LCCC
ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
July 28/09
Bible Reading of the day
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ
according to Saint Matthew 13:31-35. He proposed another parable to them. "The
kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a
field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the
largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the 'birds of the sky come and
dwell in its branches.'" He spoke to them another parable. "The kingdom of
heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat
flour until the whole batch was leavened." All these things Jesus spoke to the
crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been
said through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce
what has lain hidden from the foundation (of the world)."
Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special
Reports
What might hinder Christian
cooperation? By: Matt Nash, NOW Staff , July 27, 2009
With
the region in flux, it’s time for extreme caution in Lebanon-
The Daily Star 27/07/09
Israelis loved Barack Obama; but not any more-
By
Amnon Lord 27/07/09
Latest
News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for July
27/09
Egyptian investigations: Hizbullah members trained in Lebanon and Syria
-Future News
Nasrallah: what we did on May 7 was only a warning
-Future News
Now Lebanon site: Lebanese press
round-up for July 27, 2009
Sleiman discusses development with Assad, Mitchell
-Future News
Mitchell calls on Arab states to
fully normalize ties with Israel-Now Lebanon
Geagea: Bikfaya meeting is
significant step to put an end to civil war-Now
Lebanon
Canadian ambassador: We
will continue supporting LAF-Now Lebanon
Sahili says conflict
between UNIFIL, LAF and Kherbet Selem residents resolved-Now Lebanon
Cabinet Formation Enters Fifth Week
as Opposition Speaks of 4 Ready-made Solutions-Naharnet
Report:
Foreign Ministry Says Israeli Ammunition Caused Khirbet Selm Blast-Naharnet
Aoun:
We No Longer Know Where and Who is Forming the Cabinet-Naharnet
Checchia Doubts Normal
Ties between UNIFIL, Southerners Would Return-Naharnet
Raad: We Did Everything We
Could to Help Form Cabinet-Naharnet
Geagea: Bikfaya Meeting
'Very Significant Step'-Naharnet
Berri: This Week is
Decisive-Naharnet
New UNIFIL Entrance Gate-Naharnet
Mitchell: U.S. Committed
to Mideast Peace that Includes Lebanon-Naharnet
Israeli Military Officials
Warn of Hizbullah Move on Border-Naharnet
Cairo Refers 26 Hizbullah
Suspects to Trial-Naharnet
Aridi: Cabinet to be
Formed after Hizbullah-Hariri Deal-Naharnet
Israel, U.S. keep up pressure on Iran-Reuters
Senior defense staff warns of Hezbollah move on Lebanon border-Ha'aretz
US Defence Secretary in Israel amid US peace push-AFP
Egypt refers 26 Hezbollah suspects to trial-The
Associated Press
Lebanon is Middle East's daring fashion capital-The
Associated Press
Al-Qaeda claims rocket attacks from Lebanon-Daily
Star
Sleiman, Hariri to start discussing distribution of cabinet portfolios today-Daily
Star
Gemayel, Franjieh vow to bolster Christian unity-Daily
Star
Nasrallah warns Israel preparing for next war-Daily
Star
‘Hizbullah’ plotters face trial in Egyptian security court-By
Agence France Presse (AFP)
More
than half of Lebanese see US in positive light, Pew poll reveals-Daily
Star
Saudi
tourists dominate Lebanon spending in 2009-By
Regional Press Network (RPN)
Swine
flu cases will ‘increase in fall-Daily
Star
Riad
Taha commemorated in Baalbek-Daily
Star
Armed
gang members arrested in Aley-Daily
Star
New
electoral rules pave way for big changes in Brummana-Daily
Star
Batroun becoming magnet for locals, tourists-Daily
Star
US
tries to spur Middle East peace talks-Daily
Star-Daily
Star
Al-Qaeda claims rocket attacks from Lebanon
By Patrick Galey /Daily Star staff
Monday, July 27, 2009
BEIRUT: The militant group Al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the rocket
attacks on Israel which threatened to shatter its fragile peace with Lebanon
earlier this year. A video, apparently produced and posted online by the group,
recently surfaced featuring footage of two hooded militiamen assembling rockets
and positioning them to fire at Israeli military targets from what is purported
to be South Lebanon.
The video claims to feature the voice of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and
calls for a renewed wave of attacks against “Zionist” aggressors from inside
Lebanon.
It also slams Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, accusing him of being a
“big imposter” and colluding with United Nations peacekeepers – troops the video
labels “crusaders.”
On January 8 this year, three Katyusha rockets fired from southern Lebanon
struck the northern Israeli city of Nahariya, approximately 8 kilometers from
the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFL)-administered Blue Line. No
group claimed responsibility for the attack at the time which caused minor
injuries to two people and damaged several properties.
Hizbullah – who claim victory in the 2006 war against Israel – were quick to
deny their involvement in the attacks, as were Hamas and Fatah representatives
in the country, stating that neither wished to implicate Lebanon in a conflict
with Israel, media reports said in January. In a speech given to supporters
earlier this year, Nasrallah suggested that the rocket attacks had been carried
out by Israeli agents in order to provide Israel with a pretext for an attack on
Lebanon.
The video criticizes Hizbullah in its cooperation with UNIFIL over Security
Council Resolution 1701, drafted to end the 2006 war. “How come groups who want
to liberate Palestine are considered traitors when Hizbullah is protecting the
crusaders (UNIFIL)?” the video asks, adding that “Hizbullah is using the
Palestinian cause to fulfill Iran’s orders.” The attack continues, leveling
accusations that Hizbullah is not doing enough to stop Israeli aggression in the
region. “Why don’t you use your rockets to liberate Palestine? Why are you
condemning attacks without taking real action?” the video asks. In direct
address to Nasrallah, the video inquires: “What’s the difference between you and
Hosni Mubarak?” – a reference to the decision of the Egyptian President’s
decision not to open the Rafah crossing in January this year, delaying
humanitarian aid reaching Gaza during the Israeli bombardment of the city.
Toward the end of the video, shaky pictures show rockets placed on makeshift
wooden launch pads in dense shrubbery as chants calling for an onslaught against
Israel are looped over the handheld footage. In December last year, the Lebanese
Army (LAF) discovered eight rockets connected to timers that were reportedly
hours from firing into Israel. Lebanese soldiers on a routine patrol discovered
the Katyusha and Grad rockets after being alerted by a farmer. Patrols were
stepped up along the Blue Line were stepped up following the incident.
The video claims responsibility for these incidents, boasting that the
“mujahedeen were able to intercept Zionist and crusader fortifications in South
Lebanon and were able to launch a number of attacks at several times and [in
several] places. “Some were launched and others were busted,” the voice adds in
reference to the foiling of rocket attacks by LAF patrols.
The voices of Ayman al-Zawahiri, Al-Qaeda’s second in command, and Al-Qaeda
commander in Iraq Sheikh Abu Amr al-Baghdadi also apparently feature in the
video, calling for a resurgent offensive against Israel. Reports in the Lebanese
press last week alleged that Al-Qaeda had granted its splinter cells in Lebanon
and the region “full independence” in their operations. Al-Qaeda has also given
its cells sufficient financing independence and logistical freedom to continue
operating without connection to other arms of the organization, according to As-Safir
newspaper.
Report: Foreign Ministry Says
Israeli Ammunition Caused Khirbet Selm Blast
Naharnet/The Lebanese foreign ministry reportedly informed the United Nations
that the Khirbet Selm explosion on July 14 went off in a building under
construction and the ammunition was left over by the Israeli army. Pan-Arab
daily al-Hayat said Monday that the foreign ministry informed the U.N. about the
alleged cause of the blast through a letter. The world body, however, has said
that the explosion went off at a Hizbullah weapons depot in violation of
Security Council resolution 1701. Meanwhile, An Nahar newspaper quoted informed
sources as saying that a meeting could be held Monday at the Tebnin Serail
between UNIFIL commander Maj. Gen. Claudio Graziano, Lebanese army intelligence
representatives, MPs Hassan Fadlallah and Ali Bazzi, and Khirbet Selm mayor. The
sources said efforts were exerted to contain the July 18 clash between Khirbet
Selm residents and U.N. peacekeepers by holding a meeting between the two sides.
But it was later agreed to hold the talks in Tebnin after the attempts to bring
the two sides together failed over disagreement on several minor issues.
Beirut, 27 Jul 09, 08:26
Cabinet Formation Enters Fifth Week as Opposition Speaks of 4 Ready-made
Solutions
Naharnet/One month of his appointment to form a new Cabinet, Prime
Minister-designate Saad Hariri was struggling to establish a government of
national unity amidst the Opposition's insistence on "veto power" – which
remains a major obstacle to the process of Cabinet formation. Local media said
Hariri and President Michel Suleiman will kick off Monday a new round of talks
that would focus on the distribution of ministerial portfolios in the next
government. Suleiman justified the delay in Cabinet formation, saying "this is
the first time a government was being formed away from pressure and foreign
meddling." "Despite that hindrance, the Lebanese would eventually agree on a
national unity government," Suleiman said in a statement issued by his press
office. He stressed Lebanon's "excellent relations" with Arab countries. The
daily An-Nahar on Monday, citing well-informed sources, said the Opposition has
stated that Hariri has "four ready-made solutions" for a Cabinet lineup. It said
the sources did not reveal details. They said the Opposition expects from Hariri
to come out with a "brave decision" and pick one of these solutions that would
bring the new Cabinet to light "without having to wait for any regional action."
As-Safir newspaper, however, also citing well-informed sources, said a
breakthrough has been achieved in the Cabinet lineup. "A potential break in the
impasse has been reached over the past few days and we are at the threshold of a
serious breakthrough," one source told As-Safir. Beirut, 27 Jul 09, 08:22
Qaida Claims Rocket Attacks from Southern Lebanon
Naharnet/Al-Qaida has claimed responsibility for firing rockets from Lebanon
into northern Israel. A video, apparently produced and posted online by the
group, recently surfaced featuring footage of two hooded militiamen assembling
rockets and positioning them to fire at Israeli military targets from what is
purported to be South Lebanon, the Daily Star reported Monday.
It said the video claims to feature the voice of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden
and calls for a renewed wave of attacks against "Zionist" aggressors from inside
Lebanon.
It also attacked Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, accusing him of being
a "big imposter" and colluding with United Nations peacekeepers – troops the
video labels "crusaders."
The video criticizes Hizbullah for its cooperation with UNIFIL over Security
Council Resolution 1701, which ended a 34-day war between Israel and Hizbullah.
"How come groups who want to liberate Palestine are considered traitors when
Hizbullah is protecting the crusaders (UNIFIL)?" asked the video, adding that "Hizbullah
is using the Palestinian cause to fulfill Iran's orders.""Why don't you use your
rockets to liberate Palestine? Why are you condemning attacks without taking
real action?" al-Qaida asked. In direct address to Nasrallah, the video
inquires: "What's the difference between you and Hosni Mubarak?" – a reference
to the Egyptian President's decision not to open the Rafah crossing in January
this year, delaying humanitarian aid reaching Gaza during the Israeli
bombardment of the city. Toward the end of the video, the Daily Star said, shaky
pictures showed rockets placed on makeshift wooden launch pads in dense
shrubbery as chants calling for an onslaught against Israel are looped over the
handheld footage. Beirut, 27 Jul 09, 07:07
Nasrallah: what we did on May 7
was only a warning
Date: July 27th, 2009 Source: Al Akhbar /-Future News
Hizbullah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has said what the party did
on May 7 was just a warning and is always capable of turning the situation
upside down, the Al-Akhbar newspaper reported. “Some sides accuse Hizbullah of
implication in the case of former Premier Rafic Hariri’s assassination, but the
party is a steady mountain and the international tribunal does not intimidate
it. What we did in May 7 was just a warning and we are capable of turning 10
tables upside down,” Nasrallah told the paper. Nasrallah was speaking at a
private meeting he held with a Lebanese expatriates’ delegation in the presence
of journalists. “The resistance is ready for any emergency,” he said. “Israel
has enough reasons to attack Lebanon, but there is something that hinders it
from that. Thus, a year or more might pass without declaring war on Lebanon; and
simultaneously war might erupt at any moment,” he added. “I tell you that any
possible war will lead to the destruction of the Israeli army and if any of the
enemy troops would try to step on a Lebanese land, it is going to be demolished.
This is a fact,” he maintained. “The past equation has changed and became
Beirut’s Southern Slum for Tel Aviv and not Beirut for Tel Aviv,” he confirmed.
“The Israeli say that there is a tunnel under every house in the south and that
Hizbullah is armed. The party is armed indeed so how can the Israeli soldier
enter Lebanon?” Nasrallah did not tackle the issue of the United Nations Interim
Forces in Lebanon.
Egyptian investigations: Hizbullah members trained in Lebanon and Syria
Date: July 27th, 2009 Source: AL Ahram /-Future News
Al Ahram Egyptian newspaper noted on Monday that witnesses and evidences related
to Hizbullah cell uncovered in Egypt disclosed that some of the 49 members of
the cell that have been arrested in Egypt late last year were trained in Syria
and Lebanon. The daily added that Attorney General Abdel Majid Mahmud
transferred 26 accused to State Security tribunal including both Hizbullah
leaders Muhammad Kabalan and Muhammad Youssef Mansour know as Sami Shehab. Egypt
announced earlier this year that its authorities had arrested in October, 2009 a
Hizbullah-linked cell for preparing security operation aiming at destabilizing
the country, while the Lebanese party leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said at the
time that this cell’s duty was to provide logistical aid to the Palestinians in
Gaza. These indices unveiled a lot of secrets and facts related to this case
that was preoccupying the public opinion in Egypt and that was transformed to
the United Nations and to the Security Council, stated the Egyptian newspaper.
The investigations also disclosed that the goals of the tracking operations on
Egyptian territories included boats, buildings and touristic cites, and that
arms and explosives were stored hundreds of kilometers away from the Palestinian
territories and that nothing proves that this cell was providing logistical aid
to the resistance. The daily added that it is for the first time that the
defense lawyers were personally present during the investigations and
inspections in the south and the north of the region of Sinaa to ensure their
precision. The information of Al Ahram also stated that the Attorney General all
accused were checked by legitimate medical examiners who certified that no one
among them was subject to torture.
Sleiman discusses development with Assad, Mitchell
Date: July 27th, 2009 Source: NNA
President Michel Sleiman called Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday to
discuss his meeting with US Special Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell on
Sunday.
Both presidents agreed to push forward the Mideast peace process, to adhere to
the principles of the 2009 Doha Summit, such as working toward strengthening
Arab solidarity, and to continue bilateral deliberations and coordination to
confront all regional challenges. Sleiman had received earlier a call from
Mitchell on Sunday night in which he informed the president of his meeting with
Assad, describing the meeting as “very helpful,” stressing that no compromise
whatsoever would take place at Lebanon’s expense. President Sleiman met with
Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Ziad Baroud, as well as a delegation of
Municipalities' Chiefs participating in the International Conference on
Administrative Decentralization, to be held in Tripoli on the 19th and 20th
November 2009. Following the meeting, Minister Baroud told reporters that the
decentralization principle was approved in the Taïf Accord yet has not been
implemented ever since. As for his part, Sleiman said decentralization issue is
now being requested, and the delay in its adoption postpones the developmental
progress. President Sleiman also met with Papal Ambassador to Lebanon, Luigi
Gatti, during which he praised the ambassador's efforts in reinforcing the
traditional ties between Lebanon and the Vatican. Sleiman also met with Qatari
vice premier Abdullah Attieh accompanied by Qatari ambassador Saad Ali Mahanadi,
and discussed with them bilateral relations between the two countries.
Separately, President Sleiman received an invitation from Deputy Emile Rahmeh to
attend the celebration Mass for the Maronite League anniversary to be held on
the 9th of August 2009. Sleiman also met with French Deputy of Lebanese origin,
Henri Gabriel, with talks touching on enhancing the bilateral relations between
both countries. President held a meeting with Army Commander, General Jean
Kahwaji, discussing developments concerning investigations with Fatah el-Islam
members, as well as the military institution affairs.
Deeb bothered with Sfeir’s stances
Date: July 27th, 2009 Source: Al Manar /-Future News
Hekmat Deeb of the Reform and Change parliamentary bloc said Monday the Maronit
Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir is supposed to tackle national and not
political issues.
“Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir is supposed to tackle the national and not the
political issues,” Deeb told the Hizbullah-run Al-Manar television.
He expressed annoyance with “some of the Patriarch’s political stances in which
he accuses the opposition of obstructing the country,” calling him to “refrain
from tackling political issues.”
Deeb demanded the next government to “place the general dept on top of its
priorities and set plans to resolve this problem,” expressing the Free Patriotic
Movement’s (FPM) inclination to be entitled with the finance ministry. He
pointed out “Premier designate Saad Hariri had not offered FPM leader Michel
Aoun, who demands proportionality, anything to ensure his effective
participation in the government.” Deeb hailed the Gemayel-Frangieh Sunday
meeting describing it as “good and positive.”He described the differences
between the FPM and the other Christian political factions as “political and
does not require reconciliations.”
Geagea: Frangieh-Jemayel meeting, crucial step toward ending 15 years of war
Date: July 27th, 2009 Source: An-Nahar
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has said the Jemayel- Frangieh meeting was a
crucial step for ending the repercussions of the 15 years of war between the two
families, An-Nahar newspaper reported. Marada leader
Sleiman Frangieh has visited the Gemayel family residence in Bekfaya on Sunday
as part of the inter-Christian reconciliations.
“The Gemayel- Frangieh meeting held in Bekfaya is a crucial step toward ending
the 15 years of war which should have taken place directly after the end of the
civil war and the start of the national accord,” Geagea told the paper.
“I hope all the Lebanese to commit to the spirit of reconciliation,” he
said. On a possible Lebanese Forces-Marada
reconciliation, he said “We have reiterated several times that the war ended
from the moment that we accepted the Taëf Agreement. Yet, we are willing to
agree on practical steps that enhance communication between all Christian
factions,” he maintained. “We were always in contact
with MP Sleiman Frangieh which enabled us to surpass serious problems. We
consider ourselves in a state of reconciliation with all Christian factions,” he
added.On the cabinet formation entitlement, he said “there is a real obstruction
of the cabinet formation and giving the minority veto powers in the government
is no more acceptable because it would mean that the parliamentary elections
results were not acknowledged.”“The opposition wants to gain veto powers in
every way they can get it. They are trying to give it different forms but at the
end their target is to control the decision making in the state,” he added.
Aoun: We No Longer Know Where and Who is Forming the
Cabinet
Naharnet/Free Patriotic Movement leader Gen. Michel Aoun said Monday that it is
no longer clear who is forming Lebanon's new cabinet and in which country it is
being formulated.
"We seem today in a much worse situation than we used to be during the days of
the six day war," Aoun said in his weekly editorial. "During that period the
Lebanese government used to be formed in Beirut." "As for today, we no longer
know where and who is forming it (the cabinet)," the MP wrote. He slammed the
United States and Europe for claiming they are protecting Lebanon. "They know
very well that what they're doing would lead to an explosion." The FPM leader
concluded by saying all Lebanese should understand that "their unity is the only
choice they've got today in order to safeguard their nation and themselves."
Beirut, 27 Jul 09, 13:55
Checchia Doubts Normal Ties between UNIFIL,
Southerners Would Return
Naharnet/Italian ambassador Gabriele Checchia said on Sunday that he believed
relations between U.N. peacekeepers and southerners will no longer be the same.
"I am not sure if relations between UNIFIL and residents in the region will go
back to what they used to be," Checchia said during a ceremony held in Naqoura
on the occasion of the Italian troops' deployment in the country 30 years ago.
However, the ambassador stressed relations between U.N. troops and the
southerners are good. UNIFIL Commander Maj. Gen. Claudio Graziano, who attended
the ceremony, said the peacekeepers are making sacrifices in order to have peace
and stability in the south. Graziano hoped cooperation and coordination would
continue between the U.N. troops and local citizens. Beirut, 27 Jul 09, 13:19
Berri: This Week is Decisive
Naharnet/Speaker Nabih Berri said this week is decisive for Prime
Minister-designate Saad Hariri regarding Cabinet formation. "This week will be a
decisive week in terms of determining the path taken by the process of
government formation," Berri said in remarks published by As-Safir on Monday.
Berri said he is still "optimistic" despite the delay in Cabinet formation,
pointing that the next few days are likely to witness "positive developments."
He said in the event that agreement has been reached on the government
structure, then distribution of ministerial portfolios "should not be a big
problem." Beirut, 27 Jul 09, 08:49
Gemayel, Franjieh vow to bolster Christian unity
Parties seek to end ‘depression and marginalization’
By Elias Sakr /Daily Star staff
Monday, July 27, 2009
BEIRUT: Phalange party head Amin Gemayel and Marada Movement leader Sleiman
Franjieh expressed their joint commitment on Sunday to strengthening the
Christians’ role in Lebanon and the Middle East so as to put an end to the past
era of “[Christian] depression and marginalization.” Following discussions
between the two leaders at Gemayel’s residence in the Metn town of Bekfaya, both
leaders voiced hope that ties between their two parties would be consolidated,
according to a statement by the Phalange Party. The statement said the talks
tackled three main topics, adding that the two politicians agreed to form a
joint committee to follow up on the progress in the relations between the two
parties as well as to promote harmony among their supporters. Tackling the
Christians’ role in Lebanon and the Middle East, Gemayel and Franjieh stressed
the need to “prove its importance” with regard to national decision-making “in
order to end the past period of depression and marginalization.” “Both parties
are committed to preserve the presidential [post] and boost its role by
implementing the Taif agreement,” the statement said. Concerning the Palestinian
refugees’ issue, the two parties stressed the refugees’ right of return. The
Phalange statement, which underscored the two leaders’ commitment to Lebanon’s
sovereignty and independence, added that both parties agreed to expand
administrative decentralization and encourage the growth of a modern civil
society. Regarding inter-Christian dialogue, the statement highlighted the need
for further understanding among Christian parties, “within the framework of
their political diversity so as to secure Lebanon’s national unity.” Gemayel and
Franjieh agreed following the meeting in Bekfaya to “turn the page of the war.”
Sunday’s reunion was part of reconciliatory efforts to resolve disputes that
dated back to the Lebanese 1975-90 Civil War. Earlier last month, Amin Gemayel’s
son, MP Sami Gemayel, held talks with Franjieh at the latter’s residence in the
northern town of Bnashi, after which they stressed the need to work toward
preserving and boosting the Christian role in the country. However, contacts
between Franjieh and Lebanese Forces (LF) leader Samir Geagea remained frozen
despite the recent rapprochement between the Marada Movement and the LF’s main
ally the Phalange party. On Thursday, representatives of the LF, the Marada
Movement and the Free Patriotic Movement attended a meeting of the Maronite
League headed by Joseph Tarabey. Following the meeting, a statement issued by
the League’s political committee said the talks aimed “to follow up on the
atmosphere of dialogue and to include Christian parties in the spirit of
reconciliations.” Franjieh accuses Geagea of the assassination of members of his
family and other Marada supporters in the northern village of Ehden on June 13,
1978.
Nasrallah warns Israel preparing for next war
Daily Star staff/Monday, July 27, 2009
BEIRUT: Israel is preparing for another war on Lebanon between the end of year
and next spring, Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said during
a private meeting with Lebanese emigrants, New TV reported on Saturday.
Nasrallah said the “new formula for the balance of power with Israel placed the
southern suburbs opposite to Tel Aviv.”
“Israel cannot be trusted,” he said, but added he was not trying to “frighten
the people” and asked the Lebanese to “enjoy a quiet summer.” Commenting on the
June 7 parliamentary elections, Nasrallah admitted that his group feared a
victory and criticized the electoral process, “where billions of dollars were
spent. “Yes, we feared an electoral victory so that they don’t accuse us of
using our arsenal to win,” he added. Nasrallah called on Lebanese expatriates to
respect and abide by the laws of the countries in which they live in.” He added
that Hizbullah “does not carry out security-related activities” outside of
Lebanon. On ties with Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt, the
Hizbullah leader said the openness showed by Jumblatt “was met with the same
level of honesty.” We will continue to bolster this relation as long as the
other side is proceeding in the same direction. This is not an issue of building
or winning back trust,” he added. – The Daily Star
With the region in flux, it’s time for extreme caution in
Lebanon
By The Daily Star /Monday, July 27, 2009
Editorial
It’s been a long weekend of items that can be filed under “Middle East crisis,”
or “Middle East peace,” depending on one’s perspective. A trio of visits to
Syria and Israel by high-ranking US officials are taking place; George Mitchell
has said he wants Syria’s full cooperation in facilitating an
Israeli-Palestinian agreement. On the other hand, the leader of Hizbullah has
unveiled a new watchword – “Beirut’s southern suburbs versus Tel Aviv” – as he
predicts an Israeli offensive to be launched by around the end of this year.
And, the leader of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has said his country would
retaliate against Israel’s nuclear facilities if Tel Aviv attacks the Islamic
Republic. Judging by the public statements and the surrounding speculation and
spin, everything’s on the table: offensive weapons, defensive weapons, bilateral
and regional peace agreements, an end to Israeli settlements, and a loophole for
settlement activity to continue. The crucially-important Iranian domestic front
is yet another reason for concern, and not just about the repercussions for
Hizbullah. Dramatic events in Iran can have an impact in various directions,
whether it’s Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia or Israel, and even Afghanistan and
Turkey – there’s little we can do about our region becoming increasingly complex
and interconnected
‘Hizbullah’ plotters face trial in Egyptian security court
Suspects include two Lebanese alleged ringleaders
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Monday, July 27, 2009
Samer al-Atrush /Agence France Presse
CAIRO: Egypt is to try in a security court 26 men accused of plotting attacks on
tourist resorts and ships in the Suez Canal on behalf of Lebanon’s Hizbullah,
the public prosecutor said on Sunday. They are charged with conspiracy to
murder, spying for a foreign organization with the intent of conducting
terrorist attacks and weapons possession, prosecutor Abdel-Magid Mahmoud said in
a statement. State security courts were set up under Egypt’s emergency laws and
have been in place since 1981. People tried there have no right of appeal.
Four of the accused men are on the run, including Lebanese alleged mastermind
Mohammad Qubyan who is believed to have left Egypt. The others are hiding in the
Sinai Peninsula’s mountains, security official said. The men in custody have
also been charged with refusing to help security forces catch the fugitives.
The prosecutor said in April that 49 men were suspected of plotting attacks
against Sinai tourist resorts and ships passing through the Suez Canal on the
orders of Hizbullah.
The suspects include two Lebanese alleged Hizbullah ringleaders, five
Palestinians, a Sudanese man and Egyptians. Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan
Nasrallah admitted in April that one of the captured men, Mohammad Yusef Mansur,
identified as Sami Shihab, was a Hizbullah agent tasked with smuggling weapons
to militants in Gaza.
The arrests led to a war of words between Sunni Egypt and Hizbullah’s Shiite
Iranian backers, with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abu al-Gheit accusing Iran
of using Hizbullah to gain a foothold in Egypt and wanting to turn Egypt into
its “handmaiden.” Defense lawyer Montasser al-Zayyat complained that the
defendants will be unable to appeal verdicts issued by the security court. “They
have no right to appeal, even if they are found innocent the president of Egypt
can still overrule the court’s decision,” Zayyat told AFP. Zayyat said that the
defendants had been tortured in detention and insisted therefore that any
confessions that will be used as evidence in court should be dismissed. Security
officials said the defendants were examined by a doctor who found no evidence
that they had been physically abused during interrogation. Rights groups say
torture is routine in Egypt.
The state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper had quoted Mansur as saying that Hizbullah
ordered bombings in retaliation for the assassination of senior military
commander Imad Mughniyeh in a Damascus bombing in February 2008. But a lawyer
for some of the suspects said Mansur confessed only to being ordered to scout
the movement of Israeli tourists and shipping through the Suez Canal after
Mughniyeh’s death. “He then received new orders to stop the tracking of tourists
and the canal,” the lawyer said, requesting anonymity.
The alleged plot was one of three that Egyptian security services say they have
disrupted since February, when a pipe bomb left under a concrete bench in a
Cairo bazaar killed a French tourist. The security services blamed that attack
on an Al-Qaeda affiliated group led by an Egyptian Islamist militant in Gaza and
a French woman of Albanian descent in Cairo. They also said in July that they
had arrested another group of Al-Qaeda-linked militants who planned attacks
against ships in the Suez Canal.
More than half of Lebanese see US in positive light, Pew
poll reveals
By Dalila Mahdawi /Daily Star staff
Monday, July 27, 2009
BEIRUT: More than half of the Lebanese population views the United States
favorably, according to a recent poll. A total of 55 percent of Lebanese
questioned by researchers at the Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes Project
said they saw the US in a positive light, a marked increase from 36 percent in
2002. Researchers noted marked differences among Lebanon’s religious groups,
with Sunni Muslims citing greater confidence in Obama than their Christian or
Shiite Muslim counterparts – “Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of Sunni Muslims …
say they have at least some confidence in Obama, compared with 46 percent of
Christian and just 26 percent” of Shiites.
According to the survey, released on Thursday, the findings fit in with growing
international confidence with the Obama administration. “In many countries
opinions of the United States are now about as positive as they were at the
beginning of the decade before George W. Bush took office,” the pollsters found.
Although Obama’s election saw the US image improve in many areas of the world, a
number of Middle Eastern and Muslim countries still view the United States with
suspicion, the survey said. “Animosity toward the US, however, continues to run
deep and unabated in Turkey, the Palestinian territories and Pakistan.”
The survey queried nearly 27,000 people from 25 countries between May 18 and
June 16, including 1,000 Lebanese.
“Israel stands out in the poll as the only public among the 25 surveyed where
the current US rating is lower than in past surveys,” the survey said, citing a
seven percent decrease in US standing since 2007.
Despite increased confidence in the US and Obama, the majority of Lebanese (68
percent) say they do not believe Obama will consider their country’s national
interests, and 63 percent are skeptical his Middle East policies will be “fair.”
More Lebanese see the US as an enemy (33 percent) than a partner (27 percent),
although a considerable number (37 percent) said they saw Washington as neither.
“The only two publics in which majorities consider the US an enemy are the
Palestinian Territories (77 percent) and Pakistan (64 percent),” the pollsters
said.
The survey also sought opinions on Islamic extremism. Lebanese respondents were
found to have decreasing support for Osama Bin Laden, leader of the Al Qaeda
terrorist group, whose popularity here shrank 16 percent from 2003 to a mere
four percent today. Some 51 percent of Lebanese said they were “very concerned”
about Islamic extremism in their country.
Lebanon also showed a dramatic change in its Muslim citizens’ attitudes to
whether suicide bombings could ever be justified. Answering that question in
2002, 74 percent of Lebanese Muslims answered yes; current figures have dropped
to 38 percent.
Like many of the other countries polled, the Lebanese were found to strongly
support the closure of Guantanamo Bay, a notorious US military prison in Cuba
used to detain terror suspects. A total of 91 percent of Lebanese respondents
called for the camp’s closure, as did 82 percent in France and 93 percent of
Palestinians.
Respondents were asked for their views on the swine flu pandemic, with 52
percent of Lebanese saying they were “somewhat or very worried” about exposure
to the virus.
The Pew survey also assessed attitudes toward the environment, family life, US
and NATO operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the financial crisis and
globalization. It had an error margin of three percent.
From the Lebanese perspective it’s a time of extreme caution, since we’re the
ones who might be trampled as these developments continue to take shape. Lebanon
has been used as an excuse for stopping negotiations, or an excuse for starting
them. We might find ourselves used to derail the plans of Barack Obama, or used
to get White House policies back on track. We should remember how politicians
anywhere are fond of playing with the following notion: What’s the best way to
get people to the negotiating table? A little war.
Here in Lebanon, we should be careful, especially since our public lacks a sound
mechanism for holding leaders accountable, whether its our president,
Parliament, prime minister-designate, or Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. But we should
note that Nasrallah is right: the situation is serious. We don’t know who might
start a conflict, or where.
We’ve long been the arena in which conflicts are detonated, and attempts to
“end” them are launched.
Our recently-elected representatives, on both sides of the political divide,
should be aware that the country simply can’t afford to pay the price again. We
should remember our July experience of three years ago. True, Israel received a
bloody nose, but did the conflict do anything in the end to advance the
Palestinian cause, for example? Did July 2006 do anything to help the situation
in Gaza? Simply put, we need a united front on the following point: using
Lebanon as an arena of conflict for “jump-starting peace” isn’t productive at
all.
Israel, U.S. keep up pressure on Iran
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel affirmed during a visit by the U.S. defense
secretary Monday that it was still considering military force for thwarting
Iran's nuclear plans, and encouraged other countries to keep their options open.
"We clearly believe that no option should be removed from the table. This is our
policy. We mean it. We recommend to others to take the same position but we
cannot dictate it to anyone," Barak told reporters after meeting Robert Gates.
But, Barak said, priority should be given to diplomacy and possibly tougher
sanctions against Iran.
U.S. President Barack Obama has made fresh diplomatic engagement with Iran --
which denies seeking nuclear arms -- a centerpiece of his foreign policy.
Gates affirmed that the United States hoped for an Iranian response by
September, saying the timeline "does not significantly increase the risks to
anybody."
"I think that the president is certainly anticipating or hoping for some kind of
response this fall, perhaps by the time of the U.N. General Assembly," Gates
said.For his part, Barak said the schedule for U.S.-led engagement with Iran should
be kept short.(Reporting by Jim Wolf, Writing by Dan Williams, Editing by Jeffrey Heller)
What might hinder Christian cooperation?
Matt Nash, NOW Staff , July 27, 2009
Kataeb Party President Amin Gemayel (R) met Marada Movement President Sleiman
Franjieh in Bikfaya yesterday in an attempt at political cooperation between the
two parties. (NOW Lebanon)
Sleiman Franjieh and Amin Gemayel met Sunday afternoon in Bikfaya as Lebanon’s
divided Christian leaders are once again talking about reconciliation. The
Marada Movement and Kataeb Party presidents, members of opposed national
coalitions, are seeking political cooperation, one possible consequence of which
could eventually be a meeting between Franjieh and Samir Geagea’s Lebanese
Forces, much more bitter rivals. While contact between the Kataeb and Marada has
been limited, it never officially ceased throughout the parties’ histories,
though they have not coordinated on policy in years.
What obstacles block the path to Kataeb and Marada cooperating politically?
The parties are headed by ascendant clans – the Gemayels of Bikfaya and the
Franjiehs of Zgharta – who have long wielded power in Lebanon and stood together
as often as they’ve been at odds.
For example, they backed opposite sides in the 1958 civil war, but Kataeb party
founder Pierre Gemayel supported late Marada Movement founder Sleiman Franjieh’s
successful 1970 presidential bid. Initially allied in the Lebanese Front when
another civil war broke out a few years later, the Kataeb and Marada militias
eventually began fighting each other, primarily over the lucrative “taxes” taken
at gun point from the port, and from cement and roof-tile factories in the
northern city of Chekka.
Though both now say the past is forgotten, Sleiman Franjieh’s father, Tony, as
well as his mother, infant sister and some 30 others were slaughtered in 1978 by
men commanded from Beirut by Amin’s bother, Bachir Gemayel, who went to his
grave denying he ordered the killing. There were rumors of Franjieh culpability
in a 1980 attempt on Bachir’s life, in which his 18-month-old daughter was
accidentally killed, and Bachir’s assassination in 1982 likely went a long way
toward absolving the Gemayels in the Franjiehs’ eyes, as Amin and Bachir were
known to be somewhat distant.
However, historic grievances could hinder cooperation today; the 1978 bloodbath
will certainly impede LF-Marada reconciliation, as Franjieh holds Geagea
directly responsible, though the latter denies his role.
Syria could also stall or derail political work between the Kataeb and Marada.
Late former President Sleiman Franjieh forged a bond with Syria’s ruling Assad
family in the 1950s, and the Franjiehs have been staunch allies of Damascus
since. Should Lebanon’s larger neighbor want Christian reconciliation talks to
stop, Franjieh would almost certainly cancel them.
Why would Franjieh and Gemayel want this effort to succeed?
Franjieh apparently wants to expand his base of support and could arguably be
positioning to recover some of the supporters of Michel Aoun, his more
politically powerful Christian ally. With his other prominent backer, Syria, no
longer exercising as much power over Beirut, Franjieh may also feel increasingly
isolated within his community.
For Amin Gemayel, fulfilling the campaign promise of Christian reconciliation
made by his son, newly-elected MP Sami Gemayel, is likely a factor. He would
also score points if he plays a role in ushering in rapprochement between
various Christian rivals, not least the LF and Marada.
Gemayel and Franjieh may also genuinely want to see some semblance of unity –
even if some issues continue to divide them – among Lebanon’s Christians,
especially as the Future Movement, Amal, the Progressive Socialist Party and
Hezbollah hurry to put their differences aside.
**NOW would like to thank Kataeb Party Second Vice President Salim Sayegh and
Marada Movement spokesman Sleiman Franjieh for their help with this article.
Mitchell calls on Arab states to fully normalize ties with Israel
July 27, 2009/ -AFP/NOW Staff
US Special Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell called on Arab states on
Monday to fully normalize ties with Israel after meeting with Egyptian President
Hosni Mubarak during his regional tour aimed at reviving stalled Middle East
peace talks. After the talks, Mitchell told reporters that Washington was asking
countries in the region to set the "context" for comprehensive peace
negotiations between Israel and the Arab world. "By comprehensive I mean peace
between Israel and Palestinians, between Israel and Syria, between Israel and
Lebanon and the full normalization of relations between Israel and the countries
of the region," he said. "We are not asking anyone to achieve full normalization
at this time, we recognize that will come further down the road in the process,"
he said. However, he added that the US administration wanted to see "meaningful
steps by individual countries." Mitchell left Egypt to the West Bank, where he
is expected to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The US envoy will also
hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.
Geagea: Bikfaya meeting is significant step to put an end to civil war
July 27, 2009 /NOW Staff
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea told An-Nahar newspaper on Monday that the
meeting that took place on Sunday between Kataeb Party leader Amin Gemayel and
Marada Movement leader MP Sleiman Franjieh in Bikfaya “is a significant step
toward putting an end to the repercussions of the civil war.” He said that
such a meeting should have been held immediately after the war ended in 1989 and
voiced hope that all parties would commit to “the spirit of reconciliation.” He
also said that a meeting between the Lebanese Forces and the Marada remains
“possible,” adding that his party is ready to agree with the movement on
practical steps to enhance communication between all Christian parties. “We
consider ourselves in a state of reconciliation with the Marada as well as all
Christians,” he stressed. Geagea emphasized that the cabinet formation is facing
“real obstruction” and reiterated his refusal to grant the opposition the
obstructing-third vote within the new government.
Canadian ambassador: We will continue supporting LAF
July 27, 2009 /NOW Staff
Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon Martial Page visited the Southern city of
Nabatiyeh on Monday to check on the operations aimed at demining the region and
removing cluster bombs, left behind by the Israeli forces following the 2006
July war against Lebanon. Page also said that Canada will continue to support
the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Sahili says conflict between UNIFIL, LAF and Kherbet Selem residents resolved
July 27, 2009 /NOW Staff/During a political meeting in Baalbek, Loyalty to the
Resistance bloc MP Nawwar Sahili said that the clashes that took place two weeks
ago between residents of Kherbet Selem and UNIFIL forces has been overcome. He
added that some parties, a reference to Israel, wanted to instigate a conflict
between southern residents and UNIFIL, “but they failed.”The relationship
between the peacekeeping soldiers and the Lebanese Armed Forces will be back to
normal, said Sahili.
Now Lebanon: Lebanese press round-up For July 27, 2009
July 27, 2009
Press round-up for Monday, July 27th from the morning edition of Lebanon’s An-Nahar,
Al-Akhbar, As-Safir, and Ad-Diyar newspapers.
Opening Titles
The Bikfaya meeting consolidates the Kataeb-Marada reconciliation; Geagea hails
“the major step and [says he] is ready for holding discussions.”
Five days to remove obstacles hindering the formation of the government or to
extend the status quo.
The opposition speaks about four ready-made formulas; the majority warns against
allurements.
The “Hezbollah cell” in Egypt is to be tried by the State Security Court.
Local News
Hopes of forming the government by the end of the month dwindled, as a new
“experimental proposal” [was suggested] to return to the “super-minister”
formula. This proposal, which was formulated during the past few days,
contravenes the demand for the obstructing-third vote.
According to opposition sources, the prime minister-designate has four
ready-made proposals for the formation of the government, but he has yet to
reveal their contents. The opposition believes Saad Hariri has a “bold decision”
to make by choosing the required formula.
According to the majority, PM-designate Saad Hariri has yet to submit any
formula for the government due to the difficulty to which he is confronted with
regard to removing the obstructing-third obstacle as long as the opposition is
using it as a compulsory condition.
Minister Ghazi Aridi noticeably said yesterday that the president “was right in
rejecting the formula of a ‘minister in consignment’.” Aridi said that the
formation of the government is delayed due to [the lack of] agreement over the
identity of the sixth Shia minister, adding that “the obstructing-third vote and
proportionality are out of the question.”
MP Sleiman Franjieh’s visit to Bikfaya yesterday consolidated the reconciliation
between the Kataeb and the Marada Movement. The meeting was attended by the
families of former President Amin Gemayel and MP Franjieh, albeit in the absence
of MP Nadim Gemayel.
In his first comment on the Gemayel-Franjieh meeting, LF Executive Committee
leader Samir Geagea told An-Nahar yesterday evening, “We believe that the
Bikfaya meeting is an important step in order to put an end to the 15-year war.”
When asked about when the turn would come for a similar step between the
Lebanese Forces and the Marada Movement, Geagea said, “We do not have a problem
[with it]. We are ready to hold discussions regarding practical steps promoting
increased communication among all Christian parties.”
Egypt’s Public Prosecutor Abdel Majid Mahmoud announced yesterday that 26
suspects accused of planning attacks on Egyptian sites to Hezbollah’s credit are
having their case transferred to the Higher State Security (Emergency) Court.
Opening Titles
Hariri is to submit his proposals by the end of the month.
Franjieh in Bikfaya: Geagea’s declarations are positive.
Public debt is a crime estimated at $58 billion.
Local News
Sources quoted Speaker Berri as saying yesterday that “the month is not over
yet, and those who question deadlines can admonish me on August 1 if no progress
is made regarding the formation of the government.”
According to sources, Speaker Berri asserted that Prime Minister-designate Saad
Hariri will submit several versions of his vision regarding the formation of the
government in the coming days. Berri went on to say that King Abdullah may
arrive in Damascus anytime.
A MP close to PM-designate Saad Hariri predicted that Hariri will submit a
preliminary proposal based on which negotiations regarding the formation of the
government will be held.
Public debt is to exceed $58 billion in practice by the end of the current year,
amounting to more than 215% of Lebanon’s GDP. This increase is tantamount to a
crime that is going on unpunished.
Opening Titles
Nasrallah: “Tel Aviv in retaliation for Dahiyeh”; the war shall change the
regional map as a whole.
The “camouflaged” guaranteeing-third vote makes a breach in the wall of the
government’s formation.
Berri to As-Safir: The current week is decisive; the reference to the Resistance
in the ministerial statement “will be stronger.”
Local News
Sources told As-Safir that the deadlock came to an end over the past few days
and that a serious breakthrough will be made regarding the formation of the
government in the coming days.
President Sleiman and Speaker Berri reportedly reached an agreement following
their meeting last Wednesday, knowing that President Sleiman had reportedly
asserted that he would not accept [having his share include] any “ministers in
consignment.”
The agreement between Sleiman and Berri was cemented in the subsequent meeting
between the president and Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, who relinquished
for the first time the 16-10-4 formula in favor of a 15-10-5 proposal.
Speaker Berri told As-Safir that the current week will be decisive for setting
the course of the government’s formation, adding that he is still optimistic.
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah expressed a new strategic equation within the framework
of the “virtual war” between the Resistance and Israel, saying that “Tel Aviv
[will be hit] in retaliation for [any potential strike on] the southern suburbs
of Beirut.”
On the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and the Der Spiegel report, Nasrallah said
that Hezbollah is not at all worried in this respect, adding that “they know
they have nothing on us.”
Opening Titles
The Bikfaya lunch between Gemayel and Franjieh puts an end to the war and lays
the foundation for Christian dialogue.
Sfeir: Are those hindering the state project listening to the voice of God?
Hezbollah: We want the obstructing-third vote for decisions that may lead to
ruin.
Mitchell praises Syria’s historic role in the region and informs Al-Assad of
Obama’s wish to achieve comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
Local News
Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad discussed with US Special Envoy George Mitchell
regional peace prospects and bilateral relations. According to Syrian
Vice-President Butheina Shaaban, the meeting was held in a positive mood.
According to sources, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri will be holding
intensive consultations within the coming three days with several Lebanese
leaders, including MPs Sleiman Franjieh and Talal Arslan.
Sources mentioned the names of some potential ministers in the prospective
cabinet, including Youssef Saadeh (Marada) as minister of Health, Faisal as-Sayegh
(Democratic Gathering) and Elias al-Murr as minister of Defense or Foreign
Affairs.
Maronite Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir wondered: “Are those hindering
the state project listening to the voice of God, the voice of conscience?”
Deputy President of Hezbollah’s Political Council Hajji Mahmoud Qomati called
for [granting the opposition] the obstructing-third vote, saying: “Yes, we want
the obstructing-third vote for government decisions that would lead the country
to ruin.”