LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
ِDecember 23/2010

Bible Of The Day
The Good News According to Luke 13/1-5: "Now there were some present at the same time who told him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 13:2 Jesus answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 13:3 I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way. 13:4 Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them; do you think that they were worse offenders than all the men who dwell in Jerusalem? 13:5 I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.”
 

Free Opinions, Releases, letters, Interviews & Special Reports  
Interview with French Ambassador in Lebanon Denis Pietton/Daily Star/December 22/10

Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for December 22/10
US hits Iran with new sanctions over terror, nukes/Washington Post
LEBANON: Nation braces for Hezbollah reaction to indictments/Los Angeles Times
Hezbollah welcomes Khamenei statements/UPI
2010: A year of failings and frustrations/Arab News
Ashkenazi: IDF tank hit by Kornet missile/Ynetnews
Egyptian paper: 'Mossad spy' tried to recruit Lebanese journalist/Ynetnews
Turkey PM: Israel to blame for deadlock in Mideast peace talks/AP
Valero calls on everyone to respect international legitimacy/Now Lebanon
Aoun accuses Sleiman and Hariri of obstructing cabinet/Now Lebanon
Khalifeh: Those objecting on Berri’s initiative should state their objections/Now Lebanon
 
Hariri: Saudi-Syrian effort unhurt by Iran stance/Daily Star
New deal aims to speed return of Chouf displaced/Daily Star
Kahwagi: Army ready to counter threats to stability/Daily Star
Israeli Minister: Lebanon's Gas Field Claims Have No Cartographic Basis/Naharnet
Raad: Hizbullah Willing to Compromise on False Witnesses' Issue
/Naharnet
Israeli Report: Jewish State to Inform Southerners before Attacking Hizbullah Targets
/Naharnet
Jumblat Lashes 'False Witness' Geagea
/Naharnet
WikiLeaks: Syria Blames Israel for Murder of General who with Hizbullah Link
/Naharnet
Paris Brushes Aside Khamenei's Comments on Tribunal
/Naharnet
Israel Accuses Iran, Hizbullah of Consolidating Hamas Military Capabilities
/Naharnet
Hariri: No Stability without Justice, Violence Would Be Huge Gift to Those Who Want Divided Lebanon
/Naharnet
Chamoun: There is Nothing to Compromise Over
/Naharnet
Sfeir: Intimidation Not Acceptable
/Naharnet
Berri to March 14 Forces: I Won't Kneel
/Naharnet
U.S. Hits Iran with New Sanctions over Nukes, Support for Hizbullah
/Naharnet
Anti-tank Missile at Gaza Front Revives Memories of 2006 War
/Naharnet
Hizbullah: Khamenei's Brave Stance Doesn't Contradict Syrian-Saudi Efforts
/Naharnet
Aoun Holds President, PM Responsible for 'Obstructing Cabinet Functioning/Naharnet
Disabled War Veterans Spread Christmas Cheer
/Naharnet
Syrian Ambassador: Syria-Saudi Effort Ongoing, Results Should Emerge in Lebanon/Naharnet
Hizbullah's Fayyad Hits Back at Sfeir: We Are Not Coup-Seekers/Naharnet


Sfeir: Intimidation Not Acceptable

Naharnet/Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir on Wednesday said intimidation is not acceptable. "There are many difficulties and the country must move forward," he told the Voice of Lebanon radio station. "Citizens of one nation must defend their homeland," he added. Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 08:59

Paris Brushes Aside Khamenei's Comments on Tribunal

Naharnet/France brushed aside comments by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging different sides in Lebanon and the region to encourage dialogue and national interest.
"The international tribunal is an independent authority that was established by a Security Council resolution and with the support of Lebanese authorities," French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said Tuesday. The court is working for justice and against impunity, he said. "Amid the tension over this issue, everyone in Lebanon and the region should be responsible and favor dialogue and national interest," Valero told reporters. French Foreign Minister Michele Alliot-Marie and her British counterpart William Hague discussed Lebanon and the tribunal during a dinner in London on Monday. Valero said that both Paris and London support the stability and sovereignty of Lebanon. Alliot-Marie and Hague also agreed that the indictment should be issued amid an atmosphere of calm. Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 08:59

U.S. Hits Iran with New Sanctions over Nukes, Support for Hizbullah

Naharnet/The U.S. Treasury Department has expanded punitive sanctions against Iran over its nuclear and missile programs and support for Hizbullah. The Department added five Iranian companies to its financial blacklist, including two banks, an insurance company, a freight forwarder and the state-owned shipper, the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines. The sanctions bar the firms, all linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, from the U.S. financial system and freeze any assets they may have in U.S. jurisdictions. "Both the IRGC and IRISL are major institutional participants in Iran's illicit conduct and in its attempts to evade sanctions," said Under Secretary of Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey. "We will therefore continue to target and expose their networks." The sanctions target the Moallem Insurance Company for providing marine insurance to IRISL vessels, and the Ansar Bank and Mehr Bank for providing financial services to the IRGC. Also affected is Bonyad Taavon Sepah, a quasi-governmental financial services firm that handles investments for the Revolutionary Guard. Bonyad Taavon Sepah's executive director, Parviz Fattah, was also blacklisted. The forwarder, Liner Transport Kish, was added to the blacklist for providing material support, including weapons to Hizbullah on behalf of the Revolutionary Guard. In addition, Treasury identified an Iranian energy concern, Pars Oil and Gas Company, as being owned or controlled by the government, hitting it with sanctions under new U.S. legislation aimed at choking off financing for illicit activity. (AP-Naharnet) Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 07:59

Hariri Denies Newspaper Report that He Has Abandoned Tribunal

Naharnet/Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Wednesday denied a report published by Ad-Diyar newspaper that he has agreed to stop the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. A statement issued by Hariri's office said the premier "finds the leaked reports do not show the truth." "The Prime Minister did not say in front of visitors or in private meetings any of the statements attributed to him by Al-Diyar," his office said. Ad-Diyar quoted Hariri visitors as saying that the prime minister has decided to "abandon" the international tribunal "for the best interest of Lebanon." Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 13:39

Syrian Ambassador: Syria-Saudi Effort Ongoing, Results Should Emerge in Lebanon

Naharnet/Syrian ambassador Ali Abdul Karim Ali on Wednesday stressed that the Damascus-Riyadh mediation effort was ongoing. He said results of this effort should emerge here through the various parties in Lebanon – through their response, consensus and dialogue among themselves away from media spotlight to reach the required results. He said Syria hopes for a fruitful and speedy outcome "that would prevent strife." Turning to Iran, he said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's stance on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon was "preceded by many positions which shook the image of the international tribunal and doubted its credibility." Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 12:39

Hizbullah's Fayyad Hits Back at Sfeir: We Are Not Coup-Seekers

Naharnet/Hizbullah MP Ali Fayyad on Wednesday hit back at Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir, telling him "we are not coup-seekers."Sfeir had expressed fear that Hizbullah would stage a coup d'état to seize control of Lebanon. "We are not coup-seekers and this is not on our mind," Fayyad said in an interview with OTV. "Such accusations do not facilitate relation-building between Hizbullah and Bkirki," he stressed.

Israeli Report: Jewish State to Inform Southerners before Attacking Hizbullah Targets

Naharnet/Israel would ask Lebanese citizens to evacuate southern border villages prior to launching an attack on Hizbullah if the Shiite party continues to stash arms inside towns and civilian buildings, Israeli security sources told Israel radio. The report came after an Israeli officer in the northern command said it would be wrong to think that Israel won't retaliate if the border region becomes unstable. Israel accuses Hizbullah of placing arms inside depots in Shiite villages in the south. Israel radio also said that southerners fear rising tension over escalatory rhetoric by Hizbullah and Israeli officials. Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 13:12

Raad: Hizbullah Willing to Compromise on False Witnesses' Issue

Naharnet/Head of Hizbullah's Loyalty to the Resistance parliamentary bloc MP Mohammed Raad said Hizbullah was willing to compromise on the false witnesses' issue, but warned that Hizbullah is a "red line that cannot be bypassed."He confirmed the existence of a "plan for a solution" being mulled by Syria and Saudi Arabia to find a way out of the Lebanon crisis. "We as Hizbullah are part of the Opposition and we will discuss with our allies the concessions that can be offered if the solution is convincing," Raad said in an interview published Wednesday by the daily As-Safir. He said any settlement, however, must "maintain the existence of the Resistance and protect it against the Israeli enemy."
Raad said the majority March 14 coalition also has to find a way to "liberate Lebanon from the claws of the politicized international tribunal." Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 08:09

Israeli Minister: Lebanon's Gas Field Claims Have No Cartographic Basis

Naharnet/Offshore gas discoveries could deliver Israel energy self-sufficiency for the first time but domestic and international disputes are threatening to put a potential gold rush on hold.
One of two promising gas finds -- the Tamar field discovered off the northern port of Haifa -- contains around eight billion cubic meters (280 billion cubic feet) of natural gas, Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau told Agence France Presse. The nearby Leviathan field "could hold twice as much and cover Israel's consumption needs for 25 years," he said.
"Israel could become an exporter of gas to Europe. We are ready to cooperate in such a project with foreign investors but also with Greece and Cyprus," he said.
But the recently discovered fields are in contested waters, with Lebanon and other countries expressing concern about Israel's plans to exploit them, and a domestic wrangle over taxes and state royalties posing another obstacle. Israel still does not have officially delineated maritime borders with Lebanon, and the two nations remain technically at war. But Landau said he was confident Israel's claim to the fields would be upheld. "None of Lebanon's claims has any judicial, economic or cartographic basis. Israel will defend its interests with all necessary force in the face of all these threats," he said. Turkey, a one-time Israeli ally, has also become involved in the gas field row, reacting angrily to an Israeli deal with Cyprus intended to facilitate future exploitation. The agreement delineates an economic free zone that is intended to prevent future conflicts between the two nations as exploration and exploitation of marine gas and oil fields moves forward. But Turkey has no relations with the island's internationally recognized Greek Cypriot government, instead extending recognition to the breakaway Turkish Cypriot authorities in the north. Landau said the deal with Cyprus "lays out the limit of the maritime border north of Israel and fixes the (sea) border with Lebanon."
He brushed aside Turkish criticism, saying: "The agreement with Cyprus clearly defines our rights in the Mediterranean."
On the domestic front, the gas discoveries have also set off a firestorm, this time over the royalties and tax the Israeli state can expect to receive.
Before the discovery of the Tamar and Leviathan fields, Israel collected relatively paltry taxes and royalties, around 30 percent, on exploitable natural resources on its territory.
The low fees were intended to encourage local and foreign companies to take on the expensive work of exploring for gas and other resources, and are far less than those levied by many nations. Faced with the prospect of missing out on massive windfalls from Tamar and Leviathan, the Israeli government has convened a commission to draft new tax and royalty fees, which has already proposed almost doubling the tariffs. The new fees could also be applied retroactively, prompting firms involved in uncovering the fields to launch a vociferous campaign against any increase. Among the loudest voices against the new tariffs is U.S. firm Noble Energy, which holds 39.6 percent of the rights to Leviathan. News reports have said the Texas-based company is seeking the intervention of the U.S. ambassador "at the highest level" to defend its interests. The controversy, which has held up development of the Tamar field, has even pitted cabinet members against each other. While Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz wants to see higher fees, Landau is more circumspect, warning that now may not be the right time to raise them.
Landau said he wants "to put an end to the real uncertainty that has prompted banks involved in the gas projects to freeze 3.5 billion dollars in loans." "It would be better to move forward, we will talk in the future about taxes, but we're pressed for time now." Landau warned that Israel's sole operating field, Yam Tethys, which currently supplies about 70 percent of the country's natural gas, will be depleted within three years. To his dismay, the Tamar delay prompted Israeli companies to agree deals valued at between five and 10 billion dollars to import natural gas from Egypt earlier this month. "This deal will cost us 1.5 billion dollars in lost taxes," he said.(AFP) Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 13:52

WikiLeaks: Syria Blames Israel for Murder of General who with Hizbullah Link

Naharnet/Syria believes that Israel was behind the assassination of Syrian President's top security aide Mohammed Suleiman who was in charge of contacts with Hizbullah, a new WikiLeaks cable revealed. Suleiman was killed by a sniper shot Aug. 1, 2008 in the Syrian coastal city of Tartous. According to the cable sent from the U.S. embassy in Damascus to Washington, the Israelis were "the most obvious suspects" in the assassination. "Syrian security services quickly cordoned and searched the entire beach neighborhood where the shooting had occurred," the embassy was informed. Syrian-based journalists were instructed not to report the story, the cable said. It was a sensational event, akin to another mysterious assassination in Damascus earlier that year, when a car bomb killed Hizbullah military commander Imad Mughniyeh. Initial reports were vague about Suleiman's identity and position, and the news blackout lasted for four days. But Washington knew exactly who he was. A secret document several months earlier gave his job description as "Syrian special presidential adviser for arms procurement and strategic weapons." Israeli media reported that Suleiman had also served as Assad's liaison to Hizbullah. The U.S. embassy said Israel was the obvious suspect in Suleiman's murder. It said Syrian security services are well aware that Tartous would offer easier access to Israeli operatives than would more inland locations such as Damascus. "Suleiman was not a highly visible government official, and the use of a sniper suggests the assassin could visually identify Suleiman from a distance." According to the cable, 10 days later a U.S. embassy contact reported that the assassination had become "a frequent source of controversy" in internal Syrian government deliberations. "Tempers flared during an August 12 higher policy council meeting when high-level security service officials openly questioned the government's continuation of indirect negotiations with Israel and its 'generosity' with Lebanon." Security chiefs claimed that Syria would make concessions and not receive any tangible gains from engaging Lebanon or talking indirectly to Israel. "Underlying this tense exchange was frustration within the security services that the (Syrian government) was all but ignoring the assassination of Suleiman. Security service officials were suggesting that 'if the Israelis did it' (killed Suleiman), why was the Syrian government continuing the dialogue?" the embassy said. "'And if it was an inside job, people are wondering about their future.'" Assad was thus under increasing pressure to provide assurances to his security chiefs about their positions and about the government's intention not to make premature concessions. Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 07:10

Israel Accuses Iran, Hizbullah of Consolidating Hamas Military Capabilities

Naharnet/The Israeli army leadership accused Iran and Hizbullah of continuing to consolidate Hamas' military capabilities by transferring advanced weapons to the Islamist movement.
The army leadership said it decided to change the rules of the game following increased rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip on Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli military sources said they believed that a Kornet missile fired on Israel earlier this month could have reached Gaza from Iran. Beirut, 22 Dec 10, 10:55

Pietton: France is putting its verbal support for Lebanon into action
Ambassador thinks that justice will bring stability to country in the long run

By Annie Slemrod /Daily Star staff
Wednesday, December 22, 2010 /Naharnet
Interview
BEIRUT: French Ambassador Denis Pietton has elaborated on France’s confirmation Friday that it will soon provide the Lebanese Army with 100 HOT anti-tank missiles.
In an interview with The Daily Star Tuesday, Pietton said this upcoming transfer was part of “a commitment that was made a long time ago by the French government.” He noted that the deal has been in the works since May, and that it includes “some [French] assistance … to update and maintain the French helicopters that [the Lebanese Army already] has.”
Pietton emphasized that in providing the Lebanese Armed Forces with missiles, France is putting its verbal support for Lebanese sovereignty into action.
“We keep saying that we are committed to [Lebanese] independence and sovereignty. One way … of translating this commitment into deeds is to support the army. You cannot say that you want the Lebanese Army to be … [solely] in charge of the defense of the country, and at the same time refuse [it] … basic equipment.”
Both Israeli and American officials have expressed concern that funding or weapons given to the Lebanese Army may fall into the hands of Hizbullah.
In August, the US House Foreign Affairs Committee warned that providing Lebanon with weapons “would be very irresponsible and could jeopardize security and stability in the region.” After an Israeli soldier was killed in August border clashes, which also left two Lebanese soldiers and a Lebanese journalist dead, the US temporarily suspended $100 million in military aid to Lebanon.
Israel has recently expressed similar worries. An anonymous Israeli military official was quoted last week as saying “we have raised with foreign governments our concerns over Hizbullah’s growing domination of the Lebanese government apparatus and concern that weapons transfer to the Lebanese forces will in fact become part of the Hizbullah arsenal.”
Pietton expressed confidence these fears will not be realized. “We know what the concerns of the Israelis are, [and] we take them into account,” he said. “We have a strategic dialogue with Israel which is ongoing, and we are in the position to provide the Israelis with … information to make them understand that what we are doing is not against the interests of Israel. Indeed, it is in the interest of Lebanon and the independence of Lebanon which is dear to us.”
Pietton also remarked that he “doubts very much” there is a connection between Sunday’s Israeli military exercises near the Lebanese border, which included live fire, and Friday’s announcement.
The ambassador also underlined French support for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), words that France backed up earlier this month with a $2 million donation to the investigation into former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s assassination in 2005. In the face of concerns that a forthcoming indictment might cause instability in the country, Pietton emphasized that justice and stability are “not [mutually] exclusive,” and that “what we wish for Lebanon is justice, because we think that in the long run justice is a key factor for stability.”
Of a Monday comment by Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that any STL verdict would be “null and void,” Pietton said he was “not particularly concerned.”
He urged restraint in speech, saying that “as the situation evolves … there are some statements which fuel anxiety and create a climate which is not conducive to stability.”
While acknowledging that Lebanon’s current political deadlock is problematic, Pietton said “we think the fact that the Council of Ministers met recently is positive.” He said France is “concerned” that the Council is not in a position to make decisions for the country – he specifically mentioned an inability to address issues of poor infrastructure.
“I hope that when the indictment is behind us the government will be able to resume normally, Pietton said. In contrast to a November statement by Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini that the release of US diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks “will be the September 11th of world diplomacy,” Pietton was relatively calm about the implications. “[The release] is troubling and it could be embarrassing for some people,” he said. “But I don’t think that in the long run it will affect diplomatic work and relations. It shows that American diplomats do their jobs.”

Hariri: Saudi-Syrian effort unhurt by Iran stance
PM says Lebanon stands by tribunal, says Khamenei entitled to his opinion

By Elias Sakr /Daily Star staff
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
BEIRUT: Prime Minister Saad Hariri said Tuesday his government was committed to cooperate with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) and dismissed claims that Iran’s position concerning the UN-backed tribunal would hinder Syrian-Saudi talks aimed at breaking the political deadlock over the issue. Hariri told reporters at a joint news conference with his Belgian counterpart Boyko Borisov that though he respected Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s opinion, international resolutions would remain untouched, irrespective of how they were perceived by various parties. Khamenei dismissed Monday any findings by the UN-backed tribunal as “null and void,” a position endorsed by Iran’s ally, Hizbullah, saying that the STL planned to release a false indictment implicating some of the party’s members in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. “We respect supreme leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei … there is no doubt that everyone has a point of view in this matter but international resolutions are international resolutions … This is Iran’s position and we in Lebanon have a position echoed by the government,” said Hariri. He said that all parties appeared to be seeking regional stability, adding that Khamenei’s position would not negatively impact Syrian-Saudi attempts to break the political deadlock.
“This [Iranian position] will not influence the Syrian-Saudi track which is a very positive one as matters progress, though at a different pace than hoped by some. However, issues take some time,” he added. Hariri left Beirut Tuesday evening for Saudi Arabia to attend the wedding of Prince Abdulaziz bin Fahd al-Saud. Echoing Hariri in this regard, Hizbullah said in a statement released by its press office that Khamenei’s position was not in opposition to Syrian-Saudi efforts but rather called for the confrontation of the “STL plot” before it develops into a crisis among the Lebanese. The statement, which endorsed Khamenei’s position condemning the tribunal as a politicized “US-Israeli” tool, voiced regrets that some parties “misread and misinterpreted an obvious statement calling for the confrontation of a plot through logic and wise thinking.”
Hizbullah has called on Hariri to renounce and halt his government’s cooperation with the court, warning that his failure to comply could “plunge Lebanon into the unknown.”
Though unsurprising in its opposition to the court, some analysts believe that Iran’s public stance was a message conveyed to the STL’s international backers that Hizbullah and its sponsors would not settle for any compromise that involves the implication of any of the party’s members.
Commenting on Tehran’s regional role, Speaker Nabih Berri said Iran was a recognized regional power that played a vital role in its support to Lebanon’s resistance, a reference to Hizbullah. Hizbullah’s Sheikh Naim Qassem called on Hariri and his allies to relinquish support for the STL, warning that their support for the court would backfire.
“Do not make a mistake because the repercussions will backfire at you rather than us. Do not falsely accuse us because you will be uncovered and fall before your own people before you fall before us. Do not be a tool for the US and Israel because all they care about is their interest,” Qassem said.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Sunday his country was concerned about Lebanon in the coming weeks, in reference to the expected date of the indictment’s release. But Hizbullah’s ally, Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun dismissed his claims and added that “some parties who sought strife marketed fictitious dangers.” Asked to comment on Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir’s warning against Hizbullah’s attempt to unilaterally rule the country, Aoun said in a sarcastic tone: “We will be Hizbullah’s partner if it seizes the country.”
In an interview published by Newsweek magazine Tuesday, Hariri played down the odds of an eruption of sectarian strife following the release of the STL indictment. “Violence would be a huge gift to those who want a divided Lebanon. When we are united, we are much more capable of facing the challenges that surround us,” he said. Hariri also reiterated his support for the STL, saying justice and stability were directly related. “Without justice you won’t have stability,” he said. Criticizing Hariri and President Michel Sleiman, Aoun accused them of blocking government meetings by refusing to put the issue of “false witnesses” to vote. Hizbullah and its allies insist that the issue be settled before ministerial discussions touch on any other topic. The March 8 coalition demand that “false witnesses,” whom they accuse of misleading the UN probe in 2005, be referred to Lebanon’s highest court, the Judicial Council, but the March 14 coalition says “false witnesses” ought to be tried by the regular judiciary. The March 14 alliance fears that the investigation of “false witnesses” by the Judicial Council would eventually block the work of the STL.

Valero calls on everyone to respect international legitimacy

December 21, 2010 /French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bernard Valero called on everyone in Lebanon and the region to be responsible, adopt dialogue and respect international legitimacy. During a press conference, he also said that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Monday statement does not “require a comment”.Khamenei dismissed as “null and void” any ruling by the court, which is probing the 2005 murder of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) said on December 9 that it will "very, very soon" file indictments for the killing of Hariri and 22 others. The court is reportedly set to indict high-ranking operatives of Hezbollah, which is backed by Tehran and Damascus.-NOW Lebanon

Aoun accuses Sleiman and Hariri of obstructing cabinet

December 21, 2010 /Change and Reform bloc leader Michel Aoun on Tuesday accused President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister Saad Hariri of obstructing the cabinet.
“I request them to call for a cabinet session on Wednesday… postponing [cabinet sessions] does not serve the country’s interests,” he said during a press conference following his bloc’s weekly meeting. “The Finance Ministry is violating the constitution and wasting time,” Aoun also said, adding that the situation calls for Finance Minister Rayya al-Hassan to resign.
He called on Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Shami to ask British Ambassador to Lebanon Frances Guy for clarification over British Foreign Secretary William Hague’s recent statement that the UK is worried about the risk of an outbreak of violence in Lebanon in January. Aoun also reiterated his displeasure with the Internal Security Forces (ISF) Information Branch, adding that the body “is monitoring Energy Minister Gebran Bassil.” FPM official Fayez Karam—who was arrested in August for allegedly spying for Israel—will have a public trial, he added.
Commenting on Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir’s Tuesday statement, Aoun said, “We are partners with Hezbollah, and we divide together. The share [Sfeir] is worried about will [remain]. No one will [harm] his religious [position], and his political [task] is an addition.” Sfeir said earlier on Tuesday that the behavior of some of Hezbollah officials reflects that they might stage a political takeover of Lebanon. Aoun and his bloc MPs have repeatedly criticized Hassan and the Finance Ministry, calling its work illegal.  The cabinet has met once since its November 10 session and has not tackled institutional work in-depth as March 8 and March 14 ministers have been deadlocked over how to resolve the issue of the witnesses who gave unreliable testimonies to the international probe into the 2005 assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri.-NOW Lebanon

Khalifeh: Those objecting on Berri’s initiative should state their objections

December 21, 2010 /Health Minister Mohammad Jawad Khalifeh told NBN television on Tuesday that critics of Speaker Nabih Berri’s initiative should state what their objections are.
Khalifeh – an Amal Movement minister – called on those concerned about Lebanon to suggest initiatives like Berri did to help resolve issues. Last week, the speaker suggested to have the Justice Council itself rule on whether it has jurisdiction on the “false witnesses file.” The cabinet has met once since its November 10 session and has not tackled institutional work in-depth as March 8 and March 14 ministers have been deadlocked over how to resolve the issue of the witnesses who gave unreliable testimonies to the international probe into the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. -NOW Lebanon

Turkey PM: Israel to blame for deadlock in Mideast peace talks

19:25 21./In news conference with Syria PM, Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls on the international community to help break the impasse in Israel-Palestinian negotiations.By The Associated Press /Turkey's prime minister on Tuesday blamed Israeli "intransigence" for the deadlock in Mideast peace talks and called on the international community to work toward breaking the impasse. Recep Tayyip Erdogan was addressing reporters in a joint news conference with Prime Minister Naji al-Otari of Syria after ministers from both countries held a meeting to build on already thriving cooperation.
"We are concerned that U.S. efforts to start direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians were left unsolved due to Israel's intransigence," Erdogan said. "Under these conditions, the international community and countries of the region must engage in more intense efforts for a peace opening." U.S. officials said earlier this month that they had abandoned efforts to get Israel to reinstate a settlement construction freeze in the West Bank, concluding that was not the best way to restart the talks. The Palestinians have said they would not resume negotiations without a settlement construction freeze. Earlier on Tuesday, ministers from Turkey and Syria signed several cooperation agreements, including one to combat terrorism, and al-Otari pledged continued support for Turkey in its fight against Kurdish rebels, some of whom are based across the border on Syrian territory. Tensions between Turkey and Syria ran high in the 1980s and 1990s when Turkey accused Syria of sheltering autonomy-seeking Kurdish rebels, which Turkey considers to be terrorists. Syria expelled Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan in 1998 and those ties grew stronger as Turkey reached out to neighboring countries to build economic ties. Turkey and Syria lifted travel visas earlier this year and the two countries' militaries staged joint exercises. Erdogan said he hoped the close ministerial-level co-operation between Turkey and Syria, and a similar one between Turkey and Iraq would expand to other countries in the Middle East. "Our final goal is for the peace and friendship to expand to the whole region wave by wave," Erdogan said.

New deal aims to speed return of Chouf displaced

By The Daily Star /Wednesday, December 22, 2010
BEIRUT: A protocol signed by the Agriculture Ministry and the Ministry of Displaced Tuesday is set to help the displaced return to their towns and villages in the Chouf permanently by allowing them to benefit from a wide array of agricultural projects. Agriculture Minister Hussein Hajj Hassan said the cooperation with the Ministry of the Displaced was “to provide agricultural services to all those returning to their villages through various centers located in the Chouf region.” “There are several services the ministry will provide the displaced, as plantation, the establishment of gardens and distribution of pesticides,” Hajj Hassan said. Hajj Hassan also said providing economic incentives would allow the displaced to reconnect with their land. Minister of Displaced Akram Shehayeb echoed Hassan’s statements, saying that results would be positive if the displaced permanently returned to their villages. “Coordination between ministries boosts the efforts for the permanent return of the displaced,” he added. – The Daily Star

Kahwagi: Army ready to counter threats to stability

By The Daily Star /Wednesday, December 22, 2010 /BEIRUT: Lebanese Army General Jean Kahwagi reiterated Tuesday the military’s readiness to counter any threats to Lebanon’s stability. “The Lebanese Army today is much stronger and completely ready to prevent any assault from Israel or those who would challenge Lebanese stability,” Kahwagi added. Kahwagi’s statements came following a visit to the Military Academy in Fiyaddiyeh during which he called on the students to “stick to discipline with high morality and to gain knowledge in the military field.” Kahwagi also praised the role of the Military Academy for bringing up soldiers who would share a great responsibility in safeguarding the accomplishments of the Lebanese military. Kahwagi vowed the Lebanese Army would confront civil strife and instability in the country. – The Daily Star

Egyptian paper: 'Mossad spy' tried to recruit Lebanese journalist

Al-Masry Al-Youm says Egyptian national accused of working for Mossad offered editor of major Lebanese newspaper money, talk show in exchange for his cooperation with Israeli intelligence /Ynet Published: 12.21.10, 19:36 / Israel News /Egyptian newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm reported Tuesday that local security agencies revealed that Tarek Abdel Razek Hassan, the Egyptian national who is accused of spying for Israel, was assigned by the Mossad to recruit the chief editor of a major Lebanese newspaper who is close to the Syrian regime and Hezbollah. According to the report, Hassan offered the editor money and the opportunity to host a television talk show in exchange for his cooperation with the Israeli intelligence agency. Hassan, according to Egyptian media, served as a middleman between a Mossad handler and an operative in Lebanon. He allegedly gathered classified information that was vital to Syria's security services. According to Al-Masry Al-Youm, Hassan also "posted ads on the internet to recruit Lebanese and Syrian cellular communications experts to work for the Mossad." Reports published throughout the Arab world claim Hassan contacted Mossad via email and offered his services. During a meeting with an Israeli intelligence official in India, Hassan was given a $1,500 advance, and was trained in intelligence gathering at the Israel embassy in Thailand, the reports said.