U.S. Lawmakers Urge Hizbullah's Disarmament, Express Fear Over Confrontation with Israel
Naharnet/Thirty-one members of the U.S. House of Representatives have urged the Obama administration to work toward disarming Hizbullah and preventing Iran from using the Shiite group in any confrontation with Israel. In a letter sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the lawmakers said the U.S. government should ensure greater accountability from the United Nations in enforcing Resolution 1701. "In light of the clear violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions, we ask what actions the Administration is taking to ensure the U.N. addresses these violations," the letter reads. "We must seek to support stronger multilateral efforts to disarm Hizbullah and clear southern Lebanon of Iranian weapons."
The letter notes that the Obama administration has requested $210 million for UNIFIL and $100 million in military assistance for the Lebanese army. "For that much money, American taxpayers deserve to see results," the lawmakers said. The letter warned that Tehran may try to distract the international community from its nuclear program by inciting Hizbullah into carrying out militant activities in southern Lebanon and blowing up the regional situation. The members of the House of Representatives said that in light of the increasing number of incidents in southern Lebanon and the capture of an Iranian arms ship allegedly destined for Hizbullah, they are highly concerned by the potential of Iranian-sponsored escalation along the Lebanese-Israeli border.The letter, which was sponsored by Mark Kirk and Steve Israel, said the situation in southern Lebanon became worse after the 2006 war. It added that the newly formed Lebanese cabinet gave Hizbullah veto power over major decision-making. Beirut, 05 Dec 09, 08:41

U.S. to Cooperate with Lebanese Government But Not With Hizbullah Ministers
Naharnet/Washington said the U.S. will cooperate with the Lebanese government but not with Hizbullah Cabinet ministers.
"There is no obstacle to cooperation with any official in the Lebanese government with the exception of Hizbullah," said Nicole Shampaine, the Director of the Department of State's Near East Affairs Bureau Office for Egypt and the Levant.
In an interview published Friday by the daily As-Safir, Shampaine said Hizbullah's first manifesto in 1985 "put a higher priority on the issue of an Islamic state in Lebanon", whereas the new political document was "more an attempt to show force in the face of the United States and Israel." Shampaine wondered whether the document "will help make progress towards peace and security in the region, including the people of Lebanon." She renewed Washington's support for Prime Minister Saad Hariri's government, saying: "It's totally up to him to decide where he wants to go and when he wants to go." "We will not interfere in his (Hariri's) visit to Damascus … Lebanon is an independent country," Shampaine stressed. Beirut, 04 Dec 09, 07:48

Qabbani Phones Sfeir, Says Christian-Muslim Equal Powersharing Not to Be Undermined Under Any Alibi
Naharnet/Grand Sunni Mufti of Lebanon Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani on Friday called for "putting aside the controversial political issues -- especially in the current time, because those issues divide the Lebanese -- and that would be in favor of the national consensus atmosphere after forming the government." The Mufti phoned Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir congratulating him on returning safely from his visit to the Vatican. The two religious leaders stressed during the phone call upon "the common national stances that guarantee Lebanon's unity."Qabbani warned of "divisions" that are like "holes in the wall of national unity" and that block the path of the government "preventing it from achieving the citizen's social and economical aspirations.""The Taef Accord must be implemented in text and spirit upon the rule of consensus. The equal Muslim-Christian powersharing should not be undermined under any alibi," added Qabbani. Qabbani condemned Tripoli's latest security incidents and asked the security forces to fortify their efforts to preserve security all over Lebanon. Beirut, 04 Dec 09, 16:58

Britain Denies any Change in Policy toward Hizbullah
Naharnet/British Foreign office spokesman, Barry Marston, denied any change in his government foreign policy toward Hizbullah. His remarks were made in response to comments attributed to British Foreign Secretary David Miliband in an interview with a local newspaper in which he said the U.K. will resume talks with Hizbullah. "The past few months witnessed a number of contacts and meetings with members of Hizbullah, but there is no plan to change this policy or step up contacts with the party," Marston said. Beirut, 04 Dec 09, 07:33

Najjar Wants to Improve Financial Situation of Judges
Naharnet/Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar has unveiled that a meeting will be held with judicial officials to find ways to develop the judicial system and at the same time improve the conditions of judges. Najjar told An Nahar and As Safir newspapers, however, that the meeting, which was scheduled to be held on Saturday, was postponed pending the holding of the vote of confidence session.The minister said that a judge cannot be held accountable if he isn't getting the allowances that he deserves. Beirut, 05 Dec 09, 09:45

Security Source: Roumieh Prison Full of Problems
Naharnet/A high-level security source told al-Liwaa newspaper that strong measures should be taken to reorganize Roumieh prison, which is Lebanon's largest.
The prison, which lies east of Beirut, has seen several mutinies in the past years. The source acknowledged that the jail was full of problems. He said, however, that measures were taken against two inmates, who on Wednesday opened their cells and assaulted another prisoner.The three prisoners were put in solitary confinement, the source added. Beirut, 05 Dec 09, 10:06

Hariri to Visit Syria after Government Gains Vote of Confidence
Naharnet/Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Friday said he will conduct visits to a number of Western and Arab countries, including Syria, after his government gains the Parliament's vote of confidence. In a chat with reporters, Hariri said: "We look positively at the step of establishing embassies in the two countries (Lebanon and Syria), and we have to change things in a positive manner, especially that we tried to change using negative means and we did not reach any result." Answering a question about the ministers who voiced reservations on article six of the ministerial Policy Statement, Hariri said: "I'm an honest person, if I wanted to personally voice reservation, I would've done so. But the truth is that even the ministers who voiced reservation will have to defend the ministerial statement and the government at every stake." "This is the basis of the State's image and credibility, and any reservation may be recorded inside the cabinet, but outside the cabinet, each minister has to defend the government," added Hariri. Hariri said the government will have to adapt with the requirements of the coming period, which is a period of openness toward all political factions. "There are the reconciliations that happened under the auspices of President Michel Suleiman, and all of that leads toward a consensus atmosphere in the country, especially regarding the controversial issues and government's priorities," added Hariri. Hariri said he agrees with President Suleiman "on all matters", adding that President Suleiman is the president of "all of Lebanon." "Each of us has his jurisdiction, and no one should try to stir a dispute between us, especially that the president represents me and all the Lebanese in all international forums," added Hariri. On the other hand, Hariri denied the reports about a trip to the United States, clarifying that "the visit was possible but still undecided." Beirut, 04 Dec 09, 19:28

Fadlallah: Some Parties Continue to Oppose Consensus
Naharnet/Hizbullah MP Hassan Fadlallah accused some parties of being against understanding among Lebanese although he stressed that there has been consensus on the policy statement among strong parliamentary blocs. He said the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc would discuss the statement during a three-day session in parliament starting Tuesday with a spirit of understanding. Fadlallah also criticized any cooperation between the U.S. and Lebanon "because we don't believe that the American administration is keen on the interest, peace, stability and prosperity of the economy in Lebanon." In response to the U.S. stance of not dealing with Hizbullah ministers in the Lebanese unity cabinet, the lawmaker said that the Shiite party already has no contact with Washington which is "the basic supporter of Israeli aggression." Beirut, 05 Dec 09, 11:18

Tripoli MPs Call for Stronger Measures to Prevent Security Incidents
Naharnet/Tripoli MPs on Saturday condemned the latest incidents in Abi Samra district and said there is no political or non-political cover to anyone who makes disturbances in the northern port city. During their weekly meeting, the lawmakers asked security forces to impose order and remove "security areas" which give the impression that the state is absent. The MPs also urged judicial authorities to impose the law on everybody and pursue violators. The conferees tasked MP Mohammed Abdel Latif Kabbara and Ahmed Karami with following up the issue with security and judicial authorities. Beirut, 05 Dec 09, 11:58

1,757 Officers Dealing with Nightmarish Traffic in Beirut
Naharnet/Lebanon's new cabinet ministers may lock horns on many political issues but they seem to agree on one thing: the need to resolve an increasingly nightmarish traffic situation.
Starting Saturday morning, the number of officers tasked with regulating traffic in Greater Beirut rose from 400 to 1,757 on the occasion of the upcoming holidays.
Interior Minister Ziad Baroud told As Safir that the issue of traffic is affecting all life aspects of the Lebanese. He put the blame on week road networks and chaotic driving.
"The first step in getting ready for the end of year holiday season is dealing with our traffic," Brigadier General Joseph Doueihy, who is in charge of traffic regulations in Beirut, said on Friday.
The issue is at the top of Prime Minister Saad Hariri's agenda, whose first stint as a statesman is bogged down by citizens' complaints of impossible traffic across the capital and its environs.
Frustrated drivers are late to work, run out of gas in hours-long traffic, or have to be towed out of flooded roads with the early winter rains.
Bumper-to-bumper traffic is expected to only worsen as the New Year nears, with a record number of visitors hitting the streets in the country which expects to host a record two million tourists by the end of 2010, according to tourism ministry figures. While Lebanon has introduced road safety measures in recent years, such as traffic lights, electricity is rationed and often leaves the streets, and drivers, in the dark.(AFP-Naharnet) Beirut, 05 Dec 09, 09:11

Intifada at Palestinian Camps in Tyre Ahead of Abbas' Visit to Beirut
Naharnet/Scores of Fatah officers have launched an uprising against the movement's National Security Forces official in Lebanon Brig. Gen. Adib al-Hassan to protest a new shake-up within the military ranks in the Palestinian refugee camps of Tyre. Sources close to the protestors told As Safir daily that their "Intifada" came after al-Hassan gave leadership responsibilities to a single commander rather than having three people in charge of security at each camp. As Safir said the officers held talks at one of Fatah's headquarters at Rashidiyeh camp and decided to refuse the shake-up which "limits their authorities." However, al-Hassan retaliated by withdrawing their allowances. The sources told the newspaper that there are around 600 Fatah officers in camps in the Tyre area in southern Lebanon, including 400 in Rashidiyeh. As Safir said that the conferees sent a letter of protest to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the Central Committee and the movement's leadership urging the Fatah chief to "immediately interfere to solve the situation before it goes out of hand."
The letter also said that the officers lack social and administrative needs and are suffering because of "al-Hassan's moody stances."Furthermore, the conferees accused al-Hassan of being responsible for what they called a chaos within the ranks of the National Security Forces-Lebanon. Abbas will make a brief visit to Lebanon on Monday for talks with President Michel Suleiman on bilateral relations and the plight of Palestinian refugees. During his visit Abbas will also discuss the Middle East peace process and the rebuilding of the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp in northern Lebanon. Beirut, 05 Dec 09, 08:05

Drug Dealer Killed in Shootout with Army in Baalbek
Naharnet/A prominent drug dealer from the Zoaiter clan was killed Friday and his son wounded in a shootout with Lebanese troops in Baalbek. State-run National News Agency identified the victim as Hosni Zoaiter. It said Zoaiter opened fire on Lebanese soldiers during a chase in the Baalbek town of Kneisseh, prompting troops to return fire. Zoaiter was instantaneously killed and his son was wounded, NNA reported. Beirut, 04 Dec 09, 13:20

Mental problems untreated in Lebanon
Josh Wood, /December 5, 2009
Now Lebanon/While the physical remnants of war in Lebanon are clearly visible in the pox-marked walls and abandoned buildings in almost every neighborhood, the invisible damage created by the country’s prolonged experience with violence has largely remained ignored. For most people who suffer from depression or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), associated with the decades of violence in Lebanon, mental health services are out of reach. Private psychiatrists are rare in Lebanon and expensive. NGOs providing free psychosocial services are few and far between. Even if such healthcare is readily available and affordable, those with metal health problems face another hurdle: the stigma associated with seeking help.
According to studies by the American University of Beirut, rates of PTSD and depression reach a staggering 30% in some areas of southern Lebanon. According to a study by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), 37% of Palestinian women and 19% of Palestinian men in Lebanon suffer from depression.
Despite the prevalence of mental health problems in the country, there are currently no government programs that adequately address the situation.
“As far as I’m concerned, the government has nothing [for mental healthcare] in Lebanon,” said Dr. Laila Farhood, a professor of psychiatry at AUB and one of the country’s top experts on mental health. Those suffering from mental illness are forced to seek help from private doctors, though Farhood noted that only “the highly educated and affluent” can afford to go to private mental healthcare providers.
The rest rely on NGOs that offer medicine and counseling, if they have access. And while organizations offering mental health services flooded into Lebanon in the wake of the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, many have since moved on.
One that has stayed is Medicins Sans Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders, MSF), which opened a free mental healthcare clinic in the southern Beirut suburb of Bourj al-Barajneh in 2008. Bourj al-Barajneh is the site of Beirut’s largest Palestinian refugee camp and many neighborhoods of poor Shia who immigrated to the city; both populations have long experiences with war.
One of the main goals of MSF’s pilot project in Bourj al-Barajneh is to eliminate the stigmas surrounding seeking treatment for mental illness.
“People assume that having depression or anxiety is having a weakness; that it’s an inability to deal with things,” said MSF field coordinator Edgardo Zuniga.
Zungia stressed that MSF is trying to show that mental healthcare should be integrated with primary healthcare and said that the organization is doing its best to educate the public about the realities and severity of mental illnesses.
Other institutions offering free mental healthcare include IDRAAC, based at St. Georges Hospital in Beirut; Doctors of the World, which operates in the Bidawi and Nahr al-Bared refugee camps; and Restart, a Tripoli-based program that rehabilitates those who have witnessed violence and torture.
But even if they can afford private doctors or live near an NGO that offers free mental healthcare services, seeking psychiatric help is not a priority for many Lebanese. “Perhaps Lebanese have to worry about their physical and economic situation before their mental health,” said Farhood, noting, however, that poverty is a strong contributor to depression.
One upside is that despite the higher-than-normal rates of PTSD and depression in Lebanon, there are fewer suicides here than in most countries. Farhood attributes this to strong, intimate social support networks – a safeguard against the absolute desperation and alienation that can lead to suicide.
Also, rates of depression and PTSD can sometimes change over time. According to Farhood, studies conducted by AUB in South Lebanon found that PTSD rates dropped in 2007 from where they were in 2005. This information is surprising given the relative calm in the area in 2005 – five years on from the Israeli withdrawal and one year before the devastation of the 2006 war. “People felt empowered; they were able to prevent Israel from occupying their towns,” said Farhood.
Despite such changes, the root causes beneath both depression and PTSD in Lebanon continue to go untreated. There is a consensus among mental health professionals in the country that education campaigns to eradicate the taboos about seeking psychiatric help should expand along with an increase in the availability of mental healthcare services.

Majdalani: “Contradictions” color Ministerial Statement, Hezbollah
December 5, 2009
Now Lebanon/Lebanon First bloc MP Atef Majdalani told New TV on Saturday that he thinks Article 6 of the Ministerial Statement – which pertains to Hezbollah’s arms - is “contradictory” and that “he has reservations with it because it gives the Lebanese army and Hezbollah the same powers.”Majdalani questioned whether “the clause strengthens or weakens Lebanon.”The minister also said Hezbollah is contradicting itself for approving UN Security Council Resolution 1701 because it prohibits any entity - except the state - from holding arms.
Majdalani said the parliament will “unanimously” give the vote of confidence to the government, warning that “if any coalition wants to refrain from doing so, it should withdraw its ministers from the cabinet.”According to the minister, the government will make “historical and important achievements,” if there is a real willingness to find solutions to the problems facing the Lebanese. For Majdalani, the date of Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s visit to Syria is not important; he said that what matters is the willingness to establish “the best relations with Syria.”
He also said that Hariri will visit Syria as Lebanon’s prime minister, and does not have personal motives tied to the trip.-NOW Lebanon

Sakr: STL irrelevant to Hariri-Assad meeting
Now Lebanon/December 5, 2009
In an interview published in Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Rai on Saturday, Lebanon First bloc MP Okab Sakr said that Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s visit to Syria, which will happen after the cabinet receives the vote of confidence, has nothing to do with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. He described the visit as “strategically significant,” since it would lay the foundation for cooperation, balance and equality between Lebanon and Syria, adding that he expects the visit to happen soon. “Hariri said that he will be satisfied with any verdict issued by the STL,” Sakr said, voicing hope that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad would share a similar opinion, “especially because he considers himself innocent.”He added that Assad previously described the March 14 alliance as an “Israeli product,” however, he said - regardless of that statement - Hariri’s visit could be likened to the president “shaking hands” with the alliance itself. Sakr said that many matters are up for discussion between Hariri and Assad, however, he added that “the aim of the visit is to launch a new atmosphere, that is why, not all pending issues between the two countries will be finalized.” -NOW Lebanon

Fayyad calls Hezbollah’s platform purely political, moderate
Now Lebanon/December 5, 2009
Loyalty to the Resistance bloc MP Ali Fayyad told LBCI television on Saturday that Hezbollah’s political platform, announced on Monday, is “purely political… it reflects a moderate position and it preserves Hezbollah’s principles.”He said the platform’s vision for the Lebanese state is stronger than the Taif Accord’s vision, adding that all parties should remain committed to applying the Taif. Concerning the Palestinian conflict, the MP said the party’s platform aims to reflect Hezbollah’s support for the Palestinian people, and calls on everyone to join the cause to help them.-NOW Lebanon

Elie Aoun: Druze “injustice” spurs Jumblatt rhetoric
December 5, 2009 /Now Lebanon/
Democratic Gathering bloc MP Elie Aoun told Kuwaiti newspaper An-Nahar in an interview published Saturday that Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt’s demand to break the link between religion and political position comes as a result of the “injustices” endured by the Druze sect. Earlier in the week, Jumblatt called for several reforms: the formation of a senate, the adoption of an electoral law based on proportionality and the right of anyone from any religion to occupy the post of president, who is traditionally Maronite; the premier, who is traditionally Sunni; and the speaker, who is Shia. Aoun said Speaker Nabih Berri also has a right to propose the issue of eliminating political sectarianism because he wants to continue implementing the Taif Accord.  The minister also commented on Hezbollah’s new political platform, recognizing noticeable progress in the party’s speech after it “Lebanized” its political rhetoric. Aoun said Hezbollah’s talk of partnership, its recognition of the Lebanese army and its role in protecting Lebanon, constitute a new approach to national defense and needs to be discussed in the National Dialogue. -NOW Lebanon

Nicolas wants MOU-inspired relationship with Jumblatt
December 5, 2009 /Now Lebanon/In an interview with Al-Manar television on Saturday, Change and Reform bloc MP Nabil Nicolas said the Free Patriotic Movement wants its relationship with Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt “to be similar to the Memorandum of Understanding that was reached between the FPM and Hezbollah.”
The minister added that Jumblatt’s return to his father’s principles has brought the FPM closer to the PSP leader, a possible reference to Jumblatt’s split from the March 14 alliance over the summer. Nicolas also said current cooperation between the PSP and the FPM could resolve the issue of the displaced. He said Jumblatt has to reassure the displaced to return to their villages, and the state needs to provide the money and infrastructure to carry it out. -NOW Lebanon

Abu Assi: The state cannot work in duality
Date: December 5th, 2009/Source: Free Lebanon
Secretary General of National Liberal party Elias Abu Assi said Saturday that the state cannot perform in duality, considering that dialogue is required especially in issues of disagreement.
Abu Assi told Free Lebanon radio station that there are two points of views regarding the resistance: “some look at Hizbullah as a group seeking for political gains, while others think of it as a necessity as long as the land is occupied,” describing the second opinion as non-convincing. He expressed his resentment that ‘some do not want to discuss the issue of resistance arms or reach an agreement regarding its fate,’ linking MP Michel’s Aoun visit to Bkirki with the announcement of Hizbullah’s political manifesto. Abu Assi wished that the relations with Syria would be based on ‘awareness and openness.’

Interview with Dr. Samir Geagea from Al-Akhbar newspaper
December 4, 2009
On December 4, Al-Akhbar newspaper carried the following report by Thaaer Ghandour:
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea stressed that an understanding of the Lebanese reality and the protection of the country were linked to the regional arena and especially the Iranian nuclear program, which was why it was necessary to distance Lebanon from this conflict. He then corroborated that the relations with Saad Hariri were excellent and that “Syria is the one that approached March 14, not the other way around.”
However, Geagea expressed concerns, saying, “Lebanon is being placed in the eye of the storm, but the country is doing well.
The situation in the Middle East region is not sound. There is a lot of tension along the Western-Iranian axis, but this does not necessarily settle the issue of whether or not Iran has the right to acquire nuclear arms. Unfortunately however, the issue is no longer limited to Iran and the West and has reached China and Syria.
The sustainment of the regime in the Islamic Republic has become linked to these nuclear arms. Therefore, the theory saying that Iran will maneuver, [get] earn gains then relinquish its program is false. Iran will proceed with its program, whether calmly or fast, which will entail a military clash in the region. However, it is too early to define which sides will engage in this conflict, recognizing that Hezbollah, which is a key component of the nation, will be implicated one way or another. This is what I mean when I say that Lebanon is in the eye of the storm. As an official, I believe that Lebanon should be distanced from the dangerous developments in the region. Some perceive this inclination as being isolationist.
In ancient times, human beings used to sit still to avoid the attack of a fierce animal. Therefore, in order to avoid an attack from Israel, we must calm down. No one is entitled to make any sudden moves.”
Geagea was asked, “But is Hezbollah not calm?” to which he replied, “We must respect Resolution 1701 and implement it verbatim. We must earn an international consensus over our commitment, which is not available for the time being.” He then denied that the Lebanese Forces were counting on the American-Israeli project.
“What I said about Iran is not my reading alone. It is a reading that is heard in the ranks of many sides, including study centers around the world.” But why does Geagea always put himself in a confrontation with Hezbollah? He does not deny it, saying, “Hezbollah is the one proposing initiatives and political projects in the country and one only engages in confrontations or alliances with the side playing the biggest role. Today, Hezbollah is the biggest player, not the Mourabitoun. There are many parties but their positions are traditional and non-influential. However, Hezbollah can take the country 180 degrees left or right by any step it makes. It is therefore necessary to follow its action, especially since it can lead the entire country toward the abyss, whether knowingly or unknowingly, based on good intentions or bad intentions. Hezbollah has its reading and we have ours.”
Geagea refused to discuss Hezbollah’s document in full, stating, “I am still reading it. I would like to read it thoroughly. However, I would also like to comment on one point, that of Wilayat al- Faqih [the Authority of the Jurisprudent]. What Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said about the Wilayat al-Faqih being a religious and ideological issue solely is not true. Wilayat al-Faqih is everything.
It is not related to one aspect of a believer’s life, rather to his entire life and that of the community which politics is part of.
Based on that the Wali al-Faqih hold the political decision in the nation and is the one to settle all issues after consulting with the scholars in this or that area. If I were to imagine him today, the Wali al-Faqih would adopt his decisions based on the interests of the nation, i.e. on the interests of one billion Muslims, thus placing the interests of the nation above any others and above those of the four million Lebanese people. This is where we disagree with Hezbollah. To us, the interests of the four million Lebanese are above all others.”
Asked whether or not he will visit Syria, Samir Geagea answered in a diplomatic way, saying, “I do not hold an official position such that I visit Syria. I cannot visit Syria unless the Lebanese state were to settle all the pending issues with Damascus, namely the dossier of the missing, the Syrian military bases under Palestinian cover in Lebanon… and the demarcation dossier, especially in Shebaa.” He added that Syria adopted many steps to overcome the Western threat that was imposed on it, saying, “We did not head in Syria’s direction as some of its allies are saying. Syria was the one which grew closer to us.” He was also asked, “You say that March 14 is still present?” to which he answered, “March 14 is still present and is stronger than ever. The proof of that is the fact that it won all the unionist and university elections.
[Walid Jumblatt’s] supporters are still part of it and they have backed the March
14 candidates in many universities and unions.” On the other hand, Geagea did not deny the obstruction of the translation of these victories since the parliamentary elections until this day, due to numerous developments, saying however, “When your feet are on the ground, the translation of these victories can be done at any point in time. Our bases are unchanged, although I will not conceal the fact that they are concerned. Nonetheless, at the level of the top, the meetings of the general secretariat are sufficient.”
 

Equal power sharing between Muslims, Christians should remain - Qabbani
Mufti warns political divisions could shatter national unity
By Elias Sakr
Daily Star staff
Saturday, December 05, 2009
BEIRUT: Equal sharing of power between Christians and Muslims should not be altered, said the mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani on Thursday. The statement comes as an ongoing debate over Speaker Nabih Berri’s call to form a committee tasked with abolishing political sectarianism continued on Friday as the mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani, underlined that equal sharing of power between Christians and Muslims shouldn’t be changed under any circumstances.
“The Taif Accord should be implemented in spirit and record based on the rule of consensus and the equal sharing of power between Muslims and Christians, which should not be touched under any circumstances,” Qabbani said. hinder the work of the government toward achieving the Lebanese expectations of progress on social and economic issues.
“Discussion of controversial political issues should be postponed, particularly under the current circumstances, in order to preserve the atmosphere of consensus and avoid instigating schism among the Lebanese,” Qabbani said.
Berri’s call to form a committee tasked with abolishing political sectarianism had raised a heated debate in the media, as Christian figures from March 14 rejecting the proposal, saying the circumstances were not favorable. The Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir recently emphasized that sectarianism should be abolished from “people’s hearts, before legal texts.”
During a phone conversation with Sfeir on Friday, Qabbani stressed with the patriarch the importance of their unified national stances, which constitute a guarantee for Lebanon’s unity, as well as their united efforts to preserve the country’s safety and stability. For its part, the Future Movement had linked abolishment of political sectarianism to the full implementation of the Taif Accord, including the spread of the state’s authority over all national territory and the disarmament of all militias.
Berri argued that the formation of the national committee did not necessarily mean the abolishment of political sectarianism, but rather discussions over the issue since the process could necessitate decades before reaching an agreement.On Friday, Beirut MP Hani Qobeissi, from Berri’s parliamentary bloc, said that changes to legislation should precede changes to people’s mentality, stressing that the Taif Accord had been ratified, but was still to be fully implemented.
“It’s Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to start discussing the formation of a national committee tasked with abolishing political sectarianism as stated by the Taif Accord, which Berri is observing,” Qobeissi said. Also, in a joint statement that was issued on Friday, Amal and Hizbullah voiced support for Berri’s stance, saying that it was based on legal and national principles. In an address last month, President Michel Sleiman stressed that the process should be in accordance with the Taif Accord’s clauses and based on consensus while not contradicting the principles of coexistence and equal sharing of power between Muslim and Christians.
Mufti Qabbani has also praised the last series of reconciliations between political parties since it promoted harmony within the Cabinet and would facilitate its efforts after it receives a vote of confidence from Parliament. Last month, Sleiman hosted two reconciliation meetings at Baabda Palace: one that joined Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun and Progressive Socialist Party head Walid Jumblatt, and another that brought together Jumblatt and Marada Movement leader Suleiman Franjieh, a close ally of Syria.
Jumblatt had moved toward a centrist position after his withdrawal from the March 14 alliance following the June 7 parliamentary elections, while maintaining his support for the majority and its leader, Prime Minister Saad Hariri. The meeting between the PSP leader and Aoun led to an agreement over the return of the Christian displaced from the Chouf region

Discussions over Cabinet policy statement to be extended
Hariri says Damascus visit to take place after vote of confidence
By Elias Sakr and Nafez Qawas
/Daily Star staff
Saturday, December 05, 2009
BEIRUT: Three days of parliamentary debate over the Cabinet’s policy statement scheduled to kick off next Tuesday are expected to be extended, as Prime Minister Saad Hariri prepares for an upcoming visit to Syria as part of a wider tour of several Arab states, Europe and later the United States. Hariri said Friday that the visit would take place after lawmakers vote confidence in the new national unity Cabinet, while President Michel Sleiman is scheduled to hold talks with US President Barack Obama on December 14.
With more than 55 MPs demanding the right to address the house so far and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri’s announcement that he would set no time frame to the MPs’ sessions, the discussions are expected to extend to at Hariri said he would visit Syria after the Cabinet receives the vote of confidence as part of a tour of several Arab capitals.
“Despite disagreements, we should seek fraternal ties with Syria,” Hariri told reporters at the Grand Serail in Beirut adding that “the establishment of diplomatic ties between both countries was positive.” In response to a question, Hariri denied that he objected to article six of the ministerial statement, which mentions the right of the resistance to liberate occupied Lebanese territory, adding that even ministers who had expressed their reservations over the statement should defend it following the vote of confidence.
Hariri also denied recent media reports claiming that he was also headed for the US, saying that he would visit Washington at a later date, but that the trip had yet to be scheduled.
Despite the belief that Christian members of the March 14 coalition will reiterate their reservations about article six, the new Cabinet is expected to receive a record level of support in the vote of confidence, given its embracement of the country’s major political parties.
March 14 Christian parties have objected to the policy statement’s including a clause that mentions the resistance’s right to liberate occupied territories independently from the Lebanese Army. Article six highlightsleast five days. Lebanon’s right to liberate its territories by means of its resistance, army and its people.
On Friday, Minyeh MP Ahmad Fatfat, a member of March 14, called for the full implementation of the Taif Accord and the spread of the state’s sovereignty over all Lebanese territory, as well as the disarmament of all militias that did not comply with constitutional norms or security institutions.
“The call for cohabitation [between Hizbullah and the Lebanese Army] would create a dangerous security duality and instigate complications that will explode,” Fatfat said.
Separately, Energy Minister Gebran Bassil, from the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), said reservations over the statement only served “media propaganda and electoral purposes.”
Bassil added that the statement mentioned the state’s right to monopoly over the country’s political orientations, which should be enough to eliminate any reason for objections over the statement. The FPM’s allies, Hizbullah and Amal, issued a joint statement on Friday saying that parties expressing their reservations about the ministerial statement did not want a strong Lebanon capable of protecting itself. “The conclusion of the ministerial statement is an essential step on the right track and will not be hindered by non-influential parties that are not part of a major national [political] understanding,” the statement said.

Abou Jamra: FPM is diclining in popularity
iloubnan.info - December 04, 2009
Change and Reform member Issam Abou Jamra stated on Friday that the FPM’s popularity is declining and which is evident through the student and union election results.
Abou Jamra pointed out that political parties could dissipated if one individual took hold of all the decisions. During an interview with al-Nashra, he said that Aoun's visits seem as a reconciliation initiative and not an honest open-heart confrontation to clear out all unresolved matters and come with positive results for the Lebanese people.

U.S. Lawmakers Urge Hizbullah's Disarmament, Express Fear Over Confrontation with Israel
Naharnet/Thirty-one members of the U.S. House of Representatives have urged the Obama administration to work toward disarming Hizbullah and preventing Iran from using the Shiite group in any confrontation with Israel. In a letter sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the lawmakers said the U.S. government should ensure greater accountability from the United Nations in enforcing Resolution 1701. "In light of the clear violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions, we ask what actions the Administration is taking to ensure the U.N. addresses these violations," the letter reads. "We must seek to support stronger multilateral efforts to disarm Hizbullah and clear southern Lebanon of Iranian weapons."
The letter notes that the Obama administration has requested $210 million for UNIFIL and $100 million in military assistance for the Lebanese army. "For that much money, American taxpayers deserve to see results," the lawmakers said. The letter warned that Tehran may try to distract the international community from its nuclear program by inciting Hizbullah into carrying out militant activities in southern Lebanon and blowing up the regional situation. The members of the House of Representatives said that in light of the increasing number of incidents in southern Lebanon and the capture of an Iranian arms ship allegedly destined for Hizbullah, they are highly concerned by the potential of Iranian-sponsored escalation along the Lebanese-Israeli border.The letter, which was sponsored by Mark Kirk and Steve Israel, said the situation in southern Lebanon became worse after the 2006 war. It added that the newly formed Lebanese cabinet gave Hizbullah veto power over major decision-making. Beirut, 05 Dec 09, 08:41

U.S. to Cooperate with Lebanese Government But Not With Hizbullah Ministers
Naharnet/Washington said the U.S. will cooperate with the Lebanese government but not with Hizbullah Cabinet ministers.
"There is no obstacle to cooperation with any official in the Lebanese government with the exception of Hizbullah," said Nicole Shampaine, the Director of the Department of State's Near East Affairs Bureau Office for Egypt and the Levant.
In an interview published Friday by the daily As-Safir, Shampaine said Hizbullah's first manifesto in 1985 "put a higher priority on the issue of an Islamic state in Lebanon", whereas the new political document was "more an attempt to show force in the face of the United States and Israel." Shampaine wondered whether the document "will help make progress towards peace and security in the region, including the people of Lebanon." She renewed Washington's support for Prime Minister Saad Hariri's government, saying: "It's totally up to him to decide where he wants to go and when he wants to go." "We will not interfere in his (Hariri's) visit to Damascus … Lebanon is an independent country," Shampaine stressed. Beirut, 04 Dec 09, 07:48

Qabbani Phones Sfeir, Says Christian-Muslim Equal Powersharing Not to Be Undermined Under Any Alibi
Naharnet/Grand Sunni Mufti of Lebanon Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani on Friday called for "putting aside the controversial political issues -- especially in the current time, because those issues divide the Lebanese -- and that would be in favor of the national consensus atmosphere after forming the government." The Mufti phoned Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir congratulating him on returning safely from his visit to the Vatican. The two religious leaders stressed during the phone call upon "the common national stances that guarantee Lebanon's unity."Qabbani warned of "divisions" that are like "holes in the wall of national unity" and that block the path of the government "preventing it from achieving the citizen's social and economical aspirations.""The Taef Accord must be implemented in text and spirit upon the rule of consensus. The equal Muslim-Christian powersharing should not be undermined under any alibi," added Qabbani. Qabbani condemned Tripoli's latest security incidents and asked the security forces to fortify their efforts to preserve security all over Lebanon. Beirut, 04 Dec 09, 16:58

Britain Denies any Change in Policy toward Hizbullah
Naharnet/British Foreign office spokesman, Barry Marston, denied any change in his government foreign policy toward Hizbullah. His remarks were made in response to comments attributed to British Foreign Secretary David Miliband in an interview with a local newspaper in which he said the U.K. will resume talks with Hizbullah. "The past few months witnessed a number of contacts and meetings with members of Hizbullah, but there is no plan to change this policy or step up contacts with the party," Marston said. Beirut, 04 Dec 09, 07:33

Najjar Wants to Improve Financial Situation of Judges
Naharnet/Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar has unveiled that a meeting will be held with judicial officials to find ways to develop the judicial system and at the same time improve the conditions of judges. Najjar told An Nahar and As Safir newspapers, however, that the meeting, which was scheduled to be held on Saturday, was postponed pending the holding of the vote of confidence session.The minister said that a judge cannot be held accountable if he isn't getting the allowances that he deserves. Beirut, 05 Dec 09, 09:45

Security Source: Roumieh Prison Full of Problems
Naharnet/A high-level security source told al-Liwaa newspaper that strong measures should be taken to reorganize Roumieh prison, which is Lebanon's largest.
The prison, which lies east of Beirut, has seen several mutinies in the past years. The source acknowledged that the jail was full of problems. He said, however, that measures were taken against two inmates, who on Wednesday opened their cells and assaulted another prisoner.The three prisoners were put in solitary confinement, the source added. Beirut, 05 Dec 09, 10:06

Hariri to Visit Syria after Government Gains Vote of Confidence
Naharnet/Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Friday said he will conduct visits to a number of Western and Arab countries, including Syria, after his government gains the Parliament's vote of confidence. In a chat with reporters, Hariri said: "We look positively at the step of establishing embassies in the two countries (Lebanon and Syria), and we have to change things in a positive manner, especially that we tried to change using negative means and we did not reach any result." Answering a question about the ministers who voiced reservations on article six of the ministerial Policy Statement, Hariri said: "I'm an honest person, if I wanted to personally voice reservation, I would've done so. But the truth is that even the ministers who voiced reservation will have to defend the ministerial statement and the government at every stake." "This is the basis of the State's image and credibility, and any reservation may be recorded inside the cabinet, but outside the cabinet, each minister has to defend the government," added Hariri. Hariri said the government will have to adapt with the requirements of the coming period, which is a period of openness toward all political factions. "There are the reconciliations that happened under the auspices of President Michel Suleiman, and all of that leads toward a consensus atmosphere in the country, especially regarding the controversial issues and government's priorities," added Hariri. Hariri said he agrees with President Suleiman "on all matters", adding that President Suleiman is the president of "all of Lebanon." "Each of us has his jurisdiction, and no one should try to stir a dispute between us, especially that the president represents me and all the Lebanese in all international forums," added Hariri. On the other hand, Hariri denied the reports about a trip to the United States, clarifying that "the visit was possible but still undecided." Beirut, 04 Dec 09, 19:28

Fadlallah: Some Parties Continue to Oppose Consensus
Naharnet/Hizbullah MP Hassan Fadlallah accused some parties of being against understanding among Lebanese although he stressed that there has been consensus on the policy statement among strong parliamentary blocs. He said the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc would discuss the statement during a three-day session in parliament starting Tuesday with a spirit of understanding. Fadlallah also criticized any cooperation between the U.S. and Lebanon "because we don't believe that the American administration is keen on the interest, peace, stability and prosperity of the economy in Lebanon." In response to the U.S. stance of not dealing with Hizbullah ministers in the Lebanese unity cabinet, the lawmaker said that the Shiite party already has no contact with Washington which is "the basic supporter of Israeli aggression." Beirut, 05 Dec 09, 11:18

Tripoli MPs Call for Stronger Measures to Prevent Security Incidents
Naharnet/Tripoli MPs on Saturday condemned the latest incidents in Abi Samra district and said there is no political or non-political cover to anyone who makes disturbances in the northern port city. During their weekly meeting, the lawmakers asked security forces to impose order and remove "security areas" which give the impression that the state is absent. The MPs also urged judicial authorities to impose the law on everybody and pursue violators. The conferees tasked MP Mohammed Abdel Latif Kabbara and Ahmed Karami with following up the issue with security and judicial authorities. Beirut, 05 Dec 09, 11:58

1,757 Officers Dealing with Nightmarish Traffic in Beirut
Naharnet/Lebanon's new cabinet ministers may lock horns on many political issues but they seem to agree on one thing: the need to resolve an increasingly nightmarish traffic situation.
Starting Saturday morning, the number of officers tasked with regulating traffic in Greater Beirut rose from 400 to 1,757 on the occasion of the upcoming holidays.
Interior Minister Ziad Baroud told As Safir that the issue of traffic is affecting all life aspects of the Lebanese. He put the blame on week road networks and chaotic driving.
"The first step in getting ready for the end of year holiday season is dealing with our traffic," Brigadier General Joseph Doueihy, who is in charge of traffic regulations in Beirut, said on Friday.
The issue is at the top of Prime Minister Saad Hariri's agenda, whose first stint as a statesman is bogged down by citizens' complaints of impossible traffic across the capital and its environs.
Frustrated drivers are late to work, run out of gas in hours-long traffic, or have to be towed out of flooded roads with the early winter rains.
Bumper-to-bumper traffic is expected to only worsen as the New Year nears, with a record number of visitors hitting the streets in the country which expects to host a record two million tourists by the end of 2010, according to tourism ministry figures. While Lebanon has introduced road safety measures in recent years, such as traffic lights, electricity is rationed and often leaves the streets, and drivers, in the dark.(AFP-Naharnet) Beirut, 05 Dec 09, 09:11

Intifada at Palestinian Camps in Tyre Ahead of Abbas' Visit to Beirut
Naharnet/Scores of Fatah officers have launched an uprising against the movement's National Security Forces official in Lebanon Brig. Gen. Adib al-Hassan to protest a new shake-up within the military ranks in the Palestinian refugee camps of Tyre. Sources close to the protestors told As Safir daily that their "Intifada" came after al-Hassan gave leadership responsibilities to a single commander rather than having three people in charge of security at each camp. As Safir said the officers held talks at one of Fatah's headquarters at Rashidiyeh camp and decided to refuse the shake-up which "limits their authorities." However, al-Hassan retaliated by withdrawing their allowances. The sources told the newspaper that there are around 600 Fatah officers in camps in the Tyre area in southern Lebanon, including 400 in Rashidiyeh. As Safir said that the conferees sent a letter of protest to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the Central Committee and the movement's leadership urging the Fatah chief to "immediately interfere to solve the situation before it goes out of hand."
The letter also said that the officers lack social and administrative needs and are suffering because of "al-Hassan's moody stances."Furthermore, the conferees accused al-Hassan of being responsible for what they called a chaos within the ranks of the National Security Forces-Lebanon. Abbas will make a brief visit to Lebanon on Monday for talks with President Michel Suleiman on bilateral relations and the plight of Palestinian refugees. During his visit Abbas will also discuss the Middle East peace process and the rebuilding of the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp in northern Lebanon. Beirut, 05 Dec 09, 08:05

Drug Dealer Killed in Shootout with Army in Baalbek
Naharnet/A prominent drug dealer from the Zoaiter clan was killed Friday and his son wounded in a shootout with Lebanese troops in Baalbek. State-run National News Agency identified the victim as Hosni Zoaiter. It said Zoaiter opened fire on Lebanese soldiers during a chase in the Baalbek town of Kneisseh, prompting troops to return fire. Zoaiter was instantaneously killed and his son was wounded, NNA reported. Beirut, 04 Dec 09, 13:20

Mental problems untreated in Lebanon
Josh Wood, /December 5, 2009
Now Lebanon/While the physical remnants of war in Lebanon are clearly visible in the pox-marked walls and abandoned buildings in almost every neighborhood, the invisible damage created by the country’s prolonged experience with violence has largely remained ignored. For most people who suffer from depression or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), associated with the decades of violence in Lebanon, mental health services are out of reach. Private psychiatrists are rare in Lebanon and expensive. NGOs providing free psychosocial services are few and far between. Even if such healthcare is readily available and affordable, those with metal health problems face another hurdle: the stigma associated with seeking help.
According to studies by the American University of Beirut, rates of PTSD and depression reach a staggering 30% in some areas of southern Lebanon. According to a study by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), 37% of Palestinian women and 19% of Palestinian men in Lebanon suffer from depression.
Despite the prevalence of mental health problems in the country, there are currently no government programs that adequately address the situation.
“As far as I’m concerned, the government has nothing [for mental healthcare] in Lebanon,” said Dr. Laila Farhood, a professor of psychiatry at AUB and one of the country’s top experts on mental health. Those suffering from mental illness are forced to seek help from private doctors, though Farhood noted that only “the highly educated and affluent” can afford to go to private mental healthcare providers.
The rest rely on NGOs that offer medicine and counseling, if they have access. And while organizations offering mental health services flooded into Lebanon in the wake of the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, many have since moved on.
One that has stayed is Medicins Sans Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders, MSF), which opened a free mental healthcare clinic in the southern Beirut suburb of Bourj al-Barajneh in 2008. Bourj al-Barajneh is the site of Beirut’s largest Palestinian refugee camp and many neighborhoods of poor Shia who immigrated to the city; both populations have long experiences with war.
One of the main goals of MSF’s pilot project in Bourj al-Barajneh is to eliminate the stigmas surrounding seeking treatment for mental illness.
“People assume that having depression or anxiety is having a weakness; that it’s an inability to deal with things,” said MSF field coordinator Edgardo Zuniga.
Zungia stressed that MSF is trying to show that mental healthcare should be integrated with primary healthcare and said that the organization is doing its best to educate the public about the realities and severity of mental illnesses.
Other institutions offering free mental healthcare include IDRAAC, based at St. Georges Hospital in Beirut; Doctors of the World, which operates in the Bidawi and Nahr al-Bared refugee camps; and Restart, a Tripoli-based program that rehabilitates those who have witnessed violence and torture.
But even if they can afford private doctors or live near an NGO that offers free mental healthcare services, seeking psychiatric help is not a priority for many Lebanese. “Perhaps Lebanese have to worry about their physical and economic situation before their mental health,” said Farhood, noting, however, that poverty is a strong contributor to depression.
One upside is that despite the higher-than-normal rates of PTSD and depression in Lebanon, there are fewer suicides here than in most countries. Farhood attributes this to strong, intimate social support networks – a safeguard against the absolute desperation and alienation that can lead to suicide.
Also, rates of depression and PTSD can sometimes change over time. According to Farhood, studies conducted by AUB in South Lebanon found that PTSD rates dropped in 2007 from where they were in 2005. This information is surprising given the relative calm in the area in 2005 – five years on from the Israeli withdrawal and one year before the devastation of the 2006 war. “People felt empowered; they were able to prevent Israel from occupying their towns,” said Farhood.
Despite such changes, the root causes beneath both depression and PTSD in Lebanon continue to go untreated. There is a consensus among mental health professionals in the country that education campaigns to eradicate the taboos about seeking psychiatric help should expand along with an increase in the availability of mental healthcare services.

Majdalani: “Contradictions” color Ministerial Statement, Hezbollah
December 5, 2009
Now Lebanon/Lebanon First bloc MP Atef Majdalani told New TV on Saturday that he thinks Article 6 of the Ministerial Statement – which pertains to Hezbollah’s arms - is “contradictory” and that “he has reservations with it because it gives the Lebanese army and Hezbollah the same powers.”Majdalani questioned whether “the clause strengthens or weakens Lebanon.”The minister also said Hezbollah is contradicting itself for approving UN Security Council Resolution 1701 because it prohibits any entity - except the state - from holding arms.
Majdalani said the parliament will “unanimously” give the vote of confidence to the government, warning that “if any coalition wants to refrain from doing so, it should withdraw its ministers from the cabinet.”According to the minister, the government will make “historical and important achievements,” if there is a real willingness to find solutions to the problems facing the Lebanese. For Majdalani, the date of Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s visit to Syria is not important; he said that what matters is the willingness to establish “the best relations with Syria.”
He also said that Hariri will visit Syria as Lebanon’s prime minister, and does not have personal motives tied to the trip.-NOW Lebanon

Sakr: STL irrelevant to Hariri-Assad meeting
Now Lebanon/December 5, 2009
In an interview published in Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Rai on Saturday, Lebanon First bloc MP Okab Sakr said that Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s visit to Syria, which will happen after the cabinet receives the vote of confidence, has nothing to do with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. He described the visit as “strategically significant,” since it would lay the foundation for cooperation, balance and equality between Lebanon and Syria, adding that he expects the visit to happen soon. “Hariri said that he will be satisfied with any verdict issued by the STL,” Sakr said, voicing hope that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad would share a similar opinion, “especially because he considers himself innocent.”He added that Assad previously described the March 14 alliance as an “Israeli product,” however, he said - regardless of that statement - Hariri’s visit could be likened to the president “shaking hands” with the alliance itself. Sakr said that many matters are up for discussion between Hariri and Assad, however, he added that “the aim of the visit is to launch a new atmosphere, that is why, not all pending issues between the two countries will be finalized.” -NOW Lebanon

Fayyad calls Hezbollah’s platform purely political, moderate
Now Lebanon/December 5, 2009
Loyalty to the Resistance bloc MP Ali Fayyad told LBCI television on Saturday that Hezbollah’s political platform, announced on Monday, is “purely political… it reflects a moderate position and it preserves Hezbollah’s principles.”He said the platform’s vision for the Lebanese state is stronger than the Taif Accord’s vision, adding that all parties should remain committed to applying the Taif. Concerning the Palestinian conflict, the MP said the party’s platform aims to reflect Hezbollah’s support for the Palestinian people, and calls on everyone to join the cause to help them.-NOW Lebanon

Elie Aoun: Druze “injustice” spurs Jumblatt rhetoric
December 5, 2009 /Now Lebanon/
Democratic Gathering bloc MP Elie Aoun told Kuwaiti newspaper An-Nahar in an interview published Saturday that Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt’s demand to break the link between religion and political position comes as a result of the “injustices” endured by the Druze sect. Earlier in the week, Jumblatt called for several reforms: the formation of a senate, the adoption of an electoral law based on proportionality and the right of anyone from any religion to occupy the post of president, who is traditionally Maronite; the premier, who is traditionally Sunni; and the speaker, who is Shia. Aoun said Speaker Nabih Berri also has a right to propose the issue of eliminating political sectarianism because he wants to continue implementing the Taif Accord.  The minister also commented on Hezbollah’s new political platform, recognizing noticeable progress in the party’s speech after it “Lebanized” its political rhetoric. Aoun said Hezbollah’s talk of partnership, its recognition of the Lebanese army and its role in protecting Lebanon, constitute a new approach to national defense and needs to be discussed in the National Dialogue. -NOW Lebanon

Nicolas wants MOU-inspired relationship with Jumblatt
December 5, 2009 /Now Lebanon/In an interview with Al-Manar television on Saturday, Change and Reform bloc MP Nabil Nicolas said the Free Patriotic Movement wants its relationship with Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt “to be similar to the Memorandum of Understanding that was reached between the FPM and Hezbollah.”
The minister added that Jumblatt’s return to his father’s principles has brought the FPM closer to the PSP leader, a possible reference to Jumblatt’s split from the March 14 alliance over the summer. Nicolas also said current cooperation between the PSP and the FPM could resolve the issue of the displaced. He said Jumblatt has to reassure the displaced to return to their villages, and the state needs to provide the money and infrastructure to carry it out. -NOW Lebanon

Abu Assi: The state cannot work in duality
Date: December 5th, 2009/Source: Free Lebanon
Secretary General of National Liberal party Elias Abu Assi said Saturday that the state cannot perform in duality, considering that dialogue is required especially in issues of disagreement.
Abu Assi told Free Lebanon radio station that there are two points of views regarding the resistance: “some look at Hizbullah as a group seeking for political gains, while others think of it as a necessity as long as the land is occupied,” describing the second opinion as non-convincing. He expressed his resentment that ‘some do not want to discuss the issue of resistance arms or reach an agreement regarding its fate,’ linking MP Michel’s Aoun visit to Bkirki with the announcement of Hizbullah’s political manifesto. Abu Assi wished that the relations with Syria would be based on ‘awareness and openness.’

Interview with Dr. Samir Geagea from Al-Akhbar newspaper
December 4, 2009
On December 4, Al-Akhbar newspaper carried the following report by Thaaer Ghandour:
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea stressed that an understanding of the Lebanese reality and the protection of the country were linked to the regional arena and especially the Iranian nuclear program, which was why it was necessary to distance Lebanon from this conflict. He then corroborated that the relations with Saad Hariri were excellent and that “Syria is the one that approached March 14, not the other way around.”
However, Geagea expressed concerns, saying, “Lebanon is being placed in the eye of the storm, but the country is doing well.
The situation in the Middle East region is not sound. There is a lot of tension along the Western-Iranian axis, but this does not necessarily settle the issue of whether or not Iran has the right to acquire nuclear arms. Unfortunately however, the issue is no longer limited to Iran and the West and has reached China and Syria.
The sustainment of the regime in the Islamic Republic has become linked to these nuclear arms. Therefore, the theory saying that Iran will maneuver, [get] earn gains then relinquish its program is false. Iran will proceed with its program, whether calmly or fast, which will entail a military clash in the region. However, it is too early to define which sides will engage in this conflict, recognizing that Hezbollah, which is a key component of the nation, will be implicated one way or another. This is what I mean when I say that Lebanon is in the eye of the storm. As an official, I believe that Lebanon should be distanced from the dangerous developments in the region. Some perceive this inclination as being isolationist.
In ancient times, human beings used to sit still to avoid the attack of a fierce animal. Therefore, in order to avoid an attack from Israel, we must calm down. No one is entitled to make any sudden moves.”
Geagea was asked, “But is Hezbollah not calm?” to which he replied, “We must respect Resolution 1701 and implement it verbatim. We must earn an international consensus over our commitment, which is not available for the time being.” He then denied that the Lebanese Forces were counting on the American-Israeli project.
“What I said about Iran is not my reading alone. It is a reading that is heard in the ranks of many sides, including study centers around the world.” But why does Geagea always put himself in a confrontation with Hezbollah? He does not deny it, saying, “Hezbollah is the one proposing initiatives and political projects in the country and one only engages in confrontations or alliances with the side playing the biggest role. Today, Hezbollah is the biggest player, not the Mourabitoun. There are many parties but their positions are traditional and non-influential. However, Hezbollah can take the country 180 degrees left or right by any step it makes. It is therefore necessary to follow its action, especially since it can lead the entire country toward the abyss, whether knowingly or unknowingly, based on good intentions or bad intentions. Hezbollah has its reading and we have ours.”
Geagea refused to discuss Hezbollah’s document in full, stating, “I am still reading it. I would like to read it thoroughly. However, I would also like to comment on one point, that of Wilayat al- Faqih [the Authority of the Jurisprudent]. What Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said about the Wilayat al-Faqih being a religious and ideological issue solely is not true. Wilayat al-Faqih is everything.
It is not related to one aspect of a believer’s life, rather to his entire life and that of the community which politics is part of.
Based on that the Wali al-Faqih hold the political decision in the nation and is the one to settle all issues after consulting with the scholars in this or that area. If I were to imagine him today, the Wali al-Faqih would adopt his decisions based on the interests of the nation, i.e. on the interests of one billion Muslims, thus placing the interests of the nation above any others and above those of the four million Lebanese people. This is where we disagree with Hezbollah. To us, the interests of the four million Lebanese are above all others.”
Asked whether or not he will visit Syria, Samir Geagea answered in a diplomatic way, saying, “I do not hold an official position such that I visit Syria. I cannot visit Syria unless the Lebanese state were to settle all the pending issues with Damascus, namely the dossier of the missing, the Syrian military bases under Palestinian cover in Lebanon… and the demarcation dossier, especially in Shebaa.” He added that Syria adopted many steps to overcome the Western threat that was imposed on it, saying, “We did not head in Syria’s direction as some of its allies are saying. Syria was the one which grew closer to us.” He was also asked, “You say that March 14 is still present?” to which he answered, “March 14 is still present and is stronger than ever. The proof of that is the fact that it won all the unionist and university elections.
[Walid Jumblatt’s] supporters are still part of it and they have backed the March
14 candidates in many universities and unions.” On the other hand, Geagea did not deny the obstruction of the translation of these victories since the parliamentary elections until this day, due to numerous developments, saying however, “When your feet are on the ground, the translation of these victories can be done at any point in time. Our bases are unchanged, although I will not conceal the fact that they are concerned. Nonetheless, at the level of the top, the meetings of the general secretariat are sufficient.”
 

Equal power sharing between Muslims, Christians should remain - Qabbani
Mufti warns political divisions could shatter national unity
By Elias Sakr
Daily Star staff
Saturday, December 05, 2009
BEIRUT: Equal sharing of power between Christians and Muslims should not be altered, said the mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani on Thursday. The statement comes as an ongoing debate over Speaker Nabih Berri’s call to form a committee tasked with abolishing political sectarianism continued on Friday as the mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani, underlined that equal sharing of power between Christians and Muslims shouldn’t be changed under any circumstances.
“The Taif Accord should be implemented in spirit and record based on the rule of consensus and the equal sharing of power between Muslims and Christians, which should not be touched under any circumstances,” Qabbani said. hinder the work of the government toward achieving the Lebanese expectations of progress on social and economic issues.
“Discussion of controversial political issues should be postponed, particularly under the current circumstances, in order to preserve the atmosphere of consensus and avoid instigating schism among the Lebanese,” Qabbani said.
Berri’s call to form a committee tasked with abolishing political sectarianism had raised a heated debate in the media, as Christian figures from March 14 rejecting the proposal, saying the circumstances were not favorable. The Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir recently emphasized that sectarianism should be abolished from “people’s hearts, before legal texts.”
During a phone conversation with Sfeir on Friday, Qabbani stressed with the patriarch the importance of their unified national stances, which constitute a guarantee for Lebanon’s unity, as well as their united efforts to preserve the country’s safety and stability. For its part, the Future Movement had linked abolishment of political sectarianism to the full implementation of the Taif Accord, including the spread of the state’s authority over all national territory and the disarmament of all militias.
Berri argued that the formation of the national committee did not necessarily mean the abolishment of political sectarianism, but rather discussions over the issue since the process could necessitate decades before reaching an agreement.On Friday, Beirut MP Hani Qobeissi, from Berri’s parliamentary bloc, said that changes to legislation should precede changes to people’s mentality, stressing that the Taif Accord had been ratified, but was still to be fully implemented.
“It’s Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to start discussing the formation of a national committee tasked with abolishing political sectarianism as stated by the Taif Accord, which Berri is observing,” Qobeissi said. Also, in a joint statement that was issued on Friday, Amal and Hizbullah voiced support for Berri’s stance, saying that it was based on legal and national principles. In an address last month, President Michel Sleiman stressed that the process should be in accordance with the Taif Accord’s clauses and based on consensus while not contradicting the principles of coexistence and equal sharing of power between Muslim and Christians.
Mufti Qabbani has also praised the last series of reconciliations between political parties since it promoted harmony within the Cabinet and would facilitate its efforts after it receives a vote of confidence from Parliament. Last month, Sleiman hosted two reconciliation meetings at Baabda Palace: one that joined Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun and Progressive Socialist Party head Walid Jumblatt, and another that brought together Jumblatt and Marada Movement leader Suleiman Franjieh, a close ally of Syria.
Jumblatt had moved toward a centrist position after his withdrawal from the March 14 alliance following the June 7 parliamentary elections, while maintaining his support for the majority and its leader, Prime Minister Saad Hariri. The meeting between the PSP leader and Aoun led to an agreement over the return of the Christian displaced from the Chouf region

Discussions over Cabinet policy statement to be extended
Hariri says Damascus visit to take place after vote of confidence
By Elias Sakr and Nafez Qawas
/Daily Star staff
Saturday, December 05, 2009
BEIRUT: Three days of parliamentary debate over the Cabinet’s policy statement scheduled to kick off next Tuesday are expected to be extended, as Prime Minister Saad Hariri prepares for an upcoming visit to Syria as part of a wider tour of several Arab states, Europe and later the United States. Hariri said Friday that the visit would take place after lawmakers vote confidence in the new national unity Cabinet, while President Michel Sleiman is scheduled to hold talks with US President Barack Obama on December 14.
With more than 55 MPs demanding the right to address the house so far and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri’s announcement that he would set no time frame to the MPs’ sessions, the discussions are expected to extend to at Hariri said he would visit Syria after the Cabinet receives the vote of confidence as part of a tour of several Arab capitals.
“Despite disagreements, we should seek fraternal ties with Syria,” Hariri told reporters at the Grand Serail in Beirut adding that “the establishment of diplomatic ties between both countries was positive.” In response to a question, Hariri denied that he objected to article six of the ministerial statement, which mentions the right of the resistance to liberate occupied Lebanese territory, adding that even ministers who had expressed their reservations over the statement should defend it following the vote of confidence.
Hariri also denied recent media reports claiming that he was also headed for the US, saying that he would visit Washington at a later date, but that the trip had yet to be scheduled.
Despite the belief that Christian members of the March 14 coalition will reiterate their reservations about article six, the new Cabinet is expected to receive a record level of support in the vote of confidence, given its embracement of the country’s major political parties.
March 14 Christian parties have objected to the policy statement’s including a clause that mentions the resistance’s right to liberate occupied territories independently from the Lebanese Army. Article six highlightsleast five days. Lebanon’s right to liberate its territories by means of its resistance, army and its people.
On Friday, Minyeh MP Ahmad Fatfat, a member of March 14, called for the full implementation of the Taif Accord and the spread of the state’s sovereignty over all Lebanese territory, as well as the disarmament of all militias that did not comply with constitutional norms or security institutions.
“The call for cohabitation [between Hizbullah and the Lebanese Army] would create a dangerous security duality and instigate complications that will explode,” Fatfat said.
Separately, Energy Minister Gebran Bassil, from the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), said reservations over the statement only served “media propaganda and electoral purposes.”
Bassil added that the statement mentioned the state’s right to monopoly over the country’s political orientations, which should be enough to eliminate any reason for objections over the statement. The FPM’s allies, Hizbullah and Amal, issued a joint statement on Friday saying that parties expressing their reservations about the ministerial statement did not want a strong Lebanon capable of protecting itself. “The conclusion of the ministerial statement is an essential step on the right track and will not be hindered by non-influential parties that are not part of a major national [political] understanding,” the statement said.

Abou Jamra: FPM is diclining in popularity
iloubnan.info - December 04, 2009
Change and Reform member Issam Abou Jamra stated on Friday that the FPM’s popularity is declining and which is evident through the student and union election results.
Abou Jamra pointed out that political parties could dissipated if one individual took hold of all the decisions. During an interview with al-Nashra, he said that Aoun's visits seem as a reconciliation initiative and not an honest open-heart confrontation to clear out all unresolved matters and come with positive results for the Lebanese people.