LCCC
ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
January 04/10
Bible Reading of the day
Isaiah
66/1-6 Thus says Yahweh, “Heaven is my throne, and
the earth is my footstool: what kind of house will you build to me? and what
place shall be my rest? 66:2 For all these things has my hand made, and so all
these things came to be,” says Yahweh: “but to this man will I look, even to him
who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word. 66:3 He who
kills an ox is as he who kills a man; he who sacrifices a lamb, as he who breaks
a dog’s neck; he who offers an offering, as he who offers pig’s blood; he who
burns frankincense, as he who blesses an idol. Yes, they have chosen their own
ways, and their soul delights in their abominations: 66:4 I also will choose
their delusions, and will bring their fears on them; because when I called, no
one answered; when I spoke, they didn’t listen; but they did that which was evil
in my eyes, and chose that in which I didn’t delight.” 66:5 Hear the word of
Yahweh, you who tremble at his word: “Your brothers who hate you, who cast you
out for my name’s sake, have said, ‘Let Yahweh be glorified, that we may see
your joy;’ but it is those who shall be disappointed. 66:6 A voice of tumult
from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of Yahweh that renders
recompense to his enemies.
Latest News Reports From
Miscellaneous Sources for January 03/09
Hamas Vows to Fight
alongside Hizbullah in Next Israeli War/Naharnet
Abul
Aynein: External Parties Seeking to Export Extremists to Lebanon Camps/Naharnet
US: Unrest in Iran opens window for
immediate sanctions/Harretz
US Sees an Opportunity to Press
Iran on Nuclear Fuel
New York Times
Iran demands West accept counter
plan on nuclear program
CNN
International
Suleiman, Sarkozy Stress Importance
of 1701 and Improvement of Lebanese-Syrian Ties/Naharnet
Sayyed:
Ready to Withdraw Lawsuit after an Official Request by Suleiman and Hariri/Naharnet
'America's Most Wanted' Show Leads to Capture of Lebanese Murderer in Florida/Naharnet
Sfeir
Urges Lebanese to Join Hands to Ward Off Dangers/Naharnet
Jumblat Visits al-Jahliyeh, Wahab Denies he is PSP Leader's Gateway to Damascus/Naharnet
Phalange and LF Youth
Clash with Hizbullah Supporters in Meallah/Naharnet
Report: Opposition to Urge
the Judiciary to Question Geagea/Naharnet
Bkirki Unhappy About Berri's Circular on Abolishment of Confessionalism/Naharnet
Baroud Says Major Car Theft Network Arrested/Naharnet
Khalil: Berri Won't Form Commission of Abolishing Political Sectarianism 'on His
Own/Naharnet
Sayegh: Battle over Resolution 1559
begins today/Now Lebanon
Zoghbi: racing to Syria “not a nationalistic standard/Future
News
ِAzzi: situation in Middle East susceptible to change/Future
News
Ogassapian: Hariri sees the issue of the Lebanese missing in Syria as crucial/Future
News
US shuts Yemen embassy over
threats/Aljezira
Viewer tip leads to arrest
in Thanksgiving
slayings/CNN
Sfeir
Urges Lebanese to Join Hands to Ward Off Dangers
/Naharnet/Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir hoped on Sunday that 2010 would be
a year of peace and love among all Lebanese.During his Sunday sermon, Sfeir
prayed that Lebanese would join hands to save the country from all dangers.
/Future News
Suleiman, Sarkozy Stress Importance of 1701 and Improvement of Lebanese-Syrian
Ties
Naharnet/ebanese President Michel Suleiman and his French counterpart Nicolas
Sarkozy stressed during talks on Saturday the importance of implementing U.N.
Security Council resolution 1701 and improvement of Lebanese-Syrian relations.
Suleiman said following a one-hour meeting with his French counterpart at the
Elysee Palace that he and Sarkozy discussed Lebanon's internal problems, Israeli
threats to the country, bilateral relations and Mideast peace efforts. Suleiman
also told reporters after the talks that the two discussed Lebanon's two-year
term on the U.N. Security Council. The president stressed that Lebanon was
"interested in fully implementing resolution 1701" and noted that relations with
Syria are "very good" and Beirut is "waiting for the improvement of such ties."
An Nahar quoted French presidential sources as saying that Paris "reiterated the
importance of the implementation of resolution 1701."
Sarkozy also expressed relief at "normalization of ties between Lebanon and
Syria after the visit of Premier (Saad) Hariri" to Damascus, the sources said.
An Nahar said the main objective of Suleiman's visit to the Elysee was to get
reassurances that Israel would not attack Lebanon. Sarkozy promised the
president to help Lebanon ward off the danger of a new war. Pan-Arab daily al-Hayat
also quoted French presidential sources as saying that Sarkozy welcomed the
holding of the parliamentary elections last June and the vote of confidence that
the new cabinet received from parliament. "Lebanon has entered a fundamental
stage of reconciliations," Sarkozy reportedly said and lauded "the positive role
that the Lebanese president has recently played." Suleiman told Sarkozy that
2010 is "the year of renewal" in Lebanon, the sources added. The Lebanese
president and his family returned to Beirut Saturday night after spending the
New Year holiday in the French capital. Beirut, 03 Jan 10,
Sayyed: Ready to Withdraw Lawsuit after an Official Request by Suleiman and
Hariri
Naharnet/Former head of the General Security Department Maj. Gen. Jamil al-Sayyed
has announced that he was ready to withdraw a lawsuit filed in Damascus against
Lebanese officials if President Michel Suleiman or Premier Saad Hariri invited
him for talks at Baabda Palace or the Grand Serail. Sayyed told OTV Saturday
night that he would withdraw the lawsuit if Suleiman or Hariri asked him to make
the move "to preserve Lebanese-Lebanese consensus and Lebanese-Syrian
rapprochement." The former security official warned Justice Minister Ibrahim
Najjar that he would sue him "if he continued to obstruct the judicial summons"
by not informing the Lebanese politicians, journalists, and security and
judicial figures of the Syrian lawsuit. Najjar is only a "transit point" in the
Syrian summons and should not put obstacles to them, according to Sayyed. Sayyed
also told OTV that after Hariri's visit to Damascus last month, he felt it would
be appropriate to withdraw the lawsuit but said people would think that he
backed down under Syrian pressure. Beirut, 03 Jan 10, 08:00
'America's Most Wanted' Show Leads to Capture of Lebanese Murderer in Florida
Naharnet/A Lebanese man suspected of gunning down four family members at a
Thanksgiving dinner in Florida was arrested Saturday night in the Florida Keys
after a weekslong manhunt, authorities said. Jupiter Police Sgt. Scott
Pascarella said Paul Merhige, 35, was taken into custody without struggle by
U.S. Marshals and Monroe County Sheriff's deputies at a motel on Long Key.
Pascarella credited the TV show "America's Most Wanted" for the tip that led to
Merhige's capture. Merhige has been the subject of a massive manhunt that
included a $100,000 reward for information leading to his capture. He is accused
of killing his twin sisters, a 79-year-old aunt and 6-year-old cousin on
Thanksgiving Day at a family gathering in Jupiter. Authorities said Merhige
checked into the motel in Dec. 2, using the name "John Baca" and a false
Homestead address. He had the same blue 2007 Toyota Camry that had been a key
part of the manhunt, but police said it was hidden with a covering at the Keys
motel. U.S. Marshals said Merhige, who had withdrawn $12,000 from bank accounts
before the killings, paid for his room in advance in cash. It turned out that
the license tag on his car had been registered to a Lexus he owned in 2006.
Merhige was on his computer when police made entry to his motel room, according
to a Marshals statement.
"I'm elated that the monster is in the cage. We don't have to worry about him
killing my wife or coming back for my father-in-law. It doesn't bring my
daughter back, but at least this chapter is over," Jim Sitton, the father of
6-year-old victim Makayla Sitton, told The Palm Beach Post on Saturday night.
There was no indication Saturday that Merhige had an attorney. Authorities said
he was being taken to the Palm Beach County jail.
Police say Merhige opened fire at a home where 16 relatives had gathered for the
holiday in Jupiter, an affluent community about 90 miles north of Miami. He
faces four counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted
first-degree murder in the shootings, which also injured two other people.
Police say Merhige shot and killed his 33-year-old twin sisters, Carla Merhige
and Lisa Knight, both of Miami, along with his aunt Raymonde Joseph, 76, and his
young cousin. Police said Knight was pregnant. Authorities have said Merhige
carefully planned the killings. Sitton has said Merhige was heard saying after
the shootings that he had waited 20 years to kill the relatives. Merhige sat
through three hours of dinner and sing-a-longs around the piano before the
shootings, Sitton has said. There were no arguments, warnings or red flags
before the rampage, he said. Police said Merhige was taking numerous
medications, including Ativan, used to treat anxiety disorders.(AP) Beirut, 03
Jan 10,
Phalange and LF Youth Clash with Hizbullah Supporters in Meallah
Naharnet/Youth belonging to the Phalange Party and Lebanese Forces clashed with
young Hizbullah members in Meallah and Meallah al-Shamaliyyah Saturday night, An
Nahar daily reported. MP Elie Marouni said that two young men from Meallah,
George Munseb and George Metran, "were attacked by other youth just for passing
through the area."
As for Hizbullah, it said that Saturday's clash came against the backdrop of
another quarrel on New Year's Eve when "three youths removed Ashoura banners
near al-Husseiniyah and erected Lebanese Forces banners." The party described
the clash as a childish behavior by youth who challenged each other. Beirut, 03
Jan 10
Report: Opposition to Urge the Judiciary to Question Geagea
Opposition sources have told Ad-Diyar daily that it would ask the judiciary to
question Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea over his information on a possible
Israeli attack on the country. However, an LF source snapped back saying the
opposition misinterpreted Geagea's statement on the Israeli aggression. The
source stressed that Geagea's comment came only as part of an analysis of the
political and security situation and was not based on any information. The LF
leader had expected in an interview with an Arab satellite TV network an attack
by Israel as a result of Hizbullah's armed presence in the south. "Israel will
launch a violent war on Lebanon in the next six months to finish off Hizbullah
and its arms," Geagea told al-Jazeera TV. Beirut, 03 Jan 10
Bkirki Unhappy About Berri's Circular on Abolishment of Confessionalism
Naharnet/The seat of the Maronite church is reportedly unhappy about a circular
sent by Speaker Nabih Berri to foreign missions in Beirut on abolishment of
confessionalism in politics.
Sources close to Bkirki told Ad-Diyar daily in remarks published Sunday that the
church is keen on the implementation of the Constitution and stressed that any
official stance to embassies should be made through the foreign ministry and not
legislative authorities. Ad-Diyar also quoted sources close to Berri as saying
that the issue of abolishing sectarianism in politics was on the right track and
there was no misunderstanding on it. Beirut, 03 Jan 10,
Baroud Says Major Car Theft Network Arrested
Naharnet/Interior Minister Ziad Baroud on Saturday said that security forces
arrested the members of a major car theft network. At a press conference held in
Tripoli, Baroud stressed that security forces, in cooperation with the Lebanese
Army, are exerting important security efforts, describing the security situation
Lebanon witnessed on New Year's eve as "exemplary." On the other hand, Baroud
said that the electoral law of the upcoming municipal elections needs amending,
the thing which is underway currently. Beirut, 02 Jan 10,
Zoghbi: racing to Syria “not a nationalistic standard”
Date: January 3rd, 2010/Future News
‘March 14’ coalition member Elias el Zoghbi said the Lebanese groups which are
currently racing to make personal ties with Syria, outside the rival
state-to-state relations, are defying nationalistic standards.
In a statement he issued Saturday, Zoghbi regretted “the standard of the
Lebanese political groups which have personal relations with Syria, especially
the newly-established ones.”
“Each (personal) bond with Syria, whether it is old or recent, which disregards
Lebanon’s interests and rights with the Syrian state is considered a follower,”
Zoghbi said noting that such affiliation “is a national disgrace.”
He also stressed that tackling the issue of border demarcation as well as that
of the missing Lebanese in Syria the first outcome of the visit of Prime
Minister Saad Hariri to Syria.
Zoghbi said the Lebanese PM’s visit to Damascus should be “a model for restoring
the nationalistic standards so that the race (of Lebanese figures) to Syria –
which he said is not a nationalistic standard- would stop.”Zoghbi noted that the
Lebanese political groups racing to please Syria “fail to recognize the
political changes and bear a flimsy political outlook, especially as regional
and international scopes indicate that Syria is approaching Lebanon not the
opposite.”
Sayegh: Battle over Resolution 1559 begins today
January 3, 2010 /NOW Lebanon
Minister of Social Affairs Selim Sayegh said in an interview with Al-Balad
newspaper published on Sunday that the “battle over UN Security Council
Resolution 1559 begins today.” “The goal is to remove all illegitimate arms from
Lebanon,” he said. The minister said that any armed group - other than the state
- is a militia, adding that international law does not make a distinction
between the terms ‘resistance’ and ‘militia.’The minister said Lebanese
jurisprudence distinguishes between the “Resistance” against Israel and local
militias that participated in the country’s Civil War. Sayegh said he does not
support giving the Resistance a legal personality, but he does back the notion
of a popular resistance by the Lebanese people.
“It is our duty as Lebanese to benefit from the military components of the
Resistance in our national defense strategy,” he said. -NOW Lebanon
Jumblatt calls for “broad front”
January 3, 2010 /Now Lebanon
In an interview with An-Nahar newspaper published on Sunday, Progressive
Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt said that Lebanon’s political process
should be motivated by a “broad front.”He said this principle - of unifying all
of the country’s parties - comes after Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s recent visit
to Syria and other reconciliations [between Lebanese leaders]. Regarding
Jumblatt’s expected visit to Tawhid Movement leader Wiam Wahhab later on Sunday,
PSP Media Officer Rami Rayess told the newspaper that the meeting is in line
with his party’s effort to overcome issues leftover from the May 7 clashes in
2008. Rayess added that Jumblatt will hold similar meetings with other political
figures in the coming weeks.
First Wahhab, then Aoun on Jumblatt agenda
January 2, 2010 /-NOW Lebanon
Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt told Al-Manar television on
Saturday that the purpose of his meeting with Tawhid Movement leader Wiam Wahhab
on Sunday is to “overcome past rifts.” He added that he will call Change and
Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun soon to set a date for a visit to Rabieh.
Meantime, an Al-Manar sourced denied reports that Public Works and
Transportation Minister Ghazi Aridi recently visited Damascus. Regarding rumors
Jumblatt may make a trip to Syria, the source said conditions are not right.
Ogassapian: Hariri sees the issue of the Lebanese missing in Syria as crucial
Date: January 2nd, 2010/Source: Future News
State Minister Jean Ogassapian said Saturday that Prime Minister Saad Hariri
considers the issue of the missing Lebanese in Syrian jails as “very crucial”
adding that the Lebanese PM is very keen to tackle the human cause. In an
interview to the Future News TV, Ogassapian said the PM will announce the
roadmap for his work plan in the issue of the missing, upon which the agreement
with the Syrian side will be made, as soon as the plan gains the cabinet’s
concurrence.
“The Lebanese committee has prepared several documents and a number of
investigations with the citizens and concerned groups and held a number of
meetings with the Syrian side in ‘Jdaydet Yabous’ region and discussed the
details of the issue,” he added.
Ogassapian explained that the Syrian side presented a list of 122 Lebanese
citizens indicted in Syria, and that their location and the time they are due to
serve in custody are identified. However he added that there still are 470 other
citizens missing in Syria and that their fate remains unknown. Pertaining to the
issue of the demarcation of the Lebanese-Syrian border, Ogassapian said that the
Lebanese committee has done highly accurate and detailed studies on the 330
square kilometer-border, noting that Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Ali Chami and
his Syrian counterpart Walid Muallem will contact each other to appoint a
preliminary meeting. Ogassapian added that the Lebanese side has not yet been
informed about the composure of the Syrian delegation and the names of its
members. “The Lebanese side has documents and maps (for the border demarcation)
and it is ready for the first phase of alignment of the borders, and then we can
move towards the demarcation of the border in all Lebanese regions except the
Shebaa Farms, which has a specific status to be discussed later.”Ogassapian said
the Lebanese government has to tackle many local files on its agenda, especially
the establishment of political and security stability in the country as well as
the economic and financial issues.
ِAzzi: situation in Middle East susceptible to change
Date: January 3rd, 2010/Source: El Jareeda daily
Political advisor of Kataeb party leader Amin Gemayel, Sejaan Azzi said the
developments in the region during the last year are temporary. Azzi also saw
that the situation in the Middle East is susceptible to change noting that the
settlements are momentary and transitory. In an interview to the ‘Jareeda’
Kuwaiti newspaper, Azzi said the “main issuance expected in Lebanon during 2010
is setting a system for extended administrative decentralization, as well as
rejecting all projects of naturalization,” of Palestinian refugees in the
country.
Politics - Minister Shami: we will end the occupation
NNA - Minister of Expatriates and the Exterior, Ali Shami, hoped that 2010 will
be the year of comprehensive liberation of Lebanon. He said that the priority of
his Ministry was to liberating Lebanese soil and water from Israeli occupation,
as stated by UN resolution 425 back in 1978 and by resolution 1701 decreed in
2006. Shami pointed to the fact that Lebanon has abided by both UN resolutions,
unlike Israel. The Minister made clear that the pressure of putting Hezbollah's
artillery in the lime light will not affect the outcome of the Resistance, which
continuously works for the liberation of the region. Shami was optimistic about
the role which Lebanon will play as a non-permanent member at the Security
Council, allowing Lebanese to have their voices heard in one of the most
significant podiums in the world. Shami noted that any inter-Arab solidarity,
specifically Lebanese-Syrian agreements, will reflect positively on the country.
The Minister revealed that his Ministry will undergo an internal reconstructive
workshop which will help Lebanese diplomacy soar higher. 03/01/10 12:03
Patriarch Sfeir heads Sunday sermon at Bkirki
NNA - Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, headed Sunday sermon
at Bkirki. Italian Ambassador, Gabriel Chichia, was among the crowd of believers
who attended the sermon. Sfeir ended the mass by praying to God that this New
Year brings with it peace and love to all Lebanese, and that this nation will
find the strength to stand together as brethrens against eminent dangers.
03/01/10 11:43
Miscellaneous - Army Command: Rescue of 7 people caught-up in snow in the Cedars
and death of the 8th after falling on the rocks
NNA - 3/1/2010 - Lebanese Army Command-Guidance Directorate issued a statement
today, in which it indicated that at the hour 15:00 this afternoon, a unit from
the ski academic department within the Army managed to rescue 7 people who were
caught-up in snow in the Cedar heights. However, they failed to rescue the 8th
person who fell over the rocks and died.
The rescued persons were transmitted by the Lebanese Red Cross to Bsharri
Government Hospital.
MP Hashem: The positive ambience is a strength factor that contributes to
preventing the enemy from any adventure
NNA - 3/1/2010 - Member of the Development and Reconstruction Parliamentary
Bloc, MP Kassem Hashem, considered that positive political ambience prevailing
in the Country and the national unity government stand as strong factors in
contributing to preventing the Israeli enemy from any adventure towards Lebanon,
in the wake of threats it has been launching against Lebanon for a while now.
Hashem added that Lebanon is strong in its resistance and unity of political
stand. MP Hashem's words came during his visit today to Marj'Ayoun Serail, where
he inspected its various departments, expressing well-wishes on the new year to
all official administration employees. Hashem urged the government to cater to
the developmental needs of the region of Marj'Ayoun-Hasbaya. He hoped, herein,
that with the start of the new year, the new government will translate the
ministerial statement into reality and deal with the social and economic
problems, so as to ensure social stability, which denotes a doorway to political
and security stability in the Country. MP Hashem also touched on the situation
of official administrations, which he considered entails the opening of the
appointments' dossier to fill the vacant positions, in accordance with fairness
and qualifications. This would allow for creating job opportunities for the
youth and facilitate people's transactions, he noted. 03/01/10 12:03
MP Jumblatt conducts a tour in the Shouf today and accepts
Wahab's lunch invitation
NNA - 3/1/2010 - Democratic Gathering Head, MP Walid Jumblatt, toured today a
number of Shouf villages, where he had a closer look at their needs and catered
to social duties. Amongst the visited villages were Ain Wzein, Bshetfin, Dmit,
Kfarhim and Jahliah, where he accepted the lunch invitation by former Minister,
Wiam Wahab, held in his honor at the latter's residence in Jahliah. Attending
the luncheon banquet were: MP Ali Bazzi representing House Speaker Nabih Berry;
Dr. Nassif Azzi representing General Michel Aoun; Cabinet Ministers Ziad Baroud,
Mohamad Jawad Khalifeh, Fadi Abboud, Akram Shehayeb, Jebran Bassil & Wael Abou
Faour; Deputies Marwan Hamadeh, Ali Ammar, Nicolas Fattoush, Nuhad Al-Mashnouq,
Nehme Tohme, Elie Aoun, Emile Rahme, Agop Paqradonian & Marwan Fares; former
Ministers Elias Skaff & Alain Tabourian ; former MP Zaher Al-Khatib; Hizbollah's
representative Mahmoud Komati, as well as a number of other prominent figures.
Former Minister Wahab gave a word on the occasion, in which he touched on the
Druze Unitarian Sect and its position in Lebanon and the region. In this
context, he considered that the Druze are actually a "role" and not "size",
adding that the Druze shall not accept to be treated other than as Lebanese.
Wahab hoped that the relation between Syria and all would return to the previous
state, especially the relation between Syria and MP Jumblatt. He added that MP
Jumblatt shall visit Syria, for he has the courage to speak the work of truth
and righteousness, adding that the heart of Syria is wide enough to encompass
all brethrens and family members.
Wahab also hoped that the understanding between Jumblatt and Al-Sayyid Hassan
Nasrallah would turn into a strategic understanding that would support the
resistance; hence, protecting Lebanon and its resistance.
Furthermore, Wahab also hailed the steps by Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, towards
Damascus, which have left behind great optimism that can lay the foundation for
a strategic relation between both Lebanon and Syria. In turn, MP Jumblatt gave a
word in which he summarized the changes that have occurred over the past two
years, leading to today's events. He compared between the past ambience of
protests, accusations, disputes and insults, and today's prevailing ambience of
consensus and civilized dialogue. He added that due to the Arab efforts and Arab
solidarity, the government of national unity and consensus has been formed in
Lebanon and agreement over the basic issues has been possible. Jumblatt added,
herein, that the best way to cross over to the future is through dialogue.
Jumblatt went on to indicate that the Taef Accord is the one to lay the
foundations of a significant relation between Lebanon and Syria. He added that
the Taef also places a final limit to the relation with the enemy. Deputy
Jumblatt also pointed out that he meant to accept former Minister Wahab's
invitation to lunch today, so as to put an end to all traces remaining of the
May 7th incidents. Furthermore, Jumblatt also touched on the visit by PM Hariri
to Damascus, which he considered as a great and very important step; adding that
the required dossiers for discussion now remain to be tackled, which are all
known and not a secret. As for his possible visit to Syria himself, MP Jumblatt
stated that he shall decide on the right time and the suitable circumstances for
the Syrian authority and himself, incase of any tendency to head to Damascus, he
noted. Responding to a question related to the reconciliations, MP Jumblatt
disclosed that following the encounter organized by President Michel Sleiman
between General Michel Aoun and himself, he shall visit General Aoun at a date
to be scheduled with MP Aoun during the upcoming week.
Minister Sayegh over 1559 controversy
NNA - Social Affairs minister, Salim Sayegh, described the controversy over UN
resolution 1559 as provoking deep concern in the midst of the International
Community. He however, perceived in President Suleiman's trip to Paris a counter
balance to the controversy which might bring about positive image of Lebanon.
Interviewed on the LBC network, minister Sayegh attached much importance to
diplomatic activity undertaken by the president. He indicated that the
controversy over 1559 could be used to Lebanon's disadvantage. He reiterated
that from the standpoint of the International Community, a potent government
capable of exercising its power over all of its territory is the thing that
counts most. He questioned the defense strategy as well as efforts aimed at
eliminating religious sectarianism adding that nobody can force the Kataeb party
to accept the 6th clause of the cabinet policy statement allowing Hizbullah to
keep its arms. He pointed that the only true protection for Hizbullah would be
within the framework of national unity. With respect to Palestinian arms, the
minister said all current talk is intended to confuse the issue of those arms
inside the camps calling instead for the necessity for deploying Lebanese
security forces inside and around the camps as part of Lebanese security
uniformity.
In terms of ministerial agendas, minister Sayegh spoke about catering to the
needs of between 2 to 3 thousand children with disabilities as well as homeless
children let alone elderly people who constitute about 20 to 50% of the total
population. Minister Sayegh also disclosed an anti-narcotic drive and social
integration of drug addicts through rehabilitation programs.
He pointed out that special vocational training program for the needy and the
poor who constitute up to 5 to 6% would be undertaken. Combating poverty, he
concluded, might be the best means towards unifying people of different shades
of political opinion and orientations. 03/01/10 12:03
Former President Gemayel returns to Beirut today
NNA - 3/1/2010 - Former President, Amin Gemayel, returned to Beirut this
evening, coming from Cairo, where he spent the holiday season. 03/01/10 12:03
Sheikh Yazbek: Jesus Christ and Imam Hussein are alike
NNA - Member of the Shoura Council of Hezbollah, Sheikh Mohammad Yazbek, headed
a delegation visiting the town of Rass Baalbek, and met with its inhabitants at
the church of Mar Elias, in the presence of Deputy Marwan Fares. The visit was
on the occasion of the holiday season. Sheikh Yazbek spoke to the attendees
describing the similarity between Jesus Christ, who sacrificed his life for
humanity, justice and peace, and Imam Hussein who also gave his life for the
same goals. 03/01/10 12:03
MP Franjieh: Ready to adopt Hizbullah on purely Lebanese
terms
NNA - Future bloc parliamentarian, Sameer Franjieh, stated readiness to adopt
Hizbullah on purely Lebanese terms, given the present circumstances; namely the
peril of Iranian acquiring of nuclear capability. MP Franjieh told Voice of
Lebanon radio station, that Lebanon has effectively entered a perilous tunnel in
view of Iran's nuclear capability which is at loggerhead with the whole world as
he said. He spoke about an unneeded truce for Lebanon rather than preserving the
whole country against any regional repercussions that might exact a high price
on us.
Addressing Hizbullah Chief, Hasan Nasrallah, Franjieh said the party leader must
have had heeded recommendations by the late Shiite Mufti Shamesdeen, in that
this could have had spared Lebanon sizable problems the country faces today. He
then criticized Hizbullah MP Raad who acted as if he echoed the Iranian
repressive regime as he sad. Franjieh however, did not specify what the pure
Lebanese conditions for adopting Hizbullah were. The MP also criticized General
Michel Aoun for making analogy between Shiite Ashoura and Christian Easter
Passion of the Christ saying, Aoun was just trying to make political currency
out of this sacred issue. He alluded to the recent blast in Haret Hreik as being
a clear manifestation of the absence or non return of the state to Beirut
southern suburbs. He duly requested Hizbullah to change its attitude saying
party armed surplus empowerment became a burden to the party itself. Franjieh
justified Hariri's recent visit to Damascus as a Syrian vindication to the Cedar
Revolution favoring instead the Syro-Turkish model as a prototype for future
relations between Beirut and Damascus. He denied reports about March 14
Christians splitting off the bloc to form a new separate entity calling instead
for a reactivation of the March 14 bloc. He concluded on a note that Iran has
been recently witnessing a Cedar Revolution of its own and that Syria had to
reconcile itself to this unexpected development. 03/01/10 12:03
Politics
- Minister Shami: we will end the occupation
NNA - Minister of Expatriates and the Exterior, Ali Shami, hoped that 2010 will
be the year of comprehensive liberation of Lebanon. He said that the priority of
his Ministry was to liberating Lebanese soil and water from Israeli occupation,
as stated by UN resolution 425 back in 1978 and by resolution 1701 decreed in
2006. Shami pointed to the fact that Lebanon has abided by both UN resolutions,
unlike Israel. The Minister made clear that the pressure of putting Hezbollah's
artillery in the lime light will not affect the outcome of the Resistance, which
continuously works for the liberation of the region. Shami was optimistic about
the role which Lebanon will play as a non-permanent member at the Security
Council, allowing Lebanese to have their voices heard in one of the most
significant podiums in the world. Shami noted that any inter-Arab solidarity,
specifically Lebanese-Syrian agreements, will reflect positively on the country.
The Minister revealed that his Ministry will undergo an internal reconstructive
workshop which will help Lebanese diplomacy soar higher. 03/01/10 12:03