LCCC
ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
December 19/09
Bible Reading of the day
Isaiah 57/15
For thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and
humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of
the contrite. 57:16 For I will not contend forever, neither will I be always
angry; for the spirit would faint before me, and the souls who I have made.
57:17 For the iniquity of his covetousness was I angry, and struck him; I hid
myself and was angry; and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart. 57:18
I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore
comforts to him and to his mourners. 57:19 I create the fruit of the lips:
Peace, peace, to him who is far off and to him who is near,” says Yahweh; “and I
will heal them.” 57:20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it can’t
rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt. 57:21 “There is no peace,” says my
God, “for the wicked.”
Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special
Reports
Turbulence still mars Saudi-Syrian
relations/By: Michael Young/December 18, 09
Walking the walk/Now
Lebanon/December 17, 2009
The real thing/By:
Bassel Oudat/Al-Ahram Weekly/December
17/09
Latest
News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for December 17/09
Syria
Seeking Annulment of 1559, Lebanon's FM: Resolution is Dead/Naharnet
Moussawi: 1559 is Worthless/Naharnet
Berri asks Hoff the reasons to
revive resolution 1559/Future News
Chamoun: Hizbullah is foolish and
politically immature/Future News
British Captain among 4 Dead after
Ship Capsized off Lebanon Coast/Naharnet
Hariri
in Damascus Sunday after Suleiman Visit/Naharnet
Moussawi: 1559 is Worthless/Naharnet
Mottaki in Beirut Next
Week/Naharnet
Geagea: Aoun insists on separation
from FPM values/Future News
Qaida Behind Rocket
Attacks on Israel/Naharnet
Syrian Warrants Have No
Effect on Damascus Visit, Hariri/Naharnet
PSP Delegation Visits
Geagea, Says Relation Persistent with All Previous Allies/Naharnet
Geagea: Any Progress in
U.S.-Syrian Ties Won't Take Place at Lebanon's Expense/Naharnet
Suleiman Grants Ghassan
Tueni Lebanese Order of Merit/Naharnet
Army Command: Reports on
Meetings with UNIFIL, Israel Harm National Interest/Naharnet
International Tribunal,
INTERPOL Conclude 'More Comprehensive' Deal/Naharnet
Raad Does Not Hide Some
Disappointment over Saudi Stance, Understands Suleiman's Visit/Naharnet
Washington Supports a Stronger Lebanon/Voice
of America
Rights group 'shocked' as Hezbollah official
speaks at Sorbonne/Ha'aretz
The plus side of an arms race with Iran/guardian.co.uk
STL signs pact with INTERPOL to aid in investigation/Naharnet
LAF dismiss reports of Ghajar withdrawal/Naharnet
Hariri: Syrian summoning warrants
have 'no impact' on upcoming visit/Naharnet
Lebanese mother scores point for
women's rights/Naharnet
Ship carrying dozens capsizes off
Lebanon/Naharnet
Washington mulls resuming direct
flights to Beirut/Naharnet
Nationwide licensing drive rolls out in
Gemmayzeh/Naharnet
Rain-ravaged Lebanon founders in
nationwide flood havoc/Naharnet
Former Syrian President Amin Hafez dies at 89/The
Associated Press
COHEN: What to expect from
a nuclear Iran/Washington
Times
Underestimating the enemy/Foreign
Policy
The Enduring Iran-Syria-Hezbollah Axis/American
Enterprise Institute
Moussawi: 1559 is Worthless
/Naharnet/Hizbullah's International Relations Officer Ammar Mousawi said Friday
that U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559 is "meaningless." "It is being
exploited in an effort to impose a trusteeship on Lebanon," Moussawi believed.
"No one has the right to exercise the role of the guardian of Lebanon because
the issue of weapons will be discussed in the framework of the defense
strategy," he added. Beirut, 18 Dec 09, 12:43
Moussawi: Crisis will not be resolved
as long as US considers Hezbollah a terrorist organization
Now Lebanon/December 18, 2009/Hezbollah International Relations Officer Ammar
Moussawi said in an interview with New TV on Friday that “the crisis [ of
Hezbollah’s arms] will not be resolved as long as the US considers Hezbollah a
militia” and keeps it on its Foreign Terrorist Organization list. Moussawi added
that UN Security Council Resolution 1559 created “sedition” among the Lebanese
and does not have any political weight in the country. The resolution paves way
for foreign “guardianship” over Lebanon, he said. Moussawi reiterated that the
issue of Hezbollah’s arms should be addressed during the National Dialogue,
adding that the “dialogue is not [held] to save the country from the
Resistance’s weapons, but to come up with a national defense strategy.”-NOW
Lebanon
Berri asks Hoff the reasons to revive
resolution 1559
Date: December 18th, 2009/Future News
House Speaker Nabih Berri has said that Israel does not want to achieve peace,
and Lebanon would be the last of all Arab countries to sign a peace treaty with
the Jewish entity, the reputable An-Nahar newspaper said Friday. Berri’s
comments came during a meeting with Frederick Hoff, assistant US envoy to the
Middle East George Mitchell in charge of the file on Syria and Lebanon, at
Berri’s residence in Ain Al-Tineh Thursday. Berri asked Hoff the reasons behind
US efforts to reactivate resolution 1559 that called upon Lebanon to establish
full sovereignty over its territory and for all foreign forces to withdraw from
Lebanon, he said: “Lebanon abides by UN resolution 1701based on decision 425
since Ghassan Tueini was Lebanon’s representative in the UN in 1978. The US is
very well informed on the Israeli constant violations to resolution 1701.”
UN Resolution 1701 was issued in August 2006 and called for an end to the
hostilities between Israel and Hizbullah after a 34-day war that erupted due to
Hizbullah kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers on the southern borders of Lebanon.
According to the paper, Berri accused the US of disrespect to the decisions they
make, he said: “The US contributed in issuing resolution 425 back then. It seems
you do not respect the decisions you make.” The 1978 UN resolution 425 called on
Israel to withdraw immediately its forces from Lebanon and established the
United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL). On the Hizbullah party
weapons, Berri told Hoff “the weapons are meant to free our occupied land. We
await for your administration to see what it will do in that respect and in
taking action against the Israeli aggression on Palestinians.”
Syria calls on Lebanon to work toward
withdrawing UN Resolution 1559
December 18, 2009 /Al-Hayat newspaper reported on Friday that the Syrian Foreign
Ministry sent an official request to Lebanese Ambassador to Syria Michel Khoury
that Damascus calls on Lebanon to make an effort into convincing the UN Security
Council to withdraw Resolution 1559. Syria put forth its request, since it
considers the resolution has been implemented after it withdrew from Lebanon in
April 2005, reported the daily. An anonymous source told Al-Hayat that under
international law, it is impossible to withdraw a resolution after its adoption
in the Security Council. The source added that the Lebanese Foreign Ministry
will not tackle Syria’s request before a decision is taken in the cabinet in
accordance with President Michel Sleiman’s wishes and the Ministerial Statement.
The daily also reported that Lebanese FM Ali Shami informed ambassadors to
Lebanon that Resolution 1559 is “no longer in effect.”
Another source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told to the daily that
Shami informed US officials during his visit with President Sleiman to
Washington earlier this week that “the issue of Hezbollah’s arms is to be
discussed during the Lebanese National Dialogue sessions.”-NOW Lebanon
Syria Seeking Annulment of 1559, Lebanon's
FM: Resolution is Dead
Naharnet/A controversy has emerged over U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559
with Syria and its Lebanese allies seeking annulment of the decision, while
others believe the clause related to Hizbullah arms has yet to be fulfilled.
Pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat said Friday that Syria has officially asked Lebanon's
ambassador in Damascus Michel Khoury to deliver Syria's request seeking
annulment of 1559 to the Lebanese government. Syria, according to the newspaper,
considers 1559 had been accomplished after it withdrew its forces from Lebanon
in April 2005. Meanwhile, Lebanon's Foreign Ministry was also reportedly seeking
annulment of the decision. Al-Hayat said Foreign Minister Ali al-Shami has
informed ambassadors accredited in Lebanon that 1559 is "dead." Well-informed
sources said Shami, who was part of the delegation that accompanied President
Michel Suleiman to Washington, argued that Hizbullah arms' issue is slated for
discussion during all-party talks. Shami stressed that the problem was ongoing
Israeli air, sea and land violations of Lebanon. Beirut, 18 Dec 09, 08:42
Chamoun: Hizbullah is foolish and
politically immature
Date: December 18th, 2009/Source: Al Massira
Leader of the National Liberal Party MP Dori Chamoun said that Hizbullah is
foolish and politically immature; adding that he did not grant the government
his vote of confidence because accepting the presence of illegitimate arms would
be a mistake. Chamoun told Al-Massira magazine that he refuses anything related
to resistance, specifically Islamic Resistance, which was monopolized by a
certain Lebanese group. National Liberal Party is a March 14 ally that ran the
elections against March 8 team lead by Hizbullah which represents the forces
backed by Syria and Iran. March 14 refuses illegitimate arms and calls for a
strong state, solely authorized to take peace and war decisions, while March 8
adheres to resistance arms and insisted on including this matter in the
ministerial statement. Chamoun refused to grant the cabinet his vote of
confidence, objecting on the sixth article regarding resistance arms, saying the
he expressed the opinion of the Lebanese who are not foolish. “Resistance lost
its legitimacy when it directed its arms to the inside and killed Lebanese to
impose its opinion,” he said, adding that nothing prevents Israel from
performing a new July 2006 war. “Diplomacy succeeded to stop Israel from
destroying the Lebanese vital sectors not Hizbullah,” Chamoun said, adding that
the latter still follows the project it announced year 1985 to turn Lebanon into
an Islamic Republic. “Hizbullah still considers Vilayat Al Fakih more important
than Lebanon. This party is foolish and politically immature” Chamoun said. He
said that Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun offers the displaced an
empty fund box, calling to give the rights to the people of the Mountain.
Chamoun pointed that the flirt between Syria and Aoun is not new, but goes back
to the time when the latter was in Paris, adding that Aoun’s alliances with
Syria’s agents in Lebanon were clear from the beginning.
Geagea: Aoun insists on separation from FPM values
Date: December 17th, 2009/Source: NNA
Lebanese Forces parliamentary bloc MP Strida Geagea indicated that MP Michel
Aoun insists on separation from the values of his Free Patriotic Movement that
struggled against Syrian tutelage, reported the state-run NNA. Parliamentarian
Geagea, responding to MP Aoun’s Wednesday interview condemning “Lebanese Forces
provocation of hatred,” asserted that “Michel Aoun is hatred itself and he
insists on parting from his movement’s values.” Adding that Aoun is threatening
Christian existence in Lebanon, Geagea indicated that Lebanese Forces succeeded
in attracting more of Aoun’s supporters “which irritated Aoun and drove him to
refuse openness especially after he returned from Damascus.”She stressed that
the Forces remain committed to the party’s values even during tutelage
oppression.
Turbulence still mars Saudi-Syrian
relations
By: Michael Young,
December 18, 2009
Now Lebanon
Few failed to notice what the Saudi Arabian foreign minister, Saud al-Faysal,
told the New York Times on Tuesday, and the possible implications for
Syrian-Saudi amity in Lebanon. Among other things, the prince remarked that
Lebanon could never be sovereign for as long as Hezbollah “owns more arms than
the military force of the country.” As for Iran, he continued, the Islamic
Republic should not be permitted to build nuclear weapons, before stating that
he was “suspicious” about its assertions that the nuclear program was peaceful.
Nothing in those words indicated an imminent conflict between Riyadh and
Damascus. Indeed, Saud al-Faysal is not the kingdom’s point man in relations
between the Saudis and Syrians, a role that has apparently devolved to King
Abdullah’s son, Abdul Aziz. However, implicit in his remarks was a very clear,
if indirect, expression of what the Saudi priorities are in Lebanon and the
broader Middle East, namely the containment of Iran and its most powerful
surrogate, Hezbollah.
The haziness over Saad Hariri’s visit to Damascus is an additional sign that not
all is right between Syria and Saudi Arabia, even if both sides have an interest
in remaining conciliatory: the Saudis in order to pursue King Abdullah’s project
of “Arab unity” in the face of a rising Iran; Syria, because the rapprochement
with Riyadh has given it wide berth to reassert its will in Beirut. Although
Hariri has said that he would visit Syria soon, according to reports a formal
Syrian invitation has yet to be extended. That may mean the Syrians want to
impose more conditions on his visit, after allowing Jamil al-Sayyed, the former
head of the General Security directorate, to embarrass the Lebanese prime
minister by asking that some of his close collaborators appear before a Syrian
court.
But it is Syria’s relationship with Iran that lies at the heart of Saudi-Syrian
uneasiness. While the terms for the improvement in ties between Damascus and
Riyadh were never made clear publicly, it seems obvious that Saudi Arabia
expects President Bashar Assad to distance himself in tangible ways from Tehran,
and to help in Hezbollah’s containment. Until now nothing has been visible on
either front, amid signs that the Assad regime intends to play Saudi Arabia off
against Iran to its own benefit.
Take, for example, the disinformation floated by the minister Adnan al-Sayyed
Hussein last week. Before President Michel Sleiman’s visit to Washington, Sayyed
Hussein – who allegedly belongs to the president’s quota in the cabinet, but in
reality has become a spokesman for Syria and Hezbollah – said that the president
would ask the Americans to consider implementation of Resolution 1559 an
internal Lebanese matter, effectively “withdrawing” it from the international
community. This ultimately proved to be bogus, a cynical ploy to undermine
Sleiman’s meeting with President Barack Obama, but also a reminder that the
president could not maneuver against Syria’s and Hezbollah’s interests.
The episode must have been enlightening to the Saudis. They saw that Sayyed
Hussein was a ventriloquist’s dummy, and they knew that behind him was Syria,
along with Hezbollah, endeavoring to impose on Sleiman the neutralization of a
resolution calling for the disarmament of all militias in Lebanon, especially
Hezbollah. That hardly represented implementation of the “tangibles” Riyadh had
been expecting from Assad on constraining the party. It also embarrassed the
Saudis with the Americans (not to say the Egyptians), who have remained
consistently skeptical that better ties between Saudi Arabia and Syria would
change Syrian behavior in Lebanon and lead Assad to break with Tehran.
The problem is that the Saudis are now prisoners of the opening to Damascus.
Their ability to shape events in Lebanon is less than Syria’s, so that any
effort to reinterpret the concordat might shift the balance of power in Lebanon
decisively against Riyadh and its local allies. That means that we are in for
more uncertainty ahead along the margins of Lebanese political life, where Syria
can increase its power, even as King Abdullah and Bashar al-Assad continue
putting up a facade of civility.
In this context, we can reflect on what actually happened in Damascus recently,
when a device destroyed the back of a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims. The Syrians
claimed it was a bursting tire, a laughable explanation when one examined
photographs of the incident and heard eyewitness accounts. If the Syrians were
hiding something, it meant they felt a need to hide something. What? What really
happened? One can only speculate, but in the context of the hardening positions
on the Syrian and Saudi sides, and given the symbolism of the Iranian target,
it’s legitimate to ask whether the two were somehow linked, without drawing any
conclusions.
Syrian-Saudi relations are an admixture of parallel interests (in Iraq),
mistrustful cooperation (on Arab-Israeli peace and in Lebanon), and carefully
submerged hostility (over Iran). That doesn’t make for a new strategic
relationship between Assad and King Abdullah, but it does complicate thoughts of
a divorce tremendously. Unfortunately, Lebanon will remain a front line in that
surly marriage of convenience.
**Michael Young is opinion editor of the Daily Star newspaper in Beirut.
Lebanese Dilemmas
Date: December 17th, 2009/Future News
Who followed up the confidence sessions at the parliament concludes that the
Lebanese dilemmas haven’t changed since the crack of dawn.
The most prominent dilemma reflected in the stiff language, which dominated the
speeches of some MPs whose consciousness did not exceed the dialectic concerns
of dull and silly sectarianism. Some speeches were clichés of demands, and
others were characterized by political chaos. Only few MPs discussed the current
political reality witnessed by Lebanon and the Lebanese. One of those who
competed to prove their rhetoric skills intentionally ignored that there is no
opposition at the parliament, and that it is only limited in the street.
Mentioning this matter is not intended to call for division as was the case
before the second designation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri.
But the absence of opposition at the parliament under the pressure of consensus
is not very promising regarding Lebanese democracy which we praise and write the
finest poetry in its name.
Experience proved that the situation of the Lebanese state will never be
balanced unless the political, constitutional and legal institutions are
protected on the basis of power separation.
Hariri in Damascus Sunday after
Suleiman Visit
Naharnet/Prime Minister Saad Hariri will likely visit Damascus on Sunday
following an excepted similar trip by President Michel Suleiman in the next 48
hours. Sources said Hariri will fly to Damascus where he would be met by Syrian
Prima Minister Mohammed Naji Otari before meeting President Bashar Assad for the
first time since 2005 or perhaps for the first time since Assad resumed
presidency in 2000. An-Nahar newspaper on Friday said arrangements for the visit
had been finalized. Beirut, 18 Dec 09, 10:09
Syrian Warrants Have No Effect on Damascus Visit, Hariri
Naharnet/Prime Minister Saad Hariri said that the issue of Syrian warrants
against a number of Lebanese officials "does not exist for me." "Nations do not
build reciprocal relations in that way," Hariri said in an interview with MTV
network in parallel with Copenhagen's climate summit. He considered the Syrian
warrants against several Lebanese political, security and judicial officials as
"a mistake," given that "it was not right for a Lebanese citizen to file a
lawsuit against his fellow citizens abroad." However, Hariri hoped for better
Lebanese-Syrian relations "built upon honesty and mutual interest of the two
countries." Hariri was referring to the warrants issued by Syria over a lawsuit
filed by Maj. Gen. Jamil Sayyed. Media reports on Thursday said Syria has
separated the issue of warrants from Hariri's visit to Damascus. Sources close
to Hariri told daily As-Safir there was "no longer any justification for the
postponement of the premier's visit to Damascus." Meanwhile, OTV said Hariri
tried to postpone his trip pending a settlement to the warrants' issue. It said
Hariri has asked Saudi's and Turkey's mediation in this respect. Syria was
reportedly seeking an exit strategy from the warrants' crisis. Pan-Arab daily
Asharq al-Awsat, citing Lebanese sources following up Hariri's Damascus visit,
said Wednesday that the trip is likely to take place on Sunday. Ad-Diyar
newspaper, for its part, said Hariri-Assad meeting was scheduled for last
Sunday, 3 p.m. and was postponed due to the death of Assad's younger brother,
Majd. It said details of the visit were being worked out by Saudi King's son and
that it has nothing to do with warrants issued by Syria against a number of
Lebanese officials over a lawsuit filed by former head of Lebanese General
Security Jamil Sayyed. On the other hand, Hariri met with a number of
delegations' presidents in parallel with his participation in Copenhagen's U.N.
climate change summit. Hariri visited the residence place of Turkish President
Abdullah Gul where they held a meeting over the latest developments in Lebanon
and the region, and the means of strengthening relations between the two
countries. The prime minister also received at the Bella Center conference venue
Kuwait's PM Sheikh Nasser Mohammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah and his deputy Sheikh
Mohammad Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah. The meeting tackled the Arab situations and
bilateral ties. Furthermore, Hariri received a visit from Saudi Petroleum and
Mineral Resources Minister Ali al-Nuaimi. Hariri called in Lebanon's speech
before the conference to unite the global efforts of fighting climate change,
revealing a series of measures to be taken by Lebanon to thwart its effects. He
pledged to increase the usage of renewable energy in Lebanon to 12 percent by
the year 2020. Lebanon's prime minister urged the developed nations to unify
their efforts in helping the developing nations to cope with climate change. He
stressed that world nations should leave a less damaged planet for the coming
generations. Beirut, 17 Dec 09, 21:36
»British Captain among 4 Dead after Ship Capsized off Lebanon Coast
Naharnet/Four people, including the British captain, have died after their ship
capsized in stormy seas off the northern Lebanon coast. A search, however, for
more survivors continued Friday after rescuers managed to pull out 38 crew
members and passengers alive. A rescued crew member of the Panamanian-flagged
cargo ship Danny FII said their British captain died when the ship capsized in a
storm off the coast of Tripoli on Thursday, a Lebanese security official said
Friday. A major international rescue launched Thursday has so far pulled 38
among the 82 people who were on board from the rough Mediterranean waters, a
Lebanese army communiqué said Friday. It said U.N. and Lebanese navy rescue
boats continued the search in the early hours of Friday. The statement said two
British helicopters sent from Cyprus were taking part in the rescue operation,
in addition to an Italian warship, a German logistics ship and two Lebanese
freighters. One of the survivors, a Filipino national, told rescuers that the
British captain of the vessel which was heading from Uruguay to the Syrian port
of Tartous, had been killed. "He told us that the ship's engine went down and
the captain sounded the alarm and told everyone to jump in the water," a rescue
official recounted. "He said that 10 minutes after they jumped, the ship
overturned sideways in very high waves and sank with the captain still on
board."
"The sea conditions are rough and we need to find the survivors quickly because
they run the risk of hypothermia," a Tripoli port official said late Thursday.
"Rescue efforts are being hampered by the fact that we're operating in an area
where the waves are as high as three meters (10 feet) and because of the
floating dead animals," he added. A Lebanese military spokesman told AFP the
crew apparently had time to put on their life jackets before the boat capsized.
The ship overturned about 11 nautical miles off Tripoli after sending a distress
signal at around 3:55 pm (1355 GMT) Thursday. It had changed course and was
trying to reach the Lebanese capital Beirut when it capsized. The ship's
operator, Agencia Schandy, told AFP in Montevideo that the Danny F II had a crew
of 76 and six passengers -- four Uruguayans, one Brazilian and an Australian. It
had left Montevideo on November 23 with about 10,000 sheep and almost 18,000
cattle bound for Tartous, north of Tripoli, but was forced to change course
because of the bad weather. All of the animals were presumed lost. A
Togolese-flagged ship also sank off the southern coast of Lebanon last week.
Several crew members were rescued by Israel but a number are still
missing.(AFP-Naharnet) Beirut, 18 Dec 09, 07:50
Qaida Behind Rocket Attacks on Israel
Naharnet/Al-Qaida propagandist Assad al-Jihad said the group "is not new in the
region."Al-Jihad said in a 104-page report, excerpts of which were published
Friday by daily Al-Akhbar, that Qaida members in Lebanon have a Shoura Council
and a legitimate body, in addition to a leadership and field commanders "with
experience in world battlegrounds and its various fronts." Jihad said Qaida was
behind the rocket attacks from southern Lebanon into Israel during the war on
Gaza. "Those who fired rockets on Israel during the war on Gaza are heroes who
participated in the first and second battle of Fallujah," Jihad wrote. "They are
close comrades of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi," he added. Jihad said Qaida-Damascus
branch was also responsible for the rocket fire from Lebanon into northern
Israel on June 17, 2007 and in January 2008. He said the same group was also
behind the eight rockets found on Dec. 25, 2008 in southern Lebanon. On Shaker
al-Abssi, Jihad said the former Fatah al-Islam leader had been arrested in the
Damascus rural neighborhood of Mliha in cooperation with Sheikh Hashem Minkara.
Beirut, 18 Dec 09, 10:48
Walking the walk
December 17, 2009
Now Lebanon/As 2009 draws to a close, it is likely to be given the unenviable
title of being among of the 10 warmest years on record since 1850. This may
gladden the hearts of Lebanon’s legions of sun worshippers, but it is an ominous
milestone as the world redoubles its efforts to battle against global warming,
the phenomenon caused by the growth in energy production and consumption over
the past half century. By the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil,
as well as deforesting, increased CO2 emissions have turned up the earth’s
temperature to dangerous levels. It is the über-issue of our time.
This week’s UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, or COP15, has been
touted by many as one of the last opportunities for the world’s industrialized
nations to agree on a new policy on the reduction of greenhouse emissions that
would come into effect after the landmark 1997 Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.
And while it is the major industrial nations – China, the US, the EU, Russia,
India and Japan – that are the main culprits in producing the vast majority of
the world’s emissions, the emerging, developing and Third World countries must
also shoulder their Green responsibilities.
On Wednesday at the conference, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who headed
a delegation to Copenhagen, announced that his government would welcome any
support from developed nations in fighting the impact of climate change on
Lebanon, which, according to a recent UN report, produces 0.073% of global CO2
emissions, and emits more greenhouse gases per capita than the global average.
In short, it has its work cut out.
Already sea levels are rising while rainfall is falling by 20%. Areas that need
urgent addressing include mismanaged water resources, deforestation, the use of
destructive pesticides and air pollution – mainly caused by Électricité Du Liban,
Lebanon’s creaking national grid, snarling traffic made up of too many old cars,
and Lebanon’s four cement factories (which between them produce over 70% of the
total industrial emissions).
These are the challenges on an infrastructural level, but at a grass-roots level
the government can also do much more to show businesses and individuals how they
can manage their carbon footprint (the unit used to measure how much greenhouse
gas emissions are caused by organizations, events or persons). Most of us have
some vague idea of how we can live a greener life. Simple things such as
properly recycling waste, driving less, changing light bulbs and even ensuring
our tires are properly inflated can all save energy and reduce our carbon
footprint, but without a governmental endorsement of a national initiative that
reaches into, and educates, every home in the country, Lebanon will fall short
of its global obligations.
If Hariri is genuine about taking Lebanon into the bright new dawn, on the
horizon since the Independence Intifada of Spring 2005, then he must embrace,
not just with words, but with actions, the global issues of our time, and
climate change is arguably the biggest.
So back to Copenhagen and Hariri’s commitment: “We are fully committed to face
climate changes and to decrease the greenhouse gas emissions on the global
level,” he declared in his Wednesday speech. “We will implement several measures
on the national level to reduce climate change effects. We chose to commit to
increase the proportion of renewable energy to 12% [of total energy consumption]
by 2020.” His words echoed those of his new Environment Minister, Mohammad
Rahhal, who, on December 4, went as far as to say that Lebanon would capitalize
on its natural resources such as wind, water and sun.
This is all very noble, but our track record on such issues has been poor. As
they say in America, “he can talk the talk, but can he walk the walk?”
The real
thing
By: Bassel Oudat
Al-Ahram Weekly
18/12/09
The Syrians expected Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri to be in Damascus
soon after he delivered his government's policy statement, but instead he chose
Saudi Arabia as the inaugural stop of his tour of Arab and foreign states. This
will be followed by a visit to Syria to end a boycott by Al-Hariri of the Syrian
regime, which was triggered by the assassination of his father former Lebanese
prime minister Rafik Al-Hariri in February 2005.
Al-Hariri's visit to Saudi Arabia comes as no surprise, given the strong
relations he has with the leadership there, as did his late father before him.
In fact, Saudi Arabia was one of the strongest supporters of Al-Hariri and his
policies in Lebanon, and played a role in the formation of the younger
Al-Hariri's incumbent cabinet. Doubtlessly, his stopover in Saudi Arabia is a
courteousness visit by Al-Hariri to the Saudi leaders.
Damascus did not even wait for the policy statement before it invited Saad
Al-Hariri to visit. In fact, Syria's prime minister extended an invitation as
soon as the Lebanese agreed on the composition of their government. Damascus was
not disappointed when Al-Hariri gave his policy address, and was reassured by
the positive references towards Syria. The address revealed that the Lebanese
government "is looking forward to raising the level of brotherly relations
between Lebanon and Syria, in keeping with the historic ties and joint interests
[of the two countries], based on trust, equality and respect of each other's
sovereignty."
The address neglected to mention UN Resolution 1559 which calls on Syria to
withdraw its troops from Lebanon under supervision. Al-Hariri had reiterated
this as soon as his government won a vote of confidence in parliament, and also
sent a delegation to convey his condolences to Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad
on the death of his brother. In this more relaxed atmosphere in Syria,
preparations for a visit are full speed ahead in both Beirut and Damascus.
Al-Hariri's government won an overwhelming vote of confidence on 10 December,
where 122 representatives voted in favour and three abstained -- a majority
which has not been seen since Al-Taif. These figures are even higher than those
achieved by Al-Hariri senior when he became prime minister.
Ahead of Saad Al-Hariri's visit, Syrian officials said he is welcome any time
and indicated that preparations are feverishly underway, even though it may not
appear so on the surface. The Syrian media focussed on the importance and
significance of the visit. According to one Syrian source, Prime Minister
Al-Hariri's presence in Syria "is an event in itself; everything else is
details." Damascus believes that the trip will mark a new phase of Lebanese-
Syrian relations in line with the Arab and international desire for Syria's
leadership to support Lebanon. This will positively influence interactions
between the two neighbours, which will also be mirrored domestically in Lebanon
and Syria. It will, however, reflect poorly on those who are discomfited by the
visit on principle, since it undermines their political rationale.
According to Syrian sources, Damascus will listen to what its Lebanese guest has
to say, since he is first and foremost the head of the Lebanese government, the
son of Rafik Al-Hariri, and also for other reasons. These sources deny that the
visit will only benefit Syria, but insist that as a result Lebanon will achieve
great political, security and economic gains. It will also be a factor in
improving Syrian-Saudi and Syrian-Egyptian ties, and perhaps even usher in fresh
reconciliatory Arab relations.
Syria's Al-Watan newspaper described Al-Hariri's visit as "The Event -- The
Transformation" with which the prime minister is launching his new term. The
newspaper noted that his visit will directly and tangibly affect many issues,
such as strengthening and stabilising Al-Hariri in power after Damascus embraces
and protects him. Having described the Lebanese government as "the best
possible, given the de facto divisions and the open political conflict", the
newspaper noted that Al-Hariri's stop in Damascus will bring a new dynamic to
the playing field and improve the standing of the government and its prime
minister.
"The visit is not only important for restructuring Lebanese-Syrian relations,
but also for Lebanon's status in the region," asserted Al-Watan. "Syria has
proven its presence in the region, which is very important for Lebanon since
Syria is the most prominent supporter of its affairs."
In response, majority representatives in Al-Hariri's government described the
trip as a state visit, not a personal one. He is travelling as the head of
government, not the leader of a political movement or majority. "This visit
should not be promoted as anything more," they argued. "Neither will it
influence the decision of the international tribunal in any way" as it
investigates Al-Hariri senior's assassination.
Ahead of the visit, Lebanese MP Michel Aoun, leader of the Change and Reform
bloc, associated with Hizbullah and Amal, went to Damascus at the invitation of
Al-Assad. No details were given about the visit, except what the media reported
as the strengthening of ties. Aoun denied any connection between his trip and
Al-Hariri's anticipated visit. Informed sources, however, assert that the
invitation was to reassure Aoun that Damascus will not alter its relationship
with him after talks with Al-Hariri, and that he will remain an ally and a
confidante of Syria's leadership.
Meanwhile, subpoenas issued by the investigative judge in Syria and Lebanon to
Lebanese politicians and military figures almost snuffed the visit before it
began. The subpoenas were filed by former chief of general security Major
General Jamil El-Sayed, who is closely affiliated with Syria and was suspended
for four years in the wake of Al-Hariri's assassination. The visit was
jeopardised because some of those who were subpoenaed are in Al-Hariri's inner
circle.
It appeared as though Syria was indirectly dictating to Al-Hariri the delegation
that could accompany him on the trip; namely, none of those with subpoenas,
including former ministers Marwan Hamada, Charles Rezq, Hassan Al-Sab, former MP
Elias Attallah, judges Said Merza, Saqr Saqr and Elias Eid, officers Ashraf Rifi,
Wessam Al-Hassan and Samir Shahada, journalists Hani Hammouda, Faris Khashan and
Hamid Gherifani, in addition to former ambassador Johnny Abdu, among others whom
El-Sayed accused of falsely testifying against him or aiding in giving false
testimonies.
Bothayna Shaaban, Al-Assad's political and media adviser, was quick to deny any
connection between Syria and these subpoenas, saying that this is a private
lawsuit by El-Sayed. Shaaban asserted that Damascus does not want to obstruct
Al-Hariri's visit in any way. But the plaintiff is highly respected by Syria's
leadership, and met with Al-Assad soon after his release from jail in summer and
once again one month ago.
It is worth noting that regional and international efforts paved the way for the
visit, which only a few months ago was impossible. Saudi Arabia played a major
role, as did France, and Syria responded by playing a more positive role in the
formation of a Lebanese national unity government. In response, Arab and Western
capitals noted Syria's cooperation in facilitating the formation of the
government more than 140 days after Al-Hariri became prime minister.
No doubt, the prime minister's agenda will be packed with overdue issues between
the two countries, but will not include Syria's possible involvement in his
father's assassination. Al-Hariri will focus on strengthening a brotherly
relationship of equality between Lebanon and Syria, bilateral issues such as
demarcating the borders, the Lebanese identity of the Shabaa Farms, Lebanese
citizens who are missing in Syria, as well as revising economic and service
agreements between the two states.
Some observers believe that the visit could be historic and end chronic tensions
between Al-Hariri and the Syrian leadership, while others warn against such
sweeping optimism. They believe the visit might only be a courtesy call by a new
prime minister, as was the case when former prime minister Fouad Al-Siniora
visited after his first government won a vote of confidence. Overall, the
Syrians hope Al-Hariri's visit will be both functional through meeting with top
officials, including the prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, but
also of a personal nature when he meets with Al-Assad.
Leaders in Damascus hope that the trip would be an ice- breaker with Al-Hariri,
especially for some of Al-Hariri's supporters who refuse rapprochement with
Syria. They are also concerned about the outcome of the international tribunal
investigating Al-Hariri senior's assassination. It is certain that the success
or failure of the visit will decide the future of relations, cooperation,
coordination and "brotherhood" between Lebanon and Syria.
It appears that after four years of accusations, conflict and boycott, the
Syrians and Lebanese have come to realise that they need to maintain their
special relationship based on a common history, joint interests and intersecting
borders. This is especially true since Syria is Lebanon's only access to the
outside world by land, and internal Lebanese equilibrium requires approval from
Syria -- a reality in place since independence.
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