LCCC
ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
ِMay
11/2010
Bible Of the
Day
/Lazarus Miracle
John 11/35-44: "Jesus
wept. 11:36 The Jews therefore said, “See how much affection he had for him!”
11:37 Some of them said, “Couldn’t this man, who opened the eyes of him who was
blind, have also kept this man from dying?” 11:38 Jesus therefore, again
groaning in himself, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay
against it. 11:39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him
who was dead, said to him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has
been dead four days.” 11:40 Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you
believed, you would see God’s glory?” 11:41 So they took away the stone from the
place where the dead man was lying. Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, “Father,
I thank you that you listened to me. 11:42 I know that you always listen to me,
but because of the multitude that stands around I said this, that they may
believe that you sent me.” 11:43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud
voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 11:44 He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot
with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth.
Jesus said to them, “Free him, and let him go.”
Free Opinions, Releases, letters, Interviews & Special Reports
Missing the point/Now
Lebanon/May
10/10
A
last chance for the peace process/Daily Star/May
10/10
Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for May 10/10
Nadim Gemayel says voters
rejected Aoun’s policies/Now Lebanon
Cassese says STL can penetrate
state sovereignty/Now Lebanon
Beirut Christian Mayors: 25 for
March 14, 15 for Aoun-Tashnag Alliance/Naharnet
Skaff-Backed 'Zahle Decision' List
Wins 19 Members /Naharnet
Hariri Thanks Beirutis for
'Preserving Coexistence /Naharnet
Suleiman Urges Political Leaders to
Accept Election Results /Naharnet
Families Penetrate Hizbullah-AMAL
Alliance in Northern Bekaa /Naharnet
Election watchdog reports bribery in Beirut, Bekaa polls
/Daily Star
Zahle
sees high turnout amid 'poll breaches/Daily
Star
Interior Ministry wins UN Public Service Award
/Daily Star
Lebanon awaits results of second round of polls
/Daily Star
Rival
Zahle lists claim victory, cite vote-buying/Daily
Star
Sleiman says he won't ask Hizbullah to disarm/Daily
Star
Lebanon should secure weapons for deterrence purposes - Berri
/Daily Star
Lebanon bags hummus, falafel Guinness World Records in food fight with Israel/AFP
Sfeir,
Abdullah lay Jordan's St Maroun Church cornerstone/Daily
Star
Man
wanted for imprisoning, beating wife and her son/AFP
Beirut sees low voter turnout/By
Dalila Mahdawi and Wassim Mroueh /Daily Star
Jumblat Calls on Mt. Lebanon
Prosecutor, Security Officials to Resign over Ketermaya Lynching/Naharnet
Medvedev visits Syria in
attempt to revive ties/Now Lebanon
Election watchdog reports
bribery in Beirut, Bekaa polls
By The /Daily Star /Monday, May 10, 2010
BEIRUT: The Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE) reported on
Sunday several violations, mainly bribery, during the municipal elections in
Beirut and the Bekaa but stressed that the process was calm and organized. /Naharnet
LADE had 160 volunteer supervisors working in Beirut and about 400 working in
the Bekaa who reported that the general ambiance in the two regions was calm and
organized.
However, the supervisors noted fierce competition in the city of Zahle and
counted a great number of bribery cases and vote buying. “Members of electoral
mechanisms were clearly and collectively bribing voters,” LADE said in a
statement.
The association mentioned the behavior did not exclude any list of candidates
and the Interior Ministry was informed of the violations. LADE called on the
ministry to take immediate action to limit the phenomenon and it urged Zahle
locals not to respond to bribery attempts.
Another violation was noted in Baalbek when the qaimaqam of Hermel extended the
deadline of withdrawing candidacies. This led to two main problems, according to
LADE’s statement.
Locals in the town of Ramasa were surprised on the day of the elections that a
municipal council had been elected and had won unopposed after candidates
withdrew their participation overnight. Election officials at polling stations
were not informed and had all their equipments prepared.
In Brital the voting process was delayed due to confusion in the number of
participating candidates. One list claimed it won uncontested and tried to
convince polling station officials to leave.
However opposing candidates arrived to the site and confirmed they had not
withdrawn from the race.
As for security, the association confirmed there was “great improvement in the
work of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) inside polling stations.”
Nonetheless, it mentioned that a fight broke out between the Lebanese Army and a
supporter of a candidate in Riyaq and that LADE supervisors were hassled in some
villages where delegates had “negative attitudes.” It counted six violent acts
inside or around polling stations.
LADE also condemned the lack of preparation to meet the needs of disabled
people. “Only 10 percent of polling stations were equipped to facilitate voting
for voters with special needs,” it said. It added that supervisors witnessed 65
cases of promoting for candidates in polling stations: 40 cases in Beirut and 25
in the Bekaa.
They also counted nine cases where people were pressured to vote and four cases
where ISF members or an official interfered in the election process: one in
Beirut and three in the Bekaa.
Other observations made by the election watchdog included: the majority of
polling stations, 96 percent, opened on time at 7 am; 96 percent of polling
stations had all their equipment ready when they opened and curtains were placed
in a manner to provide privacy; and all officials were ready at opening hour in
97 percent of polling stations. – The Daily Star
Zahle sees high turnout amid 'poll breaches'
Former FPM MP Salim Aoun says many party supporters cast votes for Skaff’s list
By Patrick Galey and Elias Sakr
Daily Star staff
Monday, May 10, 2010
ZAHLE: A high voter turnout in the battleground town of Zahle was marred on
Sunday by security breaches and violations of electoral law.
The polls were held under the watchful eye of Lebanese Army Intelligence
Services, but several reports emerged of vote-buying at busy polling stations
and at least two cars were vandalized by unidentified assailants.
Zahle was billed as one of the municipal elections’ most fiercely fought
districts, with three lists vying for support among a divided electorate.
“The Zahle Decision,” headed by Joseph al-Maalouf and backed by former MP Elias
Skaff was pitted against the March 14-supported “The Vision and Development List
of Zahle,” fronted by incumbent Mayor Asaad Zgheib. The “Sons of Zahle List,”
headed by retired army Brigadier Walid Choueiri, also contested the vote.
With the tussle for votes unfolding, flare-ups occurred throughout the day.
The National News Agency (NNA) reported that windows of a car carrying a
portrait of Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir had been smashed in the
town. The Daily Star saw a similar incident occur close to Skaff’s home.
In addition, allegations of vote-buying were rife.
The office of Samir Malo, a Zahle Decision candidate, meters away from a polling
station, was thronged with people presenting their identification cards and
being led inside. Those who were refused were told: “No, you can’t vote. You are
not eligible to vote, let me get back to you,” by a man sporting a Zahle
Decision cap. The Daily Star was removed from the premises and told: “There is
nothing happening downstairs.”
Walid Toumma, running on an opposing list, said vote-buying was taking place on
the premises. “They come in through one door in the building and leave through
another. They are going for about $200 at the moment.” he said. “We have also
seen 22 cars with Damascus [license] plates so far this morning,” he added,
referring to reports that large numbers of Lebanese living in Syria had returned
on Sunday to vote.
Waad Party Zahle official Pierre Haddad said that it was the people’s right to
come back and cast their ballot.
“People are coming to vote, over from the border with Syria,” he told The Daily
Star. “These are Lebanese living in Syria and it is their absolute right to vote
in Lebanese polls. It is their right to come here.”
Michel Aoun’s Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), after failing to reach agreement
with Skaff’s list, fielded just one candidate on Sunday, Antoine Bou Younes.
Reports soon emerged that many FPM voters were voting for the Zahle Decision
list while substituting the name for one of the candidates from the list by that
of Bou Younes.
In addition, several groups supporting Zahle MP Nicholas Fattouch were said to
be backing Skaff’s list even though Fattouch himself tabled a blank ballot
earlier in the day.
Skaff, who lost his Zahle seat in 2009’s parliamentary election, was coy when
asked about reports of tacit support from Fattouch partisans.
“Until last night there wasn’t any indication that they are going to support us.
If they are, then we thank them for their support,” he told The Daily Star.
He added that failure to reach an alliance with Aoun in the municipal elections,
would not necessarily bar such a coalition in future parliamentary votes.
“We agree on the major political headlines. The form of the municipal elections
doesn’t necessarily reflect that of the parliamentary elections. We are here to
meet the demands of families, as we said in our campaign, when Zahle speaks, we
listen,” Skaff said. Former FPM Zahle MP Salim Aoun, said many party supporters
balloted for Skaff’s list.
“Most of our voters are voting for [Zahle Decision] list, it’s true. But we
didn’t make any deal with Skaff. We left to our supporters the freedom to choose
who they want,” he said.
The prospect of vote-rigging and rampant politicization did little to dissuade
many voters, who brandished their purpled thumbs proudly after exiting polling
stations.
“I want to vote for the list that best protects our interests. I believe they
will develop Zahle and fix the smell that comes from the dump,” said one female
voter. “We want to make Zahle better for tourists. Yes, the vote is politicized
but everyone is being nice today.” Hayat al-Kara, an election worker for the
Decision Zahle list, alleged that malpractice was continuing inside polling
stations. She claimed that March 14 delegates had bribed polling station heads
to arrange ballot boxes in a manner advantageous to the Vision and Development
list. “The way the ballot boxes were arranged means that most of the old people
cannot vote at all,” she said. While The Daily Star was unable to verify Kara’s
claims, Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections noted that several
observers had seen voting irregularities, including the buying of votes.
Interior Ministry wins UN Public Service Award
By The Daily Star /Monday, May 10, 2010
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Interior Ministry headed by Minister Ziyad Baroud received on
Saturday the United Nations Public Service Award 2010 for its achievements in
holding parliamentary elections through “creative mechanisms.” The ministry came
in first place out of 400 public service administrations in the world, mainly
for its work during the 2009 parliamentary elections. The award is handed out
yearly to public institutions that lead to a more effective and a more
responsive administration. The UN Public Service Awards were created in March
2003 with the aim of encouraging transparency, accountability and responsiveness
in public service as well as reinforcing participation in decision making though
innovative mechanisms. During the past two years, the ministry has received wide
praise and awards for its achievements, especially in the field of organizing
elections. Its efforts in holding the 2009 parliamentary elections in one day
were praised by international supervisors and by the Jimmy Carter Center, which
monitored the vote. “I have supervised more than 83 elections in 83 countries
worldwide but the best I have seen were in Lebanon,” former US President Jimmy
Carter said at the time of the polls, referring to Baroud’s management. Lebanon
is currently holding its municipal elections. Two rounds of voting have taken
place and two more are scheduled for May 23 in South Lebanon and Nabatieh and
May 30 for North Lebanon. – The Daily Star
Sleiman says he won't ask Hizbullah to disarm
Monday, May 10, 2010
BEIRUT: Lebanese President Michel Sleiman said the government cannot ask
Hizbullah to give up its arms at a time of heightened Israeli tension and before
agreement on a national defense strategy was reached. Israeli allegations last
month that Syria had transferred long-range Scud missiles to Hizbullah fuelled
security concerns, although Lebanon and Syria both denied the charge, while
Hizbullah’s leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has refused to comment. Hizbullah is
on the United States’ terrorism blacklist, but it is also part of the Lebanese
government.
Syria says it only gives Hizbullah political backing and that Israel may be
using the accusation as a pretext for a military strike. Israel launched a
34-day war against Lebanon in the summer of 2006 during which the powerful group
fired thousands of mostly short-range rockets against Israel. “To demand now, in
this regional atmosphere full of dangers and the drumbeats of war that Israel is
banging everyday, and before we reach an agreement on a national defense
strategy to protect Lebanon, we cannot and must not tell the resistance … ‘Give
us your weapons and put it under the state’s command,’” Sleiman was quoted as
saying in the Ad-Diyar newspaper on Saturday. The current government, led by
Sunni Muslim businessman Saad Hariri, has backed Hizbullah’s right to keep its
weapons to deter Israeli attacks, an issue that has been at the heart of
Lebanon’s political crisis over the past five years. Sleiman has chaired
periodic National Dialogue sessions but politicians have been unable to agree on
a national defense strategy, in which Hizbullah’s weapons would be integrated
into the Lebanese Army, to protect Lebanon from Israel. Israel is worried the
Iranian-backed resistance group has replenished its arsenal to attack it on
Iran’s behalf should Tehran’s nuclear sites come under attack.
Security Council Resolution 1701, which halted hostilities between Israel and
Hizbullah in 2006, calls for a stop to arms smuggling. It bans all unauthorized
weapons between the Litani River and the Blue Line, the UN-monitored border
between Israel and Lebanon. The Israeli state has criticized the UN peacekeeping
force in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL, for not stopping weapons it says are flowing
to Hizbullah. The United Nations says that is the responsibility of the Lebanese
authorities. UN Security Council Resolution 1559, sponsored by the United States
and France and adopted in 2004, demanded that all Lebanese militias be disarmed.
Hizbullah is the only group to have kept its arms since the 1975-1990 Civil War.
– Reuters
Rival Zahle lists claim victory, cite vote-buying
By Elias Sakr /Daily Star staff
Monday, May 10, 2010
BEIRUT: Election officials had only counted the ballots of 15 out of more than
127 polling stations in Zahle city as The Daily Star went to press Sunday at
midnight, but competing lists were already claiming victory on the basis of exit
polls. However, media reports indicated that it was too early to predict the
outcome after a fierce electoral battle that saw three lists strive for support
among a divided electorate. The polls in the Bekaa capital, one of the few
municipalities the country being contested, saw a relatively high voter turnout
of 55 percent. One Zahle MP described the municipal electoral battle as a
mini-parliamentary one.
The “Zahle Decision” list backed by Popular Bloc leader Elie Skaff was pitted
against the March14-supported “Development and vision” list, while the Free
Patriotic Movement (FPM) fielded only one candidate, Antoine Bou Younes. But
reports said FPM supporters voted in favor of Skaff’s list, substituting only
one of its members with Bou Younes.
Similarly, supporters of Zahle MP Nicholas Fattouch, who withdrew from the March
14 alliance after the June 2009 parliamentary elections, were reported to be
casting ballots for the “Zahle Decision” list. But Fattouch, who casted a blank
ballot, said he was at equal distance from all the candidates. Fattouch had
tried to negotiate with Skaff an electoral municipal alliance, but the two
failed to reach a deal. A third list “The “Sons of Zahle,” headed by retired
army Brigadier Walid Choueiri, also contested the vote. In the June 2009
parliamentary polls, the March 14 coalition swept all seven seats in a contest
against a Popular Bloc-FPM alliance. Meanwhile, no real contest took place in
the northern Bekaa Valley region, Baalbek, a bastion of Hizbullah, except for a
few towns where politicians from prominent families ran for office. As polling
stations closed, turnout among the 550,000 electorate was reported to be 52
percent in Baalbek and 46 percent in West Bekaa, a relatively high turnout given
the uncontested win of 49 of 155 municipal councils. No official results were
reported in Baalbek and West Bekaa as of Sunday midnight. Following allegations
of widespread vote buying, Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar urged election
observers in Zahle to report any bribery cases to security forces so they could
take the appropriate measures to guarantee a democratic electoral process. “All
day the Interior Ministry and general prosecutors were investigating vote buying
as the Lebanese Army Intelligence Services and Internal Security Forces were
cooperating with general prosecutors; however no conclusive results were reached
yet,” Najjar said. Zahle MP Elie Marouni accused the Popular Bloc of vote
buying, adding that individuals of Syrian nationality were voting in Zahle. “I
urge Zahle families to stand against the election of a municipality council by
Syrian votes and Iranian will,” he said. As of Sunday noon, the Lebanese
Association for Democratic Elections documented two bribery cases and reported
them to the Interior Ministry.
Sfeir, Abdullah lay Jordan's St Maroun Church cornerstone
By The Daily Star /Monday, May 10, 2010
BEIRUT: Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir met with Jordanian King
Abdullah Bin al-Hussein Saturday as he placed the cornerstone for the Saint
Maroun Church before heading back to Lebanon. Sfeir ended a two-day trip to
Amman with a meeting with King Abdullah. Lebanese Ambassador to Amman Charbel
Aoun was present at the gathering as Sfeir presented the Jordanian king an
honorary gift. King Abdullah confirmed his country’s constant support for
Lebanon and underlined the importance of religious diversity, while the
patriarch stressed the special relation that linked Lebanon and Jordan. Sfeir
also thanked the king for donating a 4,000 square meters of land near the Dead
Sea where Jesus was baptized to build the Saint Maroun Church. Sfeir placed the
cornerstone for the church the same day, blessed the site and the project, and
thanked Abdullah for all his contributions to the Christian community in Jordan.
“The Maronite Center in Amman would never have been built without the generous
contributions of the Hashemite family, especially those of King Abdullah II Bin
Hussein,” he said.
He went on to praise the strong relations linking the Maronite Patriarchy to the
Hashemite family and said that they were based on respect and honesty.
The patriarch also stressed bilateral relations between Lebanon and Jordan and
asked King Abdullah to help “the 3,000 Lebanese who were forced to leave south
Lebanon and enter Israel.” He urged him to multiply his efforts along with
Lebanese officials in order to find a way for the people to return to their
land. – The Daily Star
Poll: Obama has Lost Almost Half of his US Jewish Support
by Gil Ronen/Arutz Sheva
United States President Barack Obama has lost nearly half of his support among
American Jews, a poll by the McLaughlin Group has shown.
The US Jews polled were asked whether they would: (a) vote to re-elect Obama, or
(b) consider voting for someone else. 42% said they would vote for Obama and
46%, a plurality, preferred the second answer. 12% said they did not know or
refused to answer.
In the Presidential elections of 2008, 78% of Jewish voters, or close to 8 out
of 10, chose Obama. The McLaughlin poll held nearly 18 months later, in April
2010, appears to show that support down to around 4 out of 10.
The poll showed that key voter segments including Orthodox/Hassidic voters,
Conservative voters, voters who have friends and family in Israel and those who
have been to Israel, are all more likely to consider voting for someone other
than Obama.
Among Orthodox/Hassidic voters, 69% marked 'someone else' vs. 17% who marked
're-elect.' Among Conservative-affiliated voters the proportion was 50% to 38%.
Among Reform Jews, a slim majority of 52% still supported Obama while 36%
indicated they would consider someone else. Among Jews with family in Israel and
those who had been to Israel, about 50% said they would consider someone else,
while 41%-42% supported Obama.
Fifty percent of the Jewish voters polled said they approved of the job Obama is
doing handling US relations with Israel. Thirty-nine percent said they
disapproved. “This rating is not good for a group of voters who are 59%
Democratic to only 16% Republican,” the poll's analysis noted. A majority of 52%
said they disapproved of the idea of the Obama Administration supporting a plan
to recognize a Palestinian state within two years. 62% said that if given a
state, “the Palestinians would continue their campaign of terror to destroy
Israel.” Only 19% thought they would live peacefully with Israel.
As Obama loses support among members of the influential Jewish voter bloc,
possible Republican candidate Sarah Palin seems to be doing her best to woo them
to her camp. At Time Magazine’s May 4 dinner honoring the ‘100 Most Influential
People in the World,’ she was sporting a US/Israel flag pin.
Sfeir: We Are Doomed to Live with Each Other
Naharnet/Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir said Monday said the Lebanese and
Iraqi people are "doomed to live with each other regardless of the difference of
our social conflicts."
Sfeir's remarks came during a meeting with the representative of ex-Iraqi Prime
Minister Ayad Alawi. Sfeir said he "feels the pain of what is happening in Iraq,
this country which is close to Lebanon, where many of our children were and
still working there."
Skaff-Backed 'Zahle Decision' List Wins 19 Members
Naharnet/Unofficial results on Monday showed that 19 members on the "Zahle
Decision" municipal electoral list, headed by Joseph Maalouf and backed by
former MP Elie Skaff, has won.
Meanwhile, two members of the rival list – incumbent municipal head Assad
Zogheib and Mrs. Maha Maalouf Kassouf – were said to have penetrated the winning
list.
Beirut Christian Mayors: 25 for March 14, 15 for Aoun-Tashnag Alliance
Naharnet/The Beirut municipal and mayoral elections witnessed a heated battle
between March 14 forces and the Free Patriotic Movement-Tashnag alliance as they
competed over a total of 28 seats in Ashrafiyeh, Rmeil, and Saifi. The daily An
Nahar reported Monday that as of this morning the results in Mdawwar resulted in
the victory of a list of 12 mayoral candidates, eight from the Aoun-Tashnag
alliance and four from the March 14 forces. Meanwhile, State Minister Michel
Pharaon told LBC TV that the March 14-backed list swept all 12 mayoral seats in
Ashrafiyeh and all four in Saifi. In Rmeil, five seats were won by the March
14-backed candidates and seven by the Aoun-Tashnag-backed candidates.
The ballot count process was accompanied by tensions at Sassine Square in
Ashrafiyeh where the celebratory convoys of the rival political parties roamed
the streets.
The army also cordoned a restaurant in the area that the Lebanese Forces had set
up as an election office and prevented anyone from entering or leaving the
establishment.
Some information said that the army had arrested a number of LF supporters. Head
of the LF media department, Nadi Ghosn, said that some of the party's supporters
had been assaulted, adding that the army "prevented a youth gathering of our
supporters on a sidewalk outside one of our offices, which was surprising and we
do not know the reason for it." He called on Interior Minister Ziad Baroud to
come "witness with his own eyes what is happening on the streets of Ashrafiyeh."
Beirut, 10 May 10, 18:57
Hariri Thanks Beirutis for 'Preserving Coexistence'
Naharnet/Prime Minister Saad Hariri thanked Monday the Beirutis who participated
in the municipal elections yesterday "and supported the Capital's unity,
affirming their decision to preserve coexistence and equal Christian-Muslim
powersharing." He said: "Once again, I express my deepest gratitude to the
Beirutis who voted in the municipal elections, emphasizing their attachment to
unity and coexistence between Muslims and Christians, of which Beirut represents
a model in Lebanon and the whole East." "This honorable result reflects the
determination of our people in Beirut to consecrate the path established by
Martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, in ensuring total parity between Muslims and
Christians in Beirut's Municipal Council, enabling all the citizens of the
Capital to participate in the sustained development process needed all the
time," Hariri added. He concluded: "This result would not have been achieved
without the awareness and wisdom of the Beirutis, to whom I express my deepest
appreciation and sincere gratitude, for their participation in raising the voice
of unity, moderation and coexistence in the Capital." Also Monday, Hariri held
talks with the Malaysian Ambassador to Lebanon Ilango Karuppannan in attendance
of the Honorary Consul General, Datuk Omar Jundi. After the meeting, Ambassador
Karuppannan said: "We discussed issues of bilateral interests both to Lebanon
and Malaysia, to see how we can promote relations between the two countries,
which are actually very good and very warm. But we have to look at different
areas where we can further cooperate together." Beirut, 10 May 10, 16:14
Jumblat Calls on Mt. Lebanon Prosecutor, Security Officials to Resign over
Ketermaya Lynching
Naharnet/Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat called for the
resignation of the Mount Lebanon Prosecutor and the liable security officials in
wake of the mob lynching of the suspect in Ketermaya's quadruple murder.
In an editorial to be published Tuesday in the PSP-affiliated al-Anbaa weekly,
Jumblat said: "All the field security officials, their superiors, and the
prosecutor of Mount Lebanon should resign or be fired from their posts."
Furthermore, the MP noted that the major mistake that took place was the
security officials' insistence that the suspect reenact his crime soon after it
was committed at a time when the residents were still angry about the murder of
2 grandparents and their 2 granddaughters. It was this measure that led to the
mob lynching, Jumblat added.
He also condemned the media race to broadcast images from the crime, saying:
"Such a step only served to refuel the resentment and the incomprehensible
discrimination against the fraternal Egyptian people." On the other hand,
Jumblat condemned political editorials questioning his break from the March 14
bloc. Jumblat said: "Protecting domestic peace, national unity, and internal
stability cannot be described as surrender or compliance." He stressed that he
will not relinquish his recent political stances "despite what some have
written."
Families Penetrate Hizbullah-AMAL Alliance in Northern Bekaa
Naharnet/"Al-Labwa Families" list has defeated the rival list backed by both
Hizbullah and AMAL movement in the north Bekaa municipal elections. In Qab
Elias, however, the list supported by the majority March 14 forces scored
victory and so in Firzil and al-Bireh. Al-Mustaqbal party failed to have control
over any electoral game in its areas of influence, particularly in al-Fakha, al-Ain
and Arsal.
Suleiman Urges Political Leaders to Accept Election Results
Naharnet/President Michel Suleiman on Monday urged Lebanese political leaders to
accept election results and get started with development plans.
"We appreciate the role of both the defense and interior ministries and their
efforts in maintaining safe elections," Suleiman said
Israel to Continue Jerusalem Settlements despite Peace Talks
Naharnet/Newly launched, US-brokered peace efforts hit a snag on Monday as
Israel vowed settlement building would continue in east Jerusalem, infuriating
the Palestinians who protested to Washington. "It is evident we will continue to
build over the next two years in Gilo, Pisgat Zeev, French Hill," Information
Minister Yuli Edelstein told public radio in reference to Jewish settlements in
annexed Arab east Jerusalem. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, however,
stressed Washington had promised to halt Jewish settlement in the West Bank,
including east Jerusalem, and expressed anger over reports settlers were
building 14 new homes in the Arab neighborhood of Ras al-Amud. "The American
administration must respond to those Israeli acts," Abbas told AFP, one day
after the announcement that Israel and the Palestinians had started indirect
talks initially scheduled to get under way in March.
His top negotiator Saeb Erakat said the Palestinian Authority "officially
protested to the American administration." "We told the American administration
we consider this act as a great provocation," he said in reference to the
construction in Ras al-Amud. The U.S. State Department said on Sunday both sides
were taking measures "conducive to successful talks," and that Israel had
explained there would be no construction at east Jerusalem's Ramat Shlomo
settlement for two years. Edelstein admitted a controversial plan to build 1,600
new homes in the east Jerusalem settlement would not start for another two
years, but stressed this followed normal planning procedures. Underscoring the
deep mistrust between Israel and the Palestinians, State Department spokesman
Philip Crowley cautioned both sides they would be held accountable if they did
anything to "seriously undermine trust." Israel stressed in a statement that
building and planning in Jerusalem will continue as usual, "exactly as has been
the case for the past 43 years" and insisted it had not undertaken to freeze the
Ramat Shlomo project.
The Islamist Hamas movement urged Abbas to reverse the decision to take part in
the "absurd negotiations."
"The Zionist decision to build new homes in the middle of Jerusalem... shows
that the return to negotiations is a free service rendered to the occupation and
its settlement projects," the Palestinian faction said. Jerusalem Mayor Nir
Barkat, for his part, insisted the municipality "continues to promote planning
and construction throughout the city for all its residents -- Jews, Christians
and Muslims." "We trust that the prime minister will not allow a freeze in
Jerusalem, not in words and not in actions," he said.
Right-wing parties accused Netanyahu of betraying his electorate. Jerusalem and
Jewish settlements are among the thorniest issues in efforts to achieve a peace
deal.
Israel, which captured east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed it, considers
the Holy City its "eternal and indivisible" capital, while the Palestinians see
east Jerusalem as the capital of their promised state. The so-called proximity
talks were originally due to start in March but the Palestinians withdrew after
Israel publicized the Ramat Shlomo building plan.
The Palestinians eventually agreed to hold the talks after receiving US
assurances the Jerusalem settlement expansion plan would be frozen.
The two sides had held just over a year of direct negotiations, after a
seven-year hiatus, but those collapsed in December 2008 with little to show.
An Israeli settlement watchdog group warned the increase in Jewish settlement
activity in east Jerusalem is likely to torpedo any chance of finding a
two-state solution under which a Palestinian state would be created alongside
Israel. "The intensification of settlement activities in east Jerusalem
threatens the chances of implementing the two-state solution and might create an
irreversible situation that would prevent a compromise in Jerusalem," Peace Now
said.(AFP) Beirut, 10 May 10, 19:09
Medvedev visits Syria in attempt to revive ties
May 10, 2010
Naharnet/President Dmitry Medvedev begins on Monday the first visit by a Russian
head of state to Syria, eying a revival of the once thriving partnership between
the Soviet-era allies.
Medvedev, who is accompanied by a high-powered delegation focused on the
military, said Russia and Syria should develop ties and described Damascus as a
key Middle East political player. "We need to speed up multi-dimensional
political dialogue," Medvedev said in an article for the Syrian daily Al-Watan
released by the Kremlin late Sunday ahead of the two-day visit. He called
Damascus "one of the most important political centers of the Middle East" and
urged the two countries to develop economic ties, particularly in hi-tech.
Medvedev is due to meet Syrian President Bashar al-Assad later on Monday. Russia
seeks to promote itself as a major power in the Middle East and wants to revive
ties with old allies with whom relations weakened after the 1991 disintegration
of the Soviet Union, a spokesperson at the Russian Embassy in Damascus told AFP.
Medvedev's visit comes shortly after Washington renewed US sanctions on Syria
for a year, accusing it of supporting "terrorist" groups. Syrian media have
welcomed the visit with the government newspaper Tishrin on Monday hailing
Russia's "growing role" in the Middle East, especially in the context of
Washington's "failure to protect stability and world peace, because of its
flagrant bias" towards Israel.
Medvedev's visit "is of exceptional importance," the paper said. "It reflects
Russia's respect for the role Syria has played in promoting regional stability
and its support for Syria's position and its right to reclaim the Golan
Heights," occupied by Israel in 1967.
-AFP/NOW Lebanon
Missing the point
May 10, 2010
Now Lebanon/On Saturday, the Lebanese Interior Ministry won the 2010 United
Nations Public Service Award for organizing the June 2009 parliamentary
elections with what the citation called “innovative mechanisms.” The citation
could have been interpreted as mildly ironic in light of Sunday’s second round
of voting in Lebanon’s municipal polls, which only served to confirm the
political hysteria that has infected the voting so far.
While on one level, we should be thankful that these polls were held in the
first place and that the national timetable was respected, it is a shame that
they should have been allowed to be hijacked by March 14 and March 8 to the
extent they were. Municipal elections are about selecting administrators who can
provide essential services for, and improve conditions in, local areas. They
should not, primarily at least, reflect partisan politics at a grass roots
level.
Much of what happens in municipal politics is family oriented. National
interests don’t really come into play. The voter that casts a ballot in the
North Metn parliamentary elections will not make the same calculation when
electing the mayor of Baskinta at a municipal level. That will be a choice
formed by personal relations, family ties, and local interests.
It is by no means an ideal dynamic. Bloc voting and consensus might ensure
stability in areas where family and sectarian tensions often run high, but this
can come at the expense of the spirit of democracy, not to mention
accountability should the municipality fall short in its election pledges. Using
municipal elections to fight national battles, even at the most local level, has
put extra – maybe even unnatural – pressure on a system that functions by a
different set of calculations.
This does not mean that there are no national interests at stake. Whoever
controls Beirut at municipal level wields huge influence. Control of the capital
means having a say in the city’s, and arguably the nation’s, economic future.
With real estate development at an all time high, it means control of the
issuing of building and development permits. High stakes? Just ask Solidere. The
Souks shopping mall in the Beirut Central District that opened last year was
meant to open in 1999, but was delayed for a decade because of a dispute between
the development company and the municipality.
In Zahleh the stakes are equally high and it is there that Damascus took an
interest. The capital of the Bekaa is the frontline in the battle for influence
in what was Damascus’s backyard. It is no coincidence that the disgraced
security chief, Jamil Sayed, was on hand to coordinate the opposition’s election
campaign, one in which Popular Bloc leader Elias Skaff was no doubt keen to
bounce back from his loss in last year’s national polls.
By the end of May, election fever will have subsided. The political circus will
have packed up and left town; Michel Aoun will have gone in search of another
fight, and the brouhaha created by both the March 14 and March 8 will have
settled, leaving the vast majority of Lebanese municipalities to their own
devices until the polls come round again.
But one can’t help thinking that somehow we missed the point.
On Saturday, the Lebanese Interior Ministry won the 2010 United Nations Public
Service Award for organizing the June 2009 parliamentary elections with what the
citation called “innovative mechanisms.” The citation could have been
interpreted as mildly ironic in light of Sunday’s second round of voting in
Lebanon’s municipal polls, which only served to confirm the political hysteria
that has infected the voting so far.
While on one level, we should be thankful that these polls were held in the
first place and that the national timetable was respected, it is a shame that
they should have been allowed to be hijacked by March 14 and March 8 to the
extent they were. Municipal elections are about selecting administrators who can
provide essential services for, and improve conditions in, local areas. They
should not, primarily at least, reflect partisan politics at a grass roots
level.
Much of what happens in municipal politics is family oriented. National
interests don’t really come into play. The voter that casts a ballot in the
North Metn parliamentary elections will not make the same calculation when
electing the mayor of Baskinta at a municipal level. That will be a choice
formed by personal relations, family ties, and local interests.
It is by no means an ideal dynamic. Bloc voting and consensus might ensure
stability in areas where family and sectarian tensions often run high, but this
can come at the expense of the spirit of democracy, not to mention
accountability should the municipality fall short in its election pledges. Using
municipal elections to fight national battles, even at the most local level, has
put extra – maybe even unnatural – pressure on a system that functions by a
different set of calculations.
This does not mean that there are no national interests at stake. Whoever
controls Beirut at municipal level wields huge influence. Control of the capital
means having a say in the city’s, and arguably the nation’s, economic future.
With real estate development at an all time high, it means control of the
issuing of building and development permits. High stakes? Just ask Solidere. The
Souks shopping mall in the Beirut Central District that opened last year was
meant to open in 1999, but was delayed for a decade because of a dispute between
the development company and the municipality.
In Zahleh the stakes are equally high and it is there that Damascus took an
interest. The capital of the Bekaa is the frontline in the battle for influence
in what was Damascus’s backyard. It is no coincidence that the disgraced
security chief, Jamil Sayed, was on hand to coordinate the opposition’s election
campaign, one in which Popular Bloc leader Elias Skaff was no doubt keen to
bounce back from his loss in last year’s national polls.
By the end of May, election fever will have subsided. The political circus will
have packed up and left town; Michel Aoun will have gone in search of another
fight, and the brouhaha created by both the March 14 and March 8 will have
settled, leaving the vast majority of Lebanese municipalities to their own
devices until the polls come round again. But one can’t help thinking that
somehow we missed the point.
Sfeir: We Are Doomed to Live with Each Other
Naharnet/Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir said Monday said the Lebanese and
Iraqi people are "doomed to live with each other regardless of the difference of
our social conflicts."
Sfeir's remarks came during a meeting with the representative of ex-Iraqi Prime
Minister Ayad Alawi. Sfeir said he "feels the pain of what is happening in Iraq,
this country which is close to Lebanon, where many of our children were and
still working there."
Skaff-Backed 'Zahle Decision' List Wins 19 Members
Naharnet/Unofficial results on Monday showed that 19 members on the "Zahle
Decision" municipal electoral list, headed by Joseph Maalouf and backed by
former MP Elie Skaff, has won.
Meanwhile, two members of the rival list – incumbent municipal head Assad
Zogheib and Mrs. Maha Maalouf Kassouf – were said to have penetrated the winning
list.
Beirut Christian Mayors: 25 for March 14, 15 for
Aoun-Tashnag Alliance
Naharnet/The Beirut municipal and mayoral elections witnessed a heated battle
between March 14 forces and the Free Patriotic Movement-Tashnag alliance as they
competed over a total of 28 seats in Ashrafiyeh, Rmeil, and Saifi. The daily An
Nahar reported Monday that as of this morning the results in Mdawwar resulted in
the victory of a list of 12 mayoral candidates, eight from the Aoun-Tashnag
alliance and four from the March 14 forces. Meanwhile, State Minister Michel
Pharaon told LBC TV that the March 14-backed list swept all 12 mayoral seats in
Ashrafiyeh and all four in Saifi. In Rmeil, five seats were won by the March
14-backed candidates and seven by the Aoun-Tashnag-backed candidates. The ballot
count process was accompanied by tensions at Sassine Square in Ashrafiyeh where
the celebratory convoys of the rival political parties roamed the streets. The
army also cordoned a restaurant in the area that the Lebanese Forces had set up
as an election office and prevented anyone from entering or leaving the
establishment. Some information said that the army had arrested a number of LF
supporters. Head of the LF media department, Nadi Ghosn, said that some of the
party's supporters had been assaulted, adding that the army "prevented a youth
gathering of our supporters on a sidewalk outside one of our offices, which was
surprising and we do not know the reason for it." He called on Interior Minister
Ziad Baroud to come "witness with his own eyes what is happening on the streets
of Ashrafiyeh." Beirut, 10 May 10, 18:57
Hariri Thanks Beirutis for 'Preserving Coexistence'
Naharnet/Prime Minister Saad Hariri thanked Monday the Beirutis who participated
in the municipal elections yesterday "and supported the Capital's unity,
affirming their decision to preserve coexistence and equal Christian-Muslim
powersharing." He said: "Once again, I express my deepest gratitude to the
Beirutis who voted in the municipal elections, emphasizing their attachment to
unity and coexistence between Muslims and Christians, of which Beirut represents
a model in Lebanon and the whole East." "This honorable result reflects the
determination of our people in Beirut to consecrate the path established by
Martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, in ensuring total parity between Muslims and
Christians in Beirut's Municipal Council, enabling all the citizens of the
Capital to participate in the sustained development process needed all the
time," Hariri added. He concluded: "This result would not have been achieved
without the awareness and wisdom of the Beirutis, to whom I express my deepest
appreciation and sincere gratitude, for their participation in raising the voice
of unity, moderation and coexistence in the Capital." Also Monday, Hariri held
talks with the Malaysian Ambassador to Lebanon Ilango Karuppannan in attendance
of the Honorary Consul General, Datuk Omar Jundi. After the meeting, Ambassador
Karuppannan said: "We discussed issues of bilateral interests both to Lebanon
and Malaysia, to see how we can promote relations between the two countries,
which are actually very good and very warm. But we have to look at different
areas where we can further cooperate together." Beirut, 10 May 10, 16:14
Jumblat Calls on Mt. Lebanon Prosecutor, Security Officials to Resign over
Ketermaya Lynching
Naharnet/Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat called for the
resignation of the Mount Lebanon Prosecutor and the liable security officials in
wake of the mob lynching of the suspect in Ketermaya's quadruple murder. In an
editorial to be published Tuesday in the PSP-affiliated al-Anbaa weekly, Jumblat
said: "All the field security officials, their superiors, and the prosecutor of
Mount Lebanon should resign or be fired from their posts." Furthermore, the MP
noted that the major mistake that took place was the security officials'
insistence that the suspect reenact his crime soon after it was committed at a
time when the residents were still angry about the murder of 2 grandparents and
their 2 granddaughters. It was this measure that led to the mob lynching,
Jumblat added. He also condemned the media race to broadcast images from the
crime, saying: "Such a step only served to refuel the resentment and the
incomprehensible discrimination against the fraternal Egyptian people." On the
other hand, Jumblat condemned political editorials questioning his break from
the March 14 bloc. Jumblat said: "Protecting domestic peace, national unity, and
internal stability cannot be described as surrender or compliance." He stressed
that he will not relinquish his recent political stances "despite what some have
written."
Families Penetrate Hizbullah-AMAL Alliance in Northern Bekaa
Naharnet/"Al-Labwa Families" list has defeated the rival list backed by both
Hizbullah and AMAL movement in the north Bekaa municipal elections. In Qab
Elias, however, the list supported by the majority March 14 forces scored
victory and so in Firzil and al-Bireh. Al-Mustaqbal party failed to have control
over any electoral game in its areas of influence, particularly in al-Fakha, al-Ain
and Arsal.
Suleiman Urges Political Leaders to Accept Election Results
Naharnet/President Michel Suleiman on Monday urged Lebanese political leaders to
accept election results and get started with development plans.
"We appreciate the role of both the defense and interior ministries and their
efforts in maintaining safe elections," Suleiman said
Israel to Continue Jerusalem Settlements despite Peace
Talks
Naharnet/Newly launched, US-brokered peace efforts hit a snag on Monday as
Israel vowed settlement building would continue in east Jerusalem, infuriating
the Palestinians who protested to Washington. "It is evident we will continue to
build over the next two years in Gilo, Pisgat Zeev, French Hill," Information
Minister Yuli Edelstein told public radio in reference to Jewish settlements in
annexed Arab east Jerusalem. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, however,
stressed Washington had promised to halt Jewish settlement in the West Bank,
including east Jerusalem, and expressed anger over reports settlers were
building 14 new homes in the Arab neighborhood of Ras al-Amud. "The American
administration must respond to those Israeli acts," Abbas told AFP, one day
after the announcement that Israel and the Palestinians had started indirect
talks initially scheduled to get under way in March.
His top negotiator Saeb Erakat said the Palestinian Authority "officially
protested to the American administration." "We told the American administration
we consider this act as a great provocation," he said in reference to the
construction in Ras al-Amud. The U.S. State Department said on Sunday both sides
were taking measures "conducive to successful talks," and that Israel had
explained there would be no construction at east Jerusalem's Ramat Shlomo
settlement for two years.
Edelstein admitted a controversial plan to build 1,600 new homes in the east
Jerusalem settlement would not start for another two years, but stressed this
followed normal planning procedures. Underscoring the deep mistrust between
Israel and the Palestinians, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley cautioned
both sides they would be held accountable if they did anything to "seriously
undermine trust." Israel stressed in a statement that building and planning in
Jerusalem will continue as usual, "exactly as has been the case for the past 43
years" and insisted it had not undertaken to freeze the Ramat Shlomo project.
The Islamist Hamas movement urged Abbas to reverse the decision to take part in
the "absurd negotiations."
"The Zionist decision to build new homes in the middle of Jerusalem... shows
that the return to negotiations is a free service rendered to the occupation and
its settlement projects," the Palestinian faction said.
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, for his part, insisted the municipality "continues
to promote planning and construction throughout the city for all its residents
-- Jews, Christians and Muslims."
"We trust that the prime minister will not allow a freeze in Jerusalem, not in
words and not in actions," he said.
Right-wing parties accused Netanyahu of betraying his electorate.
Jerusalem and Jewish settlements are among the thorniest issues in efforts to
achieve a peace deal.
Israel, which captured east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed it, considers
the Holy City its "eternal and indivisible" capital, while the Palestinians see
east Jerusalem as the capital of their promised state. The so-called proximity
talks were originally due to start in March but the Palestinians withdrew after
Israel publicized the Ramat Shlomo building plan.
The Palestinians eventually agreed to hold the talks after receiving US
assurances the Jerusalem settlement expansion plan would be frozen.
The two sides had held just over a year of direct negotiations, after a
seven-year hiatus, but those collapsed in December 2008 with little to show.
An Israeli settlement watchdog group warned the increase in Jewish settlement
activity in east Jerusalem is likely to torpedo any chance of finding a
two-state solution under which a Palestinian state would be created alongside
Israel. "The intensification of settlement activities in east Jerusalem
threatens the chances of implementing the two-state solution and might create an
irreversible situation that would prevent a compromise in Jerusalem," Peace Now
said.(AFP) Beirut, 10 May 10, 19:09
Medvedev visits Syria in attempt to revive ties
May 10, 2010
Naharnet/President Dmitry Medvedev begins on Monday the first visit by a Russian
head of state to Syria, eying a revival of the once thriving partnership between
the Soviet-era allies.
Medvedev, who is accompanied by a high-powered delegation focused on the
military, said Russia and Syria should develop ties and described Damascus as a
key Middle East political player. "We need to speed up multi-dimensional
political dialogue," Medvedev said in an article for the Syrian daily Al-Watan
released by the Kremlin late Sunday ahead of the two-day visit. He called
Damascus "one of the most important political centers of the Middle East" and
urged the two countries to develop economic ties, particularly in hi-tech.
Medvedev is due to meet Syrian President Bashar al-Assad later on Monday. Russia
seeks to promote itself as a major power in the Middle East and wants to revive
ties with old allies with whom relations weakened after the 1991 disintegration
of the Soviet Union, a spokesperson at the Russian Embassy in Damascus told AFP.
Medvedev's visit comes shortly after Washington renewed US sanctions on Syria
for a year, accusing it of supporting "terrorist" groups. Syrian media have
welcomed the visit with the government newspaper Tishrin on Monday hailing
Russia's "growing role" in the Middle East, especially in the context of
Washington's "failure to protect stability and world peace, because of its
flagrant bias" towards Israel.
Medvedev's visit "is of exceptional importance," the paper said. "It reflects
Russia's respect for the role Syria has played in promoting regional stability
and its support for Syria's position and its right to reclaim the Golan
Heights," occupied by Israel in 1967. -AFP/NOW Lebanon
Missing the point
May 10, 2010
Now Lebanon/On Saturday, the Lebanese Interior Ministry won the 2010 United
Nations Public Service Award for organizing the June 2009 parliamentary
elections with what the citation called “innovative mechanisms.” The citation
could have been interpreted as mildly ironic in light of Sunday’s second round
of voting in Lebanon’s municipal polls, which only served to confirm the
political hysteria that has infected the voting so far.
While on one level, we should be thankful that these polls were held in the
first place and that the national timetable was respected, it is a shame that
they should have been allowed to be hijacked by March 14 and March 8 to the
extent they were. Municipal elections are about selecting administrators who can
provide essential services for, and improve conditions in, local areas. They
should not, primarily at least, reflect partisan politics at a grass roots
level.
Much of what happens in municipal politics is family oriented. National
interests don’t really come into play. The voter that casts a ballot in the
North Metn parliamentary elections will not make the same calculation when
electing the mayor of Baskinta at a municipal level. That will be a choice
formed by personal relations, family ties, and local interests.
It is by no means an ideal dynamic. Bloc voting and consensus might ensure
stability in areas where family and sectarian tensions often run high, but this
can come at the expense of the spirit of democracy, not to mention
accountability should the municipality fall short in its election pledges. Using
municipal elections to fight national battles, even at the most local level, has
put extra – maybe even unnatural – pressure on a system that functions by a
different set of calculations.
This does not mean that there are no national interests at stake. Whoever
controls Beirut at municipal level wields huge influence. Control of the capital
means having a say in the city’s, and arguably the nation’s, economic future.
With real estate development at an all time high, it means control of the
issuing of building and development permits. High stakes? Just ask Solidere. The
Souks shopping mall in the Beirut Central District that opened last year was
meant to open in 1999, but was delayed for a decade because of a dispute between
the development company and the municipality.
In Zahleh the stakes are equally high and it is there that Damascus took an
interest. The capital of the Bekaa is the frontline in the battle for influence
in what was Damascus’s backyard. It is no coincidence that the disgraced
security chief, Jamil Sayed, was on hand to coordinate the opposition’s election
campaign, one in which Popular Bloc leader Elias Skaff was no doubt keen to
bounce back from his loss in last year’s national polls.
By the end of May, election fever will have subsided. The political circus will
have packed up and left town; Michel Aoun will have gone in search of another
fight, and the brouhaha created by both the March 14 and March 8 will have
settled, leaving the vast majority of Lebanese municipalities to their own
devices until the polls come round again.
But one can’t help thinking that somehow we missed the point.
On Saturday, the Lebanese Interior Ministry won the 2010 United Nations Public
Service Award for organizing the June 2009 parliamentary elections with what the
citation called “innovative mechanisms.” The citation could have been
interpreted as mildly ironic in light of Sunday’s second round of voting in
Lebanon’s municipal polls, which only served to confirm the political hysteria
that has infected the voting so far.
While on one level, we should be thankful that these polls were held in the
first place and that the national timetable was respected, it is a shame that
they should have been allowed to be hijacked by March 14 and March 8 to the
extent they were. Municipal elections are about selecting administrators who can
provide essential services for, and improve conditions in, local areas. They
should not, primarily at least, reflect partisan politics at a grass roots
level.
Much of what happens in municipal politics is family oriented. National
interests don’t really come into play. The voter that casts a ballot in the
North Metn parliamentary elections will not make the same calculation when
electing the mayor of Baskinta at a municipal level. That will be a choice
formed by personal relations, family ties, and local interests.
It is by no means an ideal dynamic. Bloc voting and consensus might ensure
stability in areas where family and sectarian tensions often run high, but this
can come at the expense of the spirit of democracy, not to mention
accountability should the municipality fall short in its election pledges. Using
municipal elections to fight national battles, even at the most local level, has
put extra – maybe even unnatural – pressure on a system that functions by a
different set of calculations.
This does not mean that there are no national interests at stake. Whoever
controls Beirut at municipal level wields huge influence. Control of the capital
means having a say in the city’s, and arguably the nation’s, economic future.
With real estate development at an all time high, it means control of the
issuing of building and development permits. High stakes? Just ask Solidere. The
Souks shopping mall in the Beirut Central District that opened last year was
meant to open in 1999, but was delayed for a decade because of a dispute between
the development company and the municipality.
In Zahleh the stakes are equally high and it is there that Damascus took an
interest. The capital of the Bekaa is the frontline in the battle for influence
in what was Damascus’s backyard. It is no coincidence that the disgraced
security chief, Jamil Sayed, was on hand to coordinate the opposition’s election
campaign, one in which Popular Bloc leader Elias Skaff was no doubt keen to
bounce back from his loss in last year’s national polls.
By the end of May, election fever will have subsided. The political circus will
have packed up and left town; Michel Aoun will have gone in search of another
fight, and the brouhaha created by both the March 14 and March 8 will have
settled, leaving the vast majority of Lebanese municipalities to their own
devices until the polls come round again. But one can’t help thinking that
somehow we missed the point.