LCCC NEWS BULLETIN
MAY 13/2006

Below news bulletins from miscellaneous sources for 13/05/06
Jumblatt demands Hezbollah disarm-WorldNetDaily
Israel Violates Lebanese Airspace Six Times, UN Expresses Concern-Naharnet
Assad Ready to Establish Relations and Meet Saniora -Naharnet
The Aoun-Hezbollah Alliance Saved-Dar Al-Hayat - Lebanon
PLO to Reopen Lebanon Offices Closed Since 1982 Israeli Invasion-Naharnet 
INTERVIEW-Lebanon sees $2 bln from tourism in 2006 -minister-Reuters
Below news bulletins from the Daily Star for 13/05/06
Bolton: Syria must accept Lebanon's independence
Helicopter crash kills four Lebanese Air Force officers
Siniora lauds steps to make life easier for disabled
Aridi: Democracy means accepting different views
International Congress to honor Imam Sharafeddine
Border means very little to smugglers
Draft resolution following the third report on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1559
Cabinet scraps controversial VAT hike following protests
UNIFIL ready to help Lebanese Army deploy troops in South
Lawyers urge Rizk to select judges for high court
Syrians don't buy Siniora's kind words
First PLO envoy in 13 years presents his credentials
Fadlallah slams politicians for ignoring poverty

Helicopter crash kills four Lebanese Air Force officers
Compiled by Daily Star staff
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Four members of the Lebanese Army were killed on Friday when their helicopter crashed in eastern Lebanon, a senior military source said. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to give statements to the media, said the crash occurred when the aircraft, an American-made UH-1H, hit a mountain top near the village of Niha in the Bekaa Valley during a training exercise, killing the entire crew of four Air Force officers.
The deceased were identified as pilot Hadi Sadaka, 24, a lieutenant from Zahle; pilot Albert Mosallem, 22, a lieutenant from Al-Bireh, Akkar; Nizar Obeid, 41, an officer from Kfardan, Baalbek, and Raymond Aziz, 35, an officer from Terbol, Bekaa.
The bodies were brought to the Military Hospital in Beirut. The Army Command said it would announce a schedule for the funerals at a later date.
Sadaka's father was also killed on a training mission when his helicopter crashed into the sea near Jounieh in 1988.
Lebanon's tiny air force has 24 UH-1H helicopters and no fixed-wing jets.
The Army Command announced the accident in a statement in which it said a special committee was investigating. The statement said the aircraft lost contact with ground control around 10 a.m., adding that the cause was likely technical.
The army commander, General Michel Suleiman, visited the site immediately after the crash. President Emile Lahoud, himself a former army commander, extended his condolences to Suleiman upon hearing the news. In a telephone conversation with Suleiman, Lahoud was briefed on the circumstances that led to the crash, expressing his sorrow for the deaths.
Lahoud also asked Suleiman to relay his respects to the families of the four men.
Premier Fouad Siniora also called Suleiman, offering the Cabinet's condolences.
Majority leader Saad Hariri telephoned Suleiman and Defense Minister Elias Murr to pay his respects, extending condolences to the families of the four officers, "who died while carrying out their national military duties." - Agencies

Draft resolution following the third report on the implementation
of Security Council Resolution 1559
Saturday, May 13, 2006
The Security Council,
PP1. Recalling all its previous resolutions on Lebanon, in particular resolutions 1559 (2004), 425 and 426 (1978), resolution 520 (1982) and resolution 1655 (2005), as well the statements of its President on the situation in Lebanon, in particular the statements of June 18, 2000, of October 19, 2004, of May 4, 2005 and of January 23, 2006,
PP2. Reiterating its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders,
PP3. Noting positively that further significant progress has been made toward implementing in full all provisions of Resolution 1559 (2004), in particular through the Lebanese national dialogue, but noting also with regret that other provisions of resolution 1559 have not yet been fully implemented, namely the disbanding and disarming of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias, the extension of the control of the government of Lebanon over all its territory, the strict respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon, and free and fair presidential elections conducted according to the Lebanese constitutional rules, without foreign interference and influence,
PP4. Noting with concern the conclusion of the secretary general's report (S/2006/XX) that there have been movements of arms into the Lebanese territory for militias and commending the government of Lebanon for undertaking measures against such movements by enhancing border security,
PP5. Expressing full support for the Lebanese national dialogue and commending all Lebanese parties for its conduct and for the consensus reached in this context on important matters,
PP6. Having heard the Lebanese premier's address to the Security Council on April 21, 2006 (S/2006/XXX),
OP1. Endorses the third semi-annual report of the secretary general to the Security Council of April 18, 2006 on the implementation of Resolution 1559 (2004) (S/2006/XXX),
OP2. Reiterates its call for the full implementation of all requirements of Resolution 1559 (2004),
OP3. Reiterates also its call on all concerned states and parties as mentioned in the report, to cooperate fully with the government of Lebanon, the Security Council and the secretary general to achieve this goal ;
OP4. Calls upon the government of Syria to respond positively to the request made by the government of Lebanon, in line with the agreements of the Lebanese national dialogue, to delineate their common border, especially in the areas where the border is uncertain or disputed and to establish full diplomatic relation and representation, noting that such measures would constitute a significant step toward asserting Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence and improving the relations between the two countries, thus contributing positively to the stability in the region;
OP5. Calls also on the government of Syria to take measures to prevent further movements of arms into Lebanese territory;
OP6. Welcomes the decision of the Lebanese national dialogue to disarm Palestinian militias outside refugee camps within six months, supports its implementation and calls for further efforts to disband and disarm all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias and to restore fully the Lebanese government's control over all Lebanese territory;
OP7. Reiterates its support to the secretary general and his special envoy for their efforts and dedication to facilitate and assist in the implementation of all provisions of Resolution 1559 (2004).

Aridi: Democracy means accepting different views
Daily Star staff
Saturday, May 13, 2006
BEIRUT: "Freedom and democracy cannot be provided by the sole fact that we have several media institutions," according to Information Minister Ghazi Aridi Friday. "If media institutions do not provide citizens with programs that promote dialogue and bring new ideas we cannot talk about freedom and democracy," he added.
Aridi on Friday attended the opening of the regional workshop on "Media and Youth" organized by UNESCO's Lebanese national committee in Le Bristol Hotel in Beirut.
Attending were MP Marwan Fares, president of the Press Federation Mohammad Baalbaki and several Arab diplomats.
Students from Jordan, Tunisia, Iraq, Palestine, Kuwait and Lebanon also took part in the workshop, which was being held so the students could hold discussions and get involved in different activities with their peers from across the region.
The minister said the concept of freedom and democracy "can be entrenched by holding dialogue with each other and admitting the fact that the other has different opinions and ideas."
He went on to say that local and international media institutions "are looking for financial benefits instead of promoting educational programs and tackling youth problems."
Aridi hailed Beirut's "special position" in hosting cultural events before praising the role of late journalists Samir Kassir and Gebran Tueni, whom he described as "martyrs of freedom, democracy and their free word."
He also praised journalist May Chidiac, who "represents Lebanese female journalists in defending the truth."
Aridi added: "Five years ago, Arab information ministers held a meeting in this room, however none of the decisions made at the time were put into practice; I hope that UNESCO's Lebanese committee will put all its recommendations into effect."
In turn, the committee's secretary general, Salwa Siniora Baasiri, highlighted the role of media institutions in providing knowledge and promoting "dialogue culture that allows one to admit the other and understand him." - The Daily Star

Siniora lauds steps to make life easier for disabled
By Therese Sfeir -Daily Star staff
Saturday, May 13, 2006
BEIRUT: Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said the government "made important steps to create a better atmosphere for the disabled," speaking Friday during the opening ceremony of a seminar about the implementation of law 220/2000, which stipulates the rights of disabled people in Lebanon.
State Minister for Administrative Development Jean Hogassapian, Foreign Affairs Minister Fawzi Salloukh, and Education Minister Khaled Qabbani, as well as MPs Atef Majdalani, Ismail Sukkarieh and Serge Toursarkissian also attended the seminar, held in the Grand Serail.
The prime minister pointed out that the Cabinet passed a law in 2004, requiring all buildings to be specially equipped to facilitate access for the physically disabled.
"The government also worked to implement disabled people's right to education and formed a committee to determine cases when the disabled can be exempted from official exams," Siniora said.
The premier added that the labor and the social affairs ministries are trying to create work opportunities for disabled people in the public sector that would facilitate their integration in the society." However, Siniora said that "all plans of change in the country are hampered by personal interests." "public money should be spent in the right place to serve the Lebanese people's interests," he said, referring to the widely acknowledged corruption in the government that drains funds meant for public welfare.
Hogassapian said: "The past years witnessed serious attempts to give the disabled their rights, through cooperation between the public sector and civil society." The minister added that the government was "aware of the importance of the role of the disabled, who can contribute to the country's development." The seminar closed after a series of workshops, during which discussions tackled means implement law 220/2000.

Bolton: Syria must accept Lebanon's independence
By Majdoline Hatoum
Daily Star staff
Saturday, May 13, 2006
BEIRUT: U.S. Ambassador to the UN John Bolton called Friday on Syria to demarcate its borders with Lebanon, establish diplomatic relations and stop pretending that it recognizes the independence of its small neighbor.
Speaking to reporters, Bolton said: "The border and the diplomatic relations are critical to force Syria to come out of denial that Lebanon is an independent country. If you're not willing to recognize another country, and if you're not willing to delineate the border with your neighboring country, it's a way of saying - which we believe Syria is doing - that Lebanon is not an independent country."
He made the remarks following a UN Security Council meeting during which his country, France and Britain formally submitted a draft resolution urging the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between Lebanon and Syria and a demarcation of their common border.
Bolton said he expected the draft to be passed next week, despite reservations voiced earlier this week by the representatives of China, Russia and Qatar.
"We just introduced the resolution and we have no intention of caving in on it," he said.
The new draft also calls on Damascus to take measures to prevent further movements of arms into Lebanese territory in line with previous resolutions.
Bolton said: "We make particular emphasis on the importance on cutting off the flow from Syrian arms and support to militias inside Lebanon."
Bolton also said the text was in line with requests made by Lebanese Premier Fouad Siniora, Lebanese political parties and UN chief Kofi Annan to ensure full Syrian compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1559.
"We think that the resolution is called for at this point," he said. "We stress again we want all 1559 implemented, in order to bolster the sovereignty independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon."
Bolton said that continued Syrian compliance with 1595 is also still on the UN Security Council's agenda, and added that he met this week with Serge Brammertz, the head of the UN probe into the 2005 murder of former Lebanese premier Rafik Hariri.
"We would just like to remind Syria again that the UN Security Council has said that there would be serious consequences if Syria does not fully comply with the demands of the commission and cooperate with the investigation," he said.
Bolton also said that despite the fact that the draft resolution did not mention Iran and Hizbullah, which were both mentioned in UN Special Envoy Terje Roed-Larsen's report on the progress in implementing 1559, paragraph three of the draft indirectly refers to both.
"The third paragraph mentions all concerned states and parties as a clear reference to Syria, Iran and Hizbullah. So it's not necessarily the way we would have written it, but it's the way these things happen in the SC, and I'm satisfied with the draft."
Roed-Larsen's report had urged Iran as well as Syria to cooperate in trying to restore Lebanon's political independence and disarm militias, the first time the UN envoy linked Tehran to instability in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, French Ambassador Jean-Marc de La Sabliere told reporters that this draft resolution is needed "because resolution 1559 has not fully implemented."
On Tuesday, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faysal Mekdad advised the United States and other Western countries not to meddle in the internal affairs of Syria and Lebanon.
"I think what they have to do is have Syria and Lebanon solve their own problems. They have nothing to do with Lebanon," said Mekdad.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch had told a local newspaper Friday that even if Hizbullah and Iran are not mentioned directly, the resolution's backing of Roed-Larsen's report would be a significant achievement.
"The report was clear. If we endorse it in the draft resolution then this will achieve our goal," Welch said.
He said he does not expect the vote on the resolution to take place this week.
"There is no final agreement on the draft resolution until now because we want the consent of the largest amount of Security Council members," he said. - With agencies

International Congress to honor Imam Sharafeddine
Daily Star staff-Saturday, May 13, 2006
BEIRUT: The program of the International Congress of Imam Sharafeddine was announced Friday during a news conference at the Press Federation headquarters in Ramlet al-Baida. Held at the request of the Iranian Cultural Chancellery in Lebanon, the event marks the 50th memorial of Sharafeddine, an influential Shiite imam who preached against sectarianism.
Various intellectuals, clerics and personalities attended the conference, including Iran's cultural adviser Najaf Ali Mirzai and the congress' secretary general Mohammad Taqi Subhani.
Baalbaki said Sharafeddine sought to draw confessions and religions in Lebanon closer, praising the imam's vast understanding of religion and its essence.
Mirzai recalled a sermon delivered by the imam in Wadi al-Hujeir in which the latter cautioned against division between Muslims and Christians.
Baalbaki then read excerpts from texts written by Sharafeddine more than 80 years ago promoting reconciliation between Sunnis and Shiites.
On the first two days of the congress, to be held on May 17, 18 and 19, various clerics from Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Bahrain and Afghanistan will give their lectures at the UNESCO Palace.
On the last day, a festival will be held in cooperation with the Tyre municipality and the Sharafeddine family at the Jaafari Center. Several tours to the imam's house, the Jaafari Center, the Imam Sadr Educational Associations, the tombs of the victims who fell during the Qana massacre, and the liberated areas, are planned for participants in the event. - The Daily Star

Border means very little to smugglers
But lebanese locals draw the line at sovereignty
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Nayla Razzouk-Agence France Presse
ERSAL: Abu Mohammad gazes helplessly at the tips of the branches of his apricot trees, almost entirely buried under giant Syrian-laid sand berms cutting through his orchard. While Abu Mohammad's land lies inside Lebanese territory and several kilometers away from the official Syrian border, it is sand embankments constructed by Damascus that he blames for interfering with his livelihood.
Amid a seemingly unimpeded flow of smuggling to-and-fro across the border, Syrian claims that the berms have been erected to rein in illegal trafficking appear to carry little weight.
For people like Abu Mohammad, the sand berms are only indicative of one thing - a continued Syrian desire to take bites out of Lebanese territory.
"The Syrians said they laid the berms to prevent smuggling, but the non-stop illicit traffic proves it is not the real reason. The Syrians just want to keep their hands on our lands and orchards," said Abu Mohammad.
In fact, the raised barriers of sand are more evidence of Lebanon's intimate but fraught ties with Syria, which was the main power broker until the end of its 29-year military presence and political domination in April 2005.
On the rugged land behind Abu Mohammad, two large trucks are parked back-to-back. One has a Lebanese license plate, the other a Syrian plate. Workers transfer scrap metal from one truck to the other. When the operation ends, each truck heads home.
A trucker carrying Lebanese beer smiles and waves as he drives past men filling up a Syrian truck with television sets in the wild, mountainous area dotted by large blue sheets covering piles of cement bags waiting to be picked up by smugglers.
"The scrap metal, which comes from vehicles destroyed in the violence in Iraq, is smuggled through Syria to Lebanon, from where it is shipped to a company in China," one of the smugglers told AFP on condition of anonymity.
The calm trafficking on a warm spring day was a typical example of age-old illicit activities across the remote, porous borders where trucks carrying beer, electrical appliances,
pistachios and cement cross into Syria, while others bring scrap metal and heating oil to Lebanon.
Nothing stands in their way. They travel across winding dirt roads dug through the very sand berms that the Syrians said they had erected to curb - even if on Lebanese soil - lucrative smuggling operations.
The neighbors have witnessed tense relations since Syria was forced to withdraw under tremendous domestic and international pressure heightened by the February 2005 assassination of five-time Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, which was widely blamed on Damascus.
The mountainous borders have historically been smuggling routes in this impoverished tribal area where Syrian troops first erected sand berms inside Lebanese territory after their 1976 deployment in the country at the outbreak of its 15-year civil war.
But a few months ago, Syrian troops extended the sand berms to between 3.5 kilometers and 5 kilometers inside Lebanese territory, along an area stretching about 40 kilometers in the Ersal and Ras Baalbek regions.
Lebanese farmers have complained that the Syrian military posts and sand berms prevented them from reaching their orchards, which have since been taken over by Syrian farmers coming in from the other side of the border.
The Lebanese farmers also accused Syrian border guards of opening fire to intimidate Lebanese farmers and even army patrols in the area.
Amid hope for a possible solution, an official Lebanese delegation - bearing maps and documents proving Lebanese sovereignty over the area - traveled on Tuesday to Syria.
Bassel Hujairi, the head of Ersal's municipality, told AFP on Wednesday that the delegation succeeded in obtaining Syria's agreement to dismantle military positions and sand berms erected inside Lebanese territory, starting Monday.
But as much as they are eager to regain their lost lands, some Lebanese seemed reluctant to give up smuggling which helps residents in this impoverished area cope with the rising cost of living.
"We make money by selling products that are either banned or taxed by the strict regime in Syria," said one Lebanese smuggler. "And the heating oil smuggled from Syria helps us only pay $8 per 20 liters, instead of the $14 for the legally imported heating oil.
"Smuggling is an ancient tradition here. And authorities and local dignitaries on both sides have always turned a blind eye," he said before adding with a wink: "This is if they do not benefit themselves from bribes."
While awaiting a truckload from Syria, a Lebanese smuggler frowns, raises a threatening finger and shouts angrily across the valley at a Syrian shepherd leading his herd deeper into Lebanese territory to graze.
"Smuggling is something," he says, "and violating our sovereignty is something else."

Fadlallah slams politicians for ignoring poverty
Daily Star staff
Saturday, May 13, 2006
BEIRUT: Senior Shiite cleric Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah said the majority of people are living below the poverty level and have to deal with ongoing political disputes. "Politicians are engaged in endless disputes, while the people are burdened by heavy economic and social problems." Fadlallah said during a sermon delivered Friday at Al-Imamayn al-Hassanayn Mosque in Haret Hreik. Fadlallah said the government needs to find solutions to the economic crisis, but should not impose further taxes and increase poverty.
Meanwhile, vice president of the Higher Shiite Council Sheikh Abdel-Amir Qabalan urged politicians to avoid "tense and sectarian speeches and to arm themselves with wisdom and patience." Speaking during Friday's sermon at the council's headquarters, Qabalan agreed that raising taxes was inappropriate and said the employment contract plans should be totally removed from the Cabinet's reform agenda.
Qabalan met Friday with Saudi Ambassador Abdel-Aziz Khoja, with whom he discussed local and regional developments and the situation in Lebanon.
He also met with a delegation of shareholders in Lebanese cooperatives, who informed the cleric of the government's failure to meet their demands.
Following his meeting with Qabalan, former Minister Naji Boustani praised former Minister Suleiman Franjieh for his statements Thursday during an interview with LBC in which Franjieh said the four former security officials detained in Roumieh prison should be released as, "until now, there is no proof of their involvement in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri." - The Daily Star