LCCC
ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
November 12/09
Bible Reading of the day
10:7-18:
"Jesus therefore said to them again, “Most certainly,
I tell you, I am the sheep’s door. All who came before me are thieves and
robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the door. If anyone
enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find
pasture. The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may
have life, and may have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd.* The good
shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not
a shepherd, who doesn’t own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep,
and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep, and scatters them. The hired hand
flees because he is a hired hand, and doesn’t care for the sheep. I am the good
shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own; even as the Father knows
me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep,
which are not of this fold.* I must bring them also, and they will hear my
voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd. Therefore the Father loves
me, because I lay down my life,* that I may take it again. No one takes it
away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I
have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father.”/Naharnet
Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special
Reports
Canada Congratulates New Lebanese Government/November 12/09
Titles mean nothing without work plans/The Daily Star/November 12/09
Latest
News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for November 12/09
Aoun: Government Under 3
Headlines; Privatization, Paris III, and Productivity/Naharnet
Lebanon: Death sentence to 4 convicted of
collaborating with Israel/Ynetnews
Assad says no conditions to peace with Israel/AFP
Israel says photos prove weapons ship came from
Iran/AFP
Israel:
Photos Prove Weapons Ship Came from Iran/Naharnet
Official Ceremony Welcomes Hariri
at Grand Serail, PM Heads Policy Statement Committee Meeting/Naharnet
Jumblat
Says Syrian Influence in Lebanon is Permissible, Warns of Sunni-Shiite Tension/Naharnet
Peres:
Hizbullah Trading in Arms, Drugs in South America to 'Finance Terror'/Naharnet
Hamas Urges New Lebanese
Cabinet to Improve Conditions of Palestinians/Naharnet
Berri Says Cabinet Slogan
Should be 'Make Up for What Was Lost'/Naharnet
Phalange to Announce Final
Decision Following Rift with Hariri Over Cabinet Portfolio/Naharnet
Williams Says Israeli
Overflights and Listening Devices Violation of 1701, U.S. Demands Immediate
Israeli Pullout from Ghajar/Naharnet
Hariri: National Coalition
Government an Exception, I Wish to Practice Opposition Someday/Naharnet
Washington Hopes New
Lebanese Government Commits to Extending its Authority over All of Lebanon/Naharnet
Assad Congratulates
Suleiman on Forming Lebanese Government/Naharnet
Hariri Receives
Congratulations from Arab, World Leaders/Naharnet
Beneath Lebanon's New Political Deal, a Fear of
Violence/time
US says Iran shipped arms to Lebanese fighters/Reuters
International Community Welcomes Lebanon's Unity Government/Voice
of America
Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi: Hezbollah Holds 300 km Range Missiles/Israel
Defense Forces
Sleiman wants ministerial statement
drafted quickly/Daily
Star
Without national consensus new Cabinet will achieve nothng/AFP
US keen to cooperate with new
Cabinet/Daily Star
UN envoy thanks patriarch, Geagea for cabinet efforts/Daily
Star
Israel accuses Hizbullah of massive
weapons stockpile/Daily
Star
Lebanese banks recall credit cards
as pre-emptive move against fraud/Daily
Star
EDL to sue electricity bill
defaulters, cut power/Daily
Star
ternational child-care workshop
under way in Beirut/Daily
Star
Khalifeh: No swine flu vaccine in
Lebanon/Daily Star
USJ celebrates graduation of 115
business students/Daily
Star
Kanaan corruption critic bailed for
LL1 million/Daily
Star
Pesticide producers pressed to
label products/Daily
Star
Chouf Cedar Reserve learns
management the Italian way/Daily
Star
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
November 10, 2009
Statement by the Press Secretary on the New Lebanese Government
The United States commends Prime Minister Hariri and President Sleiman for their
stewardship during the government formation process, and looks forward to
working with the next Lebanese government on behalf of the people of Lebanon.We
hope that the cabinet statement and government program will reflect a commitment
to full implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1559, 1680, and 1701.
The United States will stand by those partners who share our commitment to
Lebanese sovereignty. We look forward to working with a new Lebanese government
that is committed to extending its authority over all of Lebanon, and to
advancing political and economic reforms that benefit the people of Lebanon.
Pursuing these goals presents a clear path towards the advancement of peace and
stability, and economic opportunity – both in Lebanon and the region. Lebanon
will play a key role in the effort to achieve a comprehensive peace in the
Middle East. There can be no lasting solution in the region reached at Lebanon’s
expense.
Canada Congratulates New Lebanese Government
(No. 339 - November 10, 2009 - 3:05 p.m. EST) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon,
Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement regarding the
formation of a new Lebanese government:
“Canada congratulates Prime Minister Sa’ad Hariri on forming a new Lebanese
government, and we offer our full support to him and to the people of Lebanon.
We also commend the spirit of compromise shown by Lebanese leaders in reaching
this agreement. I hope that the newly formed cabinet will be committed to
upholding Security Council resolutions and to building a stable country that
promotes peace and security in the region.
“Canada and Lebanon’s excellent relationship reflects the strong, active links
between our two peoples. We look forward to working with the new government to
support continued reforms, expand and diversify our trade relationship, and
strengthen cultural and academic ties between our countries.
“Canada takes note of the participation in the cabinet by Hezbollah, an
organization listed as a terrorist entity under our Anti-Terrorism Act. While
Canada will have full contact with Prime Minister Hariri and non‑Hezbollah
ministers, we will maintain our principled policy of having absolutely no
contact with Hezbollah officials.”
For more information, please visit Canada-Lebanon relations and Lebanon.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
Washington Hopes New Lebanese Government Commits to Extending its Authority over
All of Lebanon
Naharnet/ The United States said Tuesday in a communique that it looks forward
to "working with a new Lebanese government that is committed to extending its
authority over all of Lebanon, and to advancing political and economic reforms
that benefit the people of Lebanon.""The United States commends Prime Minister
Hariri and President Suleiman for their stewardship during the government
formation process, and looks forward to working with the next Lebanese
government on behalf of the people of Lebanon," added the communique. Washington
hoped that the cabinet policy statement and government program will reflect a
commitment to full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1559,
1680, and 1701. "The United States will stand by those partners who share our
commitment to Lebanese sovereignty," added the U.S. statement. The communique
concluded that Lebanon will play a key role in the effort to achieve a
comprehensive peace in the Middle East. "There can be no lasting solution in the
region reached at Lebanon's expense," concluded the White House communique.
Earlier, a top U.S. official has welcomed the formation of the Lebanese unity
cabinet and expressed hope that all states friendly with Lebanon would work with
the new government. The official reiterated his country's full support for the
formation of a Lebanese cabinet that brings together all forces without foreign
meddling. He told An Nahar daily in remarks published Tuesday that it is better
to form the cabinet late than not to form it at all. The source also hoped the
Lebanese government would build a sovereign and stable country that is committed
to peace. Beirut, 10 Nov 09, 13:45
Peres: Hizbullah Trading in Arms,
Drugs in South America to 'Finance Terror'
Naharnet/Israeli President Shimon Peres has reportedly informed Brazil that
Hizbullah cells in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay trade in weapons and drugs,
launder money and smuggle diamonds to "finance terrorist activities." Israel's
ynet news said Wednesday that Peres warned Brazilian Defense Minister Nelson
Jobim as well as other South American countries of Hizbullah's plans to strike
Jewish and Israeli targets on the continent. Peres also urged Brazil to use its
growing clout to challenge Iran's threats against his country during a visit
just two weeks before Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. "There needs to be
a voice against destruction and against terror, a clear voice. I know that
Brazil rejects threats, destruction, rejects terror, and the clear voice of
Brazil has a strong echo in the entire world," Peres said in a speech before
Brazilian lawmakers. While Israel did not see the Iranian people as an enemy,
"we cannot ignore that this government (of Ahmadinejad) is building nuclear
weapons and at the same time calls for the destruction of the state of Israel,"
he added.
Beirut, 11 Nov 09, 10:31
Israel: Photos Prove Weapons Ship Came from Iran
Naharnet/Israel released documents and pictures on Wednesday which it said
provided proof that a massive arms shipment seized at sea last week came from
Iran.
Israeli commandos intercepted the Antigua-flagged "Francop" near the coast of
Cyprus, claiming it was taking the weapons to Syria en route to Hizbullah.
Israel immediately accused arch-foe Iran of sending the cargo, but on Wednesday
offered for the first time evidence to back up the charges and detailed the
extent of the cache.
"Hidden among the dozens of other containers on board, and disguised as civilian
goods, the ship contained a consignment of 36 shipping containers with 500 tones
of arms en route via Syria to the Hizbullah terrorist organization in Lebanon,"
the army and foreign ministry said in a statement.
"A total of about 9,000 mortar bombs of different types were seized, along with
about 3,000 Katyusha artillery rockets, 3,000 recoilless gun shells, 20,000
grenades and over half a million rounds of small arms ammunition," the statement
said. It was accompanied by photos showing the ship's manifest, containers
bearing the logo of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines and cargo with
Iranian armed forces customs labels. Among the weapons seized were 2,124
Iranian-made 107mm artillery rockets and thousands of AZ111-A2 fuses
manufactured only in Iran, the statement said. Pictures also showed boxes of
rockets labeled as "parts of bulldozers," a suggestion of attempts to disguise
the shipment.
Iran and Hizbullah have both denied any link to the ship.(AFP) Beirut, 11 Nov
09, 14:57
Official Ceremony Welcomes Hariri at Grand Serail, PM Heads Policy Statement
Committee Meeting
Saad Hariri entered the Grand Serail for the first time as prime minister on
Wednesday after an official ceremony in the courtyard of the premier's
headquarters. Following the ceremony, Hariri went into his office on the second
floor. The premier later presided over the meeting of the 12-member ministerial
committee tasked with writing the cabinet policy statement. Media reports have
said the article that deals with Hizbullah arms in the ministerial statement
would be similar to its predecessor. Ministerial sources told An Nahar that no
timeframe has been set for writing the statement. However, constitutionally, the
cabinet should deliver the statement to parliament within one month. The sources
said the positive atmosphere prevailing over the country will reflect on the
committee's work, ruling out a long time to prepare the statement. The issue of
Hizbullah's arms is one of the major topics of discussion. There is an
inclination to adopt the same version of the policy statement of former PM Fouad
Saniora's cabinet, Beirut dailies reported. Beirut, 11 Nov 09, 09:53
Hamas Urges New Lebanese Cabinet to Improve Conditions of Palestinians
Naharnet/The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on Wednesday called on the
newly-formed Lebanese unity government to improve conditions for hundreds of
thousands of Palestinian refugees in the country. "Hamas wishes prosperity and
development for Lebanon and asks the new government to pay particular attention
to the situation of Palestinian refugees," the Damascus-based political bureau
of Hamas said in a statement. The statement, addressed to Lebanese Prime
Minister Saad Hariri and President Michel Suleiman, urged the Lebanese
government "to issue laws in favor of the civil and social rights" of
Palestinian refugees. Many in Lebanon fear that by granting the Palestinians
more basic rights, this would lead to their permanent settlement in the country
and alter the demographic map. Hamas in its statement, however, described
Palestinian refugees in Lebanon as "guests" and said they "remain attached to
the right of return" (to Palestine)."The Palestinian people... affirm their
determination to preserve the security and stability of Lebanon," the statement
added.(AFP)
Beirut, 11 Nov 09, 14:35
Williams Says Israeli Overflights
and Listening Devices Violation of 1701, U.S. Demands Immediate Israeli Pullout
from Ghajar
Naharnet/U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams has said Israeli
overflights and listening devices in southern Lebanon are in violation of
Security Council resolution 1701.
All Israeli military flights over Lebanon break resolution 1701, Williams told
the Security Council. "Every single Israeli overflight of Lebanon is a
violation, your question gives me a welcome opportunity to repeat that,"
Williams told reporters.
"To the best of my knowledge… probably no other country in the world – probably,
I may be wrong – is subject to such an intrusive regime of aerial surveillance
(as Lebanon)," he noted. "Now we also have other events, the discovery of
listening devices which almost certainly seem to have been left by the Israelis.
Are these violations? Yes, of course they're violations of 1701."
Asked whether he would categorically say that there was no arms smuggling into
Lebanon, he replied: "No I would not say that… it's an established fact that
Lebanon does not have an active border control regime in the way that most
countries have on their borders."
He cited U.N. missions in 2007 and 2008 that called the borders "very, very
porous. Now that's an objective and scientific assessment of what pertains on
the borders. What they were not in a position to say is what may or may not come
across the borders," he added.
Williams called for more to be done to safeguard what has been achieved in the
past three years. "While welcoming the parties' stated commitment to resolution
1701, which is critical, we also stress the need for more tangible steps to
facilitate forward movement in the direction of a permanent ceasefire and a
long-term solution," he said.
"Lebanon, Israel and the international community must be vigilant and undertake
greater efforts in the coming period to allow us to move forward."
During the session, Deputy U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Alejandro Wolff said
Israel should immediately withdraw from the northern part of the village of
Ghajar, limit its overflights and respect the Blue Line and Lebanon's
sovereignty.
However, Wolff brought up the issue of Israeli claims that it seized Iranian
arms bound for Hizbullah.
He said the alleged discovery of the arms shipment is in violation of resolution
1747.
Britain's deputy ambassador said he too had raised London's "very serious
concern" about the issue. The UK was awaiting further information and could not
yet confirm details of the Israeli allegations, envoy Philip Parham told
reporters.
Meanwhile, the Security Council welcomed the formation of the new Lebanese
government.
"The members welcomed the progress achieved by the formation of the new unity
government of Lebanon and they expressed their continued support for the work of
UNIFIL and special coordinator Williams," said Austrian envoy Thomas
Mayr-Harting. Beirut, 11 Nov 09, 08:42
Hariri: National Coalition Government an Exception, I Wish to Practice
Opposition Someday
Naharnet/The Hariri-led government held its first session at the Baabda Palace
headed by President Michel Suleiman. Social Affairs Minister Salim al-Sayegh did
not attend the session.
Information Minister Tarek Metri said after the session that President Suleiman
congratulated the Lebanese on the formation of the new government and hailed the
role played by PM Hariri in the negotiations period. The president also hailed
the role played by former Primer Minister MP Fouad Saniora during his leadership
of the late government.
Suleiman was quoted as saying that the time spent on the formation process did
not go in vain, and that the extended negotiations led to a dialogue among the
various political parties that will give its outcome later.
Metri also said that the president hoped the ministers will enter their
ministries without prejudice, and that they would avoid all types of slander in
the media. Suleiman urged the need for a prompt wording of the cabinet's Policy
Statement.
As for PM Hariri, he wished for the governmental kick-off to be able to satisfy
the aspirations of the Lebanese people, adding that the national coalition
government is an exception rather than a rule to build constitutional customs
upon it.
Metri quoted Hariri as saying he hoped to be someday in the opposition to
practice its supposed role in any democratic regime.
Hariri urged not to have a government that is composed of barricades split into
two fronts, hoping that everyone would hold up to their responsibility away from
bidding.
Metri announced the members of the committee assigned to compose the cabinet's
Policy Statement. The committee is formed of the ministers: Boutros Harb, Tarek
Metri, Mohammed Fneish, Jean Ogassapian, Wael Abou Faour, Ziad Baroud, Jebran
Bassil, Ali al-Shami, Charbel Nahas, Salim al-Sayegh, Raya al-Hafar, Youssef
Saade.
The committee will hold its meeting Wednesday noon at the Grand Serail,
according to Metri.
Earlier Tuesday, the protocol picture marking the initiation of PM Saad Hariri's
first government was taken at the doorsteps of Baabda Palace in the absence of
Phalange Party's minister Salim al-Sayegh and the attendance of State Minister
Michel Faroun.
A closed meeting gathered Suleiman, Berri, and Hariri prior to the photo-taking
session.
Before heading to Baabda, Hariri visited the Phalange Party headquarters to meet
with its leader Amin Gemayel in an attempt to appease the party and its
leadership after it expressed frustration over Hariri's move that gave the
Phalange the social affairs portfolio rather than the education ministry.
MP Sami Gemayel and Minister Salim al-Sayegh joined the Hariri-Gemayel meeting,
however, the meeting ended and neither side made a statement to the press.
The politburo of Phalange Party held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the
situation. Phalange Party official Sejaan Qazzi said that they were neither
after a portfolio nor a seat.
The politburo of Phalange Party will hold another meeting on Wednesday
afternoon.
On the other hand, State Minister Michel Faroun stressed that the information
about his frustration of being appointed as state minister were false, Voice of
Lebanon radio said.
Beirut, 10 Nov 09, 15:55
Assad Congratulates Suleiman on Forming Lebanese Government
Naharnet/Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday congratulated Lebanon on
the formation of a new unity government, hoping it will bring prosperity to the
country, SANA news agency said. Assad, in a message to Lebanese President Michel
Suleiman, "expressed hope that this period will be one of prosperity for the
Lebanese republic and the brotherly people of Lebanon," the state-run news
agency reported. Syria dominated Lebanon for nearly three decades until April
2005 when it withdrew its troops from the neighboring country under Lebanese and
international pressure. Assad ordered his troops out two months after the
assassination in Beirut of former prime minister Rafik Hariri, whose murder was
blamed on Syria despite strong denials from Damascus. On Monday, capping nearly
five months of wrangling with political rivals, Hariri's son, Saad Hariri,
announced the formation of a national unity government.
Beirut, 10 Nov 09, 17:40
Hariri Receives Congratulations from Arab, World Leaders
Naharnet/Prime Minister Saad Hariri received congratulations calls on Tuesday
from a score of Arab and world leaders on the occasion of forming the new
government. The most prominent callers were French President Nicolas Sarkozy,
Iranian FM Manouchehr Mottaki, Jordanian King Abdullah II, Saudi Crown Prince
Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, Egyptian FM Ahmed Abul Gheit, Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoglu,
UAE FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Cypriot FM Marcus Capriano, Abu
Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Saudi Prince Abdul Aziz bin
Abdullah, Arab League Secretary-General Amro Moussa, Saudi Information Minister
Abdul Aziz Khouja. Beirut, 10 Nov 09, 21:52
Israel accuses Hizbullah of massive weapons stockpile
Analysts dismiss claims as goldstone smokescreen
By Patrick Galey /Daily Star staff
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
BEIRUT: Israel hurled fresh accusations on Tuesday that Hizbullah has amassed a
stockpile of tens of thousands of rockets, some capable of reaching major
Israeli cities. Israeli Army Chief of Staff Major General Gabi Ashkenazi told
his government’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Hizbullah had
stockpiled an arsenal that included missiles capable of hitting the cities of
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, as well as Israeli’s secretive nuclear reactor in its
south. “Some of [Hizbullah’s weapons] have a range of 300 kilometers and some of
them have a range of up to 325 kilometers,” Ashkenazi was quoted as saying by
Israeli security officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the
meeting was private. “There is a paradox – on one hand there is calm, but when
you peek over the fence you can see armament and empowerment,” he added. Israel
has long held that Hizbullah has been increasing its military capabilities since
the end of the 2006 summer war, using Lebanon’s porous border with Syria to
import arms.
Ashkenazi warned that any provocation across the Blue Line – the UN-demarcated
line of Israeli military withdrawal – would lead to a shattering of the fragile
calm, currently shared by the two countries. “If Hizbullah carries out a
retaliatory attack for [Imad] Mughniyeh, it will force Israel to respond and
this will lead to deterioration,” he was quoted as saying, in reference to
Hizbullah’s military commander, killed in a Damascus car bomb in February last
year. Retired Army General Elias Hanna said Ashkenazi’s comments were
deliberately timed.
“Maybe he is trying to make a statement after the government formation,” he told
The Daily Star. “[Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan] Nasrallah has
already said they have an arsenal that can hit major [Israeli] cities.”
Hanna added that although long-range missiles could conceivably hit urbanized
areas in Israel, these were likely to number relatively few, given the
difficulty of concealing them.
“We have to keep in mind that long-range missiles are not a threat to the
long-term survival of Israel, especially when they are low in numbers,” he said.
“The main problems for the Israelis are the mid and short-range weapons due to]
the psychological effect of not being able to stop them.”
October saw the fifth exchange of rocket fire across the Blue Line so far this
year, in an incident dubbed by international observers as a serious violation of
UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The resolution was drafted to end the war of July and August 2006, in which more
than 1,200 Lebanese – mostly civilians – were killed.
In that conflict, Hizbullah fired more than 4,000 rockets from south Lebanon,
the furthest-reaching landing some 90 kilometers inside Israel. There was no
immediate response from Hizbullah to Tuesday’s accusations.
The Knesset also discussed the transit of arms into Lebanon.
Israel claimed last week to have intercepted a ship in waters off the coast of
Cyprus it said was carrying “hundreds of tons” of weapons destined for Hizbullah.
The cargo, which Israeli media reported amounted to more than 3,000 rockets, was
being delivered on behalf of Iran and was bound for the Syrian port of Latakia,
according to Israeli naval commandos. Hizbullah was swift to deny the
accusations, at the same time condemning what it termed “Israeli piracy” in
international waters.
On Monday, a senior Iranian commander suggested that Israel’s claims regarding
seized weapons were part of a “poisonous media campaign.”
Director of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps,
Yadollah Javani, said the timing of Israeli claims was meant to distract the
world media, according to Iranian state-run Press TV.
“These accusations are nothing but an Israeli ruse to deflect international
attention from [the] Goldstone report as they move closer to the war crimes
tribunal,” Javani said.
The UN Security Council is set to vote on the report in the coming days. Hanna
doubted that the vessel had contained weapons, given that Hizbullah had other
smuggling avenues open to it. “I don’t believe in this ship. There are high
levels of complexity in moving weapons, so why bring weapons vulnerable to
detection?” Hanna said. Israeli claims could be timed to act as a smokescreen
for other issues, he added, saying: “The political context of this is suspect.
It may be to do with Netanyahu’s visit to the US. Maybe [Israel] is trying to
put pressure on Iran, but we can’t be sure.” – With agencies.
UN envoy thanks patriarch, Geagea for cabinet efforts
By Maroun Khoury /Daily Star correspondent
Wednesday, November 11, 2009/BKIRKI: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s Special
Envoy on the Implementation of UN Resolution 1559 Terje-Roed Larsen called
Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir on Tuesday to thank him for his
efforts “in favor of Lebanon” and to discuss the country’s latest political
developments. Larsen also called Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea to
congratulate him on the formation of the cabinet.
US keen to cooperate with new Cabinet
Washington says regional peace deal will not be at lebanon’s expense
Compiled by Daily Star staff /Wednesday, November 11, 2009
European and regional states stressed on Tuesday the positive impact of the
formation of Lebanon’s new national unity Cabinet after five months of political
deadlock, while the US administration voiced hope that the new government would
commit to the implementation of international resolutions. “We look forward to
cooperate with a Lebanese Cabinet committed to maintaining its authority over
all its territories and implement economic and political reforms that would
serve the Lebanese people’s interests,” the US administration statement said.
The statement expressed hope that the new government’s policy and ministerial
statement would reflect its commitment to UN Security Council Resolutions 1559
and 1701.
The statement stressed that no regional deal would take place at the expense of
Lebanon, adding that the latter would play a key role in the achievement of a
comprehensive Middle East peace solution.
The new Cabinet’s ministerial statement is not expected to tackle Hizbullah’s
weapons and is to be formulated based on that of the previous Cabinet since
political leaders would tackle the issue of weapons during National Dialogue
sessions to be headed by President Michel Sleiman.
Separately, UN chief Ban Ki-moon welcomed Tuesday the newly formed Lebanese
national unity government while urging it to restrict the possession of weapons
in the country to the Lebanese Army and official security forces.
The secretary general expressed “satisfaction that … Lebanese political leaders
have been able to reach agreement on the formation of a Cabinet,” Ban’s
spokesman said in a statement, adding that he hopes Lebanese leaders will “work
together in a spirit of unity, dialogue and cooperation.”
The UN Security Council’s Resolution 1701, which ended a 34-day war between
Lebanon and Israel in 2006 and which restricts the possession of arms in south
Lebanon to the Lebanese Army, must be adhered to, Ban said.
“The secretary general calls on the new government of Lebanon to recommit to the
full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701,” Ban’s spokesman said.
The formation of Lebanon’s new national unity Cabinet followed warming of ties
between regional power brokers Syria and Saudi Arabia last month after a meeting
between Syrian President Bashar Assad and Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdel-Aziz in
Damascus.
Assad on Tuesday congratulated Lebanon on the formation of a new unity
government, hoping it will bring prosperity to the country, SANA news agency
said.
Assad, in a message to Sleiman, “expressed hope that this period will be one of
prosperity for the Lebanese republic and the brotherly people of Lebanon,” the
state-run news agency reported.
Also, French President Nicolas Sarkozy voiced hope on Monday that the new
Cabinet would meet the Lebanese people aspirations while he congratulated Prime
Minister Saad Hariri for its formation.
“Your government will be responsible for carrying out the reforms which are much
anticipated by the people of Lebanon as well as the international community,” a
statement by the Elysee palace said.
France expressed through visits by French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner to
Lebanon, on several occasions earlier its readiness to mediate efforts to
facilitate Hariri’s mission to form a Cabinet.
“I welcome the formation of a government of national unity in Lebanon and renew
the trust and support of France for Prime Minister Saad Hariri,” Kouchner also
said in a statement.
“Saad Hariri and his government can count on the resolute support of France,
which will continue its actions in favor of unity and stability, and the
sovereignty and independence of Lebanon,” he said.
Similarly, Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Tuesday that
stability in Lebanon is vital to peace in the Middle East, as he described the
formation of a national unity government as “positive.” “The formation of a
unity government in Lebanon is a positive development for both the people of
Lebanon and the region,” Miliband said in a statement.
“Stability in Lebanon is vital to peace in the Middle East. I wish the
government well as it starts to carry out future political, social and economic
reforms.
“The UK will work with the new Lebanese government to support reform inside
Lebanon and peace in the wider region.”
The European Union welcomed Tuesday the formation of a national unity government
in Lebanon, and urged all parties there and in the region to continue the
process of dialogue.
Also, the European Union “encouraged the new Lebanese government to carry out
necessary political and economic reforms while reiterating its full support for
Lebanon, its people and institutions,” current EU President Sweden said. “In the
interest of the stability of Lebanon and the region as a whole the presidency
furthermore encourages all parties to continue the national dialogue that
preceded the elections,” the EU statement said. In a separate statement, EU
foreign policy chief Javier Solana also congratulated the parties.
“It is important that Lebanon has a strong, effective government as it faces the
various challenges ahead,” he said.
“I call once again on all parties concerned, in Lebanon, in the region and in
the international community, to act constructively to recognize and ensure the
sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon,” he said.
“Achieving this goal is crucial for the stability of the entire region,” he
added.
Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Fratini expressed on Monday night its
commitment for Lebanon sovereignty and independence while voicing hope that the
new cabinet headed by Hariri would instigate economic prosperity. “After turning
the page of political stalemate which governed Lebanon during the last several
months we expect a new era of stability and prosperity,” the statement said.
Without national consensus new Cabinet will achieve nothng
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Analysis
Rana Moussaoui /Agence France Presse
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s new unity government will be united in name only because of
unresolved deep divisions between the rival parties, especially on the issue of
Hizbullah’s arsenal of weapons, analysts say. “The formation of this so-called
unity government is but a formality,” Osama Safa, head of the Lebanese Center
for Policy Studies, told AFP.
“There is but one force on the ground, regardless of who won the elections,” he
added, referring to Hizbullah, the only Lebanese faction which has refused to
disarm since the end of the country’s 1975-90 Civil War. Safa and other analysts
noted that the militant group, which fought a devastating war with Israel in
2006 and is considered a terrorist organization by Washington, will essentially
dictate the workings of the new cabinet.
“Nothing will happen unless Hizbullah agrees to it,” Safa said. “They managed to
get what they want, nothing can happen without them.”
“They impose their will through their weapons,” he added. The new government was
formed late on Monday by Prime Minister Saad Hariri following more than four
months of tough negotiations with the Hizbullah-led opposition on the
distribution of portfolios and the choice of ministers.
Hariri, a Sunni whose community traditionally fills the premier’s seat, was
asked to form a government after his coalition defeated the Shiite Hizbullah and
its allies in a June general election.
His 30-member Cabinet is composed of 15 seats for his US- and Saudi-backed
coalition, 10 for Hizbullah’s camp backed by Syria and Iran, and five for
President Michel Sleiman’s appointees. “In any unity government in the world,
the different parties at least agree on a program,” Rafik Khoury, chief editor
of the independent daily Al-Anwar, told AFP.
“Here in Lebanon, they have been battling it out for five months over portfolios
and they agree on nothing.” Khoury predicted that the long-running political
feud between Hariri’s bloc and his rivals would continue, despite all the hoopla
over the birth of a unity government. “Let’s not kid each other, this government
was formed by Bashar Assad and King Abdullah,” he said, referring to the Syrian
and Saudi heads of state. “The rival ministers will be at each other’s throats
at each cabinet session,” Khoury added.
Lebanese media on Tuesday also warned of the pitfalls facing the new government
as it gets down to business. “Government of the two trenches,” read the
front-page headline in the daily Al-Akhbar, which is close to the opposition.
As-Safir daily, also close to the opposition, said Hariri’s government mirrors
all of the country’s complexities and woes.
“It is a government of contradictions, which either contains a time-bomb waiting
to explode or will be able to rule until the end of its mandate,” it said in an
editorial. The major point of contention between the two camps has been
Hizbullah’s weapons, an issue starkly highlighted in May 2008 when the militant
group staged a spectacular takeover of mainly Muslim west Beirut. The crisis,
sparked by a government crackdown against Hizbullah, resulted in the deaths of
more than 100 people and took the country close to another civil war.
Analysts warned that a repeat of those events was possible unless the new
government addresses the fundamental divisions among the rival parties.
“The new Cabinet will succeed in nothing unless it works to consolidate national
consensus,” said Fadia Kiwan, head of the political science department at Saint
Joseph University.
“We are already sitting on a powderkeg given the bad regional situation,” she
added, referring to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the Arab-Israeli conflict and the
bloodshed in Iraq.
“We are facing political instability and insecurity because Lebanon, whether we
like it or not, is a regional battleground.”
Sleiman wants ministerial statement drafted quickly
Document to be based on previous cabinet’s policies
By Elias Sakr /Daily Star staff
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
BEIRUT: President Michel Sleiman called Monday for the prompt formulation of the
ministerial statement based upon that of the previous Cabinet to quickly move on
to the implementation of modern laws and institutional reforms that would help
strengthen Lebanon. Sleiman’s announcement as he presided the Cabinet’s first
meeting on Tuesday at Baabda Presidential Palace left the issue of Hizbullah’s
weapons to discussion during National Dialogue sessions thus avoiding political
dispute over the matter when it comes to the formulation of the policy
statement.
“We will draft a new ministerial statement which will be based on the one agreed
upon by the previous Cabinet,” Information Minister Tarek Mitri said following
the cabinet’s meeting.
Mitri added that the Cabinet’s members selected a committee to draw the
ministerial statement draft. For his part, Prime Minister Saad Hariri stressed
the need for the new Cabinet to operate in harmony away from political
provocations and based on cooperation and partnership from all parties.
However, Hariri added that the formation of a national unity Cabinet should not
be the rule since it contradicts constitutional conventions but an exceptional
case given the necessity for a unity government in the current period. The
Cabinet’s first meeting followed the official picture of its ministers at Baabda
presidential palace.
According to political analysts, a national unity Cabinet embracing major
political parties was a necessity in order to maintain stability and security as
well as face future economic and social challenges. More than four months
followed the parliamentary June 7 elections before Hariri managed to reach an
agreement with the opposition over the latter’s ministerial share; however the
premier’s Christian ally of the March 14 coalition, the Phalange Party,
expressed on Monday its discontent with its share as the party’s politburo is
expected to hold another meeting Tuesday to discuss the issue.
On Monday, Phalange Party official and Social Affairs Minister Selim Sayegh did
not take part either in the Cabinet’s session or the official photo of the
Cabinet’s members. The Phalange Party was demanding to be granted the Education
portfolio but the ministry was allotted to the Future Movement. Sayegh said the
new Cabinet make up was the “best of the possible” adding that his party made
major concessions. Sayegh stressed that Phalange Party head Amin Gemayel as well
as the party’s popular bases were discontent with their ministerial share.
“The Phalange Party should have a significant political weight in the Cabinet
and refuses to be given a minor role,” Sayegh said; but the Phalange would not
obstruct the function of the state and its institutions. Sayegh added that both
Sleiman and Hariri contacted Gemayel with regard to the issue.
“The Phalange would remain a major party, whether it decided to remain with or
split from the March 14 alliance,” said Sayegh. Hariri paid a visit on Monday
the Phalange Party’s Headquarters in Saifi, in Beirut, and held talks with
Gemayel. After Hariri’s swift visit, Gemayel headed a meeting of the party’s
politburo to decide upon future steps concerning the issue.
Gemayel’s political adviser and party official Sejaan Azzi said in a news
conference that the party’s politburo would hold another meeting Wednesday to
resume its discussion regarding its ministerial share in the Cabinet, adding
that “all options are possible.” Lebanese Forces (LF) MP Antoine Zahra stressed
that the LF will not forsake its alliance with the Phalange Party and will
support any decision its ally takes. Zahra also tackled the issue of Hizbullah’s
weapons saying the LF would resist attempts to legitimize the party’s arms.
However, Zahra added that his party would facilitate the task of the committee
responsible for the formulation of the ministerial statement since the issue of
arms would be tackled during national dialogue sessions. Meanwhile, presided
over by former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, the Future Bloc congratulated the
Lebanese people for the formation of a new cabinet as the attendants voiced
support for Hariri’s future role as its head. Following a meeting at Hariri’s
residence in Qoreitem, the bloc issued a statement calling on political leaders
to wait for favorable circumstances before proposing major issues to discussion
in order to allow for the proper settling of the cabinet.
Meanwhile, Tawhid Movement leader Wi’am Wahhab said he expected Hariri to visit
Syria in the coming few days to be followed later by a visit of Progressive
Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt to Damascus. Wahhab added that Hariri’s
visit was no longer subject to debate as the premier was ready to turn a new
leaf in his relationship with Syria. “Hariri knows that forming a strong
relationship with Syria is necessary since it will facilitate his mission as
premier because he will receive full support from Syrian President Bashar
Assad,” Wahhab said.
Parliamentary committees to be formed thursday
BEIRUT: Speaker Nabih Berri called on lawmakers on Monday to report to
Parliament at 10:30 a.m Thursday, to elect the members and heads of the various
parliamentary commissions.
Berri had called for elections several times previously, but polls were
adjourned for lack of quorum. The deadlock over the Cabinet was said to be the
main hurdle behind the repeat postponement of the parliamentary committees’
elections. However, with a national unity Cabinet headed by parliamentary
majority leader Saad Hariri announced on Monday, the elections of the
parliamentary committees is not likely to face further obstacles. – The Daily
Star
Jumblat Says Syrian Influence in Lebanon is Permissible, Warns of Sunni-Shiite
Tension
Naharnet/Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat has said he has taken
his decision to go to Damascus but such a visit depends on Premier Saad Hariri's
travel to the Syrian capital first. "Maybe Hariri's visit would help prepare for
my visit," Jumblat told al-Akhbar daily in remarks published Wednesday.
"Hariri's visit would help (improve) internal relations and limit confessional
tension." "Of course I have made up my mind to go to Damascus. But what do they
(the Syrians) want? When Hariri comes back I would see the proper means to deal
with this issue," the Druze leader said. Given Lebanon's geographic location, he
said "Syria's influence in Lebanon is permissible but within (the country's)
independence and sovereignty."
Jumblat said the cabinet policy statement should center around three major
topics: Respect for international resolutions, the right for resistance until
liberation of occupied land and the armistice agreement with Israel. "The
agreement was a right decision," he said. But stressed that the cabinet should
depend on "smart" ministers to write the policy statement on what the Lebanese
have agreed on, including special relations with Syria. Turning to Hizbullah's
arms, Jumblat said the issue would be discussed on the national dialogue table
when conditions are ripe. "But the importance of these weapons is becoming
clearer by the day amid Israeli threats," the PSP leader told al-Akhbar. Jumblat
reiterated that he is still part of the parliamentary majority but
"distinguishes" himself from the March 14 forces. He stressed that the real
problem in Lebanon is not between the March 8 and 14 forces. "The problem is
among Muslims – Sunnis and Shiites – it is not between Muslims and
Christians."Jumblat also told al-Akhbar that the Shiite-Druze tension has been
reduced after he worked hard to limit the repercussions of the May 7 events.
Beirut, 11 Nov 09, 08:02
Aoun: Government Under 3 Headlines; Privatization, Paris III, and Productivity
Naharnet/The leader of Change and Reform bloc Michel Aoun after meeting with PM
Saad Hariri said that "the new government is consolidated by cooperation and
national unity" considering that it stands under three headlines "privatization,
Paris III, and productivity especially that the productive ministries are with
us or with our allies; telecommunications, energy and agriculture".
Aoun announced that no one in the current government got what he expected as far
as the portfolios are concerned. "It is not the end of the world if the Phalange
Party got the social affairs ministry only," said Aoun in an attempt to
encourage them to cooperate in the government and pointing out that his bloc
wanted it amongst its shares of ministries.
Regarding the ministerial statement, Aoun stated that "the dialogues that are
currently taking place represent all parties" and stressed on the necessity of
highlighting the national unity in the statement calling everyone to stick to
it.
"There are different inclinations inside the government which will incite
arguments but positive ones at that. The existent battle is to find adequate
solutions," he added.
Regarding the Energy ministry Michel Aoun revealed that they will implement
interactive studies to reach a solution for this sector avoiding personal
interests. Beirut, 11 Nov 09, 20:21