LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS
BULLETIN
December 03/08
Bible Reading of the day.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 10,21-24. At that very
moment he rejoiced (in) the holy Spirit and said, "I give you praise, Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the
wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such
has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my
Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is
except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him." Turning to the
disciples in private he said, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did
not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it."
Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801-1890), priest, founder of a religious
community, theologian
«Waiting for Christ», Sermons Preached on Various Occasions, no.3
"Blessed are the eyes that see what you see"
For centuries before He came on earth, prophet after prophet was upon his high
tower, looking out for Him, through the thick night, and watching for the
faintest glimmer of the dawn:... "O God, my God, to Thee do I watch at break of
day. For Thee my soul hath thirsted in a desert land, where there is no way nor
water" (Ps 63[62],2)... "O that Thou wouldst rend the heavens, and come
down!—the mountains would melt away at Thy presence. They would melt, as at the
burning of fire... From the beginning of the world the eye hath not seen, O God,
besides Thee, what things Thou hast prepared for them that wait on Thee"(Is
63,19; 1Cor 2,9). Now, if there were any men who had a right to be attached to
this world, not detached from it, it was the ancient servants of God. This earth
was given them as their portion and reward by the very word of the Most High.
But our reward is future... And they, too, put aside God's good gift for His
better promise; they sacrificed possession to hope. They would be content with
nothing short of the fruition of their Creator; they would watch for nothing
else than the face of their Deliverer. If earth must be broken up, if the
heavens must be rent, if the elements must melt, if the order of nature must be
undone, in order to His appearing, let the ruin be, rather than they should be
without Him. Such was the intense longing of the Jewish worshipper, looking out
for that which was to come... Their perseverance in looking out proves that
there was something to look out for. Nor were the Apostles, after our Lord had
come and gone, behind the Prophets in the keenness of their apprehension, and
the eagerness of their longing for Him. The miracle of patient waiting was
continued.
Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special
Reports
Gen. Petraeus meets Lebanese
Leaders. By: Maj. W. Thomas Smith Jr. 02/12/08
Who is giving what to whom, Syria
or Aoun?By: Fady Noun.(AsiaNews)
02/12/08
Lebanese political rhetoric: much ado about less than nothing-
The Daily Star 02/12/08
Syria
and Libya: frozen in the past, fearing the present-By
Raja Kamal 02/12/08
Here's why Obama brought Hillary Clinton back
-By
Naomi Wolf 02/12/08
Latest News Reports From
Miscellaneous Sources for December
02/08
Bellemare: Additional Suspects
in the Hariri Killing, Related Crimes-Naharnet
Lebanese
Army Arrests Two SSNP Members-Naharnet
Geagea: Problems with
Syria Are Not Over-Naharnrt-Naharnet
Hizbullah Hails Aoun: Representative of Christians in the Region-Naharnet
No
Posters in Greater Beirut-Naharnet
Pentagon: Lebanese Army M-60
Tanks are No Match for Israel's Merkava 4-Nahatnet
Huge FPM Delegation in Damascus to Set the Stage for Aoun's Visit-Naharnet
Nations prepare for cluster bomb accordThe
Associated Press
Bounced Checks Create Much Ado for July 2006 Victims-Nahatnet
Saudi Protests against
Verbal Attacks, Lebanon Advised to Stay Out of Crisis-Nahatnet
Huge FPM Delegation in
Damascus to Set Stage for Aoun's Visit-Nahatnet
Ban Annoyed by Israeli
Procrastination on Withdrawal from Ghajar-Nahatnet
New U.S. Vision for the
Middle East Through Constructive Engagement-Nahatnet
Assad Reiterates Syria's
Readiness to Help Lebanon Maintain Peace-Nahatnet
Carter in Beirut Next Week-Nahatnet
Third Forum for Lebanese Students in France-Nahatnet
Sleiman chastises critics of Saudi role in Lebanon-Daily
Star
Rumors fly over fugitive Fatah al-Islam leader-Daily
Star
Qassem urges 'calm' talk over 'stark differences'-Daily
Star
Security Council states receive report on probe into Hariri assassination-Daily
Star
Migrant workers being smuggled to Lebanon from Philippines - officials-Daily
Star
Lebanese divided over thaw in ties with Damascus-Daily
Star
Lebanese deficit falls despite drain at power company-Daily
Star
Axing
of jobs in the Gulf adds to fears about recession hitting Lebanon-Daily
Star
Who
takes care of UNIFIL's dirty laundry? Oula Ali does-Daily
Star
Trying not to be a sore loser after Beirut's marathon-Daily
Star
Where the present catches up with the past in a glass-Daily
Star
Artists reclaim Saint Nicholas Steps for day of painting - and tolerance-Daily
Star
Nearly all victims of cluster bombs worldwide are civilians
-(AFP)
Symptoms or not, everyone should be tested for HIV-Daily
Star
Gen. Petraeus meets Lebanese Leaders
By: Maj. W. Thomas Smith Jr.
02 Dec 2008
By Maj. W. Thomas Smith Jr.
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut is reporting today’s meetings between U.S. Army Gen.
David Petraeus – commander of the U.S. Central Command – and Lebanese Prime
Minister Fouad Siniora and Lt. Gen. Jean Kahwaji, commander-in-chief of the
Lebanese armed forces.
According to an Embassy statement: “The discussions focused on the United
States’ continued assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces so it can maintain
peace and stability, and safeguard the Lebanese people. The U.S. Government has
provided over $410 million in military aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces and it
will continue to support the legitimate institutions of the Lebanese government
and the Lebanese people as they seek to preserve their independence and
security.”
No surprise, as we’ve been reporting our $ millions in military assistance to
Lebanon for months. And there is no question but that we must assist Lebanon and
regain our vital Lebanese front (which we’ve lost to the Iranian-Syrian-Hizballah
axis in the months since Lebanon-based Hizballah attacked the Lebanese
government and citizenry in May 2008).
But should we not be supporting the pro-democracy resistance against Hizballah
instead of the army?
Let’s not forget:
The Lebanese army – then under the command of Gen. Michel Sleiman (Kahwaji’s
predecessor) – refused to fight Hizballah in May.
Hizballah – a U.S. State Department designated terrorist organization which our
own Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff says “makes Al Qaeda look like a
minor league team” – has heavily infiltrated the army.
Hizballah is now considered an official wing of the overall Lebanese Defense
apparatus.
Iran – a designated state sponsor of terrorism – finances Hizballah to the tune
of $ one billion annually.
Sleiman – who is today president of Lebanon in part because he refused to fight
Hizballah in May – signed a five-year defense pact with Iran last week.
Kahwaji has returned from Syria – also a designated state sponsor of terrorism,
which has long provided operational support to Hizballah -- where he was
schmoozing with his Syrian counterpart Gen. Ali Habib just a few days ago.
Don’t misunderstand me: I am a huge supporter of both Gen. Petraeus (who no
doubt will go down in history as one of the great captains of counterinsurgency)
and Lebanon. But if anyone would simply take the time to connect the dots, they
would come to no other conclusion but that our Lebanese policy is seriously and
dangerously flawed.
— Visit W. Thomas Smith Jr. at uswriter.com.
Who is giving what to whom, Syria or Aoun?
by Fady Noun
The visit to Damascus by the leader of the Free Patriotic Movement helps Assad
overcome Syria’s international isolation. But the international tribunal
investigating the Hariri assassination is overshadowing it.
Beirut (AsiaNews) – A new exciting phase in Lebanon’s political life begins with
General Michel Aoun’s visit to Syria, which should start within 24 hours,
according to reports by media close to the country’s ruling majority. Timing
aside local media are already preparing psychologically Syrian public opinion
for the visit.
Daily Teshreen is freely heaping superlatives on the head of the Free Patriotic
Movement, the same one who in 1989 launched a “War of Liberation” against Syria,
but who is now a “noble adversary,” the leader of “Eastern Christians,” whom
Syria welcomes, in what amounts to a transparent attempt by Syria to build an
“alliance of minorities”.
General Aoun’s Syrian visit, which ends on Sunday, will include stops in
Damascus, Aleppo and Homs. It will also touch some important Maronite sites.
Among political circles questions are being raised as to what might be behind
the VIP treatment; or more precisely, who is giving what to whom, Syria or Aoun?
In practice the visit is in Syria’s best interests because it helps its efforts
to break its diplomatic isolation.
In fact Aoun’s visit closely follows that of French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s
envoys, Claude Géant and Jean-David Lévitte.
Undoubtedly France is now “satisfied” by the evolution of Syrian-Lebanese
relations, which includes Aoun’s visit.
With a good report card from the French, cautious Syria should get the European
Union to ratify the co-operation agreement it signed four years ago with the
Middle Eastern country.
But France can also be counted on to see free and fair elections take place in
Lebanon without any major interference in party list selections or intimidation.
One way or another, the Syrian regime got the message.
This deserves attention because, despite positive views in France and perhaps
elsewhere, Syria’s regime is still under the dark shadow of the international
tribunal for Lebanon, charged with investigating the murder of former Prime
Minister Rafik Hariri and finding those who ordered the crime and those who
carried it out.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad
Siniora, whom he met in Doha on the margins of the economic forum, that court
staff will move to The Hague early next year even though the tribunal will not
sit before 1 March 2009.
In order to demonstrate that Damascus is above the fray Syrian sources quoted
two days ago on LBCI TV said that Syria did not consider itself as a party to
the international tribunal and that the various visits by the heads of
commission of inquiry cannot be seen as some kind of legal summons.
“If any Syrian were involved, they will be tried and sentenced in Syria for high
treason,” sources in Syria said. This is a clever way of keeping the Syrian
regime out of the loop whilst acknowledging the possibility that Syrian
nationals could have been personally involved in the assassination of Rafik
Hariri. Even so, a claim like this will be hard to swallow given the highly
centralised nature of the country’s political regime.
Compared to General Aoun’s visit to Syria, the prime minister’s trip to Doha and
that of the president today to Germany seem mere sideshows. But as the saying
goes not all that shines is gold and President Sleiman’s visit to Germany may
not be as unassuming as it might seem.
In fact this visit has given Lebanon’s head of state an opportunity to polish
his image as a moderate and credible leader, virtues that have been in scarce
supply in Lebanon’s legal system and administrative machine throughout the war
years and the current crisis.
Indeed as much as the current administration has succeed abroad, the quest for
“political consensus” at home—with a difficult balancing act between the
country’s various communal groups and leaders—continues to impair the country’s
justice system and bureaucracy, preventing the recruitment of strong, competent
and relatively independent officials to run them.
Geagea: Problems with Syria Are Not Over
Naharnet/Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said the problem with Syria is not
over, adding that it is in Lebanon's great interest to have best of relations
with Damascus. Geagea, addressing a dinner banquet on the 30th anniversary of
Free Lebanon Radio said: "When it comes to Lebanon's security a lot is required
from Syria in this regard; the least of which are the existing camps, the flow
of funds and arms through the borders." "Can we ignore all these facts and go to
Syria to tour and visit?" Geagea asked. The LF leader pointed that some Lebanese
say there are no more differences with Syria and things are getting better. "One
must at least respect the feelings of other Lebanese," Geagea said. He went on
to reiterate his position saying: "If the coming days prove that Syria is not
responsible for the political assassinations in Lebanon, I would be the first to
apologize to Syria."
Geagea added that those supposed to travel to Syria are Lebanese officials going
there with an official capacity to settle actual issues. "If we cannot find
solutions to these issues … then there is no point in normalizing relations."
The forthcoming elections in the spring of 2009 would "decide whether Lebanon
would proceed with the path launched in 2005 or return to the situation which
persisted before that date," Geagea said. He said families of Lebanese citizens
missing in Syria have "the right to know whereabouts of their loved ones … the
Syrians refuse to discuss this issue." Geagea called for launching efforts to
demarcate the Lebanese-Syrian borders "as soon as possible." Beirut, 02 Dec 08,
17:21
Third Forum for Lebanese Students in France
Naharnet/The French based L'institut du Liban announced Tuesday, the launching
of "Porte Ouverte 2009" forum at the "Maison Internationale de la Cite
Internationale Universitaire de Paris" next February 7. This will be its third
annual event. The forum is open to Lebanese university and vocational students
studying in France, and professional recruiting firms. This meeting aims to link
Lebanese students residing in France to a network of specialists representing
all sectors, in order to form a national cooperation among Lebanese expatriates
in France. In 2008, over 15 sectors, 28 firms representing more than 25
professions, in addition to 250 participants participated in the forum. They all
extended their appreciation to the institute's initiative. The event produced
over 40 training and working opportunities to participants. The forum followed
up with students and firms throughout the year to provide registered
participants with potential offers.
The 2009 forum will be distinguished with much dynamism, this is due to interest
by Lebanese students in vocational training in light of the world economic
crisis.
Participating students will benefit from getting to know professional
institutions, professional job descriptions, participating in workshops, writing
resumes and learning how best to get through job interviews; learning the
availability of job opportunities and training. Beirut, 02 Dec 08, 15:09
Saudi Protests against Verbal Attacks, Lebanon Advised to
Stay Out of Crisis
Naharnet/Saudi Arabia has protested against verbal attacks on the kingdom and
Western diplomats advised Lebanon to stay out of this crisis to avoid turning
Lebanon into an arena for Syrian-Saudi conflict. The daily An Nahar on Tuesday
said Saudi ambassador Abdul Aziz Khoja has conveyed his country's objection to
President Michel Suleiman. Sources told An Nahar that this objection, an
unprecedented step by Saudi Arabia, reflects a negative attitude toward the
stepped up campaigns led by pro-Syrian Lebanese leaders and politicians. They
said the protest is clear indication that Riyadh would no longer tolerate
continuation of this campaign without an equal reaction from the Lebanese
government. Meanwhile, Western diplomatic circles have advised Lebanon to stay
out of this for fear the crisis could explode across Lebanon. Suleiman had
expressed keenness to keep "good relations" among Arab countries. Beirut, 02 Dec
08, 09:35
Huge FPM Delegation in Damascus to Set Stage for Aoun's
Visit
Naharnet/A delegation from the Free Patriotic Movement and journalists will head
to Damascus Tuesday afternoon ahead of a five-day visit by FPM leader Gen.
Michel Aoun to the Syrian capital, An Nahar daily reported. It said a huge
delegation consisting of Change and Reform bloc MPs, FPM members as well as
officials and journalists will travel to Damascus to set the stage for Aoun's
expected visit on Wednesday. Although Aoun kept the date of his Damascus trip
secret, An Nahar said the visit would extend from Wednesday to Sunday. The FPM
leader's trip would be divided into two parts - talks with top officials
including President Bashar Assad, and tours to shrines, meetings with people of
areas he will visit and seminars. Aoun, meanwhile, snapped back at those
criticizing him, saying they ignore the history of the Christians. "I am going
to Syria with my head held high," Aoun said.
"They are welcoming me with admiration and respect... I was a rival and the
rivalry has ended and I may become a friend," he added. Beirut, 02 Dec 08, 05:46
Ban Annoyed by Israeli Procrastination on Withdrawal from
Ghajar
Naharnet/United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed frustration
with Israel's procrastination on the withdrawal from the border town of Ghajar.
Sources close to Premier Fouad Saniora told the daily An Nahar on Tuesday that
the meeting between the PM and Ban in Doha was "very important" since the U.N.
chief showed seriousness toward the issues of the international tribunal and
Israeli-occupied Ghajar. Saniora returned to Beirut late Monday ending a two-day
official visit to Qatar where he attended the International Conference on
Financing for Development. Beirut, 02 Dec 08, 11:35
Assad Reiterates Syria's Readiness to Help Lebanon Maintain
Peace
Naharnet/Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reiterated Damascus' readiness to
support Lebanon's efforts to achieve peace and internal unity.
"Syria is willing to assist the Lebanese people, its forces and national parties
in their efforts to continue their roles in maintaining peace and internal unity
in Lebanon," Assad told a visiting delegation from the Tashnag party. The
state-run Syrian news agency, SANA, said the talks with the Tashnag delegation
headed by Hovig Mekhtarian, touched on the "positive developments" in Lebanon
and the need to build on achievements, particularly regarding Syrian-Lebanese
relations. Beirut, 02 Dec 08, 10:18
Bounced Checks Create Much Ado for July 2006 Victims
Naharnet/The Council of the South announced that the Higher Relief Council (HRC)
has presented the victims of the 2006 war with bounced checks. The checks were
made to villagers in south Lebanon who suffered from the Israel-Hizbullah war in
2006. Qabalan Qabalan, who heads the Council of the South, told the daily as-Safir
on Tuesday that the HRC has "over the past few days paid LL six million out of
the LL one hundred billion targeted for relief. The LL six million checks turned
out to be bounced-checks." Qabalan said that head of the HRC Yehya Raad informed
him that the checks cannot not be dispensed to the victims until the required
balance is secured. Qabalan wondered why Raad would distribute checks to victims
that cannot be cashed. Raad denied Qabalan's statements, saying that the
mechanism under which the HRC operates does not allow payment of bounced checks.
"No checks are issued unless a balance is first secured," he said.
Qabalan added that the overall value of the second portion of paid funds by
guaranteeing states amounts to $315 million, $ 80 million of which remain in
balance. These funds are to cover damaged villages in the south; the remaining
portion is to be secured by the state for villages other than the south.
Development and Liberation parliamentary bloc MP Ali Hassan Khalil said: "This
issue is to be followed up with the cabinet and the HRC to arrive at a decisive
settlement." MP Mohammed Haidar told as-Safir that Saudi ambassador to Lebanon
Abdel Aziz Khoja informed him about two weeks ago with the presence of Raad that
80% of the allocated Saudi funds for the second payment remain deposited at the
Banque de Liban. Raad told Khoja and Haidar at the meeting that HRC has checks
worth LL100 million ready to be paid on December 1. Beirut, 02 Dec 08, 13:11