LCCC
ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
ِDecember
23/2010
Bible Of The
Day
The Good News According to
Luke 13/1-5: "Now there were some present at the same time who told him about
the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 13:2 Jesus
answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all
the other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 13:3 I tell you, no, but
unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way. 13:4 Or those eighteen,
on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them; do you think that they were
worse offenders than all the men who dwell in Jerusalem? 13:5 I tell you, no,
but, unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.”
Free Opinions, Releases,
letters, Interviews & Special Reports
Interview with French Ambassador in
Lebanon Denis Pietton/Daily Star/December 22/10
Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for December
22/10
US hits Iran with new sanctions over terror,
nukes/Washington Post
LEBANON: Nation braces for Hezbollah reaction to
indictments/Los Angeles Times
Hezbollah welcomes Khamenei statements/UPI
2010: A year of failings
and frustrations/Arab News
Ashkenazi: IDF tank hit by Kornet missile/Ynetnews
Egyptian paper: 'Mossad spy' tried to recruit
Lebanese journalist/Ynetnews
Turkey PM: Israel to blame for deadlock in Mideast
peace talks/AP
Valero calls on everyone to respect international
legitimacy/Now Lebanon
Aoun accuses Sleiman and Hariri of obstructing
cabinet/Now Lebanon
Khalifeh: Those objecting on Berri’s initiative
should state their objections/Now Lebanon
Hariri: Saudi-Syrian effort unhurt by Iran
stance/Daily Star
New deal aims to speed return of Chouf
displaced/Daily Star
Kahwagi: Army ready to counter
threats to stability/Daily Star
Israeli
Minister: Lebanon's Gas Field Claims Have No Cartographic Basis/Naharnet
Raad: Hizbullah Willing to
Compromise on False Witnesses' Issue/Naharnet
Israeli Report: Jewish
State to Inform Southerners before Attacking Hizbullah Targets/Naharnet
Jumblat Lashes 'False
Witness' Geagea/Naharnet
WikiLeaks: Syria Blames
Israel for Murder of General who with Hizbullah Link/Naharnet
Paris Brushes Aside
Khamenei's Comments on Tribunal/Naharnet
Israel Accuses Iran,
Hizbullah of Consolidating Hamas Military Capabilities/Naharnet
Hariri: No Stability
without Justice, Violence Would Be Huge Gift to Those Who Want Divided Lebanon/Naharnet
Chamoun: There is Nothing
to Compromise Over/Naharnet
Sfeir: Intimidation Not
Acceptable/Naharnet
Berri to March 14 Forces:
I Won't Kneel/Naharnet
U.S. Hits Iran with New
Sanctions over Nukes, Support for Hizbullah/Naharnet
Anti-tank Missile at Gaza
Front Revives Memories of 2006 War/Naharnet
Hizbullah: Khamenei's
Brave Stance Doesn't Contradict Syrian-Saudi Efforts/Naharnet
Aoun Holds President, PM
Responsible for 'Obstructing Cabinet Functioning/Naharnet
Disabled War Veterans
Spread Christmas Cheer/Naharnet
Syrian Ambassador: Syria-Saudi
Effort Ongoing, Results Should Emerge in Lebanon/Naharnet
Hizbullah's Fayyad Hits Back at Sfeir:
We Are Not Coup-Seekers/Naharnet
Sfeir: Intimidation Not Acceptable
Naharnet/Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir on Wednesday said intimidation is
not acceptable. "There are many difficulties and the country must move forward,"
he told the Voice of Lebanon radio station. "Citizens of one nation must defend
their homeland," he added. Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 08:59
Paris Brushes Aside Khamenei's Comments on Tribunal
Naharnet/France brushed aside comments by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei, urging different sides in Lebanon and the region to encourage dialogue
and national interest.
"The international tribunal is an independent authority that was established by
a Security Council resolution and with the support of Lebanese authorities,"
French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said Tuesday. The court is
working for justice and against impunity, he said. "Amid the tension over this
issue, everyone in Lebanon and the region should be responsible and favor
dialogue and national interest," Valero told reporters. French Foreign Minister
Michele Alliot-Marie and her British counterpart William Hague discussed Lebanon
and the tribunal during a dinner in London on Monday. Valero said that both
Paris and London support the stability and sovereignty of Lebanon. Alliot-Marie
and Hague also agreed that the indictment should be issued amid an atmosphere of
calm. Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 08:59
U.S. Hits Iran with New Sanctions over Nukes, Support for Hizbullah
Naharnet/The U.S. Treasury Department has expanded punitive sanctions against
Iran over its nuclear and missile programs and support for Hizbullah. The
Department added five Iranian companies to its financial blacklist, including
two banks, an insurance company, a freight forwarder and the state-owned
shipper, the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines. The sanctions bar the
firms, all linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, from the U.S. financial
system and freeze any assets they may have in U.S. jurisdictions. "Both the IRGC
and IRISL are major institutional participants in Iran's illicit conduct and in
its attempts to evade sanctions," said Under Secretary of Treasury for Terrorism
and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey. "We will therefore continue to target
and expose their networks." The sanctions target the Moallem Insurance Company
for providing marine insurance to IRISL vessels, and the Ansar Bank and Mehr
Bank for providing financial services to the IRGC. Also affected is Bonyad
Taavon Sepah, a quasi-governmental financial services firm that handles
investments for the Revolutionary Guard. Bonyad Taavon Sepah's executive
director, Parviz Fattah, was also blacklisted. The forwarder, Liner Transport
Kish, was added to the blacklist for providing material support, including
weapons to Hizbullah on behalf of the Revolutionary Guard. In addition, Treasury
identified an Iranian energy concern, Pars Oil and Gas Company, as being owned
or controlled by the government, hitting it with sanctions under new U.S.
legislation aimed at choking off financing for illicit activity. (AP-Naharnet)
Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 07:59
Hariri Denies Newspaper Report that He Has Abandoned Tribunal
Naharnet/Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Wednesday denied a report published by
Ad-Diyar newspaper that he has agreed to stop the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
A statement issued by Hariri's office said the premier "finds the leaked reports
do not show the truth." "The Prime Minister did not say in front of visitors or
in private meetings any of the statements attributed to him by Al-Diyar," his
office said. Ad-Diyar quoted Hariri visitors as saying that the prime minister
has decided to "abandon" the international tribunal "for the best interest of
Lebanon." Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 13:39
Syrian Ambassador: Syria-Saudi Effort Ongoing, Results Should Emerge in Lebanon
Naharnet/Syrian ambassador Ali Abdul Karim Ali on Wednesday stressed that the
Damascus-Riyadh mediation effort was ongoing. He said results of this effort
should emerge here through the various parties in Lebanon – through their
response, consensus and dialogue among themselves away from media spotlight to
reach the required results. He said Syria hopes for a fruitful and speedy
outcome "that would prevent strife." Turning to Iran, he said Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei's stance on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon was "preceded by many
positions which shook the image of the international tribunal and doubted its
credibility." Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 12:39
Hizbullah's Fayyad Hits Back at Sfeir: We Are Not Coup-Seekers
Naharnet/Hizbullah MP Ali Fayyad on Wednesday hit back at Maronite Patriarch
Nasrallah Sfeir, telling him "we are not coup-seekers."Sfeir had expressed fear
that Hizbullah would stage a coup d'état to seize control of Lebanon. "We are
not coup-seekers and this is not on our mind," Fayyad said in an interview with
OTV. "Such accusations do not facilitate relation-building between Hizbullah and
Bkirki," he stressed.
Israeli Report: Jewish State to Inform Southerners before Attacking Hizbullah
Targets
Naharnet/Israel would ask Lebanese citizens to evacuate southern border villages
prior to launching an attack on Hizbullah if the Shiite party continues to stash
arms inside towns and civilian buildings, Israeli security sources told Israel
radio. The report came after an Israeli officer in the northern command said it
would be wrong to think that Israel won't retaliate if the border region becomes
unstable. Israel accuses Hizbullah of placing arms inside depots in Shiite
villages in the south. Israel radio also said that southerners fear rising
tension over escalatory rhetoric by Hizbullah and Israeli officials. Beirut, 22
Dec 10, 13:12
Raad: Hizbullah Willing to Compromise on False Witnesses' Issue
Naharnet/Head of Hizbullah's Loyalty to the Resistance parliamentary bloc MP
Mohammed Raad said Hizbullah was willing to compromise on the false witnesses'
issue, but warned that Hizbullah is a "red line that cannot be bypassed."He
confirmed the existence of a "plan for a solution" being mulled by Syria and
Saudi Arabia to find a way out of the Lebanon crisis. "We as Hizbullah are part
of the Opposition and we will discuss with our allies the concessions that can
be offered if the solution is convincing," Raad said in an interview published
Wednesday by the daily As-Safir. He said any settlement, however, must "maintain
the existence of the Resistance and protect it against the Israeli enemy."
Raad said the majority March 14 coalition also has to find a way to "liberate
Lebanon from the claws of the politicized international tribunal." Beirut, 22
Dec 10, 08:09
Israeli Minister: Lebanon's Gas Field Claims Have No Cartographic Basis
Naharnet/Offshore gas discoveries could deliver Israel energy self-sufficiency
for the first time but domestic and international disputes are threatening to
put a potential gold rush on hold.
One of two promising gas finds -- the Tamar field discovered off the northern
port of Haifa -- contains around eight billion cubic meters (280 billion cubic
feet) of natural gas, Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau told Agence France
Presse. The nearby Leviathan field "could hold twice as much and cover Israel's
consumption needs for 25 years," he said.
"Israel could become an exporter of gas to Europe. We are ready to cooperate in
such a project with foreign investors but also with Greece and Cyprus," he said.
But the recently discovered fields are in contested waters, with Lebanon and
other countries expressing concern about Israel's plans to exploit them, and a
domestic wrangle over taxes and state royalties posing another obstacle. Israel
still does not have officially delineated maritime borders with Lebanon, and the
two nations remain technically at war. But Landau said he was confident Israel's
claim to the fields would be upheld. "None of Lebanon's claims has any judicial,
economic or cartographic basis. Israel will defend its interests with all
necessary force in the face of all these threats," he said. Turkey, a one-time
Israeli ally, has also become involved in the gas field row, reacting angrily to
an Israeli deal with Cyprus intended to facilitate future exploitation. The
agreement delineates an economic free zone that is intended to prevent future
conflicts between the two nations as exploration and exploitation of marine gas
and oil fields moves forward. But Turkey has no relations with the island's
internationally recognized Greek Cypriot government, instead extending
recognition to the breakaway Turkish Cypriot authorities in the north. Landau
said the deal with Cyprus "lays out the limit of the maritime border north of
Israel and fixes the (sea) border with Lebanon."
He brushed aside Turkish criticism, saying: "The agreement with Cyprus clearly
defines our rights in the Mediterranean."
On the domestic front, the gas discoveries have also set off a firestorm, this
time over the royalties and tax the Israeli state can expect to receive.
Before the discovery of the Tamar and Leviathan fields, Israel collected
relatively paltry taxes and royalties, around 30 percent, on exploitable natural
resources on its territory.
The low fees were intended to encourage local and foreign companies to take on
the expensive work of exploring for gas and other resources, and are far less
than those levied by many nations. Faced with the prospect of missing out on
massive windfalls from Tamar and Leviathan, the Israeli government has convened
a commission to draft new tax and royalty fees, which has already proposed
almost doubling the tariffs. The new fees could also be applied retroactively,
prompting firms involved in uncovering the fields to launch a vociferous
campaign against any increase. Among the loudest voices against the new tariffs
is U.S. firm Noble Energy, which holds 39.6 percent of the rights to Leviathan.
News reports have said the Texas-based company is seeking the intervention of
the U.S. ambassador "at the highest level" to defend its interests. The
controversy, which has held up development of the Tamar field, has even pitted
cabinet members against each other. While Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz wants
to see higher fees, Landau is more circumspect, warning that now may not be the
right time to raise them.
Landau said he wants "to put an end to the real uncertainty that has prompted
banks involved in the gas projects to freeze 3.5 billion dollars in loans." "It
would be better to move forward, we will talk in the future about taxes, but
we're pressed for time now." Landau warned that Israel's sole operating field,
Yam Tethys, which currently supplies about 70 percent of the country's natural
gas, will be depleted within three years. To his dismay, the Tamar delay
prompted Israeli companies to agree deals valued at between five and 10 billion
dollars to import natural gas from Egypt earlier this month. "This deal will
cost us 1.5 billion dollars in lost taxes," he said.(AFP) Beirut, 22 Dec 10,
13:52
WikiLeaks: Syria Blames Israel for Murder of General who with Hizbullah Link
Naharnet/Syria believes that Israel was behind the assassination of Syrian
President's top security aide Mohammed Suleiman who was in charge of contacts
with Hizbullah, a new WikiLeaks cable revealed. Suleiman was killed by a sniper
shot Aug. 1, 2008 in the Syrian coastal city of Tartous. According to the cable
sent from the U.S. embassy in Damascus to Washington, the Israelis were "the
most obvious suspects" in the assassination. "Syrian security services quickly
cordoned and searched the entire beach neighborhood where the shooting had
occurred," the embassy was informed. Syrian-based journalists were instructed
not to report the story, the cable said. It was a sensational event, akin to
another mysterious assassination in Damascus earlier that year, when a car bomb
killed Hizbullah military commander Imad Mughniyeh. Initial reports were vague
about Suleiman's identity and position, and the news blackout lasted for four
days. But Washington knew exactly who he was. A secret document several months
earlier gave his job description as "Syrian special presidential adviser for
arms procurement and strategic weapons." Israeli media reported that Suleiman
had also served as Assad's liaison to Hizbullah. The U.S. embassy said Israel
was the obvious suspect in Suleiman's murder. It said Syrian security services
are well aware that Tartous would offer easier access to Israeli operatives than
would more inland locations such as Damascus. "Suleiman was not a highly visible
government official, and the use of a sniper suggests the assassin could
visually identify Suleiman from a distance." According to the cable, 10 days
later a U.S. embassy contact reported that the assassination had become "a
frequent source of controversy" in internal Syrian government deliberations.
"Tempers flared during an August 12 higher policy council meeting when
high-level security service officials openly questioned the government's
continuation of indirect negotiations with Israel and its 'generosity' with
Lebanon." Security chiefs claimed that Syria would make concessions and not
receive any tangible gains from engaging Lebanon or talking indirectly to
Israel. "Underlying this tense exchange was frustration within the security
services that the (Syrian government) was all but ignoring the assassination of
Suleiman. Security service officials were suggesting that 'if the Israelis did
it' (killed Suleiman), why was the Syrian government continuing the dialogue?"
the embassy said. "'And if it was an inside job, people are wondering about
their future.'" Assad was thus under increasing pressure to provide assurances
to his security chiefs about their positions and about the government's
intention not to make premature concessions. Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 07:10
Israel Accuses Iran, Hizbullah of Consolidating Hamas Military Capabilities
Naharnet/The Israeli army leadership accused Iran and Hizbullah of continuing to
consolidate Hamas' military capabilities by transferring advanced weapons to the
Islamist movement.
The army leadership said it decided to change the rules of the game following
increased rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip on Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli
military sources said they believed that a Kornet missile fired on Israel
earlier this month could have reached Gaza from Iran. Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 10:55
Pietton: France is putting its verbal support for Lebanon into action
Ambassador thinks that justice will bring stability to country in the long run
By Annie Slemrod /Daily Star staff
Wednesday, December 22, 2010 /Naharnet
Interview
BEIRUT: French Ambassador Denis Pietton has elaborated on France’s confirmation
Friday that it will soon provide the Lebanese Army with 100 HOT anti-tank
missiles.
In an interview with The Daily Star Tuesday, Pietton said this upcoming transfer
was part of “a commitment that was made a long time ago by the French
government.” He noted that the deal has been in the works since May, and that it
includes “some [French] assistance … to update and maintain the French
helicopters that [the Lebanese Army already] has.”
Pietton emphasized that in providing the Lebanese Armed Forces with missiles,
France is putting its verbal support for Lebanese sovereignty into action.
“We keep saying that we are committed to [Lebanese] independence and
sovereignty. One way … of translating this commitment into deeds is to support
the army. You cannot say that you want the Lebanese Army to be … [solely] in
charge of the defense of the country, and at the same time refuse [it] … basic
equipment.”
Both Israeli and American officials have expressed concern that funding or
weapons given to the Lebanese Army may fall into the hands of Hizbullah.
In August, the US House Foreign Affairs Committee warned that providing Lebanon
with weapons “would be very irresponsible and could jeopardize security and
stability in the region.” After an Israeli soldier was killed in August border
clashes, which also left two Lebanese soldiers and a Lebanese journalist dead,
the US temporarily suspended $100 million in military aid to Lebanon.
Israel has recently expressed similar worries. An anonymous Israeli military
official was quoted last week as saying “we have raised with foreign governments
our concerns over Hizbullah’s growing domination of the Lebanese government
apparatus and concern that weapons transfer to the Lebanese forces will in fact
become part of the Hizbullah arsenal.”
Pietton expressed confidence these fears will not be realized. “We know what the
concerns of the Israelis are, [and] we take them into account,” he said. “We
have a strategic dialogue with Israel which is ongoing, and we are in the
position to provide the Israelis with … information to make them understand that
what we are doing is not against the interests of Israel. Indeed, it is in the
interest of Lebanon and the independence of Lebanon which is dear to us.”
Pietton also remarked that he “doubts very much” there is a connection between
Sunday’s Israeli military exercises near the Lebanese border, which included
live fire, and Friday’s announcement.
The ambassador also underlined French support for the Special Tribunal for
Lebanon (STL), words that France backed up earlier this month with a $2 million
donation to the investigation into former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s
assassination in 2005. In the face of concerns that a forthcoming indictment
might cause instability in the country, Pietton emphasized that justice and
stability are “not [mutually] exclusive,” and that “what we wish for Lebanon is
justice, because we think that in the long run justice is a key factor for
stability.”
Of a Monday comment by Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that any STL
verdict would be “null and void,” Pietton said he was “not particularly
concerned.”
He urged restraint in speech, saying that “as the situation evolves … there are
some statements which fuel anxiety and create a climate which is not conducive
to stability.”
While acknowledging that Lebanon’s current political deadlock is problematic,
Pietton said “we think the fact that the Council of Ministers met recently is
positive.” He said France is “concerned” that the Council is not in a position
to make decisions for the country – he specifically mentioned an inability to
address issues of poor infrastructure.
“I hope that when the indictment is behind us the government will be able to
resume normally, Pietton said. In contrast to a November statement by Italian
Foreign Minister Franco Frattini that the release of US diplomatic cables by
WikiLeaks “will be the September 11th of world diplomacy,” Pietton was
relatively calm about the implications. “[The release] is troubling and it could
be embarrassing for some people,” he said. “But I don’t think that in the long
run it will affect diplomatic work and relations. It shows that American
diplomats do their jobs.”
Hariri: Saudi-Syrian effort unhurt by Iran stance
PM says Lebanon stands by tribunal, says Khamenei entitled to his opinion
By Elias Sakr /Daily Star staff
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
BEIRUT: Prime Minister Saad Hariri said Tuesday his government was committed to
cooperate with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) and dismissed claims that
Iran’s position concerning the UN-backed tribunal would hinder Syrian-Saudi
talks aimed at breaking the political deadlock over the issue. Hariri told
reporters at a joint news conference with his Belgian counterpart Boyko Borisov
that though he respected Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s opinion,
international resolutions would remain untouched, irrespective of how they were
perceived by various parties. Khamenei dismissed Monday any findings by the
UN-backed tribunal as “null and void,” a position endorsed by Iran’s ally,
Hizbullah, saying that the STL planned to release a false indictment implicating
some of the party’s members in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik
Hariri. “We respect supreme leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei … there is no doubt that
everyone has a point of view in this matter but international resolutions are
international resolutions … This is Iran’s position and we in Lebanon have a
position echoed by the government,” said Hariri. He said that all parties
appeared to be seeking regional stability, adding that Khamenei’s position would
not negatively impact Syrian-Saudi attempts to break the political deadlock.
“This [Iranian position] will not influence the Syrian-Saudi track which is a
very positive one as matters progress, though at a different pace than hoped by
some. However, issues take some time,” he added. Hariri left Beirut Tuesday
evening for Saudi Arabia to attend the wedding of Prince Abdulaziz bin Fahd
al-Saud. Echoing Hariri in this regard, Hizbullah said in a statement released
by its press office that Khamenei’s position was not in opposition to
Syrian-Saudi efforts but rather called for the confrontation of the “STL plot”
before it develops into a crisis among the Lebanese. The statement, which
endorsed Khamenei’s position condemning the tribunal as a politicized
“US-Israeli” tool, voiced regrets that some parties “misread and misinterpreted
an obvious statement calling for the confrontation of a plot through logic and
wise thinking.”
Hizbullah has called on Hariri to renounce and halt his government’s cooperation
with the court, warning that his failure to comply could “plunge Lebanon into
the unknown.”
Though unsurprising in its opposition to the court, some analysts believe that
Iran’s public stance was a message conveyed to the STL’s international backers
that Hizbullah and its sponsors would not settle for any compromise that
involves the implication of any of the party’s members.
Commenting on Tehran’s regional role, Speaker Nabih Berri said Iran was a
recognized regional power that played a vital role in its support to Lebanon’s
resistance, a reference to Hizbullah. Hizbullah’s Sheikh Naim Qassem called on
Hariri and his allies to relinquish support for the STL, warning that their
support for the court would backfire.
“Do not make a mistake because the repercussions will backfire at you rather
than us. Do not falsely accuse us because you will be uncovered and fall before
your own people before you fall before us. Do not be a tool for the US and
Israel because all they care about is their interest,” Qassem said.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Sunday his country was concerned
about Lebanon in the coming weeks, in reference to the expected date of the
indictment’s release. But Hizbullah’s ally, Free Patriotic Movement leader MP
Michel Aoun dismissed his claims and added that “some parties who sought strife
marketed fictitious dangers.” Asked to comment on Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah
Sfeir’s warning against Hizbullah’s attempt to unilaterally rule the country,
Aoun said in a sarcastic tone: “We will be Hizbullah’s partner if it seizes the
country.”
In an interview published by Newsweek magazine Tuesday, Hariri played down the
odds of an eruption of sectarian strife following the release of the STL
indictment. “Violence would be a huge gift to those who want a divided Lebanon.
When we are united, we are much more capable of facing the challenges that
surround us,” he said. Hariri also reiterated his support for the STL, saying
justice and stability were directly related. “Without justice you won’t have
stability,” he said. Criticizing Hariri and President Michel Sleiman, Aoun
accused them of blocking government meetings by refusing to put the issue of
“false witnesses” to vote. Hizbullah and its allies insist that the issue be
settled before ministerial discussions touch on any other topic. The March 8
coalition demand that “false witnesses,” whom they accuse of misleading the UN
probe in 2005, be referred to Lebanon’s highest court, the Judicial Council, but
the March 14 coalition says “false witnesses” ought to be tried by the regular
judiciary. The March 14 alliance fears that the investigation of “false
witnesses” by the Judicial Council would eventually block the work of the STL.
Valero calls on everyone to respect international legitimacy
December 21, 2010 /French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bernard Valero called on
everyone in Lebanon and the region to be responsible, adopt dialogue and respect
international legitimacy. During a press conference, he also said that Iranian
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Monday statement does not “require a
comment”.Khamenei dismissed as “null and void” any ruling by the court, which is
probing the 2005 murder of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The Special
Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) said on December 9 that it will "very, very soon"
file indictments for the killing of Hariri and 22 others. The court is
reportedly set to indict high-ranking operatives of Hezbollah, which is backed
by Tehran and Damascus.-NOW Lebanon
Aoun accuses Sleiman and Hariri of obstructing cabinet
December 21, 2010 /Change and Reform bloc leader Michel Aoun on Tuesday accused
President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister Saad Hariri of obstructing the
cabinet.
“I request them to call for a cabinet session on Wednesday… postponing [cabinet
sessions] does not serve the country’s interests,” he said during a press
conference following his bloc’s weekly meeting. “The Finance Ministry is
violating the constitution and wasting time,” Aoun also said, adding that the
situation calls for Finance Minister Rayya al-Hassan to resign.
He called on Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Shami to ask British Ambassador to
Lebanon Frances Guy for clarification over British Foreign Secretary William
Hague’s recent statement that the UK is worried about the risk of an outbreak of
violence in Lebanon in January. Aoun also reiterated his displeasure with the
Internal Security Forces (ISF) Information Branch, adding that the body “is
monitoring Energy Minister Gebran Bassil.” FPM official Fayez Karam—who was
arrested in August for allegedly spying for Israel—will have a public trial, he
added.
Commenting on Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir’s Tuesday statement,
Aoun said, “We are partners with Hezbollah, and we divide together. The share [Sfeir]
is worried about will [remain]. No one will [harm] his religious [position], and
his political [task] is an addition.” Sfeir said earlier on Tuesday that the
behavior of some of Hezbollah officials reflects that they might stage a
political takeover of Lebanon. Aoun and his bloc MPs have repeatedly criticized
Hassan and the Finance Ministry, calling its work illegal. The cabinet has
met once since its November 10 session and has not tackled institutional work
in-depth as March 8 and March 14 ministers have been deadlocked over how to
resolve the issue of the witnesses who gave unreliable testimonies to the
international probe into the 2005 assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri.-NOW
Lebanon
Khalifeh: Those objecting on Berri’s initiative should state their objections
December 21, 2010 /Health Minister Mohammad Jawad Khalifeh told NBN television
on Tuesday that critics of Speaker Nabih Berri’s initiative should state what
their objections are.
Khalifeh – an Amal Movement minister – called on those concerned about Lebanon
to suggest initiatives like Berri did to help resolve issues. Last week, the
speaker suggested to have the Justice Council itself rule on whether it has
jurisdiction on the “false witnesses file.” The cabinet has met once since its
November 10 session and has not tackled institutional work in-depth as March 8
and March 14 ministers have been deadlocked over how to resolve the issue of the
witnesses who gave unreliable testimonies to the international probe into the
2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. -NOW Lebanon
Turkey PM: Israel to blame for deadlock in Mideast peace talks
19:25 21./In news conference with Syria PM, Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls on the
international community to help break the impasse in Israel-Palestinian
negotiations.By The Associated Press /Turkey's prime minister on Tuesday blamed
Israeli "intransigence" for the deadlock in Mideast peace talks and called on
the international community to work toward breaking the impasse. Recep Tayyip
Erdogan was addressing reporters in a joint news conference with Prime Minister
Naji al-Otari of Syria after ministers from both countries held a meeting to
build on already thriving cooperation.
"We are concerned that U.S. efforts to start direct talks between Israel and the
Palestinians were left unsolved due to Israel's intransigence," Erdogan said.
"Under these conditions, the international community and countries of the region
must engage in more intense efforts for a peace opening." U.S. officials said
earlier this month that they had abandoned efforts to get Israel to reinstate a
settlement construction freeze in the West Bank, concluding that was not the
best way to restart the talks. The Palestinians have said they would not resume
negotiations without a settlement construction freeze. Earlier on Tuesday,
ministers from Turkey and Syria signed several cooperation agreements, including
one to combat terrorism, and al-Otari pledged continued support for Turkey in
its fight against Kurdish rebels, some of whom are based across the border on
Syrian territory. Tensions between Turkey and Syria ran high in the 1980s and
1990s when Turkey accused Syria of sheltering autonomy-seeking Kurdish rebels,
which Turkey considers to be terrorists. Syria expelled Kurdish rebel leader
Abdullah Ocalan in 1998 and those ties grew stronger as Turkey reached out to
neighboring countries to build economic ties. Turkey and Syria lifted travel
visas earlier this year and the two countries' militaries staged joint
exercises. Erdogan said he hoped the close ministerial-level co-operation
between Turkey and Syria, and a similar one between Turkey and Iraq would expand
to other countries in the Middle East. "Our final goal is for the peace and
friendship to expand to the whole region wave by wave," Erdogan said.
New deal aims to speed return of Chouf displaced
By The Daily Star /Wednesday, December 22, 2010
BEIRUT: A protocol signed by the Agriculture Ministry and the Ministry of
Displaced Tuesday is set to help the displaced return to their towns and
villages in the Chouf permanently by allowing them to benefit from a wide array
of agricultural projects. Agriculture Minister Hussein Hajj Hassan said the
cooperation with the Ministry of the Displaced was “to provide agricultural
services to all those returning to their villages through various centers
located in the Chouf region.” “There are several services the ministry will
provide the displaced, as plantation, the establishment of gardens and
distribution of pesticides,” Hajj Hassan said. Hajj Hassan also said providing
economic incentives would allow the displaced to reconnect with their land.
Minister of Displaced Akram Shehayeb echoed Hassan’s statements, saying that
results would be positive if the displaced permanently returned to their
villages. “Coordination between ministries boosts the efforts for the permanent
return of the displaced,” he added. – The Daily Star
Kahwagi: Army ready to counter threats to stability
By The Daily Star /Wednesday, December 22, 2010 /BEIRUT: Lebanese Army General Jean Kahwagi reiterated Tuesday the military’s
readiness to counter any threats to Lebanon’s stability. “The Lebanese Army
today is much stronger and completely ready to prevent any assault from Israel
or those who would challenge Lebanese stability,” Kahwagi added. Kahwagi’s
statements came following a visit to the Military Academy in Fiyaddiyeh during
which he called on the students to “stick to discipline with high morality and
to gain knowledge in the military field.” Kahwagi also praised the role of the
Military Academy for bringing up soldiers who would share a great responsibility
in safeguarding the accomplishments of the Lebanese military. Kahwagi vowed the
Lebanese Army would confront civil strife and instability in the country. – The
Daily Star
Egyptian paper: 'Mossad spy' tried to recruit Lebanese journalist
Al-Masry Al-Youm says Egyptian national accused of working for Mossad offered
editor of major Lebanese newspaper money, talk show in exchange for his
cooperation with Israeli intelligence /Ynet Published: 12.21.10, 19:36 / Israel News
/Egyptian newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm reported Tuesday that local security
agencies revealed that Tarek Abdel Razek Hassan, the Egyptian national who is
accused of spying for Israel, was assigned by the Mossad to recruit the chief
editor of a major Lebanese newspaper who is close to the Syrian regime and
Hezbollah.
According to the report, Hassan offered the editor money and the opportunity to
host a television talk show in exchange for his cooperation with the Israeli
intelligence agency.
Hassan, according to Egyptian media, served as a middleman between a Mossad
handler and an operative in Lebanon. He allegedly gathered classified
information that was vital to Syria's security services.
According to Al-Masry Al-Youm, Hassan also "posted ads on the internet to
recruit Lebanese and Syrian cellular communications experts to work for the
Mossad."
Reports published throughout the Arab world claim Hassan contacted Mossad via
email and offered his services. During a meeting with an Israeli intelligence
official in India, Hassan was given a $1,500 advance, and was trained in
intelligence gathering at the Israel embassy in Thailand, the reports said.