LCCC
ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
September 21/09
Bible Reading of the day
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ
according to Saint Mark 9:30-37. They left from there and began a journey
through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching
his disciples and telling them, "The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and
they will kill him, and three days after his death he will rise." But they did
not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. They came to
Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, "What were you
arguing about on the way?" But they remained silent. They had been discussing
among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the
Twelve, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of
all and the servant of all." Taking a child he placed it in their midst, and
putting his arms around it he said to them, Whoever receives one child
such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me
but the one who sent me. Future News
Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special
Reports
Report: 30 Shiite militia leaders killed in
Syria-Ynetnews/September
20/09
Latest
News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for September 20/09
Ban Ki Moon has one message: We
Must Disarm/Future News
Sejaan Kazzi: Cabinet of key
figures best solution/Future
News
Suleiman Extends Greetings to Lebanese, Prepares for New York Trip-Naharnet
Jibril Warns Lebanon Against
Attempts to Disarm his Group-Naharnet
French
FM in Beirut to Open Francophone Games-Naharnet
Sarkozy voices support for Sleiman,
Hariri in forming cabinet/Now Lebanon
Security Measures During Eid, Rifi Says No One has an Interest in Tension-Naharnet
France's Sarkozy Backs Lebanon's Efforts To Form
New Govt-Zawya
Hamas rockets land in Israel
without causing injuries/Now Lebanon
MP, Walid Khoury to NOW: Hariri’s
positions are now more positive/Now Lebanon
Obama to hold trilateral
meeting with Netanyahu, Abbas/Now Lebanon
Nehme Tohmeh: Jumblatt Embarks on
Consultations/Future
News
Mufti Kabbani: To adhere to the
constitution/Future
News
Jouzou: To rise above antagonism
for Lebanon's salvation/Future
News
Kabalan urges politicians to form
government/Future
News
Jumblatt Denies Press
Reports/Future News
Suleiman Extends Greetings to Lebanese, Prepares for New York Trip
Naharnet/President Michel Suleiman discussed with his top aides on Saturday
preparations for his visit to New York and his address to the U.N. General
Assembly next week.
Suleiman was scheduled to travel on Sunday but postponed his trip to Tuesday, An
Nahar daily said. The assembly's general debate, which brings together world
leaders or their foreign ministers, is scheduled for September 23 to 28.
Suleiman will make a speech on Friday. The newspaper added that U.S. and
Lebanese sides were making attempts to arrange a meeting with President Barack
Obama and Suleiman on the sidelines of the assembly debate. Meanwhile, Suleiman
extended greetings to the Lebanese on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. He hoped for
prosperity and expressed relief at calm political speeches by officials which
paves way for formation of a national unity cabinet. Beirut, 19 Sep 09, 15:07
Jibril Warns Lebanon Against Attempts to Disarm his Group
Naharnet/Leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General
Command Ahmed Jibril warned the Lebanese government against any attempt to
disarm his militant group.
In an interview aired on Iran's Alalam television late Saturday, Jibril said a
demand for the disarmament of his group is an "Israeli and not a national
Lebanese request."
Jibril said his weapons "do not constitute a threat to Lebanon since they have
not interfered in inter-Lebanese affairs just like no terrorist attack had been
launched from the group's positions in Lebanon." "Palestinian arms inside the
camps should be closely controlled. In the event of continuing chaos in the
camps, we should fear a fate similar to that of Nahr al-Bared," Jibril
cautioned. He renewed his call to discuss Palestinian weapons with Lebanese
authorities "but not without taking into account Palestinian rights and ways to
improve their living conditions."
Jibril pointed a finger at Israeli and U.S. intelligence and even Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas "who may be stirring up security mishaps inside the
refugee camps in a bid to raise the issue of Palestinian arms."He denied his
group's involvement in the latest attack against northern Israel in which
militants fired two Katyusha rockets from south Lebanon into Nahariya. Beirut,
20 Sep 09, 09:30
Ban Ki Moon has one message: We Must Disarm!
Date: September 20th, 2009/Future News
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Sunday nations to
intensify efforts to reduce stockpiles of weapons capable of inflicting
large-scale devastation and death, as the United Nations held a series of events
worldwide to observe the annual International Day of Peace 2009 on Monday. "As
long as such weapons exist, no one is safe," said Moon after ringing the UN
Peace Bell in a ceremony at UN Headquarters. "On this International Day of
Peace, I have a simple message for all: We Must Disarm! We must have peace."
Moon said.
The Secretary-General's 100-day campaign on weapons of mass destruction - "WMD-We
Must Disarm" - culminates on 21 September to coincide with the International Day
of Peace, which is being marked Sunday by the UN because Monday is a public
holiday marking Eid al-Fitr in much of the world. During the campaign Moon, UN
Messenger of Peace Michael Douglas and the United States actor Rainn Wilson have
been raising awareness of the dangers and costs of nuclear weapons by issuing a
reason a day explaining the importance of nuclear disarmament and
non-proliferation on social networking websites and tools such as Twitter,
Facebook and MySpace. "Most of the victims of conflict are powerless, innocent
civilians, fathers, mothers, [and] children," said the UN Chief at the Peace
Bell ceremony, adding that without peace "they have little hope of improving
their lives. Moon had bemoaned the plight of people who try to help innocent
victims of war, saying, “Often, those who work on behalf the powerless are also
targets. Journalists, medical professionals, humanitarian workers, United
Nations staff and peacekeepers have all found themselves under attack”. Ban Ki-Moon
also charged combatants, warlords, arms suppliers and their sponsors for
continuously displaying a cruel disrespect for life. “I remind all of them that
there is another way. A better way. The path of peace”, he added.
He persuaded those in conflict to resort to diplomacy and negotiation. “And even
where States are torn by internal strife, history shows that peace can prevail
if there is sufficient will”.
According to the UN Chief, there are many examples where the advocates of peace
have successfully subdued the voices of hate. The Secretary General says he
draws hope from the renewed engagement of the international community on the
issue of nuclear disarmament. Next week's Security Council summit on nuclear
disarmament and non-proliferation - to be chaired by US President Barak Obama -
and a 2010 review conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty are signs
for cautious optimism, he said. The International Day of Peace was first
established by the General Assembly in 1981 as an opportunity for people around
the world to promote the resolution of conflict and to observe a cessation of
hostilities. Other UN events being held today include a commemoration with
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Permanent Missions at the UN Office in
Geneva (UNOG), where a round-table discussion on nuclear disarmament,
non-proliferation and peace will take place.
Sejaan Kazzi: Cabinet of key figures best solution
Date: September 20th, 2009/Source: LBC /Political advisor to Former President
and Kataeb Party leader Amine Gemayel said Sunday the best solution to the
cabinet formation crisis is by forming a government of key politicians aided by
a working team of specialists. Sejaan Kazzi was speaking to the Lebanese
Broadcasting television on Sunday. “Unifying the Lebanese stance and gathering
around the state is the crucial issue nowadays to stand fast against the
upcoming challenges facing the region,” Kazzi said. He accused Syria of not
wanting a government formed before President Sleiman’s trip to New York and the
pro-Iranian Hezbollah’s concept of the Lebanese state and its future will cause
in the continuation of the crisis therefore “I am against Hizbullah’s
participation in the government.”
Sarkozy voices support for Sleiman, Hariri in forming cabinet
September 20, 2009 /Now Lebanon/French President Nicolas Sarkozy voiced support
Sunday for Lebanese President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister-designate Saad
Hariri as they work cooperate on forming a new cabinet. The French presidency
issued a statement on Sunday saying, "As a friend of Lebanon and of all the
Lebanese people, France supports their efforts to give Lebanon a stable
government.” "The head of state reasserted France's commitment to the
sovereignty and independence of Lebanon," the statement added.
Hamas rockets land in Israel without causing injuries
September 20, 2009 Now Lebanon/An Israeli Army spokesperson told AFP on Sunday
that some rockets were fired in the morning from the Gaza Strip and landed in
Israel without causing any injuries, the army said."We still don't know how many
devices were fired, as we are carrying out a search of the area to examine the
debris," the spokesperson added.
According to Israeli state radio, two rockets exploded in Israel without causing
any injuries or damage.
Kabalan urges politicians to form government
Date: September 20th, 2009/Source: NNA
Sheikh Abdel Amir Kabalan, Vice President of the Islamic Shiite Council, called
on the politicians to have pity in the Lebanese people and to form a government
of patriot and competent ministers, the national news agency reported on Sunday.
In a speech for Eid El Fitr at the council headquarter in Beirut’s southern
suburb, Sheikh Kabalan urged the Lebanese to reconcile in this difficult period
as the country needs a calm environment of confidence, justice and peace.
Kabalan also noted that Lebanon is a country for Christians and Muslims to
coexist in peace and consensus, calling on the Lebanese to unite in order to
confront the Israeli threats.
Mufti Kabbani: To adhere to the constitution
Date: September 20th, 2009/Future News
Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Kabbani called
Sunday on everyone to cooperate in order to form a government capable of fending
off the lingering dangers, especially the Israeli threats. Sunday has been
declared Eid-el-Fitr day, or breaking up of fasting which Muslims assume during
the Holy Month of Ramadan, following the sighting of the moon in various cities
across the country after 29 days. In a speech delivered after the Eid prayers in
the Mohammed Al-Amine Mosque in Downtown Beirut, Kabbani stressed on the
importance of dialogue away from fiery and provocative rhetoric. The mufti
concluded by urging all political forces to adhere to the Constitution because
according to him “any violation to the Constitution would drag the country into
the abyss.”
Jouzou: To rise above antagonism for Lebanon's salvation
Date: September 20th, 2009/Source: NNA /In a sermon Sunday for the occasion of
Eid el-Fitr in the town of Barja, Mufti of Mount Lebanon, Mohammed Ali Jouzou
called on the Lebanese to rise above antagonism, hatred and lies. Jouzou
stressed that the tragedy of today's society stems from the lack of ethics and
values. "Everyone lies and tries to con people," he said, "and politics have
become a form of deception and trickery." The sole loser in all those lies
ultimately is the Lebanese citizen,” he told the congregations. Jouzou pointed
the finger to politicians who previously killed their brethrens simply because
they belonged to a different sect or religion, "those same politicians describe
themselves now as pure and transparent, while we all know how they stole the
State's money and ran with it abroad." Ultimately for Jouzou the only way out of
all the predicaments is through including good moral and values in daily
practices, stressing on the importance of cooperation and solidarity of Muslims.
Walid Khoury to NOW: Hariri’s positions are now more positive
September 20, 2009 /Now Lebanon/Change and Reform bloc MP Walid Khoury told NOW
correspondent Josephine Dib on Saturday that there is a sense of "positivity" in
Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri’s positions that was not present during his
first stint as PM-designate. During the most recent meeting between Hariri and
bloc leader MP Michel Aoun, the two reached an agreement to calm the media
situation in order to have more orderly deliberations on the cabinet formation,
he said. “This is exactly what Hariri spoke about in his last statement when he
called for holding closed-door meetings for the deliberations,” he said.
Consequently, Khoury described what he called a media campaign by Future bloc
MPs against the Free Patriotic Movement as "strange".He described the country as
"definitely going through a consensual phase during the second cabinet formation
process." “We remember how the first phase of cabinet formation started as
consensual and ended with the stepping down of the prime minister-designate,” he
warned. He said the opposition fears the country will fail to form a cabinet for
a second time, which he warned could result in further political and security
tensions. Khoury also said that the opposition has no preconditions except its
desire for true participation in the cabinet. True participation means adequate
representation according to the opposition’s popular representation, he said.
Jumblatt Denies Press Reports
Date: September 19th, 2009/Source: NNA
Druze leader Walid Jumblatt has categorically denied press reports over uneasy
relations with March 14’ alliance saying these were merely baseless rumors.
Jumblatt construed such stories as aimed at confusing the rank and file of March
14 let alone all of those concerned with forming a national unity government.
Ordinary citizens craving for such a speedy government prone to cater to their
needs were also the prime target to such campaign Jumblatt concluded. The leader
of the Democratic Gathering did not fail to express full confidence in
Premier-Designate Saad Hariri who “is apt to face challenges lying ahead
head-on”.
French FM in Beirut to Open Francophone Games
Naharnet/French Prime Minister Francois Fillion will arrive in Beirut next
Sunday to open the sixth Francophone Games which will take place in the Lebanese
capital from Sept. 27 till Oct. 6, pan-Arab daily al-Hayat said. This
international event is held every four years with the participation of more than
3,000 athletes from 68 French-speaking countries, allowing them to meet, compete
and freely express the diversity of the francophone culture. Lebanon has been
chosen to host the Sixth Francophone Games, also known as "Jeux de la
Francophonie."
Al-Hayat said Fillion is expected to meet President Michel Suleiman and
PM-designate Saad Hariri during his Lebanon stay.
Beirut, 20 Sep 09, 08:37
Security Measures During Eid, Rifi Says No One has an Interest in Tension
Naharnet/Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi has reassured the
Lebanese that the situation in the country remains calm and reports about
security incidents are "baseless."
The security situation is "good and calm" and all rumors about the possibility
of having security tensions "are baseless." They "aim at creating fear similar
to what happens every time there is a political crisis," Rifi told As Safir
daily in remarks published Saturday. He said neither the parliamentary majority
nor the opposition "has an interest in any security tension because any
deterioration in the security situation would have repercussions on everyone."
Rifi also stressed that the ISF is fully ready for any security-related problem
and is playing its role in preserving security during the Eid al-Fitr holiday in
all Lebanese regions. The ISF and the Lebanese army, meanwhile, are adopting a
series of measures, including extra deployment of officers and soldiers,
conducting patrols and erecting checkpoints, to keep security in the capital and
other regions. A military source told As Safir that the army command has issued
instructions not to be reluctant in dealing with those who disturb peace.
Beirut, 19 Sep 09, 09:37