LCCC NEWS BULLETIN
JANUARY 28/2006
Below News From the Daily
Star for 28.1.06
UN official holds talks on Hariri tribunal
Chidiac and Chamoun to stand in Baabda-Aley by-election
Bush spells it out for Hariri
Youth groups hold solidarity meeting
Americans honor Hariri, Tueni
Abu Faour denies contacts between Jumblatt, Hizbullah resumed contact
Jumblatt calls for international tribunal
AFP
Strategic appointments delayed by in-fighting
March 14 group agrees to an Arab initiative
Hamas leader stresses need to continue dialogue
Fadlallah expects Hamas to hold indirect talks with Israel
World wants Lebanese to resolve Cabinet crisis
Tensions ease as politicians scale down their attacks
Superstar: The fastest way to stardom nears end of its third season
Below News From Miscellaneous
Sources for 28.1.06
Bush
urges full probe of Hariri murder in Lebanon-Reuters 28.1.06
Son of a Slain Leader Fears for Lebanon. By: Nora Boustany - Washington
Times 28.1.06
Lebanon's Aoun says govt must resign or end crisis
- Reuters 28.1.06
UN lawyer meets Lebanon officials on Hariri court-Reuters 28.1.06
Iraq Official: Saddam Moved WMD to Syria-newsmax
28.1.06
Politics & Policies: Ahmadinejad's ploy-UPI
28.1.06
Bush urges full probe of Hariri murder in Lebanon
27 Jan 2006 18:08:14 GMT
WASHINGTON, Jan 27 (Reuters) - President George W. Bush called on Friday for a
"full and firm" investigation of the assassination of former Lebanese Prime
Minister Rafik al-Hariri in which Syrian officials have been implicated.
With Hariri's son Saad at his side in the Oval Office, Bush also said the United
States wanted to see Lebanon "free of Syrian intimidation."
No one has yet been indicted in the killing of Hariri in a truck bomb in Beirut
almost a year ago, but a U.N. investigation has implicated senior Syrian
officials and their Lebanese allies.
Lebanon has also detained a number of individuals identified as suspects.
Damascus has denied any role in the murder which stirred anti-Syrian protests in
Lebanon and set in motion the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon.
"The American people mourn the loss of your dad," Bush said. "It's very
important for the investigation into your dad's death to go forward. We expect
there to be a full and firm investigation and the people who are responsible for
your dad's death need to be held to account."
U.N. Legal Counsel Nicolas Michel discussed with top Lebanese officials on
Friday ideas for the creation of an international court to try anyone charged
with Hariri's killing.
Bush, who has made promoting democracy in the Middle East a cornerstone of his
foreign policy agenda, said he and Hariri discussed their "mutual desire" for
Lebanon to be free.
"Free of foreign influence, free of Syrian intimidation, free to chart its own
course," the president added.
Hariri, a member of Lebanon's parliament, told reporters later he was trying to
arrange an international donors' conference for Lebanon."We're working on setting the date and I hope we'll get it soon," he said.
UN official holds talks on Hariri tribunal
By Leila Hatoum - Daily Star staff
Saturday, January 28, 2006
BEIRUT: UN Undersecretary General for Legal Affairs Nicolas Michel said he "had
fruitful consultations" with Lebanon's top officials on Friday, adding that he
is "determined to inform [UN Secretary General Kofi] Annan immediately of their
results." Michel, who arrived in Beirut Thursday, met Friday with President
Emile Lahoud, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Speaker Nabih Berri, Justice
Minister Charles Rizk and Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh to discuss the nature
of the court that would try those accused of killing former Prime Minister Rafik
Hariri.
According to a presidential statement issued Friday, Michel briefed Lahoud on
the nature of his mission in Lebanon, saying he was assigned by Annan to confer
with Lebanese officials on the nature of the court.
After his meeting with Siniora, Michel, who was accompanied by a UN delegation,
said: "The conversations today were especially rich and will help us steer our
work in the next
few days; but we have to say that our Lebanese friends will have to help us in
steering this thinking in the next few days."
He added: "I am determined to tell Annan immediately of the results of my
consultations, and after that we will continue to think in all directions.""Our
consultations should be continued in the coming days and weeks," he added.
Michel also said that he will respect the secrecy of the meetings and
discussions. "All I can tell you is that the consultations will not be
successful unless the Lebanese people - and not only its officials - consider
that this consensus, [about the form of the court], relates to them," the UN
official said.
He added that he will try to widen the base of consultation in order to include
people from the civil society and not only officials. He also said that time "is
an important factor but at the same time things have to take their course in a
straightforward fashion." For his part, Lahoud praised all efforts exerted by
Annan and the UN to help Lebanon identify the perpetrators of "the heinous
crime."
http://www.dailystar.com.lb He added that "identifying the perpetrators would
enable us to bring them to justice, and punish then severely."
Lahoud also said he hoped that an agreement would soon be reached regarding the
nature of the court. "Although they might be divided over the nature of the
court that would try the criminals, the Lebanese people are unanimous about
wanting to know the whole truth about this heinous crime."
After meeting with Berri, Michel said that the conversation was "excellent,
promising and constructive." He added that he "sensed a high spirit of
cooperation."
Lebanese sources said that the UN "doesn't have a ready answer regarding the
international court that would try Hariri's assassins, and that the Lebanese
state doesn't have a project to market on this matter as well."The sources added
that Berri proposed the idea of a mixed court which would hold its sessions and
deliberations in Lebanon, and that the UN official had "promised to provide
Berri with several modules on the various forms of courts."
The discussions with Salloukh focused on the form of the court to be
constructed. Salloukh told the UN delegation that he will back Michel's mission
until a proper formula is reached for the court. Michel said: "The purpose
behind my presence is to formulate these consultations, which will last all day
long and will be continued during the next coming days and weeks, to come up
with the best formula."
Michel's meeting with Rizk was merely a "reconnaissance and discovery session"
to formulate the "bases of the path of work to follow," according to Rizk, who
refused to provide further details. Also on Friday, Salloukh met with the French
Ambassador to Lebanon Bernard Emie and discussed bilateral relations and matters
of mutual interests, particularly extending the term of the United Nations
Interim Forces in Lebanon. Both parties agreed on the importance of the role
played by this force and the necessity to extend its mandate. They also
discussed UN Security Council Resolution 1559.
Chidiac and Chamoun to stand in Baabda-Aley by-election
By Nada Bakri -Special to The Daily Star
Saturday, January 28, 2006
BEIRUT: Two March 14 figures, a politician and a journalist, announced Friday
their candidacy for the vacated Maronite seat in Lebanon's Baabda-Aley
by-election. Prominent anti-Syrian journalist May Chidiac - who survived an
assassination attempt - and National Liberal Party (NLP) president Dory Chamoun
both said they will run. The by-election will be held within the next two months
following the death of Lebanese Forces MP Edmond Naim. Leader of the LF
executive committee Samir Geagea said that he could not take an immediate stance
on the candidacy of Chidiac and Chamoun "today, tomorrow or the day after
tomorrow" and "needs more time to complete discussions over the matter with all
the concerned parties."
According to Abdo Saad, the head of the Beirut Center for Research and
Information, Chidiac has more chance of winning than of any of the March 14
candidates, including Chamoun but with the exception of Geagea.
"People across Lebanon are sympathizing with Chidiac after the assassination on
her life. But whether enough voters will be moved by her situation is not yet
clear," Saad told The Daily Star. The NLP said in a statement released Friday:
"In response to the party members' requests and that of our supporters in the
Baabda-Aley district, NLP has decided to announce the candidacy of its president
Dory Chamoun."Chamoun told The Daily Star his candidacy is not final and is
still being discussed with his March 14 allies. "Chidiac has a strong chance of
winning and if the March 14 allies convince me to withdraw for a candidate who
also represents the coalition I might."
Meanwhile Chidiac, from her Paris hospital, held a news conference, saying:
"Through my candidacy I will try to carry on with my political struggle that I
began with free speech."She said that through Parliament she will try to move
forward and help the country reach full independence, sovereignty and freedom.
Chidiac added that she will contribute to building a strong country and reducing
"the negative effects of the economic crisis the Lebanese are suffering from."
But as the by-election approaches, a remarkable number of politicians and
religious leaders urged parties to spare the district a confrontation and
support a compromise candidate/Former Baabda-Aley MP Pierre Dakkash said
Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir "blesses all attempts to reach
consensus that will prevent the country any political battles in this critical
situation." Dakkash - who sources said the Free Patriotic Movement might field -
said neither the FPM nor any other party had approached him, adding "if my name
is suggested I will totally approve of that."
However, for the March 14 coalition, the compromise candidate is someone who
represents the group's policies, rather than an independent candidate.
"To prevent a political confrontation, I suggest that all political forces agree
on Chidiac as a compromise candidate," said Batroun MP Boutros Harb. "May
[Chidiac] deserves to be supported as an acknowledgement of her sacrifices for
Lebanon. I hope all parties will endorse May, the living martyr, in her
candidacy," added Harb.
Former president and Phalange Party head, Amin Gemayel said he is discussing the
matter with his March 14 allies and will support the candidate whose chances of
winning are highest. "But if we can spare the region a Christian-Christian
battle, it would be for the country's best interest and we are holding talks
with all the politicians for this purpose without any exception," Gemayel
added.But Gemayel said the chances to reach an agreement over the matter were
"very slim.""I don't think we can find another Ghassan Tueni in this election,"
he said. FPM MP Ibrahim Kanaan told The Daily Star his party is still discussing
potential candidates, but has no comment on Chidiac's candidacy yet.
Kanaan added he personally "feels a lot of respect and appreciation for Chidiac
and what she represents especially after the attempt on her life," but added
that "in politics there are other criteria to be taken into consideration than
appreciation." He said that his bloc is open to any "political suggestion to
reach consensus," although he "personally thinks electoral campaigns are not a
disaster but rather a form of democracy."
Bush spells it out for Hariri
'A Lebanon free of foreigners and free to do its own thing'
Compiled by Daily Star staff -Saturday, January 28, 2006
BEIRUT: U.S. President George W. Bush told MP Saad Hariri, the son of
assassinated former Premier Rafik Hariri, Friday that one of his country's
priorities is allowing Lebanon to be "free of foreign influence, free of Syrian
intimidation, and free to chart its own course." Bush - the jewel in the crown
meeting of Hariri's visit to the U.S. capital - told the young MP allowing
"Lebanon's democracy to be able to reach its full potential will be very
important for the region."
After the meeting at the White House's Oval office, Bush said: "There's no doubt
in my mind, with the focused effort of the free world ... we will be able to
achieve this objective."
Bush also said he and Hariri discussed putting together a global donor's
conference to raise funds to help Lebanon.
Hariri told reporters the president had expressed support for a donor
conference, but that no date has been set.
The Hariri-Bush meeting comes a day after Hariri met with the U.S. Secretary of
State Condoleezza Rice.
Sources from Washington reported earlier that Hariri was expected to request
from Bush that the U.S. supervises the re-building of the Lebanese security
forces and the army; but that the army will not be used for the disarmament of
Hizbullah.He is also trying to ensure there is no let up in pressure on Syria to
cooperate with a UN investigation into his father's killing. The reports added
that Hariri will reiterate his position of dialogue to discuss Hizbullah's
disarmament.
Hariri had said Friday - before meeting with Bush - that Hizbullah is part of
the Lebanese political process.
Meanwhile, Rice had assured Hariri late Thursday that the Bush administration
will keep pressure on Syria to respect Lebanon's independence.
"We will continue to make sure there is no intimidation of the Lebanese," Rice
said, adding the U.S. would also ensure Syria "respects its obligations" under
UN resolutions. Lebanon can be certain of international support for its
independence, Rice said.
Hariri had also told reporters earlier Friday that he hoped UN Chief
Investigator-http://www.dailystar.com.lb
Serge Brammertz, would be able to carry his work out quickly. The MP added that
he hoped that Syria would cooperate with the UN probe into his father's
assassination. "What we want to see in Lebanon is full cooperation with the
commission," Hariri said. "We expect there to be a full and firm investigation,"
Bush said Friday, telling Hariri "the people who are responsible for your dad's
death need to be held to account." "The people who are responsible for your
dad's death need to be held to account. The faster Syria cooperates the better
it is for them," he added. The UN probe's two previous reports on its findings
have pointed to a possible Syrian link with Hariri's assassination, a thing
which Syria has repeatedly denied. "We are not after revenge... In our part of
the world revenge is easy to achieve. We want justice," said Hariri. "At the end
of the day, knowing the truth is a protection for the whole region," Hariri had
said after his meeting with Rice.
"The killers of Rafik Hariri must be punished, because if they are not punished,
then anybody will start killing others, and this is something we don't want at
all to happen in Lebanon," he said. Hariri also said Friday that Palestine's
newest parliamentary majority group Hamas "needs to move forward on how to make
peace with Israel."
He added that the Palestinians were victims of oppression and it was a decision
for Hamas to make but "It will take time... but I don't know what the
Palestinian people want."
Hariri said Hamas might follow the example of Fatah, the more mainstream
Palestinian group it defeated in parliamentary elections, and come round to
accepting Israel, a step Bush said Thursday was necessary for the U.S. to deal
with Hamas.
Hariri also urged Israel to accept a Saudi proposal for recognition by all Arab
countries in exchange for returning to 1967 borders.
-Additional reporting by Leila Hatoum
Youth groups hold solidarity meeting
Daily Star staff-Saturday, January 28, 2006
BEIRUT: The March 14 youth groups held a "solidarity meeting" Friday, in support
of four members of the Democratic Leftist Movement who were arrested and now
await trial. In October 2005, the four members were arrested by Internal
Security Forces for "distributing pamphlets urging President Emile Lahoud to
resign." They were later released and now a date has been set for their trial on
February 1, 2006. The meeting was held on Friday at Freedom Camp, Martyrs'
Square, in downtown Beirut. Omar Harkous, who was one of the four
arrested, said: "The pamphlets were distributed because the members were
concerned with safeguarding Lebanon's national interest." Harkous called
on judicial authorities to "revoke the decision and end their pursuit of people
calling for freedom of speech." Nader Nakib from the Future Movement said: "The
members were arrested for demanding Lahoud's resignation, but the security
authorities cannot arrest all the Lebanese people." -
Americans honor Hariri, Tueni
Daily Star-Saturday, January 28, 2006
A committee dedicated to the memory of former Premier Rafik Hariri and MP Gebran
Tueni is urging Lebanese Americans to participate in activities in the United
States to mark the one year anniversary of the "Cedar Revolution."
The Hariri-Tueni Remembrance Committee, which has a Web page providing
information about the events, said 3 million Lebanese Americans would gather at
locations such as clubs and restaurants to remember the events that have shaken
Leb-anon since February 14 last year. "They will honor those who have fallen,
remember their heritage, and show support for an end to the killing," the
committee said in a statement.It urged Lebanese Americans to participate in the
month-long observances to help bring renewed world attention to the unsolved
assassinations of anti-Syrian figures. - Naharnet
Jumblatt calls for international tribunal
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Saturday, January 28, 2006
PARIS: An international tribunal must be set up to try the suspected killers of
Lebanese former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, head of the Democratic Gathering
parliamentary bloc MP Walid Jumblatt told Friday's edition of the French daily
Liberation newspaper.Jumblatt added that ongoing investigations should be
widened to cover other assassinations in Lebanon.
On Thursday, a senior United Nations legal expert arrived in Beirut to discuss
Lebanese calls for such a tribunal but the world body has not gone as far as
saying such a court would definitely be established. "All we can do is stick to
our basic position: demand an international tribunal and widen the enquiry to
include other assassinations," said Jumblatt, speaking from his home in Mukhtara
in the Chouf mountains.
The prospect of an international tribunal has led Hizbullah and Amal to start
boycotting the Cabinet on December 12.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb Jumblatt said: "The only thing that can hurt the
Syrian regime in the long term is an international tribunal. I repeat, the long
term."UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York Wednesday that
the mandate of the expert now in Beirut, Nicholas Michel, covered "the killing
of former Prime Minister Hariri and others to be tried by a tribunal of an
international character."The visit comes shortly after Serge Brammertz, the new
chief of the UN probe into the Hariri assassination, officially took up his
duties Monday.His predecessor, Detlev Mehlis, found "converging evidence" of
Syrian and Lebanese intelligence officers' involvement in Hariri's killing - AFP
Abu Faour denies contacts between Jumblatt, Hizbullah
resumed contact
By Maroun Khoury -Daily Star correspondent
Saturday, January 28, 2006
BKIRKI: Democratic Gathering bloc MP Wael Abu Faour denied there were any
ongoing contacts between MP Walid Jumblatt and Hizbullah on the country's
political situation or about the upcoming Baabda-Aley parliamentary
by-elections. Speaking on Friday following a meeting with Maronite Patriarch
Nasrallah Butros Sfeir, the MP said: "No, there are no contacts whatsoever." He
added that Jumblatt, who heads the Progressive Socialist Party, "clearly
announced his position" regarding the discontinuation of contacts between him
and the resistance group. The MP said he hoped the Shiite ministers would return
to Cabinet "so that national discussions in the Cabinet are reinforced along
with the other national discussions between parliamentary blocs." He added:
"This Cabinet is formed of all political forces and this should be maintained,
especially since it is the first Cabinet to be formed after the Syrian pullout
from Lebanon."
Abu Faour said he will convey to Jumblatt the positions of the Prelate and said
the Chouf MP is "always keen on consulting with the Patriarch on all key issues
arising in Lebanon."
Voicing the support of the March 14 forces for the Egyptian initiative that aims
to find a solution to the current crisis in Lebanon, Abu Faour said: "We welcome
any Arab initiative provided it adheres to the Lebanese constants with the
primary constant being the complete investigation into Rafik Hariri's
assassination, ending the assassinations by the Syrian regime and protecting
Lebanon's stability and independence." He denied claims that the March 14 forces
reject a helping hand from Arab countries.
Abu Faour also said he hoped Hamas' victory on Thursday in the Palestinian
legislative elections would not have any negative repercussions on Lebanon's
political situation.
He said: "We hope the new Palestinian Authority will reach an understanding with
the government in order not to drag the Palestinians once again into Lebanon's
internal conflicts and not allow any Palestinian group connected with Syrian or
non-Syrian groups to disturb what Lebanese-Palestinian relations have so far
achieved."
Strategic appointments delayed by in-fighting
Impasse in appointing officials to Judicial council hampers assassination
investigations
By Raed El Rafei -Daily Star staff
Saturday, January 28, 2006
BEIRUT: Bickering between President Emile Lahoud and the Cabinet majority
continues to delay the appointment of new officials to the Higher Judicial
Council and hamper investigations into the assassination of former MP Gebran
Tueni. On Friday, MPs Boutros Harb and Robert Ghanem requested the support of
Beirut's Bar Association in pressuring the executive to reach an agreement
regarding the appointments.
Following a meeting with Bar President Boutros Doumit, Harb said "the delay in
the appointments ... impedes investigations into Tueni's murder."
The Higher Judicial Council is the highest legal authority in the country.
Noting the Cabinet has referred Tueni's murder to the council, Harb added that
"once formed, the council will be assigning an investigating magistrate to look
into Tueni's case."
He further said that as the case is presently with the
Military Judiciary, the Tueni family's lawyers cannot challenge the case, or
follow up on the investigations.
Harb, Ghanem and MP Ghassan Mokheiber have been retained by MP Ghassan Tueni to
represent the Tueni family in the investigation into Gebran's murder. What's
more, an investigating magistrate has yet to be appointed in the investigations
into the assassination attempts on Defense Minister Elias Murr and journalist
May Chidiac. Slamming "the meddling of the executive in the affairs of the
judiciary," Harb said a new draft law stipulating the absolute independence of
the Higher Judicial Council was being prepared, in order for appointments within
the council to be made by the judiciary alone.
The Beirut Bar Association also released a statement condemning the delay in
appointments, and threatened to take "escalating steps" should the executive
continue to delay naming new council members.
The association said the political wrangling was hindering the "proper
functioning" of the judiciary, highlighting the fact the council was awaiting
the arrival of 28 new judges. It further demanded an end to the "constant
interference" of the executive in the judiciary. Earlier, Ghanem said the reason
behind the delay was "political disagreement." He added that "Justice Minister
Charles Rizk did not make the appointments decree because those who will be
signing it have not agreed on the members to be appointed."
Any appointment to the council must be approved by Lahoud and Premier Fouad
Siniora. The parliamentary majority has blamed Lahoud for not signing the
decrees. The former Higher Judicial Council's term ended last November.
However, a presidential spokesperson said Lahoud was not to blame, noting the
president had "rightfully" asked that Magistrate Jean Kazzi remain on the
council because his term has not yet expired.The spokesperson added that any
magistrate on the council for less than a year and a half had the right to
remain in his position when a new council is formed.
Sources close to Rizk said the investigation into Tueni's assassination was
proceeding despite the political impasse.
March 14 group agrees to an Arab initiative
By Jessy Chahine -Daily Star staff
Saturday, January 28, 2006
BEIRUT: The March 14 Follow-up Committee agreed Friday to an 'Arab initiative'
to reduce tension between Lebanon and Syria, urging Shiite ministers to return
to the Cabinet. At its first meeting, held in Phalange Party headquarters in
Saifi, the committee stressed the "importance of resolving all conflicts in the
name of patriotism and based on the Cabinet's ministerial statement."The
committee said "any Arab initiative is welcomed to help us preserve our
country's sovereignty and independence, while putting an end to all
assassinations as well as to the smuggling of weapons across the Lebanese
borders."
It added that an Arab initiative was expected to "preserve the course of the
international investigation, while helping to reveal the truth."Representing the
committee, MP Antoine Ghanem said that "despite what some people might have
thought, Arab initiatives have never been rejected. On the contrary, they help
the Lebanese to better preserve their unity."
The committee condemned the issuing of arrest warrants for students who
protested President Emile Lahoud's trip to last year's UN Summit."Such a visit
should have been avoided in the first place," Ghanem said. "It put the country
in an ... awkward situation and harmed the nation's image."
The committee also discussed preparations for an official commemoration of the
first anniversary of the assassination of former Premier Rafik
Hariri."Commemorating this day should be a national duty," it said. "The March
14 Forces call on all Lebanese to participate in a mass rally on February 14,"
Ghanem said."We call on all those who try to terrorize people with false rumors
about an impending civil war to desist," he added. "There is simply no returning
to the black days of the past. Lebanese society has wholly overcome the spirit
of civil war."A delegation from the March 14 Forces also went to the French
Foreign Ministry to hold talks with the Levant and Egyptian bureau on President
Bachar Assad's speech last Saturday and the "flow of weapons nurturing
Palestinians organizations on Lebanese soil."
Hamas leader stresses need to continue dialogue
By Therese Sfeir -Daily Star staff
Saturday, January 28, 2006
BEIRUT: Hamas representative in Lebanon Osama Hamdan stressed the need to
continue Lebanese-Palestinian dialogue in order to create structured relations
between the Palestinian refugees and the Lebanese government. Heading a
delegation from the party, Hamdan paid a visit on Friday to Beirut Archbishop
Elias Aoude. "We assured his Eminence that the Palestinian people chose their
representatives, who will take care of the Palestinians' affairs on the internal
and international levels with wisdom for the sake of the Palestinian national
interest," Hamdan said following the meeting. He added: "We stressed our
adherence to the Palestinian positions on their right of return and the
liberation of the Occupied Territories."
While he underlined the need to maintain dialogue with the Lebanese Cabinet,
Hamdan said the refugees' presence in Lebanon "does not threaten the country's
sovereignty." "Lebanon's stability strength to our cause and any strike or
instability would harm the Palestinians," he added. Asked if the victory of
Hamas in the Palestinian legislative elections would affect the the refugees'
situation in Lebanon, Hamdan said: "I don't believe that there will be strife
between the refugees; Hamas does not interfere in the country's internal affairs
but seeks the implementation of the right of return and rejects any settlement
project."
Asked if the Cabinet's decision to open a bureau for Fatah instead of opening a
Palestine bureau would affect the Palestinian-Lebanese dialogue, he said: "We
will carry on our efforts to reorganize the Palestine Liberation Organization in
order to unite the Palestinian political framework."
He added: "(The decision to open the bureau) showed that the Lebanese government
is willing to take steps to improve the situation of the Palestinians and
contribute to dialogue on the matter."As for the presence of Palestinian weapons
outside the camps and the Egyptian initiative to resolve the issue, he said:
"Dialogue should be the basis of our relations with the Lebanese government and
we are not concerned with the internal political bickering.""We welcome any Arab
initiative to resolve any Arab-Arab conflict or any Palestinian-Arab conflict,"
he added.Hamdan continued: "We refuse that any Palestinian party be used as a
tool for any force and we reject any role for the Palestinians that does not
serve their cause."
In an interview on Friday with TeleLiban, Hamdan said "the problem of the
Palestinians' presence in Lebanon is political and is not linked to the presence
of weapons."He added that the Palestinians "will not be a part of the Lebanese
internal issue."He continued: "The international community should not perceive
Hamas through Israel's viewpoint but through the principles of justice and
equity."Meanwhile, Fatah Commander in Lebanon Brigadier Sultan Abul-Aynayn said
that the results of the legislative elections were "due to the international
community and Israel's failure to abide by the promises and accords they
made."Abul-Aynayn was speaking during a press conference held at the Rashidieh
refugee camp in Tyre.
While he urged the international community to respect the choice of the
Palestinian people, he said "Hamas is before a difficult challenge."He also
wondered if the party would "adhere to its project or accept the signed
agreements."
He added: "Fatah and the Palestinian National Authority paid a heavy price
because they could not offer solutions and answers to the Palestinians and also
because of the blockade exerted on us by the international community and the
Israeli enemy." "Despite our failure in the elections, we will not use our
weapons to harm our national project or to attack Hamas," he added. "We ask
Hamas to build an independent Palestinian state and secure the refugees' return
to their homeland," Abul-Aynayn said. Former Prime Minister Salim Hoss wished "Hamas
success in assuming its national role" and hoped that all the Palestinian
factions would "respect the choice of the people."
Fadlallah expects Hamas to hold indirect talks with
Israel
By Karen Mneimne -Special to The Daily Star
Saturday, January 28, 2006
BEIRUT: Lebanon's most senior Shiite Muslim cleric said Friday he expects Hamas
to negotiate indirectly with Israel following the militant group's sweeping
victory in the Palestinian parliamentary elections.
Senior Shiite cleric Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah also criticized the
United States and Europe for taking the stand that Hamas could not form a
Palestinian government unless it drops its aim of destroying Israel and
renounces violence."We regard the rejection of the election results by America
and Europe as a rejection of democracy and the Palestinian people's choice,"
said Fadlallah, who is the religious leader of Lebanon's 1.2 million
Shiites.Fadlallah hailed Hamas' unexpected win Wednesday as a vote for the armed
struggle against Israel. "The Palestinian elections produced a political
surprise: the Hamas movement winning an absolute majority in the Palestinian
Legislative Council," Fadlallah told some 5,000 worshippers during a sermon
after Friday prayers at a mosque in southern Beirut. "This indicates that the
Palestinian people have elected the Islamic resistance to a position of
political responsibility. Hamas will hold negotiations indirectly with the enemy
to achieve liberation," Fadlallah said. He did not suggest how the indirect
talks could be conducted, but he said Israel could facilitate them by stopping
its attacks on the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Negotiations cannot take place "while Israel is moving with all its destructive
powers against the Palestinian people," Fadlallah said. Meanwhile, Higher
Islamic Shiite Council Vice-President Sheikh Abdel-Amir Qabalan called on the
Lebanese people to embrace Speaker Nabih Berri's call for national dialogue.
In his weekly sermon on Friday, Qabalan said the country was at a "critical"
stage, which required its people to stand united and determined to "reinforce
dialogue."
Praising the efforts of Saudi Arabia and Egypt to "ease tensions" between
Lebanon and Syria, Qabalan said officials should heed the suggestions made in
the Arab initiatives.
Fadlallah said "foreign powers" are looking to "strike" Syria and "divide"
Lebanon. He added that Hizbullah's weapons "were and will remain Lebanon's
guarantee for protection, and are the main deterrent against Israeli attacks."
World wants Lebanese to resolve Cabinet crisis
By Walid Choucair -Saturday, January 28, 2006
The Security Council is maintaining its pressure on Syria, while also calling on
the Lebanese to resolve its internal crisis and settle their disputes with
Syria's allies, Amal and Hizbullah. Meanwhile, several Arab countries, namely
Saudi Arabia and Egypt, are advising the leaders of the parliamentary majority
to end the ministerial crisis caused by a Shiite boycott of the Cabinet. During
a meeting with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora on Thursday, Egyptian President
Hosni Mubarak stressed the importance of ending the crisis in order to avoid
further divisions in Lebanon. Egypt also announced its willingness to convey
Lebanon's demands to Syrian officials, in cooperation with Saudi Arabia, in
order to mend the deteriorating relations between the two countries. This offer
follows proposals submitted by Damascus in what has been termed the "Arab
initiative." Syria's proposals were rejected outright by the parliamentary
majority, which said such ideas would only ensure the return of Syrian tutelage
in Lebanon. Lebanon's demands, which will be relayed to Damascus by Egyptian
intelligence chief Omar Suleiman, call on Syria to cease its targeting of
Lebanon's security, end its interference in Lebanon's internal affairs and help
disarm the militant Palestinian factions located outside of the refugee camps in
Lebanon, as some of the factions are considered to be allies of Syria. A
presidential statement from the Security Council confirmed that the
international community is still focused on Lebanon and has not eased its
pressure on Syria, as Siniora had claimed from Cairo.
The presidential statement came in response to a speech made by Syrian President
Bashar Assad last weekend, in which he said Syria's sovereignty trumped Security
Council resolutions calling for Syria's cooperation in the international
investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb
The statement was also aimed at thwarting attempts to strengthen an
Iranian-Syrian alliance.
The international and Arab efforts are focused on protecting Lebanon in light of
Syria's refusal to admit its role in the bombings and assassinations targeting
anti-Syrian figures, as well as its backing of Palestinian militants outside the
camps.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice assured majority leader Saad Hariri on
Thursday that Washington and the international community would make every effort
to protect Lebanon, and that no compromise has been made with Syria.
A European diplomatic source said that Syrian officials believed the Middle East
would be destabilized by Lebanon's internal division, which Syria says are
caused by the Shiite ministers' Cabinet boycott.
In response, the Security Council presidential statement stressed the need to
implement Resolution 1559, and indirectly held Syria responsible for the
instability in Lebanon.
European, Arab and Lebanese sources agreed that the Arab efforts to resolve the
crisis required equal efforts from the parliamentary majority's leaders to
facilitate the Shiite ministers' return to the Cabinet. They also agreed the
majority needs to end their pointed attacks on Syria.
**Walid Choucair is the head of the Beirut regional bureau in Al-Hayat newspaper
Tensions ease as politicians scale down their attacks
Egypt starts new round of mediation
By Adnan El-Ghoul -Daily Star staff
Saturday, January 28, 2006
BEIRUT: Tensions eased ever so slightly on the Lebanese street on Friday, as
opposing political parties scaled down their attacks, without actually calling a
truce in the ongoing Cabinet crisis. Subtle attacks were seen from both sides,
however, as efforts continued to be made to end the Shiite ministers' government
boycott.
During Thursday's Cabinet session the majority refrained from taking any action
that could provoke the Hizbullah-Amal alliance, including making a decision to
appoint a new secretary to the Higher Privatization Council, a key position that
requires national consent. Egyptian Ambassador Hussein Derar met with Parliament
Speaker Nabih Berri to inform him about an expected visit by Egypt's
intelligence chief Omar Suleiman. "We do not have an initiative as such," Derar
said. "However, Suleiman will visit Beirut and Damascus to learn about both
countries' views and complaints, and to ease the tensions between them."The
ambassador said Egyptian efforts to mediate between Syria and Lebanon were not
limited to finding a solution to the armed Palestinian presence inside and
outside of refugee camps, but would also include all unresolved issues between
the two countries. After the session, Information Minister Ghazi Aridi quoted
Premier Fouad Siniora as saying mediation efforts focused only on the
Palestinian arms. Many politicians believe efforts to end the crisis will yield
fruit soon. They suggest the Shiite ministers may attend the next Cabinet
session. "All parties are convinced the Hizbullah and Amal ministers must return
to work soon," said Education Minister Khaled Qabbani. "Siniora has intensified
negotiations to make this wish a reality."
In the meantime, the March 14th figures continue to criticize the Shiite
ministers, who, according to former MP Fares Soueid, "did not appreciate our
support when they went to meet the Iranian president and tie Lebanon to regional
alliances." "Berri is not playing the role of a speaker, but rather the leader
of the Amal movement, which had submitted its decisions to those of Hizbullah,"
Soueid said. Telecommunications Minister Marwan Hamade echoed similar criticism,
saying the ongoing boycott was made "under Syrian instructions."Amal and
Hizbullah officials rejected the allegations. A statement from Hizbullah said
"the real reason that we suspended our participation in the Cabinet was because
the majority overstepped its bounds and violated the principles of
powersharing."In response, Agriculture Minister Talal Saheli said: "We do not
deny our good ties with Syria or ignore the Syrian support to the resistance and
to the liberation of the Occupied Territories. We call on Hamade to stop issuing
statements that will only increase tensions, encourage national strife and harm
the ongoing efforts for reconciliation and calm."
Amal MP Ali Bazzi said "Amal never followed blindly or submitted its independent
decisions to any other party or state. We are preserving calm only to foil
attempts to attack national unity and stability."Amal MPs insisted the Arab
initiatives and mediation should result in restoring relations with Syria, while
praising Siniora's positive response to the Egyptian and Saudi efforts in that
regard. Meanwhile, Amal and Hizbullah officials in the South held a meeting to
"assess current political developments, locally and regionally, and to discuss
future events that might face Lebanon."In a joint statement, the two parties
denounced all foreign interference in the country's internal affairs, warning
politicians who rely on or invite such intervention.
"There are efforts and attempts to keep Lebanon on the edge of danger and
turmoil," the statement said.
"These attempts that want to separate Lebanon from its Arabic and Muslim
environments are doomed," it added.
Meanwhile, the Shiite blocs have for the first time agreed to mark joint Ashoura
celebrations starting next Monday.
The parties announced they would "coordinate all activities to observe the true
meaning of sacrifice and martyrdom."
Superstar: The fastest way to stardom nears end of its
third season
winner to be crowned in two weeks
By Diala Shuhaiber -Special to The Daily Star
Saturday, January 28, 2006
BEIRUT: It has been a short road to fame for the three remaining contestants of
Superstar, the Arabic version of American Idol. In its third successful year,
the talent show's season wraps up in two weeks, when one finalist will be
crowned a Superstar. "This title of Superstar is important, but it's not the
most important thing. It is what the contestants do thereafter to sustain their
stardom," said Egyptian born Aiman Kaissouni, the show's presenter.The
competition began with 12 contestants, after judges filtered out hundreds of
hopefuls who tried their luck at try-outs held throughout the Middle East.
For many of the contestants, as well as millions of viewers and fans around the
world, it has been an emotional roller-coaster ride. "One of the reasons that
this show is so successful is because of the talent that we have. Today anyone
can sing and become famous, but Superstar has set a high standard for really
talented young artists," said the program's director, Nasser Faqih. "I never
used to look forward to Sunday nights, as it's a 'school' night and I'm not
usually allowed to go out, but now because I'm addicted to Superstar, I really
look forward to Sundays," said Rima al-Khalil, 22, a Lebanese American
University student. The program is broadcast on Future Television, with
contestants brought together and expected to put on a show, consisting strictly
of Arabic music for viewers around the world. At the end of each contestant's
performance, they are either criticized or praised by a jury of industry
professionals."Superstar is not only about one contestant winning a
competition," said Salam Zaatari, the show's assistant director, "but part of
its popularity is because it has become known for gathering family members to
watch it together, and it is bringing back old Arabic songs, which remind us
about our traditions and culture." Almost anyone around the world, from
Australia to the U.S, can vote by phone or SMS for their favorite contestant,
and those who do vote eagerly wait for the results, which come out on Monday
night's live show. Each week the contestant with the lowest score is asked to
leave.
"Many people wonder about our voting system, and they think it is unfair that we
don't give the exact percentage of the results," said Nasser. "What the viewers
need to understand is that we do this for the sake of the contestants, so that
they are not humiliated by the results if the voting is very low." "It is done
this way so that the contestants can retain their dignity," he added. However,
many viewers feel the audience deserves to know how much of an impact their
votes have had, or by how much their favorite contestant lost or won. For a
program such as Superstar, they argue, a certain amount of embarrassment and
public drama is expected. Shows like American Idol make a point of humiliating
the contestants, under the pretext that the program is meant to make money first
and foremost, and humiliation brings viewers.
Ironically though, few tears were shed as contestants Ahmad al-Faleh, from Iraq,
and Asma Bin Ahmad, from Tunisia, were voted off the show. Their subdued
reactions were a huge surprise and, according to some viewers, more than a
little disappointing as they were looking forward to some drama. Upon finding
out he had come in fourth place, Ahmad al-Faleh, who flew in from the U.S to try
out for Superstar, said: "This is exactly what I wanted to do. I could have gone
to American Idol, but I wanted to come back to the Arab world and become an
Arabic singer."It doesn't matter that I didn't win; the important part is that I
came this far and Superstar made it so easy. I've never even recorded an album,
and yet I've received the maximum amount of exposure."When asked about his
future plans, Faleh said: "I just want to go back to the U.S and take a
much-needed vacation. But I will be back in the Arab world, and this time I'll
be back as a singer."
UN lawyer meets Lebanon officials on Hariri court
Fri Jan 27, 2006 - BEIRUT (Reuters) - U.N. Legal Counsel Nicolas Michel
discussed with top Lebanese officials on Friday ideas for the creation of an
international court to try anyone charged with the killing of a former Lebanese
prime minister.
Michel, who arrived in Beirut on Thursday, said he consulted the officials on
ways the world body could help in setting up a court "with an international
character" as requested by the Lebanese government last month.
"My presence here is to carry out these consultations... which we hope would be
fruitful," Michel told reporters.
No one has yet been indicted in the killing of Rafik al-Hariri in a truck bomb
in Beirut in February but a U.N. investigation has already implicated senior
Syrian officials and their Lebanese allies in the murder.
Lebanon has also detained a number of individuals identified as suspects. Syria
has repeatedly denied any role in the killing which stirred anti-Syrian protests
in Lebanon and set in train events that brought withdrawal of Syrian troops from
Lebanon.
The lawyer held separate talks with President Emile Lahoud, Prime Minister Fouad
Siniora, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and the ministers of foreign affairs and
justice. A statement from the presidential palace said Lahoud expressed during
the talks "his hope that a formula for the court would be reached quickly". "The
Lebanese are unanimous on the necessity to reach to the whole truth (of who
killed Hariri), though their views sometimes differ on the shape of the judicial
body that should handle the trial," it quoted Lahoud as saying. The 15-nation
council, in a resolution adopted last month, authorized U.N. staff to help
Beirut determine the nature and scope of assistance.Michel is also looking at
whether the U.N. Hariri inquiry should be expanded to probe a wave of deadly
bombings in Beirut since Hariri's death.
Son of a Slain Leader Fears for Lebanon
By Nora Boustany
Friday, January 27, 2006; Page A19
Saad Hariri , a Lebanese legislator and the son of slain prime minister Rafiq
Hariri , said Wednesday that a recently renewed alliance between Iran and Syria
and fallout from Tehran's nuclear program could pose a threat to Lebanon.
"There is an international crisis on this issue. They will have to answer to the
international community, not Lebanon," he said at a leadership forum at the
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
Saad Hariri says of his father's killing, "We want the truth, not revenge." (By
Pablo Martinez Monsivais -- Associated Press)
Hariri came to Washington this week to meet with President Bush , Vice President
Cheney , Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice , national security adviser Stephen
J. Hadley and the assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, C.
David Wel c h .
Iran's standoff with international institutions over its nuclear ambitions could
have an impact on Lebanon, Hariri said, given the armed presence in the country
of Hezbollah, the Shiite Muslim militia backed by Syria and Iran. Lebanon should
be spared possible repercussions, he said.
Under pressure from Syria, cabinet members belonging to Hezbollah and the
mainstream Shiite Amal movement have suspended their participation, in protest
against Lebanese requests that the U.N. inquiry into Hariri's killing be widened
to include a recent wave of political assassinations.
"I don't believe Hezbollah and Amal hold the interests of regional powers over
those of Lebanon," Hariri said when asked whether the two Shiite movements would
rock regional stability on behalf of Iran. "There are difficult problems to be
solved and discussed, but what was taboo is out in the open." Though small,
Lebanon was the only true democracy in the Arab world, and it had many values
other than instability to export to its neighbors, he said.
"He who differs with the principle of putting Lebanon first will put himself at
odds with the parliamentary majority," Hariri told participants in the forum,
which was titled "The Future of Democracy in Lebanon."
Hariri said he harbored no animosity toward Syrians but stressed that Syria's
cooperation with the U.N. probe of his father's assassination last February was
imperative.
"We want the truth, not revenge. We are a people who believe that freedom is the
only way of life. If they have not committed a crime, why not cooperate?" he
said. "The quicker the process, the quicker this problem can be solved. I've
always said we will accept any result from the U.N. commission. If it said
people from Mars committed this crime, I will accept it. But this crime was not
committed by anyone from Mars."
Nicolas Michel , U.N. undersecretary for legal affairs, headed to Beirut this
week to study the feasibility of creating an international court to try those
charged with the killing. Michel is also expected to examine whether the U.N.
investigation should cover bombings in Lebanon that forced leading politicians
such as Hariri to remain abroad.
Hariri said initial reports on the investigation, which was previously headed by
Detlev Mehlis , a German judge, "outlined Syrian involvement." Hariri said
information that former Syrian vice president Abd u l Halim Khaddam divulged to
Mehlis this month was "extremely" critical. Khaddam had publicly exposed Syrian
officials who had threatened the elder Hariri for resisting Syrian domination.
"We ask for people who committed this crime to be punished," Hariri said. "If
those who did it escape with their crime, then all is lost in the region. If
they are found out and punished, this sends a very strong message for the
future. They will pay the price no matter who they are and how high they are."
INTERVIEW-Lebanon's Aoun says govt must resign or end crisis
26 Jan 2006 18:20:53 GMT
By Lin Noueihed
RABIEH, Lebanon, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Lebanese Christian opposition leader Michel
Aoun said on Thursday the government should resign if it was unable to end a
political crisis that has paralysed decision-making.
Aoun, who heads a major parliamentary bloc but did not join a cabinet formed
after Syria withdrew from Lebanon in April, called for early elections as a
prelude to replacing pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud, who has been under
pressure to resign.
"The government crisis ... is building up and we do not feel it is being
remedied in a way that can bring results," Aoun said in an interview at his home
in the hills above Beirut.
"What does a government do in this situation? If you ask me what I would do, I
would resign."
Lebanon's government, dominated by anti-Syrian politicians who won a majority in
parliament in elections last year, has been in crisis since five Shi'ite Muslim
ministers began boycotting sessions last month. The boycott began after the
cabinet voted for an international trial for suspects in the killing of former
Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri last February.
They have not formally resigned but their boycott has made it impossible for the
cabinet to function.
Several efforts to negotiate the return of the Shi'ite ministers, loyal to the
Hizbollah guerrilla group and its Amal allies, have so far faltered over whether
it could be considered a militia, but resignation also looks unlikely.
The U.N. Security Council put fresh pressure on Lebanon on Monday to disarm
Hizbollah, which is backed by Syria and Iran, in line with resolution 1559
adopted in September 2004.
A council statement also urged Lebanon to conduct free and fair presidential
elections without outside interference. Lebanon extended Lahoud's term by three
years in 2004, a move many anti-Syrian politicians say was made under Syrian
pressure.
NEW POLLS?
Aoun, who won the election by a landslide in the Maronite Christian heartland
and sees himself as a future president, called for dialogue "at official level"
over Hizbollah's weapons and fresh parliamentary elections before a presidential
vote.
"Either they hold elections and implement laws to correct the laws that led to
this parliament or, if they do not want new elections, they should take into
account the real representative political forces," he said.
"If they want to change the president, we can reach an understanding with them
on changing the president."
In Lebanon's confessional system, the presidency is reserved for a Maronite who
is elected by parliament. The assembly is now dominated by Aoun's political
foes, many of whom would prefer to keep Lahoud in place than give Aoun the job.
The last elections were held weeks after Syria ended its 29-year military
presence following Hariri's murder, but according to a law drawn up under Syrian
tutelage.
Maronites complained at the time that the law was skewed against them and Aoun
believes his followers won their seats despite the law not because of it.
A former army commander, Aoun lost a battle with Syrian troops at the end of
Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war and fled to France where he remained for 14 years.
He returned after the Syrian withdrawal but has since fallen out with his
erstwhile anti-Syrian allies, running against their dominant slates in the polls
and accusing them of corruption.
Syria's Secrets
Posted 1/26/2006 - Investors.com
WMD: Since the start of the Iraq war, many have wondered what happened to Saddam
Hussein's weapons of mass destruction. The answer, a new book argues, is Iraq
sent them to Syria.
One book, of course, doesn't prove anything. But in this case, the book was
written by someone who seems credible on the subject: former Iraqi Gen. Georges
Sada, the No. 2 official in Saddam's air force.
In an interview, Sada told The New York Sun's Ira Stoll: "There are weapons of
mass destruction gone out from Iraq to Syria, and they must be found and
returned to safe hands." Sada claims Saddam simply flew the WMD out of Iraq in
two hollowed-out Boeing jets, making 56 trips in all. He also sent WMD out on
trucks.
This revelation follows by one month Israeli Gen. Moshe Yaalon's comments,
pretty much ignored by the media, that Israel had intelligence showing that
Saddam "transferred the chemical agents (WMD) from Iraq to Syria."
Far-fetched? Not at all. After all, Syria is ruled by the Baath Party, just as
Iraq was. Two countries, one party, one extreme ideology based on radical
pan-Arab nationalism and hatred of Jews.
In fact, it would be strange if Syria didn't help its fraternal twin in Iraq out
by hiding WMD taken out of the country shortly before U.S. troops invaded — as
Sada alleges. This would be right in line with what we already know about
Syria's past misbehavior.
As the 2004 Patterns of Global Terrorism report pointed out, Syria's regime,
headed by Bashar Assad, has a long history of supporting terrorist groups.
Damascus at one time or another has lent a helping hand to Hezbollah, Hamas and
Islamic Jihad. And it was almost certainly behind last year's assassination of
former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
More worrisome to us are signs of links between Syria and al-Qaida. Recall that
in April 2004 neighboring Jordan nabbed a number of al-Qaida-linked terrorists
who were planning chemical weapon attacks on the U.S. Embassy and Jordanian
government in Amman. Lebanon later discovered the terrorists had used Syria as a
base — both as a source of materials for their chemical weapons and as a haven.
Not surprisingly, that's precisely the same role Syria recently has played for
the "insurgents" in Iraq. Why? Saddam was a key ally, supplying Syria with lots
of cheap oil. Plus, a successful democracy in Iraq spells big trouble for Syria,
whose Baathist regime unabashedly models itself on the Nazis and the Soviets
under Stalin.
All this adds up to serious concerns about Syria. As we said, Syria under Assad
has a well-documented record of supporting and fostering terrorism and
conducting an illicit chemical weapons program. Like its friend, Iran, it's a
dangerous regime.
The U.S. and its allies have warned Assad repeatedly to clean up his act. He
hasn't. But at least those who ridicule the war on terror by constantly asking,
"Where are the WMD?" now have an answer.
Maybe they'll also come to the same conclusion that we reached long ago: that
our war on terror won't be over until Assad and his murderous colleagues are
removed from power.
Iraq Official: Saddam Moved WMD to Syria
Newsmax 27.1.06:
The former number two official in Saddam Hussein's Iraqi air force claims the
former Iraqi dictator moved weapons of mass destruction from Iraq to Syria in
the months preceding the current Iraq war.
Georges Sada revealed the charges in an interview Wednesday with the New York
Sun. They are detailed in his new book, "Saddam’s Secrets.”"Saddam realized, this time, the Americans are coming," Sada told the Sun. "They
handed over the weapons of mass destruction to the Syrians.”The former Iraqi general said Special Republican Guard brigades loaded WMDs onto
two converted Iraqi Airways planes.
He said he was told of the operation by two pilots that helped transport the
materials. Sada says 56 flights were made, and were accompanied by a ground
convoy of trucks carrying similar materials.
The Sun reports that the flights attracted scant international attention because
they occurred at the same time that Iraq was sending relief to Syria for a dam
collapse.
Sada’s claims echoed those made by Moshe Yaalon, Israel’s top general in
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Yaalon told the Sun in December that Saddam had
"transferred the chemical agents from Iraq to Syria.”
According to the Middle East Quarterly, Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon
issued a similar warning in a Dec. 23, 2002 television appearance on Israel’s
Channel 2."Chemical and biological weapons which Saddam is endeavoring to conceal have
been moved from Iraq to Syria,” Sharon said.
Together, their claims challenge the conventional wisdom in the United States
and Europe that pre-war intelligence estimates were incorrect in suggesting the
mass-murdering Iraqi dictator either possessed or was close to possessing WMD.
Even President Bush has conceded the point, telling Americans in a televised
address in December, "It is true that many nations believed that Saddam had
weapons of mass destruction. But much of the intelligence turned out to be
wrong.”
Recent reports by Stephen Hayes of the Weekly Standard have similarly challenged
the conventional wisdom on Saddam’s relationships with al-Qaida.
Hayes is calling for the release of approximately 2 million unclassified
documents recovered in Iraq from the Hussein regime. He claims the documents
could prove Saddam maintained significant contacts with al-Qaida.
Sada’s and Yaalon’s claims will be even more difficult, if not impossible, to
prove, but several U.S. Senators will try to get to the bottom of the claims.
Sada is scheduled to meet with Senators Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., and James Inhofe,
R-Okla., next week. Both are members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Election of Hamas will test U.S.Party's ascension to
political power could be a catalyst for transformation
By PAUL KORING -Globe & Mail - Canada
Friday, January 27, 2006 Page A11
WASHINGTON -- George W. Bush's democratic chickens are coming home to roost in
the Middle East.
Coping with the discomforting reality that democracy unleashed can mean the
election of popular but unfriendly or stridently Islamic governments will prove
a stern test of the U.S. President's embrace of political choice in the Muslim
world.
A Palestinian government led by Hamas might be only the first such test. Were
free, fair and open elections held in countries considered close allies by Mr.
Bush -- such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt or Pakistan -- the resulting governments
might be stridently anti-American.
Even in brutal and repressive regimes such as Syria, the people's choice, if
they had one, would likely be the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.
Mr. Bush broke with decades of U.S. doctrine when he decried propping up Arab
dictators just because their repressive ways served U.S. economic or political
interests.
In a bold, and widely welcomed, speech 26 months ago, the President vowed to
back Arab democrats, wherever they led.
Now that pledge is being tested in the voting outcome of embittered
Palestinians.
Yesterday, it was clear that Palestinians -- in a free and fair election -- had
swept aside the discredited and corrupt Fatah, party of long-time leader Yasser
Arafat, and turned instead to Hamas, one of the many radical offshoots of the
Muslim Brotherhood.
"When you give people the vote and give them a chance to express themselves at
the polls, and if they're unhappy about the status quo, they'll let you know,"
Mr. Bush grimly acknowledged yesterday as he struggled to come to grips with the
landslide electoral triumph of a group blacklisted as "terrorist."
Mr. Bush wasn't quite ready to proffer an olive branch. But he came close. Hamas
must accept Israel's right to exist and reject violence. "Not until you renounce
your desire to destroy Israel will we deal with you," he said of Hamas in an
interview published before the final results were clear.
In Ottawa, prime-minister-designate Stephen Harper struck a similar note. "For a
nation to be truly democratic, that nation must renounce any use of terrorism."
Both Hamas and the rest of the world will need to accommodate the result of the
Palestinian election.
"The international community has to respect the results of any fair and
democratic elections, but those who participate in democratic elections have to
understand that democracy and violence are incompatible," British Foreign
Secretary Jack Straw said yesterday.
While U.S. enemies -- notably Iran -- delighted in the Bush administration's
discomfort, some observers suggested the election may force a transformation of
Hamas.
"If Hamas is going to form the government, in the seat of authority, having the
responsibility to govern, to negotiate, to reach peace, it's different from
Hamas the organization whose people are in the streets," Arab League chief Amr
Moussa said.
Hamas in power, even sharing power, may be transformational both for the group
and the peace process.
"There's more pressure on Hamas than on Bush," said Walid Phares, senior fellow
with the right-wing Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and an expert on
comparative Arab politics.
"The administration will have to accept the result but require Hamas to renounce
violence," he said. "But Hamas will now be held responsible for the area it
governs," so if there are rockets fired or suicide strikes, it can no longer
disclaim accountability, he said.
Democratic accountability may still be in its infancy in the Muslim world. But
there are signs that these fragile exercises in representative government are
having a moderating influence: the Shia restraint in Iraq and the effort to
cobble together some sort of coalition that includes the alienated Sunni
minority as well as Kurds, and the multiethnic government that has emerged in
Afghanistan.
"Sixty years of Western nations excusing and accommodating the lack of freedom
in the Middle East did nothing to make us safe because, in the long run,
stability cannot be purchased at the expense of liberty," Mr. Bush acknowledged
in November of 2003, when he pledged to push for democracy in the region.
It remains to be seen whether the President's noble ideals will weather the
anger of Arab voters armed with ballots and unwilling to back grey-suited Arab
moderates that mingle comfortably inside the Washington beltway.
"For the Palestinian people, the only path to independence and dignity and
progress is the path of democracy," Mr. Bush said more than two years ago.
Now Palestinians are holding his feet to the fire of principle.
Not only does Mr. Bush face the prospect of accepting Hamas leaders -- assuming
they clear the hurdle of renouncing violence -- but he may also face the
daunting task of persuading Israel that they are fit partners for peace.
The Hamas factor
TODAY'S EDITORIAL
January 26, 2006
Depending on who one believes, the Palestinian elections will either provide an
opportunity for the residents of the West Bank and Gaza to take an important
step toward a democratic future or help them plunge further into an abyss of
chaos and rejectionism. Unfortunately, some officials in the Bush
administration, by signalling that Hezbollah's role in Lebanese politics is a
model that the Palestinian Authority should adopt toward the terrorist
organization Hamas, is sending mixed signals to President Mahmoud Abbas, who has
yet to formulate a coherent approach.
Assuming that Hamas fares well in balloting and enters the cabinet headed by Mr.
Abbas, the vote will create a major problem for the administration in its
efforts to work with the Palestinians and promote an independent Palestinian
state. The administration is committed to both: a) promoting democracy and the
rule of law in Arab and Muslim-majority lands where such things have been
notably absent; and b) defeating Islamist terrorism, rather than negotiating
with its purveyors. The problem is that when it comes to Hamas' achieving
success at the ballot box, democracy promotion is inconsistent with fighting
terrorism and advancing respect for the rule of law.
The Bush administration appears to be trying to straddle the issue. On Monday,
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said terrorism is not a "pathway to peace,"
and appeared to suggest that the administration would not work with a
Palestinian government dominated by Hamas. She also suggested that Hamas will
have to end its involvement in terrorism if it wants to participate in the
political system, stating that it does not work "to have one foot in terrorism
and the other foot in politics."
But unnamed U.S. diplomatic officials appeared to signal on Monday that the
administration wants the Palestinians to adopt the Lebanese model of dealing
with the terrorist group Hezbollah for its dealings with Hamas. The U.S.
officials said that the U.S. formula for dealing with the Palestinian Authority
following the elections would be analogous to the current policy of dealing with
the Lebanese government even though Hezbollah is part of it, while shunning
contact with the one cabinet minister who is formally affiliated with the
terrorist group. They also said U.S. law would not necessarily bar Washington
from continuing to deal with the Palestinian Authority or contributing money to
it in the event that Hamas joins the government.
The suggestion that the Lebanese government's relationship with Hezbollah could
serve as a Palestinian model is troubling, and should raise serious questions
for lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah (which receives $100 million a year from Iran) retains
approximately 12,000 missiles with the capability of targeting population
centers in Israel. Despite the fact that Israel has withdrawn from every inch of
Lebanese territory it once occupied, Hezbollah (which, like Hamas, is committed
to Israel's destruction) remains the only Lebanese militia that has refused to
disarm. It continues to keep the Israel-Lebanon border on a hair trigger with
its periodic rocket firings into Israel and its attempts to kidnap Israeli
soldiers.
Contrary to the statements of some U.S. officials, it is wrong to suggest that
the Palestinian Authority adopt such a model. We hope that Miss Rice's very
sensible position prevails.
Politics & Policies: Ahmadinejad's ploy
By CLAUDE SALHANI-WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- What can Iran and Syria do if the United States
starts flexing its military muscle over the Islamic republic's desire to pursue
its nuclear program, or the Syrian regime's refusal to cooperate with the U.N.
investigation into the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri?
How damaging would retaliation by Iran and Syria be and what form would it
likely take?
At first thought one would be tempted to say there is not much Iran or Syria can
do. The United States military is simply too powerful for Iran and Syria's armed
forces, both countries whose weapons systems have not been upgraded in decades.
The U.S. possesses far superior air, naval and land forces than the Iranians and
the Syrians have in their dilapidated arsenals. The United States armed forces
are better equipped with hardware such as Stealth bombers, aircraft carriers and
submarines carrying long-range missiles. The U.S. intelligence agencies have all
the toys for boys money can buy, electronic eavesdropping paraphernalia and
ultra-secret gadgets that even James Bond never dreamed of.
But things are never quite what they appear to be in the muddled Middle East.
Closer analysis of the situation reveals that Iran and Syria have quite a few
assets at their disposal. Even without Iran's nuclear strike force.
The two Middle Eastern countries may not possess Stealth fighters,
nuclear-powered submarines and such, but they do have tactical allies who can
help stir up trouble. The war in Iraq has demonstrated how much damage a ragtag
guerrilla force made up of a few hundred, or maybe even just a few dozen men,
can cause to a regular army.
The meeting in Damascus Jan. 20 between Syrian President Bashar Assad and
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was quite revealing and should not be
brushed aside as a mere courtesy call. But then, when you factor in that
Ahmadinejad met with Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Lebanese
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who is also the head of the Amal Movement,
Lebanon's second largest Shiite group after Hezbollah, then met for 90 minutes
with representatives of Palestinian resistance organizations in Damascus: the
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Islamic Jihad, Hamas, the
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command, you know that
this was no social call.
Together, Syria, Iran and its newly formed circle of allies are able to cause
severe problems to the United States and/or Israel in the region.
Maher al-Taher of the PFLP summed up the meeting saying "we discussed the issue
of pressure against Syria, Iran and Lebanon and confirmed the need to form a
front that groups all the forces that opposes the Zionist-American schemes in
the region."
According to several Lebanese sources, Syria has been dispatching arms and
ammunitions to various groups in Lebanon. Why? United Nations Security Council
Resolution 1559 specifically called on all foreign forces and arms to be
withdrawn from Lebanon. Why then is Damascus re-arming some of its client
Lebanese militias unless it plans to activate them at some time in the near
future?
Why is Damascus allowing guns and rockets to be transferred to PFLP-GC bases in
Lebanon when the Palestinian refugee camps should not be armed?
Why is Ahmadinejad meeting in Damascus with the Lebanese Shiite paramilitaries
and Palestinian armed groups? And just as pertinent a question, what was
discussed between Syria's President Bashar Assad and his Iranian guest?
This is all speculation, of course, but my two cents go on Ahmadinejad and Assad
doing some emergency planning. Most likely on the agenda was what to do if
Iran's nuclear facilities are targeted by the United States and/or Israel. And
by the same token, Syria is planning ahead to see what it can do to counter U.S.
or U.N. sanctions if they ever came to be imposed.
A likely scenario is that Iran would unleash Hezbollah in south Lebanon on
Israel. Israeli towns and settlements in northern Israel would come under severe
bombardment from Hezbollah and PFLP-GC rocket fire. Amal, though less powerful
militarily than Hezbollah, is no less politically important with Berri, the Amal
leader, holding the seat of House speaker in the Lebanese parliament.
Renewed chaos in Lebanon and along the Lebanese Israeli border would raise
tension in the area. But that would only be the start. Iran, which has been
funding the Palestinian Islamist groups for years, would call in old favors and
instigate a newer and deadlier intifada.
But still that is not all. Iran, which already "owns" most of southern Iraq,
would let loose its agents and forces loyal to the Islamic republic in Iraq on
U.S. positions in the country.
If President Assad's much-anticipated speech last Saturday to the Lawyer's Union
is any indication of what's in store, it does not bide well. The Syrian
president refused to submit to the U.N.'s interview request in the Hariri's
probe.
Assad's tone towards Washington (and Beirut) remained "hostile," says Joshua
Landis, a Syria expert who runs Syriacomment.com, one of the most informative
blog sites on Syria.
"We should not give up our national sovereignty even if the circumstance
requires that we fight for our country. We must be prepared for that," said
Assad.
(Comments may be sent to Claude@upi.com.)