Dahiyeh. Our presence there is now more efficient and more enforcing.” He cited the recent incidents such as that which occurred last month in Ain al-Remmaneh as partial motivation for the move. In addition, the recent formation of a new national unity cabinet had given security forces multilateral political support, Rifi said. We are now in a new political situation.”
Media reports on Monday suggested that the politicians had met with security counterparts due to deteriorating stability in Dahiyeh.
The daily Al-Hayat reported that Hizbullah representatives had informed both Rifi and Interior Minister Ziyad Baroud that the party was ready to coordinate with the ISF in order to apprehend suspected criminals in Dahiyeh. A senior Hizbullah source said that the presence of centrally controlled security forces was a necessity to help deal with the southern suburbs’ crime and infrastructure problems. “We have always called on the security forces to come and help and organize [in Dahiyeh] whether for traffic control or other reasons,” said the source, adding that “all people will help” police in keeping order.
Baroud, during meeting of the Internal Security Central Council on Friday, stressed that security forces have full access to all regions of Lebanon. He added that the ISF and LAF had unequivocal political support.
“We have full trust in the security forces and we will provide them with complete political support since they represent the authority of the state,” he said.
“The full cooperation with the southern suburb of Beirut helps the state in its tasks as we seek to boost the role of the state authorities in all regions to serve the interest of any regions’ residents rather than otherwise,” Baroud added. Quoting security sources, Al-Hayat reported that police stations in Dahiyeh had already been given patrol cars and an additional 250 officers to deal with law and order offences.
“There is no differentiation when it comes to regions,” the source was quoted as saying. “Security personnel are doing their jobs perfectly and patrols are being deployed constantly.”
The source added that 1,250 motorbikes had been stopped in the capital, reportedly “without any problems.” A ban on the use of motorbikes at night was implemented by the Interior Ministry last month following the clash in Ain al-Remmaneh which killed one man and seriously injured four others. The assailants were reported to have been riding motorbikes.
“When security is regulated in Dahiyeh, it will reflect on various Lebanese regions because thieves who usually flee to Dahiyeh will know that it is no longer a refuge,” the source continued. “This will lead to greater security.” Rifi said that the move represented a drive to control crime in Dahiyeh, an area in which law and order has traditionally been overseen by Hizbullah partisans. “We want to normalize the situation [in Dahiyeh] we had a presence there before but now we have increased our numbers and our capability is greater,” he said.
Timur Goksel, a former adviser to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and political science lecturer at American University of Beirut, said the decision to allow ISF officers into the southern suburbs could prove beneficial to all parties. “It has happened before but I would like to see what comes of it,” he said. “Hizbullah is also aware that there is a level of complaint in the Dahiyeh that there is a law and order problem. It’s also to [Hizbullah’s] advantage to get the police in.”
The Hizbullah source said that the crowded geography of south Beirut presented a particular challenge to law enforcement programs. “Everyone knows that Dahiyeh is something of a demographic explosion. You have many people living in Dahiyeh and the infrastructure can’t take people coming and going to work. This has always been the responsibility of government,” the source said. “We have always urged the government to facilitate things and this will be great if it is going to be done. It is a necessity for all agencies to come [to Dahiyeh],” the source added. Sahar Atrache, a Beirut-based security analyst with the International Crisis Group, welcomed the move as a product of Lebanon’s fragile political consensus.
“This shows that in Dahiyeh, partisans are willing to let the state forces interfere more now than before,” she said. “Now all the parties are trying to normalize the situation,” Atrache said and added that the coordination between Hizbullah, Amal and ISF officers would last even if there was a sharp deterioration in the security situation.
“The cooperation with security sources wouldn’t go if we return to a crisis,” she said. Figures confirmed by Rifi suggest that the new security drive may be producing short-term results.
In the first two weeks of October, security forces in Lebanon registered 75 car thefts and 35 robberies compared with 52 and 25 in November respectively. In October there were 28 stolen cars retrieved by security forces, compared with 38 in November. There were two murders in each period. – Additional reporting by Carol Rizk

Zahle residents call for order, mayor fears town may resort to vigilantism
Daily Star
BEIRUT: Zahle residents called Monday on security forces to increase efforts to prevent thefts and aggressions against citizens’ lives and property in the region.
Residents of the Bekaa Valley town rallied in front of the city’s Serail building along with “Zahle in the Heart” parliamentary bloc MPs Toni Abou Khater, Elie Marouni, Shant Gengenian and Joseph Maalouf to condemn the town’s shaky security situation. “We hope that steps discussed with Interior Minister Ziyad Baroud would put an end to such violations which are unmotivated by sectarian or political reasons,” Maalouf said, while stressing the need to refrain from granting assailants any “political cover up.”
Maalouf voiced hope that the re-deployment of security forces across the country, in accordance with the Interior Ministry’s new plan to enforce security, would not lead to a reduction in the level of forces present in the Zahle region. Zahle Mayor Assad Zogheib condemned the repeated robbery incidents which have recently plagued the town, emphasizing the need to stop such violations and subject the assailants to severe punishment. “It is not possible to remain silent about such incidents, particularly since the assailants and their protectors are known by security forces; thus it is impossible for gangs to be stronger than the state,” Zogheib said. Zogheib also feared that the state’s inability to protect its citizens would encourage residents to undertake autonomous security measures leading to serious complications, which all parties reject. – The Daily Star

President approves new batch of ambassadors
Daily Star staff/Tuesday, November 17, 2009
BEIRUT: President Michel Sleiman received Monday at the presidential palace in Baabda the letters of credential of the ambassadors of Hungary, Cyprus (pictured) and Cuba. Sleiman met with the Hungarian Ambassador Arbad Ronay, who graduated from the Budapest University for political and economic sciences and learned Arabic in Kuwait. He also met with the Cuban Ambassador Manuel Maria Serrano: a diplomat specialized in international affairs; and with the Cypriot ambassador Kiriakos Koros. Koros has a doctorate in law and a Masters degree in journalism. – The Daily Star

Phoenician historical research center opens in US
Daily Star staff/Tuesday, November 17, 2009
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BEIRUT: A new body has been established in the US to research ancient Phoneician history. Habib Chamoun, president of the newly incorporated Phoenician International Research Center for The Study Of Canaanite, Phoenician And Punic History (PIRC), announced the official establishment of the group during his address to the 16th World Lebanese Cultural Union World Congress in Mexico City, that ended on October 26. The PIRC is a not-for-profit organization which will research the history and contribution to world culture of the Canaanite Phoenicians and Punic people, from the dawn of history until our present day. The center supports ancient-history student scholarships; disseminates information through its website: http://phoenicia.org; builds international and domestic relations with similar centers; publishes books on the subject; creates electronic libraries and databases; and promotes the preservation and protection of Phoenician antiquities and historic sites. – The Daily Star