LCCC
ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
May 06/09
Bible Reading of the day.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 10,22-30. The feast of the
Dedication was then taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked
about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around
him and said to him, "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are
the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you and you do not
believe. The works I do in my Father's name testify to me. But you do not
believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know
them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never
perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them
to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father's hand.
The Father and I are one."
Free Opinions, Releases, letters &
Special Reports
Between ‘Michel Lahoud’ and
‘Emile Aoun/Future
News
Gone with the wind/Future
News
The tribunal intrigues
Hizbullah… threatening elections/Future
News
An
Israeli withdrawal from Ghajar would benefit all of Lebanon.
The Daily Star 05/05/09
Shimon Peres Addresses AIPAC
Conference
Latest News Reports From
Miscellaneous Sources for May
05/09
Saad: Al-Mustaqbal Using
Sectarian Provocation to Attract Voters-Naharnet
Sfeir: Divisions among
Christians Is the Root of the Problem-Naharnet
Washington Rejects Syria's
Call for Dialogue with Hamas, Hizbullah-Naharnet
UK publishes 'persona non grata'
list/Israeli News
Cairo Court Rejects
Hizbullah Cell Complaints, Egyptian Labor Minister Contacts Fneish-Naharnet
Conflicting Reports on
Israeli Pullout from Ghajar-Naharnet
Ex-President Amin
Gemayel undertakes heart
surgery/Future News
Sfeir fears rumors on postponing
elections/Future
News
Honein: Attacking and Blocking is
all they do/Future
News
Naharnet Exclusive: Madeleine Albright in Beirut on Exploratory Mission-Naharnet
Lebanese Eye Special Judiciary
Meeting as Generals' Release is said to be Price of U.S.-Syrian Deal-Naharnet
Police Arrest Armed Man at Mustaqbal Movement Meeting in Akkar-Naharnet
Hizbullah Sacrifices for Sake of Aoun to Eliminate Jezzine Knot-Naharnet
Preparations Underway to
Hand over Hussein Jaafar to Lebanon-Naharnet
Police Request Copy of
Friday Sermon Causes Political Strom-Naharnet
6 More Israel-Linked Spies
Arrested-Naharnet
Head of EU Delegation
Concerned Over Absence of Constitutional Council-Naharnet
Jumblat Renews Call for
End of Political Sectarianism-Naharnet
Former Lebanese president Gemayel hospitalized-Daily
Star
Geagea accuses Hizbullah of endangering stability-Daily
Star
Syria
grills suspect in killing of four Lebanese troops.(AFP)
Baroud praises intelligence officers for arrests of suspected Israeli spy
network-Daily Star
Assad
urges US to reach out to Hamas and Hizbullah.(AFP)
Aoun
withdraws support for Special Tribunal-Daily
Star
Top
UNIFIL official to visit Israel for to discuss Ghajar pullout-Daily
Star
LOG
head accuses Hizbullah of hampering polls-Daily
Star
MP
Mukhaiber lists issues to be resolved with Syria-Daily
Star
Mikati: No alternative to 'centrism and unity'-Daily
Star
LAF
denies army confiscated truck carrying missiles-Daily
Star
Economist rejects claims that Lebanon avoided financial crisis-Daily
Star
USJ
to host 'Alliance of Civilizations' seminar-Daily
Star
Migrant domestic workers speak out about hardships endured in Lebanon-Daily
Star
First
batch of EU poll observers deployed-Daily
Star
Lebanese woman fined for losing unborn baby in Dubai car crash.(AFP)
AUB
celebrates inauguration of new president-Daily
Star
Gemayel undertakes heart
surgery
Date: May 5th, 2009 Source: NNA
Former President and leader of the Kataeb Lebanese party Amine Gemayel on
Tuesday had a heart surgery, according to a statement issued by Hotel Dieu
hospital.
The statement added the surgery was successful, and Gemayel will remain in
recovery at the hospital for a short term period.
US answers Assad – 'Stop
supporting terror first'
State Department rejects Syrian president's call urging Washington to negotiate
with Hamas and Hizbullah, suggests Damascus use its influence over
aforementioned organizations in positive manner
Yitzhak Benhorin
Published: 05.05.09, 01:33 / Israel
WASHINGTON - The US would like to see Syria play a constructive role in the
Middle East, US State Department Spokesman Robert Wood said on Monday in
response to Syrian President Bashar Assad's call urging Washington to establish
dialogue with Hamas and Hizbullah.
Wood said that the US "would to see Syria change the behavior" of Hamas and
Hizbullah, and reiterated 'No Peace For Peace'
Assad: Hamas, Hizbullah won't attack Israel with our help / Roee Nahmias
Syrian president responds to Foreign Minister Lieberman's recent remarks,
stresses 'there's no such thing as peace in exchange for peace'
that the US administration views both as terrorist organizations.
"We call on Syria to use its influence to make these two groups play a
constructive role in the region. As I said, up until now they haven’t. They know
what they need to do, and we hope Syria will use its influence on these two
groups."
The State Department's comments came several days after President Assad proposed
in a televised interview with 'France 3' that Washington deal "directly or
indirectly" with Hizbullah and Hamas in order to achieve peace in the Middle
East. Assad further suggested that his country would facilitate the talks
between the US and the Arab groups.
Wood also addressed reported Israeli concerns regarding the rapprochement
between Washington and Damascus, saying: "We hope to have a dialogue with Syria
about a number of concerns that we have in the region. And we hope that that
will result in Syria taking some steps that we want to see. And our interests
are the same as Israel’s in terms of trying to get Syria to play a much more
productive role in the region, to cease from supporting terrorist groups."
A number of senior US officials visited Syria some two months ago, and another
delegation is expected to travel there in the coming weeks, although Wood said
he did not have any new details at present.
Further allaying concerns that the rekindled diplomacy between the US and Syria
was moving too fast, Wood added: "So we’ve got a long way to go before we
actually have a good relationship with Syria. As I said, we have a number of
outstanding concerns, and hopefully we’ll be able to address them as we go
along. We think Syria has an opportunity to play a positive role in the region.
We encourage it to do so."
Sfeir fears rumors on postponing elections
Date: May 4th, 2009 Source: NNA
Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir said on Monday that the electoral
atmosphere is still ambiguous, and “the situation was unclear” regarding the
formation of all electoral lists.
The patriarch also said he feared rumors that claimed the upcoming parliamentary
elections would be postponed. Sfeir received Italian Ambassador Gabriel Kekya,
where they discussed developments and bilateral relations between both
countries. Lawyer and President of "Change Movement" Elie Mahfoud and secretary
general of the movement Antoine Saadeh submitted a study to the patriarch in
terms of the economic situation in the current and previous year. Mahfoud
criticized the series of attacks on the Lebanese security apparatus, and slammed
the accusation and smearing campaigns against the Lebanese judiciary. “During
the Syrian tutelage we suffered from tormenting oppression, arbitrary detentions
and unjustified verdicts, but still we never attempted to disrepute or doubt in
the credibility of the judiciary,” Mahfoud argued. He underlined Hizbullah’s
struggle and intentions to take over the Lebanese institutions, and warned of
its retaliatory attitude over the victory of March 14 after the elections.
Mahfoud commented on the violent rhetorics adopted by (one of the four released
generals) and the attacks against Lebanese dignitary figures, “Which reminds us
of their malice doctrine in mishandling power during the Syrian hegemony,” he
added.
Gone with the wind
Date: May 5th, 2009
Future News
The arrogance of the militias of ‘March 8’ opposition alliance reached its peak
as this group attacked the judiciary and smudged its sanctity and its noble
mission, which is to protect the rights and guarantee the function of
institutions.
Throughout Lebanon’s history, no political movement has done what the ‘Thank you
Syria’ gang did through targeting the judicial body politically. Nobody has to
rush to defend the judiciary, as no one has the right to attack it, as they all
realize the dimensions and consequences of attacking such an independent
authority. The judicial authority should not be shaken because if it was, the
pillars of the Lebanese historic settlement will be structurally wobbled. Thus,
all the Lebanese must take a decisive stance in this regard; not just a direct
political stance, but a stance related to Lebanon’s culture. How do they dare
attack the judiciary? On what did they base their stupid and ridiculous remarks
which made the judiciary a subject of political dispute? Between 1973 and 1975,
the Lebanese argued over the army and its role, and amidst the incidents of
Saida in February 1975 and the bus of Ain el Remmeneh on the 13th of April,
1975, the break out of the Lebanese civil war, protests supporting the Lebanese
Army and others opposing it marched across the Lebanese regions. Thus the
country fell in the blaze of a fanatical and arbitrary war. Today, the same
phantom of division roams above the country, knowing that the Supreme Judicial
Council is the only institution competent of chastising for the mistakes- if
there were any. This fact will never change because the reign of “intelligence”
is gone with the winds of the Cedars Revolution. Back then in the tutelage days,
during the rule of Emile Lahoud, the former President, we never knew anything
about the judicial practice, except for “intelligence” and the “good citizen”
and the pursue of Ministers and General Managers for spiteful reasons; practices
which aimed at ruling Lebanon by an autocratic and totalitarian regime, as is
the case in Syria and Iran.
The tribunal intrigues Hizbullah… threatening elections
Future News/Date: May 5th, 2009
Getting closer to June 7, March 8’s campaign against the Judiciary is still at
its starting phase, creating a tense atmosphere that contradicts their promises
on the national dialogue table less than a week ago. This goes against March
14’s openness on the opposition that refuses the dialogue, the international
tribunal and the Judiciary, thus the institutions and the state… leaving an
impression that the elections won’t be allowed next month.
Meanwhile, the intelligence department of the internal security forces is
continuing its outstanding achievements of tracking spying networks working for
Israel. This department lately arrested the Jaafar brothers and Hussein Y. in
the southern village of Bint Jbeil, in addition to three others in Deir Antar
suspected of coordinating with the mossad.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora responded to the Israeli media that
noted that the Zionist troops will withdraw from the village of Ghajar soon by
saying: “This reflects the Israeli confusion towards the Lebanese security
services that are discovering spying networks affiliated to it in Lebanon.”
Accountability of Judiciary
The sides claiming resistance and patriotism did not comment on the spying
networks issue for political purposes, as they seem annoyed by the achievement
of a department they previously accused of treason. MP Michel Aoun, the leader
of the Free Patriotic Movement, considered that “several ministers and MPs
committed violation and must be penalized, thus the Attorney General should meet
its obligations.” He also asked for “an investigation following the press
conference of Jamil Sayed,” a General released lately by the international
tribunal.
Hizbullah is a suspect!
The Supreme Judicial Council will meet today to respond to March 8’s campaign
against the judicial authority, and to assert that “the constitutional
institutions are the only path to hold the Judiciary accountable.” Furthermore,
Ibrahim Najjar, minister of Justice, transferred to the Prime Minister the
law-project to amend article 108 of the criminal procedural law, following the
discussions held at the last Cabinet session on Thursday. Samir Geagea, leader
of the Lebanese Forces Party, responded to March 8’s accusations from Mearab,
saying that a part of the opposition is attacking the Lebanese judiciary and
another is attacking the international tribunal. Geagea, who did not intend to
respond to these campaigns felt provoked by Sayed Hassan Nasrallah’s comment on
the issue, and said: “I considered what happened after the release of the four
Generals a kind of reaction, but it seems that a campaign is being held against
the Judiciary and the international tribunal, and after the media appearance of
Sayed Nasrallah and the consecutive statements I was sure that the attack was
organized intentionally.”
While Geagea “called on Nasrallah to reconsider his stances,” urging the
Lebanese to take them into consideration at the polls on June 7, Walid Jumblatt,
leader of the Democratic Gathering parliamentary bloc, reminded the citizens
that “the international tribunal was the first issue consented on at the
national dialogue, and must be kept away of local disputes. We also need to keep
the Lebanese Judiciary away of political disputes.”
As for the June 7 parliamentary elections, Jumblatt asserted that the PSP will
run these elections following its political document alongside with its allies
in the March 14 coalition, “and we’ll achieve a victory in democratic
competition.”Tensions concern the Patriarchy
Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir described the electoral atmosphere as
“fuggy”, and expressed concerns towards statements pointing to postponing these
elections.
Discussions are being held to reach agreements over the composition of the
lists, as MP Saad Hariri, the leader of the Almustaqbal Movement, will announce
the names of the candidates on the movement’s list of Beirut’s third district on
the first anniversary of the May 7 events. Almustaqbal close to an agreement
with the Islamic jamaa
Ibrahim Masri, vice secretary general of the Islamic Jamaa, said that “the Jamaa
made the Almustaqbal Movement an offer, and the results will wait movement’s
response.”
On the other hand, the EU chief of the committee observing the elections, Jose
Ignacio Slafranca, launched the committee’s work in Beirut, asserting that it is
independent. He expressed concerns toward the formation of the Constitutional
Council.
Between ‘Michel Lahoud’ and ‘Emile Aoun’
Future News
Date: May 5th, 2009 Source
The common factors appearing today between former President Emile Lahoud and MP
General Michel Aoun are greater than ever and growing gradually.
Both men create enemies that are only present in their own imaginations, they
relentlessly strive to raise sectarianism and revive the coalition of the
minorities whether be it the Christian minorities in Lebanon, the Shiites
Muslims in Iran or the Alawites in Syria.
They chanted for the slogan of fighting settlement in Lebanon, a claim that has
been approved unanimously by the Lebanese. They are taking advantage of this
issue to justify their collaboration with the Syrian regime. On his part, Lahoud
sees the Syrian domination in Lebanon as a guarantee to thwart the settlement of
Palestinians, while Aoun believes that the Arab-Israeli conflict ensures that
the settlement issue in Lebanon is no more an alternative.
The joint interest between the two men is no more focused on the real concerns
of the Christian community; particularly after the Taëf Accord where the issue
of settlement was consecrated thus making it is no more a matter to be anxious
about. To the contrary, the two men focused on the Palestinian security camps
supported by the allies of the Syrian regime in Lebanon who supplied those camps
with weapons.
Lahoud did not save an opportunity to reach the presidency, he went too far in
applying the ‘philosophy’ of hegemony as a guarantee to the country’s peace and
stability, which was interpreted in disastrous confiscations of people’s
freedom. Aoun followed Lahoud’s steps when he considered the May 7 assaults on
Beirut and other areas in Mount Lebanon as a ‘new beginning’ thus legitimizing
the occupation of public and private property, the violation of laws, and
challenging anyone who attacks the Syrian regime.
Aoun and Lahoud care about the security apparatus and members more than they do
about the security itself. Lahoud dashed the Christian presence in the Lebanese
security system when he gave away the Christian position of the Director General
of Public Security to Jamil Al-Sayyed a Shiite. On the other hand Aoun is also
doing everything in his power to defend Jamil al-Sayyed, praising his virtues
during the Syrian tutelage.
What unites the two men is their eternal grudge at the Almustaqbal Movement.
During Lahoud’s mandate, Future television was hit with unidentified missiles,
which Aoun considered as a normal act. The most common factor between the two is
that both have dashed the Christians’ presence in Lebanon, the first supports
the Syrian regime, and the other is sponsored by Wilayat al-Faqih.
Supreme Judicial Council to answer charges
Date: May 5th, 2009 Source: Annahar
The Supreme Judicial Council holds a meeting Tuesday to discuss the accusations
that targeted the judiciary after the release of the four Generals, in the
absence of Prosecutor General Saeed Mirza, who traveled on Monday to Prague.
“Annahar” newspaper noted that the Council will issue a statement that includes
all the legal and judiciary explanations related to the issue of detaining the
four Generals and releasing them, according to the Lebanese and International
framework and the experience of partnership between the Lebanese and
International judiciary. Constitutional and legal expert Dr.Hassan Rifai
reported to “Annahar” that “the Supreme Judicial Council may not at all respond
to politicians, the judge submits a report to the Minister of Justice, who bears
the responsibility towards politicians, and the judge does not respond to
political positions, this is legally and constitutionally unpermitted.”
“Al-Akhbar” newspaper pointed that the Judicial Council, in the absence of
President of the Judicial Inspection Authority, whose position is still vacant,
may consider the proposal of forming a committee to hear the four officers and
their lawyers”, noting that “it is not within his purview, and there is no
precedent, but the aim is to form an opinion which corresponds to the opinion of
the judges concerned, before resorting to any measure.” “Assafir” noted that
there are “indirect discussions between the three Presidents, who agreed on the
importance of maintaining the independence of the judicial power. This means
that the Generals have the will to choose their "destiny” or sue the person
considered responsible for their “detention and abuse of their freedom,
dignities and families for years of arrest.”
Honein: Attacking and Blocking is all they do
Date: May 5th, 2009 /Voice of Lebanon
Former MP Salah Honein condemned Tuesday the attacks launched by the March 8
opposition alliance at the judicial system, and asked that it be immunized
against such acts.
Honein told the Voice of Lebanon radio station “Those who are attacking the
judicial system were also against making the pending administrative appointments
in the Constitutional Council,” adding “There was a need to immunize the
judicial system against such attacks.” March 8 have called for the judiciary to
be held accountable over what they described as the "arbitrary" detention of the
four officials, who were held without charge as suspects in the assassination of
former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri in 2005. Honein also said: “The concept of
the separation of power should be applied rather than attacked.”“The Special
Tribunal for Lebanon tasked with prosecuting the murder of Hariri has its own
code of procedure, which allows a suspect to remain free pending trial,” Honein
concluded.
Assad urges US to reach out to Hamas and Hizbullah
By Agence France Presse (AFP) /Tuesday, May 05, 2009
PARIS: Syrian President Bashar Assad urged the United States on Sunday to reach
out to Hamas and Hizbullah as part of the search for Middle East peace, in an
interview with French television. Speaking to France 3, Assad welcomed what he
said was a new willingness in Washington to listen to Syria's views since
President Barack Obama took office, and said Damascus was ready to help broker
contacts with the groups. The United States regards both Lebanon's Hizbullah and
the Palestinian group Hamas as terrorist movements, and does not recognize them;
a stance which Assad said was counterproductive if Washington wanted to seek
regional peace.
"I think the problem was with the previous administration," Assad said,
criticizing former US president George W. Bush and welcoming Obama's decision to
send envoys to open a tentative dialogue with Syria. "I think if you want to
solve the problem you can't go about saying: 'This is good and this is bad, this
is evil and this is democratic, this is human rights and this is not politics,'"
he said."Politics is when you deal with reality. When you deal with influential
parties to influence the position in a positive or a negative way," he said,
calling on the United States to talk to both Iran and the militant groups. Hamas
has influence and you can not ignore them. You can't achieve peace while Hamas
is outside this peace or against the peace," he said, adding that the same was
true of Hizbullah. Assad called for "direct or indirect" talks between
Washington and Hamas, and added: "When they want to have help with these
parties, any contact with Syria, maybe direct, we are ready to help." Last week,
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent two diplomats to Syria, but
Washington remains cautious in its dealings with a government that has close
ties to Iran and to hardline armed groups. - AFP
Washington Rejects Syria's Call
for Dialogue with Hamas, Hizbullah
Naharnet/The United States on Monday balked at Syrian President Bashar
al-Assad's call to open talks with the anti-Israeli groups Hamas and Hizbullah,
saying the militants had to renounce violence first. "We would like to see Syria
change the behavior of these two groups," State Department spokesman Robert Wood
told reporters.
"We have already stated what our position is with regard to sitting down with
Hamas," he said.
The United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia -- the
so-called diplomatic quartet on the Middle East -- insist Hamas recognize the
state of Israel's right to exist, renounce violence and respect past accords.
"And Hizbullah, which is also a terrorist organization, needs to renounce
violence and be a productive player in the region," Wood said. "These two groups
have not." "We call on Syria to use its influence to make these two groups play
a much more -- play a constructive role in the region," he added.
In an interview with French television, Assad urged the United States on Sunday
to reach out to the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and Lebanon's
Hizbullah in order to boost chances for Middle East peace. Speaking to France 3,
Assad welcomed what he said was a new willingness in Washington to listen to
Syria's views since President Barack Obama took office, and said Damascus was
ready to help broker contacts with the groups. Assad said Washington's stance on
the two groups was counterproductive if it wanted to seek regional peace, but
said the "problem was with the previous administration" of President George
Bush. Assad called for "direct or indirect" talks between Washington and Hamas,
and added: "When they want to have help with these parties, any contact direct
or indirect with Syria, and maybe direct, we are ready to help." He also
welcomed Obama's decision to send envoys to open a tentative dialogue with
Syria. Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she had sent two
diplomats to Syria, but Washington remains cautious in its dealings with a
government that has close ties to Iran and to hardline armed groups.(AFP)
Beirut, 05 May 09, 09:47
Preparations Underway to Hand over Hussein Jaafar to Lebanon
Naharnet/Preparations are underway in Syria to hand over the main suspect in
last month's killing of four Lebanese soldiers to Beirut authorities, a Lebanese
security source told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat. Hussein Jaafar was arrested
in Turkey after entering the neighboring country with forged papers. The source
added that the Lebanese army intelligence will interrogate Jaafar upon his
extradition and refer him to the military court because he is accused of
attacking soldiers while on duty. On Monday, Jaafar was being questioned by
Syrian authorities who informed Lebanon that they will hand him over once they
are done with interrogating him. A high-ranking Lebanese official told Agency
France Presse that Damascus was trying to determine how Jaafar managed to enter
Turkey with a fake Syrian ID. The suspect had been arrested in Turkey which sent
him back to Syrian officials.
Jaafar is wanted in Lebanon in connection with the April 13 killing of four
Lebanese soldiers. The soldiers died when their vehicle was raked with bullets
and blasted with a grenade in an apparent drugs-related ambush in the Bekaa.
Jaafar is the brother of Ali Abbas Jaafar, a drug baron killed by the army in
March after refusing to stop at a checkpoint. He was wanted on a variety of
charges, including drug trafficking and attempted murder. His killing prompted
the ambush on the soldiers. Lebanese authorities have issued arrest warrants for
Hussein Jaafar and seven other suspects in the case.(Naharnet-AFP) Beirut, 05
May 09, 10:15
Cairo Court Rejects Hizbullah Cell Complaints, Egyptian
Labor Minister Contacts Fneish
An Egyptian court has rejected detention-related complaints filed by six members
of the so-called Hizbullah cell. Local media on Tuesday said the complaints were
made by Nassar Jebril, Mohammed Ramadan, Nidal Fathi, Hassan al-Manakhili,
Mohammed Qatab and Mohammed Saad. Judicial sources in Egypt said the court will
look into further complaints by Hizbullah suspects in the next few days.
Egyptian daily Al Masri Al Yom said Monday that Egyptian security forces have
arrested Masaad al-Sharif from Port Said on suspicion of involvement in the
Hizbullah cell, bringing the total number of arrests to 22. It said
interrogation with Mohammed Mansour, better known as Sami Shehab, as well as
Hassan Manakhili, Ihab Moussa and Adel Suleiman Abu Amra focused on financial
support for the cell and ways and means of getting the money. Beirut, 05 May 09,
11:14
Conflicting Reports on Israeli Pullout from Ghajar
Naharnet/Between confirmation and denial, the timeline for Israeli troop
withdrawal from the Lebanese border village of Ghajar remains unknown.
The U.S. has reportedly not been officially informed about Israeli plans to
withdraw from the northern part of Ghajar, the daily An Nahar quoted
well-informed sources in Washington as saying. It quoted Israeli reports as
saying that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will likely announce his
government's plans to withdraw from Ghajar ahead of his trip to Washington on
May 17. An Nahar said tripartite negotiations between Lebanon, Israel and the
U.N. on implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 have gone a long way
regarding pullout from Ghajar. It quoted U.S. sources as stressing that
contacts in this regard are ongoing "to move the implementation of 1701
forward."
An Nahar said Lebanon has repeatedly emphasized that the Israeli pullout from
Ghajar is part of 1701. The U.S. sources described Israel's withdrawal from
Ghajar as a "positive step the Lebanese should open-mindedly deal with."
Pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat, meanwhile, quoted official Syrian sources as
saying Damascus would not comment on Israeli statements.
"Ghajar remains occupied until Israeli troop withdrawal takes place
unconditionally," one Syrian official said.
A senior U.N. official said Monday that he will meet this week with members of
the Lebanese and Israeli armies to discuss Israeli plans to withdraw troops from
the Lebanese side of Ghajar. Alain Le Roy, U.N. under secretary-general for
peacekeeping affairs, told reporters that the tripartite talks on Ghajar would
take place on Wednesday near the Naqoura border crossing. Le Roy visited Ghajar
earlier the same day.
He was to meet in Beirut with President Michel Suleiman and Prime Minister Fouad
Saniora on Tuesday before heading to Israel on Thursday for further talks.
Following the end of Israel's war on Hizbullah in 2006, Israel kept a military
presence in the northern part of Ghajar, which lies on Lebanese soil, and built
a security fence to prevent Shiite fighters from entering. After the July-August
war, Israel said it would keep its troops deployed until security arrangements
were agreed with U.N. and Lebanese forces.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) last year submitted a
proposal to facilitate Israel's withdrawal from part of Ghajar.
The Lebanese government agreed to the proposal and press reports at the weekend
said Netanyahu this week would announce a troop withdrawal.
Saniora, however, has dismissed the reports as a ploy by Israel to divert
attention from spy networks uncovered in Lebanon in recent months.
"This shrewd propaganda by the Israeli press reflects Israeli anger and
embarrassment in the face of several Israeli spy networks uncovered by Lebanese
security throughout Lebanon," Saniora said in a statement on Monday. He added
that Israeli media reports that the planned withdrawal was a bid by the Jewish
state to boost his government ahead of the June 7 elections were simply a ploy
to divide the Lebanese. "No one will be fooled by these claims," he said, adding
that since the 2006 war Lebanon has been demanding that Israel withdraw from
Ghajar unconditionally in line with U.N. ceasefire Resolution 1701. Ghajar,
located at the foot of Mount Hermon straddling the Lebanese-Syrian border, is
perched on a cliff overlooking the Wazzani spring, which has been a source of
continuous disputes between Israel and Lebanon. It is inhabited mainly by
Alawites, most of whom have obtained Israeli citizenship even though they
consider themselves Syrian. The village is an extension of the Syrian Golan
Heights plateau, which Israel occupied during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed
in 1981.
According to a U.N.-drawn "blue line" marking the border between Israel and
Lebanon, the northern part of the village lies on Lebanese soil while the rest
is part of occupied Syrian territory. Beirut, 05 May 09, 10:25
Naharnet Exclusive: Madeleine Albright in Beirut on
Exploratory Mission
Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright arrives in Beirut via Paris at
4:00 pm Tuesday. She told Naharnet that her mission was "exploratory" ahead of
the parliamentary elections scheduled on June 7. Albright said her two-day visit
will be "interesting." Beirut, 05 May 09, 11:30
Police Arrest Armed Man at Mustaqbal Movement Meeting in
Akkar
Naharnet/Security forces arrested on Tuesday a man for carrying two hand
grenades during an electoral meeting held by al-Mustaqbal movement members in
Meshmesh, Akkar and seized weapons from his house. The state-run National News
Agency said police arrested Yasser Mohammed Qamareddine, 32, after drawing
suspicion. They found two hand grenades hidden in his jacket. Security forces
later found inside his home a Rocket Propelled Grenade and ammunition, according
to NNA. Qamareddine was handed over to military police for interrogation.
Beirut, 05 May 09, 12:44
Hizbullah Sacrifices for Sake of Aoun to Eliminate Jezzine
Knot
Naharnet/Contacts intensified between Hizbullah and Free Patriotic Movement
leader Gen. Michel Aoun in a bid to eliminate the obstacle facing the opposition
list in Jezzine. The daily As Safir on Tuesday said Hizbullah, which insists on
running elections under one unified list, offered new concessions -- this time
to Aoun. Hizbullah had already made a compromise deal in Baalbek-Hermel by
abandoning Albert Mansour in favor of Emile Rahmeh. As Safir said the new deal
called for abandoning the second Shiite parliamentary seat in Baabda in favor
for Aoun. This raised the likelihood of nominating FPM candidate Ramzi Kanj. The
paper, however, said the issue remained pending awaiting responses before the
weekend so the opposition's Jezzine and Baabda tickets could be announced.
Beirut, 05 May 09, 11:08
Lebanese Eye Special Judiciary Meeting as Generals' Release
is said to be Price of U.S.-Syrian Deal
Naharnet/The Higher Judicial Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to respond
to attacks launched by the opposition in the wake of the release of Lebanon's
top four generals from nearly four years without charge as the security
officers' freedom was reportedly the price of a U.S.-Syrian deal. Judicial
sources said that the HJC would issue a "calm and moderate" statement, stressing
that the judiciary can be held accountable only by constitutional institutions.
They said the council would underline the role of the judicial inspection
authorities "which have the sole ability to deal with such issues." Lawyers
representing the four generals, according to the sources, were ready to file a
lawsuit against Prosecutor General Saeed Mirza and the examining magistrate into
the murder case of former Premier Rafik Hariri, Judge Saqr Saqr. The sources
said intensive efforts have been exerted to make the opposition refrain from
staging sit-ins outside the Justice Palace on Tuesday in "a bid to avoid
security confrontation." Local media said Mirza, accompanied by his wife,
traveled to Prague early Monday for medical treatment.
The daily al-Liwaa, meanwhile, said the release of the four generals --former
head of the presidential guard, Mustafa Hamdan, security services director Jamil
Sayyed, security chief Ali Hajj, and military intelligence chief Raymond Azar –
is likely the price of a U.S.-Syrian deal. The officers were released April 29.
It quoted U.S. observers as saying that the generals' release could be the price
paid in Washington for restoration of relations with Syria. The Wall Street
Journal also wondered about the timing of the officers' release. It ruled out
their freedom was "mere coincidence at this juncture and at the forefront of
crucial parliamentary elections in Lebanon as well as weeks ahead of a visit of
U.S. envoys to Syria." Beirut, 05 May 09, 08:48
Police Request Copy of Friday Sermon Causes Political Strom
Naharnet/Sheikh Ahmed al-Baba was surprised last Friday when two police officers
approached the al-Farouq Mosque in al-Zaidaniyeh area in Beirut seeking to
obtain a copy of his sermon prior to Friday prayers. When mosque officials
questioned the logic behind this request, both police officers said they were
acting on orders by Interior Minister Ziad Baroud, the daily al-Liwa said on
Tuesday. Sheikh al-Baba refused to comply with the request calling the request
illegal and does not comply with the principle of freedom of belief and
expression.
The incident was relayed by Sheikh al-Baba to worshippers who denounced the
request. Interior Minister Baroud telephoned sheikh al-Baba expressing his
regrets and apologies saying the two police officers were not acting on direct
orders from him. He promised that those responsible would be held accountable
for the incident. Beirut, 05 May 09, 10:17
6 More Israel-Linked Spies Arrested
Naharnet/Lebanese authorities have arrested six more people on suspicion of
spying for Israel, taking to 16 the number of suspected spies arrested since
January, an army spokesman told AFP. The latest arrests include a policeman and
his wife, who were taken into custody late on Sunday in Beirut's southern
suburbs.
On Sunday, three suspects were arrested in the village of Habboush in south
Lebanon "and initial indications show that they were spying for Israel," a
security official said.
Two Lebanese men and a Palestinian were arrested on April 25 also on suspicion
of spying for Israel and were linked by the authorities to a retired general
security officer arrested for spying earlier that month. Former Brig. Gen. Adib
al-Aalam was arrested along with his wife Hayat Saloumi and nephew Joseph Al-Aalam
and charged in April with espionage -- a charge punishable by death in Lebanon.
The three are accused of informing Israel about Lebanese and Syrian military and
civilian sites "with the aim of facilitating Israeli attacks," a judicial
official said last month. Aalam was arrested at his office near Beirut on April
14 along with his wife. He ran a housekeeping service which he allegedly used as
a front to spy for Israel.
Marwan Fakih was arrested in south Lebanon in February.(AFP-Naharnet) Beirut, 04
May 09, 21:10
Head of EU Delegation Concerned Over Absence of
Constitutional Council
Naharnet/The head of the EU delegation monitoring the elections expressed
concern Monday over delays to appoint constitutional council members as the date
of the polls draws near.
"We hope the council can be activated on time to be able to review objections
filed by the candidates," Jose Ignacio Salafranca said at a press conference
after his arrival in Beirut.
"The delegation will take into consideration a number of concerns when it drafts
its final conclusions at the end of the electoral process," said Salafranca, who
led a similar mission in the 2005 polls. He underlined the "difficult and
delicate" nature of the situation expressing hope for "a peaceful and
constructive climate." Salafranca, a lawmaker, described as "a step forward"
recent amendments to the electoral law including the creation of a body to
oversee the process. Beirut, 04 May 09, 20:17
Jumblat Renews Call for End of Political Sectarianism
Naharnet/Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat renewed his call
for the establishment of a committee to consider ways of ending political
sectarianism in line with the Taef Accord. "We reiterate our call for the
establishment of a national committee to abolish political sectarianism which is
supposed to be the entrance for the development of the political system,"
Jumblat told the weekly al-Anbaa, mouthpiece of his PSP. He believed it was
important at this point to remind people that the first clause unanimously
approved by all-party dialogue participants was the international tribunal.
Jumblat said equally important was to neutralize" the Lebanese judiciary from
political bickering "because attacking the judiciary … weakens the self-esteem
of this authority which remains a refuge for justice and law." Beirut, 04 May
09, 21:03
Geagea: Don't Call for Judicial Reform while Ignoring Past
Abuses
Naharnet/Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea lashed out Monday at March 8 forces
for waging a campaign against the judiciary criticizing them for ignoring years
of "unjust rulings" issued under the previous authority. "March 8 forces are the
last party to have the right to speak against the judiciary and to call for
judicial reform," Geagea said at a press conference in Maarab. The minority
leaders have intensified calls for judicial reform after the Special Tribunal
for Lebanon on Wednesday ordered the release of four Lebanese officers jailed
since almost four years without charge. "Human rights organizations have
recorded thousands of unjust and unjustified verdicts issued under the previous
tutelage's authority," Geagea said.
"If you want to try the present judiciary, we will open cases dating back to
1992," he added addressing the minority.
But Geagea said March 8's campaign unveils "a deliberate tactic aimed at
attacking the international tribunal on the one hand and the Lebanese judiciary
on the other."
"The campaign only became evident after the generals' release," he added.
Geagea said the release "is not proof of innocence or of incrimination" in the
2005 assassination of in connection with the assassination of ex-Premier Rafik
Hariri.
The LF leader expressed "shock" at comments by Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan
Nasrallah, who cast doubt Friday on the STL's credibility despite its ruling in
the generals' case.
"Despite Sayyed Nasrallah's rational and calm speech, I realized the real
meaning behind his words. It became clear to me that matters have reached the
point … where the whole country is endangered," he said. Nasrallah is
"unprepared to accept any ruling by the STL that does not serve his interest,"
Geagea added.
"Everything Nasrallah does is aimed at thwarting the tribunal. As if he is
certain of the conclusion the STL will reach," he said. He asked Nasrallah to
"retract" his comments because "he might cause Lebanon to explode." Nasrallah
also asked the investigation into Hariri's murder to take into account the
possibility that Israel was behind the massive Beirut bombing that killed the
former premier and 22 other people. In reaction, Geagea said nobody has ruled
out Israel's involvement "but we ask Nasrallah to let the investigation complete
its course in order to uncover the truth."(Naharnet-AFP) Beirut, 04 May 09,
19:14
LOG head accuses Hizbullah of hampering polls
Daily Star staff/Tuesday, May 05, 2009
BEIRUT: The head of the Lebanese Option Group (LOG) Ahmad al-Asaad said Monday
that attacks against his supporters prove that the campaigning for the June 7
polls was "not transparent, especially in regions where Hizbullah has a strong
presence." "We blame Hizbullah first. It has become a new occupation force that
prevents people from expressing their views," Asaad said in a news conference
about continuous attacks on his supporters and his convoy. "The attacks prove
talk about transparent polls is nonsense, particularly in areas where Hizbullah
has a presence," he said, adding that Lebanese officials should also shoulder
responsibility for not putting an end to attacks against LOG. An-Nahar said
Monday unknown assailants torched a vehicle belonging to Ali Mahdi, a LOG
member, in the southern town of Al-Qosseibeh. - The Daily Star
MP Mukhaiber lists issues to be resolved with Syria
Daily Star staff/Tuesday, May 05, 2009
BEIRUT: Change and Reform bloc MP Ghassan Mukhaiber said Monday there were four
main issues that needed to be resolved for Lebanese-Syrian relationship to
improve. The lawmaker said the four points included the issue of Lebanese
missing or detained in Syria; border demarcation - especially regarding the
Shebaa Farms area; the annulment of the Syrian Lebanese Higher Council, which
the MP said was a violation of the Lebanese Constitution; and the many bilateral
treaties between the two countries, which he said needed to be reconsidered,
"especially those which were unfair to Lebanon." - The Daily Star
Mikati: No alternative to 'centrism and unity'
Daily Star staff/Tuesday, May 05, 2009
BEIRUT: Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati toured the northern coastal city of
Tripoli Monday and said there was no alternative to "centrism and unity" in
order to ensure Lebanon's safety and stability. He said the victory of the
Tripoli Solidarity List - which was released after the alliance between Mikati,
Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri, and Economy and Trade Minister Mohammad
Safadi - would benefit not only the candidates on the list, but "all of Tripoli,
because we are making efforts to put our city back on the map economically,
politically and socially." - The Daily Star
LAF denies army confiscated truck carrying missiles
Daily Star staff/Tuesday, May 05, 2009
BEIRUT: The Lebanese Armed Forces issued a statement Monday denying media
reports over the weekend that an army unit had confiscated a truck carrying
mid-range missiles in the Western Bekaa area last week. "The Army Command fully
denies the reports and calls on all concerned media to refer to the command for
all facts relating to the military institution," the army statement said. - The
Daily Star
Aoun withdraws support for Special Tribunal
By Therese Sfeir /Daily Star staff
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
BEIRUT: The leader of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) MP Michel Aoun said on
Monday that he had decided to withdraw his support to the Special Tribunal for
Lebanon. "I was the first to support the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, but when
I saw it was being politicized I withdrew my support."
Commenting on the release of the four former generals, he said: "We have
forgiven those who tried to assassinate me and we forgive the four generals for
what they have done to us."
In a speech following a meeting of the Reform and Change parliamentary bloc in
Rabieh, Aoun said the opposition "has no interest in any security breach that
may hamper the elections." He added that some political parties were forcing the
heads of municipalities to promote their electoral campaigns, and said Interior
Minister Ziyad Baroud should intervene to stop "such violations." "I ask all
municipal employees who were threatened to contact me," Aoun said, adding that
he promised them his protection and support.
Sources told An-Nahar newspaper Monday that the disagreement between Speaker
Nabih Berri and Aoun over the Jezzine district had been resolved after both
parties agreed on a formula Sunday night, while other sources denied any
agreement.
Meanwhile, the electoral outbreak is heating up as two major electoral events
will be held Thursday and more lists will see light in the coming days.
Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri will announce the March 14 Forces' list in
Beirut's third district on Thursday, while the FPM will hold a ceremony the same
day to announce its electoral platform.
In a statement Monday, Hariri called on supporters of the March 14 Forces to
participate in a ceremony held on the occasion in the area of Ras Beirut.
In other news, the head of the Progressive Socialist Party, MP Walid Jumblatt,
called Monday for the creation of the national committee for abolishing
political sectarianism, which is stipulated in the Taif Accord. He also called
for the establishment of a senate as stipulated by the Taif.
In his weekly article to Al-Anbaa newspaper, he stressed the need to "complete
the implementation of the Taif Accord, which resolved major controversies,
including Lebanon's Arab identity and the rejection of settlement and
partition." In a speech delivered during a ceremony held by the PSP on Sunday,
Jumblatt called for "abolishing the capitalist confessional system," adding that
political and confessional tensions distorted Lebanon's diversity. The PSP
leader also stressed the need to respect the other, saying: "We have to win in
the elections, but we, as PSP members, also have to go back to our basic
principles."
Top UNIFIL official to visit Israel for to discuss Ghajar pullout
Siniora dismisses talk of withdrawal as ploy to divide Lebanese
By Andrew Wander and Mohammed Zaatari
Daily Star staff/Tuesday, May 05, 2009
BEIRUT/NAQOURA: A senior UN peacekeeping official will travel to Israel this
week tasked with persuading authorities there to pull Israeli troops out of the
divided village of Ghajar. Alain Le Roy, the UN's undersecretary general for the
Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DKPO) said during a visit to Lebanon that
there is "no question" that the Israeli military's presence in Ghajar represents
a breach of the security council resolution that ended the summer 2006 war,
adding that he would press Israel for an "early resolution" on the issue.
"Let me state very categorically that Israel is obligated under Security Council
Resolution 1701 to withdraw from part of the village of Ghajar," Le Roy told
reporters at the press conference held at a UNIFIL position in southern Lebanon.
He said that UNIFIL had been "working intensively" to facilitate a withdrawal,
including submitting a proposal to both sides that would see Israeli troops
leave the northern part of the village. Israeli media reports said over the
weekend that Premier Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to announce his intention to
withdraw from the village, which lies on the border between Lebanon and the
Israeli occupied Golan Heights. But Le Roy said no date had been agreed for the
withdrawal. "In the next few days I will be traveling to Israel and I intend to
press on the Israeli government officials the importance of finding an early
resolution on this issue," he said, adding that the UN is "hopeful" that an
agreement will be reached. Le Roy was speaking after visiting the area around
Ghajar, where he met with peacekeeping troops and was briefed on the situation.
The issue has been a recurrent bone of contention between UNIFIL and Israel,
with the peacekeeping force repeatedly calling for the Israelis to withdraw from
the village as required by Resolution 1701.
Several weeks ago, reports circulated that Israel would be pressured by the US
to withdraw from Ghajar ahead of June's parliamentary elections in Lebanon. The
pull-out was said to be planned as a "gift" for Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad
Siniora ahead of the closely fought vote.
Responding to the recent Israeli press reports, Siniora said on Monday the
potential withdrawal was not designed to boost him in the polls. "No one will be
fooled by these claims," he said, adding that Lebanon has been demanding that
Israel withdraw from Ghajar unconditionally since the end of the war.
The Israeli security cabinet is expected to discuss the matter on Wednesday. But
Siniora dismissed the re-emergence of the issue as a ploy to divert attention
from alleged Israeli spy networks captured in Lebanon in recent weeks. "This
shrewd propaganda by the Israeli press reflects Israeli anger and embarrassment
in the face of several Israeli spy networks uncovered by Lebanese security
throughout Lebanon," he said in a statement. Along with illegal overflights, the
Israeli presence of Ghajar has been one of the unsolved issues of the aftermath
of the 2006 conflict. The village was seized by the Israelis in 1967, when the
Golan Heights were captured. Over the years, it expanded into Lebanese territory
and the control of the northern part was handed to Lebanon when Israel ended its
occupation of Lebanon in 2000, when the UN-drawn Blue Line- agreed as functional
border- bisected the village.
But in the summer war of 2006, Israeli troops again seized control of the
northern part of Ghajar and since the end of the conflict have refused to
withdraw, citing security concerns to justify their continued presence. Most of
the inhabitants of the village are Alawites, who consider themselves Syrian but
have taken Israeli citizenship during their time under occupation.
Geagea accuses Hizbullah of endangering stability
Generals release 'does not mean their innocence'
By Therese Sfeir /Daily Star staff
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
BEIRUT: Lebanese Forces (LF) leader Samir Geagea accused Hizbullah of putting
the country's stability in danger by challenging the integrity of the Special
Tribunal for Lebanon (STL).
In a news conference held Monday at his residence in Maarab, Geagea reiterated
that the release of the four former security officers did not mean their
innocence. "The release of the generals was due to lack of evidence, not
innocence," he said. In response to a speech by Hizbullah Secretary General
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, the LF leader said that Nasrallah wanted to
distort the image of the STL "to later refuse any decision issued by the
tribunal." Geagea also stressed the STL's independence and integrity, adding
that the history of special and international tribunals confirm that those could
not be politicized. Commenting on the campaign launched by the opposition
against the Lebanese judiciary, the LF leader said the opposition "is the last
one who has the right to talk about reforming the judiciary."
According to Geagea, "thousands of unjust verdicts were issued by the former
judicial body against LF members, while opposition figures were in the
government."
"Human rights organizations have recorded thousands of unjust and unjustified
verdicts issued under the previous tutelage's authority," he added.
Meanwhile, the Higher Judicial Council will convene on Tuesday to reply to
attacks launched by the opposition in light of the release of four Lebanese
former security officers, who were detained for four years without trial.
Judicial sources told the Central News Agency (CNA) on Monday that the council
would "issue a calm and moderate statement and will stress that the judiciary
can be held accountable only by the constitutional institutions." The sources
added that the council would highlight the role of the judicial inspection
authorities, "which have the sole competence to deal with such issues."The CNA
also said that the attorneys representing the four generals were about to file a
lawsuit against Public Prosecutor Said Mirza and the judicial investigator in
the case of former Premier Rafik Hariri's assassination Magistrate Sakr Sakr.
The agency quoted well-informed sources as saying that some political forces
were urging the opposition to refrain from holding demonstrations before the
Justice Palace on Tuesday, to avoid security confrontations.
The CNA also reported that Mirza left with his wife for Prague early Monday.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar submitted to the Cabinet's general
secretariat on Monday a proposal to amend Article 108 of the Criminal Procedures
Code, in light of discussions conducted during a Cabinet session on Thursday.
The proposal would limit the period a suspect can be held without prosecution
for state security and terrorism related crimes to six months, which can be
renewed only once.
Article 108 does not specify a deadline for arresting suspects in such crimes
without prosecution. The head of the Progressive Socialist Party, MP Walid
Jumblatt, said Monday that the Lebanese judiciary should "be kept away from
political bickering."
In his weekly article to the Al-Anbaa newspaper, Jumblatt said "attacking the
judiciary weakens the state and yields negatively on the different Lebanese
institutions."
MP Michel Murr said Monday there may have been a "certain injustice" in the
years-long detention of four top generals, but "this does not justify the attack
on the judiciary," adding: "We must maintain respect for the judiciary and be
well aware of the extent of this campaign and where will it lead."
Murr said the release of the generals would not affect the elections in the
districts of Achrafieh, Baabda and Metn. The UN Security Council will likely
discuss on Thursday the political upheaval that resulted from the release of the
four generals, An-Nahar newspaper quoted Arab and Western diplomats as saying on
Monday. UN special envoy for the implementation of Resolution 1559 Terje Roed-Larsen
will brief the council Thursday on UN chief Ban Ki-moon's latest report on the
implementation of the 1559.
In the report, Ban warned that Hizbullah and other armed militias were fostering
instability and intimidation as parliamentary elections near, An-Nahar added.
Diplomatic sources told An-Nahar the council could also discuss the four
generals' release, which helped foster deep divisions between the pro-government
and opposition forces. The sources urged Ban to draw to the attention of the
tribunal's general prosecutor Daniel Bellemare and pre-trial judge Daniel
Fransen that they should take into consideration the repercussions of any
decision or recommendation.
Syria grills suspect in killing of four Lebanese troops
By Agence France Presse (AFP) Tuesday, May 05, 2009
BEIRUT: The main suspect in last month's killing of four Lebanese soldiers is in
Syrian custody after having entered the neighboring country with forged papers,
a high-ranking Lebanese official said on Monday. "Hussein Jaafar is being
questioned by Syrian authorities who informed us that they will hand him over
once they finish interrogating him," the official told AFP, on condition of
anonymity. He said Damascus was trying to determine how Jaafar managed to enter
Syria with a fake Syrian ID. The suspect had been arrested in Turkey which sent
him back to Syrian officials. Jaafar is wanted in Lebanon in connection with the
April 13 killing of four Lebanese soldiers in the Bekaa who died in an ambush
prompted by the death of Jaafar's brother, Ali Abbas Jaafar, a drug baron killed
by the army in March after refusing to stop at a checkpoint. - AFP
Baroud praises intelligence officers for arrests of suspected Israeli spy
network
Daily Star staff/Tuesday, May 05, 2009
BEIRUT: Interior Minister Ziayd Baroud congratulated on Monday the head of the
intelligence branch in the Internal Security Forces, Colonel Wissam al-Hassan,
and all the officers and members of the department whose work led to the arrest
of an Israeli spy network in Lebanon. Baroud said in a letter addressed to
Hassan that intelligence officers have proved their high sense of responsibility
and showed enthusiasm in their service, leaving a good impression on the
Lebanese public and "spreading an atmosphere of calm and tranquility among
Lebanese citizens." Over the weekend, security forces arrested more people on
suspicion of spying for the Israeli Mossad secret service. Three suspects were
also arrested overnight in the southern village of Habboush "and initial
indication shows that they were spying for Israel," a security official said.
Local media on Monday identified the suspects as Elizabeth H., a hostess, Ali A.
and Hussein K. Witnesses said the three were in the same car when they were
busted in Habboush near Nabatiyeh. Local media on Monday identified the suspects
as Elizabeth H., a hostess, Ali A. and Hussein K. Witnesses said the three were
in the same car when they were busted in Habboush near Nabatiyeh. Pan-Arab daily
Al-Hayat quoted security officials as confirming that the three work for the
Mossad, adding that they are currently in Hizbullah's custody and will be handed
over to the Lebanese security service once preliminary interrogation is
completed.
As-Safir newspaper reported on Monday that a Lebanese intelligence force last
week raided the house of a security member identified only as H.S. in the
southern suburbs neighborhood of Bourj al-Barajneh.The suspect confessed to
collecting data on the activities of Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and
close aides "for many years." He also confessed to recruiting his wife, who was
arrested as well. The detained security member said his task included a "lot of
traveling to nearby countries to hand over data." Two Lebanese men and a
Palestinian were also arrested on April 25 on suspicion of spying for Israel and
were linked by the authorities to a retired general security officer arrested
for spying earlier that month. Former Brigadier General Adib al-Alam was
arrested along with his wife Hayat Saloumi and nephew Joseph Al-Alam and charged
in April with espionage - a charge that carries the death sentence.
The three are accused of informing Israel about Lebanese and Syrian military and
civilian sites "with the aim of facilitating Israeli attacks," a judicial
official said last month.
Former Brigadier General Adib al-Alam was arrested along with his wife Hayat
Saloumi and nephew Joseph Al-Alam and charged in April with espionage - a charge
that carries the death sentence. The three are accused of informing Israel about
Lebanese and Syrian military and civilian sites "with the aim of facilitating
Israeli attacks," a judicial official said last month.
Another suspect, Marwan Fakih, was arrested in the south in February. - The
Daily Star
Former Lebanese president Gemayel hospitalized
Daily Star staff/Tuesday, May 05, 2009
BEIRUT: Former President and Phalange Party leader Amine Gemayel was admitted to
the hospital Monday suffering stress and exhaustion. Amin Gemayel's wife, Joyce,
said his condition was not serious and he was expected to resume work within 48
hours. She told Voice of Lebanon radio, which is controlled by Gemayel's
Phalange party, that her husband's condition was caused by the stress of
upcoming legislative elections and the 2006 assassination of their son.
President Michel Sleiman and other political figures phoned Gemayel on Monday to
check on his health. The Phalange party, which was founded in 1936 by Gemayel's
father, Pierre, fought heavily on the Christian side during Lebanon's 1975-90
Civil War. His brother, Bashir, allied himself with Israel and was elected
president in 1982 after Israel's invasion of Lebanon. But he was assassinated
before taking office Gemayel, 67, succeeded his brother as president and
negotiated a peace deal with Israel during his 1982-88 term in office. But he
later refused to sign the agreement as Lebanon descended into one of the worst
rounds of the Civil War.
His son, former Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel, was shot dead in 2006 during a
violent campaign against politicians who supported the government, which was
locked in a standoff with the Syrian-backed opposition, which includes Hizbullah.
His killing is one of the attacks the UN has investigated since the February
2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Many Lebanese
have blamed Syria for the attacks, but Damascus has denied involvement.
Gemayel's other son, Sami, is running for a seat in June parliamentary
elections, which pit the parliamentary majority coalition against a minority
faction led by Hizbullah. - The Daily Star, with AP
An Israeli withdrawal from Ghajar would benefit all of Lebanon
By The Daily Star /Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Editorial
The divided village of Ghajar is now in the media spotlight, after the latest
hints that Israel might be considering a pullout from the territory, which it
has occupied on more than one occasion. Prime Minister Fouad Siniora has called
the move an Israeli ploy, designed to divert attention from the recent discovery
of several Israeli spy networks in Lebanon, as well as sow strife among the
Lebanese. He was referring to the Israeli media spin, which held that a
withdrawal would help the March 14 coalition as it prepares for next month's
parliamentary elections. The logic is actually a bit puzzling, since such
unilateral Israeli moves - such as its withdrawal in 2000 - helped the
resistance, along with the entire country.
An Israeli withdrawal from Ghajar would help various people: it would benefit
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, as well as Saad al-Hariri, Samir Geagea and Walid
Jumblatt. It's a national issue whose solution is in the interest of all
Lebanese, irrespective of their political persuasion.
Perhaps it's no coincidence that the rumor mill has recently generated another
possibility: that Syria will definitively close the "Lebanese detainees" issue
prior to the elections on June 7, by providing information about the missing for
whom it's supposedly responsible. Here, the thinking goes, the anti-March 14
crowd will benefit, by demonstrating that cordial ties with Damascus can produce
results.
But the same "Ghajar logic" applies to the detainees issue, which has been a
destructive and divisive one for years. The important thing is closure, which
will benefit all of Lebanon.
The same held true for the issue of Lebanese detainees and prisoners in Israel;
when they returned here, the immediate spin was "big victory for the
resistance," but the country benefited from the disappearance of such a divisive
issue.
Closure on the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms and Kfar Shuba will also benefit
all of Lebanon. As for Ghajar, the matter has been a card in the Israelis' hands
for nine years; let's hope that a satisfactory solution results this time. The
issue has also been on the table of the United Nations Security Council of late,
even if informally.
This newspaper has advocated such real-world moves in the past, and it really
doesn't matter if, as the elections approach, the Obama administration, Turkish
interlocutors, or the Israelis themselves are testing the waters by encouraging
movement on Ghajar. A withdrawal is good news for Lebanon, irrespective of any
mini-bump in popularity that a particular side is supposed achieve. When the
commotion fades, the actual result will be a tangible benefit for Lebanon, all
of Lebanon
Shimon Peres Addresses AIPAC Conference
The Israeli president adopts Obama's message of "an outstretched arm" at
Washington's annual American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference.
May 4, 2009 -
By: Jennifer Rubin
Pyjama Media
There are not many leaders currently on the world stage who command our respect
by sheer longevity and experience in navigating world events over decades.
Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Helmut Kohl, and John Howard have died or
retired. Fewer still have helped give birth to a nation, sustained it over
decades, and earned a Noble Peace Prize. Indeed, there is only one: Israeli
President Shimon Peres.
Peres came to Washington at a critical juncture in Israeli history and addressed
a packed auditorium Monday morning at the America Israel Public Affairs
Committee (AIPAC)’s annual policy conference. To paraphrase Renée Zellweger,
Peres “had them at ‘hello’.” The crowd swooned and cheered, plainly entranced
with the encounter with one of the giants in Israel’s relatively short modern
history. It was not merely the words that captivated the crowd, but his
presence, which in some ways has become a metaphor for Israel. Like Israel,
Peres has seen better and worse times, but remains resolute and inspirational.
It was a show of unity by the new Israeli government. In attendance were the
incoming and outgoing ambassadors to the U.S. and former Foreign Minister Tzipi
Livni. And Peres went out of his way to note that newly-elected Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu had been his political opponent, but “today he is my prime
minister. He knows history. He wants to make history. In our tradition making
history is making peace.”
Peres brings with him a history and credibility as an architect of Israel’s
efforts to make peace with Jordan and Egypt. He also brings a bag of rhetorical
skills — the staccato delivery, the parallel construction, and an impassioned,
booming voice. He used it to good effect, bringing the audience to their feet
multiple times. And mirroring the relationship between those assembled and
Peres, the crowd did some figurative blocking and tackling — three times rising
in applause to drown out anti-Israel protesters who shouted from the crowd. (The
crowd reaction gave security ample time to escort out the interrupters.)
Peres’ mission was two-fold: to express profound gratitude for America’s support
for Israel and to explain how Israel intends to navigate the relationship with
America. As to the first, Peres was eloquent: “Brothers we are. And we need you,
we want you, and we appreciate you from the depths of our heart. … For all you
have done, for all you will do, the people of Israel salutes (sic) you.”
America, he explained, is “more than an ally,” it is a “brave friend.” While he
was speaking to and commending the AIPAC audience, he was clearly speaking to
the larger American audience as well.
But what of the new Obama administration? Well, Peres made it plain: he intends
there to be no daylight, if it can possibly be avoided, between the U.S. and
Israel. If Obama is promising hope and change, then, Peres declared, “I am
convinced he has the ability to turn a crisis into an opportunity.” And offering
advice to the young U.S. president he pronounced, “You are young enough to offer
hope to the world. You are strong enough to bring it to life.”
But he came not to flatter Obama, but to adopt the American president’s mantra.
Quoting from Obama’s inaugural address, Peres declared that Israel was in the
business of “the outstretched arm.” He reiterated in bold tones that Israel
offers peace “with all Arab nations and all Arab people.” And to those with a
“clenched fist,” he declared: “Enough. Enough war. Enough destruction. Enough
hatred.” He is in fact grasping Obama’s hand, daring the Palestinians and Arab
states to come to the negotiating table.
But Peres is not naïve. And he spoke at length about the “dark cloud” of
extremists hovering over the Middle East and the looming “nuclear threat.” He
declared, “We shall not give up. We shall not surrender. We shall not lose our
nerve.” Iran, he explained, has a great people and history. Iran used to “enrich
the world, now they enrich uranium.” Iran is “not threatened by anybody” yet
acquires missiles and promotes “divisions” by supporting Hezbollah and Hamas, he
explained. The peace that Israel seeks, he argued, must be a “real peace” for
all the children of the Middle East. As for the Palestinians, he said, “The
Palestinian people have the right to govern themselves. We don’t want to be
their masters.”
He then announced, “Today there is no difference between the American position
and the Israeli position.” Both, he said, should pursue peace “as swiftly as
possible.” He asked, “Why wait?” And with a nod to the Saudis for their 2002
peace proposal, he acknowledged that nation’s “profound change.” Then, with
calls to visit Israel, a salute to the students in attendance, and a reminder
that “time is always short, but the time is now,” he was done.
But what was he up to? After all, whom is Israel supposed to negotiate with? And
what is to be done about that dark cloud over Israel? Well, that’s the rub.
As for the Palestinians, Peres is batting the ball into their court. What can
they do and what can they negotiate? Peres, it seems, has decided to follow at
least the rhetorical lead of Obama and declare the peace process open for
business. Israel is not about to give away the store for nothing, of course. And
it may be that the Palestinians are utterly incapable of forming a viable
negotiating team. But that is for them to figure out. And perhaps baby steps in
advance of grand bargains must come first.
In the meantime, the signal was clear. Israel won’t see its survival threatened.
A nuclear-armed Iran is not conceivable to a nation that rose from the ashes of
the Holocaust. So the U.S. can talk and pursue sanctions against Tehran, but in
the end Israel, as Peres said, will not “surrender” — or accept an Iran with
nuclear weapons.
The hitch in all this may come if the Obama administration decides to pressure
Israel to offer up concessions in the absence of a meaningful guarantee of
peace. But that is all in the future. For today, the relationship between Israel
and the U.S. is eternal. And Peres is not about to let the ties that bind the
two friends fray.
UK publishes 'persona non grata' list
British Home Office names 22 individuals no longer allowed entry to country.
List includes Islamic extremists, right-wing Jew, Hamas lawmaker, white
supremacists and US radio personality
Ynet Published: 05.05.09, 13:22 / Israel News
The British government published its persona non grata list Tuesday, for the
first time ever.
According to the British Broadcasting Corporation, the list names 22 individuals
who the authorities will not allow in the country. It consists of Islamic
extremists, white supremacists and even one US radio personality.
The United Kingdom's Home Office has been able to ban people who promote hatred,
terrorist violence or serious criminal activity from entering Britain since a
law to that effect was passed in 2005.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith told the BBC that coming to the UK should be a
privilege. Since taking office, Smith has toughened the entry criteria to the
UK.
Granting free speech, she said, "does not provide a license to preach hatred…
those banned have clearly overstepped the mark with the attitudes they had
expressed. (Naming them) enables people to see the sorts of unacceptable
behavior we are not willing to have in this country.
"Coming to this country is a privilege. We won't allow people into this country
who are going to propagate the sort of views... that fundamentally go against
our values."
Among those declared persona non grata are Hamas official Yunis al-Astal,
Lebanese terrorist Samir Kuntar and Jewish extremist Mike Guzovsky, as well as
US radical Baptist minister Fred Waldron Phelps and two leaders of a violent
Russian skinhead gang, ex-Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard Stephen 'Don' Black and
neo-Nazi Erich Gliebe.
US radio talk show host Michael Savage was also named. Savage's views on
immigration, Islam, rape and autism have been slammed as highly offensive even
in the US.
Inayat Bunglawala, of the Muslim Council of Britain, said that people should be
free to enter the country, regardless of their views: "If they step over the
line and break the law, it's at that moment the law should be enacted, not
beforehand.
"If people are keeping their odious views to themselves, that's their business.
We should not be in the business of policing people's minds."
In recent years, individuals from a range of backgrounds have been prevented
from entering the UK, including various animal rights activists, rap singers
such as Snoop Dogg and even a lifestyle guru Martha Stewart.
"A Taste of the Levant"
As we descended over Cyprus, my heart sought its ancient cadence of oriental
rhythm as I gazed at the far-off lights of Tyre. There, barely visible, was the
snowcapped Mount Lebanon, rising from the sands of reconstructed civilizations,
penetrating the desert clouds that adorned it. As the wings of our homing bird
bowed in respect to its creator, the lights in the city were twinkling and
whispered "Ahlan Wa Sahlan" - welcome home!
In the midst of the Mercedes-filled streets, antique life was reborn. I filled
my lungs with the polluted, gray city air and found them singing from the touch
of a hand that had been the architect of their existence. I could feel and smell
it all: the rubble-and-bullet-filled buildings, the towering modern condos along
the Corniche, the ancient oriental homes with their smell of jasmine and mint,
the armless and legless beggars in the street hidden only by the Roberto Cavalli
dresses and Hermes bags swaying in their paths. Along the Airport Road was the
windswept bantering of pastel canvas drapes, orange, maroon, yellow, and red,
wrapping the open terraces from the thrill and fright of 6,000 years of
adventurers. Shantytowns were born along the route in the ashes of twenty years
of civil war, and my driver could identify each crumbling concrete bunker as
Shiite, Sunni, Christian, or Druze.
The paradox surrounded me:
The Salat being sung from the mosques as we walked past the Hard Rock Café;
The women shrouded with their hijabs as we feasted on hummus and tabouleh on the
sunlit Mediterranean and gazed upon the bronzed, topless Phoenician bodies
stacked around the pool of Eddie Sands;
A young, Lebanese MIT graduate in the square of Solidere, softly raising money
for Hezbollah as he stands between a 1,500-year-old Jewish Synagogue and an
ancient Maronite church as his backdrop;
Buddha Bar III and Jack Johnson blasting from clubs in Juneih as 18-year-old
soldiers walk the streets brandishing machine guns and chain-smoking Marlboros;
Thousands of Syrian laborers working 24/7 for $6 a day sleeping in the buildings
that they were constructing, as the Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Maseratis of the
owners clutter and clog their driveways;
A national debt of almost 39 billion USD that is about to bankrupt a country
with no natural resources and a banking system that is the recipient of cash
deposits exceeding US$100 billion from its Lebanese expatriates all over the
world.
As the middle-aged men in Brioni suits and Ferragamo ties sit beneath the
90-degree sun drinking arak, the sweet smell of their Cohibas is magically
blended with the subtle scent of Clarins from the sweating bikini-clad bodies of
their 20-something dates. Le Plage at 3:00 pm on Monday afternoon is a microcosm
of life in Beirut: power, beauty, food, drink, AK-47s, waiters who speak four
languages and make 300 USD per week, 50-year-old women dripping in jewels and
Chanel in the midday sun, American music, bodyguards, .357 magnums and immense
poverty, twenty languages being spoken, and the silence of the hands of time. I
shudder in fear because a sense of "acceptance and place" has penetrated my
western countenance.
The memories of decades of pestilence, struggle, and twenty years of civil war
are washed away by the lust for every moment of life that permeates every part
of the land. The Lebanese are a complex breed. They are the blending of the only
occidental experiment to have ever found validity in the harsh sands of the
Middle East: a blend of religions, beliefs, and cultures; a nation that relies
on the power of its individuals' adaptability and the selfless dedication to
themselves and their families. Twelve million Lebanese reside outside Lebanon
and have established themselves in the most difficult and complicated parts of
the world. Lebanon is a tiny rosebud in the middle of the desert. Ironically it
and Israel are the only examples of democracy in the dictatorial region and have
supported each other for most of their combined existence. The Lebanese will go
where others would not dream of going. They will find a desert and create an
oasis, they will find a jungle and create a park, and they will find an
environment in which educated and civilized people could not live and create a
retreat. They will find boredom and create euphoria. Lebanon has been entirely
destroyed and recreated seven times in modern history,
As I sat on the balcony of the restaurant Janna in Broumana and looked over the
valley that my grandfather must have passed through on foot on his way to
Beirut, I felt that I had found my foundation. At the table next to us an
80-year-old man rose from his mezza and started to recite Lebanese poetry, while
next to him a young girl danced softly to the ‘ud playing quietly in the
background. The elegantly dressed women sucked on their arguilehs (hubbly
bubblies) and the men fondled their masbahah (worry beads) as they drank their
arak. No one missed a note, a puff, or a sip!
The Lebanese gift is the truest form of compliment that can exist in the world.
They give of themselves. They prepare food and drink; they walk with you, talk
with you, and listen to you, all without looking at a clock and without arrogant
delivery. In their most casual moments they are dressed to the nines and their
homes are rich and filled with their families' past, even if the walls are
crumbling and the streets shattered by rockets and bombs. They work endlessly,
and play incessantly. In the midst of a military assault they will tell you that
things are wonderful and that all will be fine. They are lovers and traders, not
fighters. They embrace Israelis with one hand and Saudis with the other.
Lebanon is not about a border, a village, a town, a place. Lebanon is found in
the face and heart of every Lebanese around the world. They are Christians,
Jews, Sunnis, Shiites, and Druze who have found prominence and success in the
countries to which they have migrated, and the confusion in their homeland only
reinforces the strength and commitment of Lebanese all over the world to the
practice of tolerance and adaptability. The world knows little about the
Lebanese because wherever they go they become that place. They adapt, they
participate, they meld, and they do not distinguish themselves as a separate
subculture. If they go to America they are Americans, Brazil they are
Brazilians, if to Mexico they are Mexicans, if to Canada they are Canadians.
Their tremendous adaptability is also a bit of a curse in the confusion that
exists within the western world with regard to "who are the Lebanese?"
Lebanon has historically been the safe haven for religion, culture, politics,
lifestyle, and business. Lebanese hospitality, graciousness, and optimism are
renowned in the world and will continue as the magical democratic elixir for the
widening gap between the East and West. It is upon Lebanese grounds that these
differences are being tested and it is upon the backs of Lebanese ingenuity and
integrity that these differences will be melded and resolved.
My grandparents Abdallah, Joseph, Khalil, and Besma left their families and
their roots in the midst of hostilities, disease and pestilence at the beginning
of the 1900s and crawled onto boats headed for unknown lands. All that existed
in their uneducated minds was the dream of a far off land called America – a
land providing opportunity, equality and hope. As small children, they took with
them the only gifts that their parents could provide: confidence, strength,
charm, unbounded courage, and dedication. The gift of America provided them with
opportunities far from the tribal traumas of their homeland, and they never
thought for a moment that the two worlds would ever again meet. America provided
the clean and shining canvas upon which they could express their inner
attributes and gifts. It took both the canvas and the art to create the
beautiful painting that today is the framework of our family's existence. They
were the Oriental mustard seed for all our privilege and good fortune, which was
cultivated in the freedom and prosperity of America's fertile and open fields.
They had no expectations of giveaways, bailouts, subsidies or favors. They asked
for only a chance and they never listened to the "noise" around them. It was
America that comforted and nourished all immigrants' hearts and souls and it was
the Lebanese, Italians, Chinese, Japanese, Irish and dozens of other
nationalities that gave 115 percent of what they had, and asked for only what
they earned themselves. This was the fruition of the dream.
We, like millions of families, left in the belly of a freighter and returned in
a 747 within two generations. This could not have happened without the gift of
American freedom and choice and the inheritance of a magical Lebanese culture of
adaptability and drive. We must continue to fight for the freedom of America to
be the homing engine of all of those who dream of a better and free life – poor,
unemployed, disadvantaged, Jews, Muslims, Christians, and atheists. We must also
continue to perpetuate the fuel that propelled that engine: the fuel of
undaunted hope, desire, courage, and multidenominational acceptance and
tolerance. These gifts don't reside in a geographic place; they reside in your
hearts and souls and will continue to grow and blossom as you propagate and
share them. This reckless abandon of hope and desire is typically American and
typically Lebanese. Disease, pestilence, economic turmoil, war and political
upheaval are simply the backdrop upon which to sharpen our intentions and focus
our commitment to succeed and prevail together.
Don't listen to the noise. It is always there. Don't spend your waking hours
listening to the parade of horribles. They always exist. Reach deep into your
roots of American freedom and Lebanese ingenuity and simply let it rip. While
masses wallow in worry our destiny is to claw, fight, bite and scratch above it
all. Drag everyone within your reach upwardly along with you. Have no truck for
doomsday. Your Grandfather arrived at Ellis Island with the shirt on his back
and America allowed him to create the gifted lives that you and I share today by
responsibly taking "risks." His heart was pure since he never confused the
freedom and opportunity he was granted by America with the natural obstacles
that are placed in all of our paths by the hand of nature. He merely overpowered
nature with his determination and drive and the generosity of his immigrant
heart. Risk and the unknown were certainties, not an eventuality. Accept and
embrace them both intelligently!
Thousands of years of Levantine genealogy is a historic map for us to encourage
us to put aside fear and trepidation and replace it with euphoria, courage and a
renewed commitment to win together. The ancestral chant from the Levant is that
God sometimes chooses his most precious and hard stone upon which to chisel and
pound his most beautiful sculptures.
------------------------------------------
Oliver Barakat | First Vice President
CB Richard Ellis | Brokerage Services
225 Water Street, Suite 110 | Jacksonville, FL 32202
T 904 630 6346 | F 904 791 8953
oliver.barakat@cbre.com | www.cbre.com/oliver.barakat