LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
January 17/2012
Bible Quotation for today/Jesus
Speaks about His Suffering and Death
Luke 09/21-27: "Then Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell this to anyone.
He also told them, The Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected by the
elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law. He will be put to death,
but three days later he will be raised to life. And he said to them all, If you
want to come with me, you must forget yourself, take up your cross every day,
and follow me. For if you want to save your own life, you will lose it, but if
you lose your life for my sake, you will save it. Will you gain anything if you
win the whole world but are yourself lost or defeated? Of course not! If you are
ashamed of me and of my teaching, then the Son of Man will be ashamed of you
when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy
angels. I assure you that there are some here who will not die until they have
seen the Kingdom of God.
Latest analysis,
editorials, studies, reports, letters & Releases from miscellaneous sources
Al-Assad in Bab al-Aziziyah/By Tariq Alhomayed/January 16/12
Iran's intelligence penetrates the wall of China/By Huda
al Husseini/January 16/12
Extensive interview from Asharq Al-Awsat, with former Arab
League Secretary-General Amr Moussa/January 16/12
Exclusive interview from Asharq Al-Awsat with Turkish
President Abdullah Gul/January 16/12
Will the Salafis change/By Abdul Rahman Al-Rashid/January 16/12
Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for
January 16/12
Ashrafiyeh Building Collapse Adds to Government Woes, 26
Dead
Hizballah
planned Mumbai-style attack on Habad Bangkok, Khao San restaurants
Thailand Charges Hizbullah Suspect in Terror Probe
Thai police raid
warehouse of Lebanese in terror probe
France: Iran Violating Arms Embargo with Shipments to
Syria
Jumblat: Terrorism Theories No Longer Convince the Angry
Masses
Policeman wounded in
armed robbery at Sidon KFC outlet
Ban Urges Security Council to Act on 'Unacceptable' Syria
Situation
New 'Freedom Convoy' Attempt on Syria Uprising Anniversary
Assad's political,
military foes step up pressure
Ahmadinejad Aide Convicted for Insulting Khamenei
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood Nominates Parliament Speaker
Oil Above $99 in Asia Amid Middle East Jitters
US, Israel
in open rift over Iran: Big joint military drill cancelled
'Israel and U.S. postpone massive defense drill in fear of
escalation with Iran'
Netanyahu deputy voices ‘disappointment’ with Obama on
Iran
Zvi Bar'el / Iran's game of chicken regarding oil
production
Iran confirms receipt of U.S. letter warning against
blockade of Strait of Hormuz
British FM: European nations to intensify pressure on Iran
Saudi Arabia: Readiness to up oil output is not linked to
Iran sanctions
Ban: STL mandate to be extended automatically if work
remains
Beirut building
collapse traps residents
11 Dead, 11 Rescued as 5-Storey Building Collapses in
Ashrafiyeh
Al-Rahi: Lebanon Must Not Be Source of Regional
Instability
Hariri via Twitter: Ban’s Visit Aimed at Stressing Need
for Lebanon to Respect STL
Davutoglu voices confidence in Lebanon
Hundreds of Lebanese men and women march against rape
U.N. appoints Plumbly as new Lebanon coordinator
French downgrade may
hurt Lebanese economy
Ban: Era of one-man
rule in Middle East is over
27 Civilians Dead in Syria as Bus Attack Kills At Least 6
Ban calls on Assad to
stop killing his own people
U.N.'s Ban tells Assad to halt violence and stop killing
his people
No plan to send Arab troops to Syria: League source
Iran sends rare letter to U.S. over killed scientist
Camp David pact to be
reviewed: Egypt’s presidential frontrunner
US, Israel
in open rift over Iran: Big joint military drill cancelled
DEBKAfile Exclusive Analysis/January
15, 2012/US-Israeli discord over action against Iran went into overdrive Sunday,
Jan. 15 when the White House called off Austere Challenge 12, the biggest joint
war game the US and Israel have every staged, ready to go in spring, in reprisal
for a comment by Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon in an early morning
radio interview. He said the United States was hesitant over sanctions against
Iran's central bank and oil for fear of a spike in oil prices.
The row between Washington and Jerusalem is now in the open, undoubtedly causing
celebration in Tehran.
Nothing was said about the 9,000 US troops who landed in Israeli earlier this
month for a lengthy stay. Neither was the forthcoming visit by Gen. Martin
Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint US Chiefs of Staff, Thursday mentioned.
The exercise was officially postponed from spring 2012 to the last quarter of
the year over "budgetary constraints" – an obvous diplomatic locution for
cancellation. It was issued urgently at an unusually early hour Washington time,
say debkafile's sources, to underscore the Obama administration's total
disassociation from any preparations to strike Iran and to stress its position
that if an attack took place, Israel alone would be accountable.
Israel's Deputy Prime minister further inflamed one of the most acute
disagreements in the history of US-Israeli relations over the Obama
administration's objections to an Israel military action against Iran's nuclear
sites in any shape or form. Yaalon ventured into tricky terrain when he pointed
out that US Congress had shown resolve by enacting legislation for sanctions
with real bite. But the White House "hesitated." He went on to say: "A military
operation is the last resort, but Israel must be ready to defend itself."
The friction was already fueled last week by the deep resentment aroused in
Israel by Washington's harsh condemnation of the assassination last Wednesday,
Jan. 11, of the nuclear scientist Prof. Mostafa Ahmadi-Roshan, and absolute
denial of any US involvement.
Although Tehran has since accused the United States of the attack, the White
House treated it as the defiant sign of an approaching unilateral Israeli
military operation against Iran to which the administration is adamantly
opposed.
Friday, Jan. 13, the Pentagon announced the substantial buildup of combat power
around Iran, stationing nearly 15,000 troops in Kuwait - two Army infantry
brigades and a helicopter unit – and keeping two aircraft carriers the region:
The USS Carl Vinson, the USS John Stennis and their strike groups.
Debkafile's military sources report that a third aircraft carrier and strike
group, the USS Abraham Lincoln, is also on its way to the Persian Gulf.
This massive military buildup indicates that either President Obama rates the
odds of an Israel attack as high and is bolstering the defenses of US military
assets against Iranian reprisals - or, alternatively, that the United States
intends to beat Israel to the draw and attack Iran itself.
The official purpose of Gen. Dempsey's visit next Thursday was supposed to be
coordination between the US armed forces and the IDF. But his main object was
another try to dissuade Israel's government and military leaders from plans to
strike Iran without Washington's prior consent.
The "budgetary constraints" pretext for cancelling Austere Challenge 12 is hard
to credit since most of the money has already been spent in flying 9,000 US
troops into Israel this month. Although the exercise in which they were to have
participated was billed as testing multiple Israeli and US air and missile
defense systems, the exercise's commander, US Third Air Force Lt. Gen. Frank
Gorenc, announced that the event was more a "deployment" than an "exercise."
Its cancellation leaves Washington and Jerusalem at loggerheads in four main
areas:
1. President Obama believes he is rushing through the sanctions against Iran's
central bank CBI and oil restrictions with all possible speed. He needs time to
persuade more governments to support him. Israel sees little real progress in
the crawling diplomatic bid for backers and is impatient for action. At the rate
the sanctions are going through, they will not be in place before the end of
2012 and by then, Iran will have already acquired a nuclear weapon.
Israeli leaders also suspect that the Obama administration may be foot-dragging
deliberately in the hope of encouraging Iran to enter into negotiations and so
avoid a military showdown. They point out that all previous rounds of talks were
exploited for Iran's forward leaps in their nuclear weapon drive, free of
international hassle.
2. President Obama insists on the US acting alone in attacking Iran with no
Israeli military involvement. This would leave him free to decide exclusively
when and how to stage an operation. He is counting on the tightened military and
intelligence cooperation he has instituted between the two armed forces and
agencies to safeguard Washington against the surprise of a lone Israeli action.
But Israel has declined to make this commitment - even in the face of US
officials' efforts at persuasion.
3. US military strategists are counting on an Iranian reprisal for an attack on
its nuclear sites to be restrained and limited to certain US military assets in
the region, Israeli targets and oil installations in the Persian Gulf, including
a temporary and partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one fifth
of the world's oil passes.
They expect Israel to refrain from striking back for Iranian attacks and to
leave the payback option entirely in American hands. US officials have said they
fear an Israeli overkill would tip the entire American military operation into
imbalance and generate unforeseen consequences.
The incoming US troops were therefore armed with the sophisticated missile
interceptorTHAAD systems (easily transportable Terminal High Altitude Area
Defense hit-to-kill weapons) to show the Israeli government that the US would
stay on top of all the military moves against Iran - offensive and defensive
alike.
On these three points, the US and Israel disagree. Neither Prime Minister
Binyamin Netanyahu, nor Defense Minister Ehud Barak or Deputy Prime Minster
Yaalon, who are responsible for all decisions on Iran, are willing to put all
their trust for defending Israel in American hands or relinquish unilateral
military options against Iran. They believe US officials when they assert that
the administration is prepared to prevent Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, but
they want to see proof of the pudding and actions to back up the rhetoric. In
the light of credible intelligence that Iran is very close to achieving its
nuclear goal, Israel is holding on to its military option over American
objections.
Ashrafiyeh Building Collapse Adds to Government Woes, 26 Dead
by Naharnet/..The collapse of a building in Ashrafiyeh on Sunday that left at
least 26 people dead added to the woes of the government which is already
suffering from disputes on a wage hike and delays in the appointments of civil
servants to positions in state institutions.
"Until now, 26 bodies have been recovered and we believe there are more buried
under the building that collapsed Sunday evening," Red Cross official Georges
Kettaneh told Agence France Presse on Monday evening.
The head of the General Security Department, Brig. Gen. Raymond Khattar, said
earlier that by Monday afternoon the bodies of seven Lebanese, seven Sudanese,
three Filipinas and two Egyptians were retrieved from the rubble of the
six-storey apartment building in the neighborhood of Fassouh that was built in
the 1940s.
Later on Monday, several media outlets said rescuers managed to retrieve the
bodies of Lebanese victims Maroun Saad, Alice Saad, Farhat Noaim, Tanious Noaim,
Charbel Noaim and Jeanette Abi Serhal.
Eleven others were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals a day earlier. No
survivors were found during rescue efforts on Monday.
Around 10 people were still missing. But rescuers began facing a new hurdle in
the afternoon after heavy rains lashed the area.
Premier Najib Miqati ordered the formation of a team of experts to probe the
incident after witnesses said that the building’s owner, Michel Saadeh, had
warned them not to stay in their apartments on Sunday night.
A witness, Gladiss Noaim, told LBC TV on Monday morning that the residents heard
an explosion during Christmas which turned out to be cracks in one of the
building’s foundations.
Noaim said that she and her mother were leaving their apartment on the first
floor when the debris began pouring on them. Her father and three brothers were
still under the rubble, she said.
Authorities are now questioning Saadeh to find out whether the incident was due
to his neglect or the construction of a new building near the old structure.
Nearby buildings were evacuated on Sunday night upon the request of the security
forces, LBC reported.
Ministerial sources told An Nahar daily that the cabinet will discuss the
incident from outside its already packed agenda on Monday. It will hear a
briefing on the primary probe into the circumstances that led to the collapse.
The sources said the issue of public safety will become a priority and the
government will take all necessary and urgent measures to deal with hundreds or
thousands of similar cases in Beirut and other areas.
Old buildings should be routinely inspected to avoid such a tragedy, they told
An Nahar. Secretary-General of the Higher Relief
Council Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Bashir told NNA that the government will compensate
the victims and provide them with shelter. The head of
parliament’s public works committee, Mohammed Qabbani, has called for an
extraordinary meeting on Monday to discuss the incident.
Representatives of the involved state institutions and Beirut Municipality will
attend the meeting.
11
Dead, 11 Rescued as 5-Storey Building Collapses in Ashrafiyeh
by Naharnet /An old five-storey building collapsed on its tenants in the
Ashrafiyeh neighborhood of Fassouh on Sunday, leaving at least five people dead,
including a 15-year-old girl, and several people injured, trapped or unaccounted
for.“The collapsed building in Ashrafieh is located in Al-Motran Atallah Street
and it contains 10 apartments,” MTV reported.
Young man Anthony Abdul Karim was pulled out alive while Anne-Marie Abdul Karim,
15, was found dead and her wounded grandmother was rushed to hospital, state-run
National News Agency reported. NNA later reported that rescue crews managed to
pull out the body of an Ethiopian man while still trying to pull out the corpse
of another Ethiopian man.
"One of them is called Ahmed while the other is called Ayyoub," it added.
Later on Sunday, MTV said the bodies of two Sudanese victims were pulled out and
moved to state-run Rafik Hariri Hospital in Beirut. The TV network said earlier
an infant was pulled out alive from the debris while LBC television identified
some of the survivors as Jack and Joseph Jaara, Ayed and Antoinette Abdul Karim,
Sudanese nationals Banadi and Sadeq Abdullah, and Filipina Rose-Marie Balaka.
The National News Agency said an unknown number of people were buried under the
rubble, and emergency services were scrambling to find survivors. It identified
one of the survivors as Mohammed Kamel Abdul Salam, an Egyptian. "It was like an
earthquake" when the block collapsed, one witness told MTV. NNA said the
building had been in a state of disrepair made worse by recent torrential
downpours. At once, Interior Minister Marwan Charbel and Civil Defense chief
Brig. Gen. George Khattar arrived on the scene, with the latter telling MTV that
his crews were exerting their utmost efforts to rescue the trapped tenants."Two
bodies have been found while ten people have been pulled out alive and in good
health so far and we are in contact with two of the survivors" who are still
under the rubble, Charbel said. "More survivors may be still under the debris
... Three of the five floors were rented by foreign workers," the minister
added. President Michel Suleiman inspected the scene of the disaster later on
Sunday, demanding an instant probe.For his part, Prime Minister Najib Miqati
instructed the relevant authorities to mobilize all crews and contractors to
promptly rescue those still trapped under the debris.He asked the secretary
general of the High Relief Commission, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Bashir, to take the
measures applicable in such calamities and to submit a report as soon as
possible.
Miqati ordered the formation of a commission of inquiry comprising
representatives from the Public Works and Transport Ministry, the Civil Defense
Directorate and the Order of Engineers and Architects.
He also demanded an inspection of all buildings whose safety is doubted and
asked for an urgent report in this regard. Resident Gladys Farhat, who was not
in the building at the time of collapse, told MTV that “a pillar fell off the
building a month ago.”“Voices are being heard from beneath the rubble and a
number of vehicles and bulldozers have been scrambled to the scene,” MTV said.
Speaking to MTV by telephone, Journalist Tareq Karam, an Ashrafieh resident,
described the scene as “scary.” “It is the third building on the right in Al-Motran
Atallah Street and a part of the building collapsed on the building belonging to
the Beirut Water Authority,” he told MTV. Quoting officials from the Beirut Fire
Brigade, Future News TV said the building accommodated around 30 residents.
Meanwhile, MTV said “another building faces the threat of collapse near Qasabli
Snack.”
Hizballah planned Mumbai-style attack on Habad Bangkok, Khao San restaurants
DEBKAfile Special Report/ January 16, 2012/, The Thai police's capture of a
Lebanese-Swedish Hizballah suspect, who was charged Monday, Jan. 16, thwarted a
terrorist attack on Bet Habad in Bangkok, involving the taking of hostages and
blowing up the building. It was to have followed the same lines as al Qaeda's
2008 assault on the Mumbai Habad center which killed 8 Israelis and Jews - only
more ambitious. The Habad Bangkok is much larger: its hostel has rooms for
dozens of lodgers. A second team was to have hit the Khao San Road restaurants
popular with Israelis and Americans in a coordinated operation.
This is the first time Western and Israeli agencies have found evidence of the
Lebanese Shiite Hizballah using and training operatives in the same terrorist
methods as al Qaeda.
debkafile's counter-terror sources note that two or possibly three Hizballah
cells were to have gone into coordinated action on the same date this month. The
only suspect in Thai custody is Atris Hussein, 47, who was arrested as soon as
he landed at Bangkok international airport Thursday, Jan. 12.
He first denied association with Hizballah, claiming he was on holiday. Sunday,
he broke down under interrogation and admitted he was on a mission to attack
Jewish, Israeli and American sites and that explosive materials had been
prepared in advance by another Hizballah team, which had pinpointed the targets
and was to have briefed the perpetrators.
Thai authorities believe that each team was made up of two or three members, all
carrying European or Persian Gulf emirate passports.
Monday, Jan 16, Hussein led the police to an address he received from his
Hizballah controllers in Lebanon in the Samut Sakorn province on Bangkok’s
outskirts. There they found a cache of 4,000 kilograms of urea fertilizer and 10
gallons of ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound used in explosives. The
materials had not been assembled, indicating the plot was still not quite ready
to go.
The Thai police were waiting for the suspect at the airport after receiving
alerts from US and Israeli counter-terrorist agencies, which had advance
information about the coming attack. According to debkafile's intelligence
sources, the tip-off originated with Lebanese nationals living in Bangkok who
had been approached for assistance. Those informants, who did not trust the
local authorities to act, went straight to Western and Israeli contacts, who
then published terror alerts to US and Israeli travelers. The terror alerts
issued by the US embassy and Israel's Counter-Terror Bureau are still in
force.Sources familiar with the investigation report a major manhunt in progress
for Hossein's confederates in Thailand, Europe and the Middle East. Some of
those sources suspect the advance team members who prepared the explosives
materials managed to escape, either by plane from Bangkok or by crossing into
Laos and catching a flight there, although others believe they are still hiding
out in Thailand waiting for another chance to strike.
Thailand Charges Hizbullah Suspect in Terror Probe
by Naharnet /Thai authorities charged on Monday a Lebanese Hizbullah suspect
with illegally possessing explosive materials. He faces up to five years in
prison.Atris Hussein was detained by police Thursday at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi
airport, trying to leave the country. Police are still looking for another
Lebanese suspect.Hussein led Thai police Monday to a warehouse filled with
materials commonly used to make bombs. Police confiscated more than 8,800 pounds
(4,000 kilograms) of urea fertilizer and several gallons of liquid ammonium
nitrate during the early morning raid of the warehouse in Samut Sakhon, on the
western outskirts of Bangkok, according to police and media reports.Hussein told
police that he and other accomplices had rented the warehouse a year ago,
according to a police official.
The official said that police also found shipping containers, leading them to
believe the materials were destined for shipment elsewhere, though he declined
to say where.The raid came after the U.S. Embassy issued an "emergency message"
Friday warning of a possible terror threat against Americans in Bangkok, and
Israel sent out a similar warning to its citizens. A dozen other embassies have
since urged their citizens to exercise caution.Thai authorities were caught
off-guard by the U.S. announcement, hastily revealing they had detained a
Swedish national of Lebanese origin with alleged links to Hizbullah on Thursday
and that intelligence indicated a plot could be carried out between Jan. 13 and
15.The defense minister said the news was not released earlier to avoid panic
that could hurt Thailand's tourism industry. Damage
control continued Monday, with the prime minister calling for calm."I'd like to
tell people not to panic. The situation is under control. There is no problem,"
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra told reporters, adding that security was
increased and intelligence agencies were closely following the situation.
Details of the alleged plot remained hazy Monday due to a variety of conflicting
accounts from Thai officials, some of whom said that Thailand appeared to have
been a staging ground but not the target of any plot."I think Thailand is likely
a transit point for other regions of the world," national police chief Gen.
Prewpan Dhamapong told reporters after the raid. "It is unlikely that they would
have staged terror attacks in Thailand."But the U.S. Embassy said it stood by
its warning of a possible attack in Bangkok.
Source/Associated Press
France: Iran Violating Arms Embargo with Shipments to Syria
by Naharnet/Iran has repeatedly violated a U.N. arms embargo with exports to
protest-hit Syria, the French foreign ministry said on Monday, citing a U.N.
group of experts.
"The U.N. panel of experts on Iran has identified and informed the Security
Council of several violations of the embargo on arms to or from Iran set up
by... the United Nations Security Council," said spokesman Romain Nadal."These
arms deliveries are illegal and deeply shocking because they benefit a regime
that has chosen a kind of repression that the U.N. rights council has repeatedly
said constitutes 'crimes against humanity'," he said."We condemn these
violations and call on Iran and Syria to comply with Security Council
resolutions," Nadal said in response to a question about a U.S. accusation that
Tehran was sending arms to Damascus.Senior U.S. officials told Agence France
Presse on Friday that Iran was supplying munitions to aid Syria's bloody protest
crackdown in an initiative spearheaded by the head of the Iranian Revolutionary
Guards Corps' elite Quds force, Qasem Soleimani.Iran is forbidden to import or
export weapons or ammunition under the terms of U.N. Security Council
resolutions dating from 2007 and 2010 slapped on the Islamic republic because of
its controversial nuclear program.Source/Agence France Presse.
Jumblat: Terrorism Theories No Longer Convince the Angry
Masses
by Naharnet /Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat has warned that
revolt-hit Syria might “descend into civil war if the bloodshed continues,”
stressing that the Arab peoples “can no longer tolerate autocratic parties and
rulers.” In his weekly column in his party’s Al-Anbaa newspaper to be published
Tuesday, Jumblat said: “The Arab peoples can no longer tolerate autocratic
parties and rulers, and the freedom fighters and revolutionaries in all
countries do not buy anymore the obsolete rhetoric that was used for years to
control the masses.”
The Druze leader stressed that “the persistent attempts to promote theories
about terrorism and armed terrorist groups can no longer convince the angry
masses.”
But he noted that “if there are gangs described as terrorist that are taking
advantage of the state of chaos created by the security and oppressive solutions
implemented by the regime in the face of legitimate political and social
demands, that does not negate the fact that there are peoples seeking to achieve
their freedom, democracy and dignity.”
“There’s no doubt that Syria may descend into a devastative civil war if the
bloodshed continues,” Jumblat cautioned, warning that “certain steps to escape
forward might push things towards an explosion in other arenas.”
And as he reiterated that the Arab initiative was the most appropriate solution
to the Syrian crisis, Jumblat urged Iran to “launch some kind of initiative
towards the Syrian people who stood by the Iranian revolution against the Shah
regime and in the face of the Saddamist attack in the eighties.”He also called
on Russia to “launch a political initiative together with the countries
concerned in order to pull Syria out of this crisis.”Turning to Lebanon, Jumblat
reiterated his support for “the Resistance and the defensive mission it is
performing in the face of the Israeli enemy, in a manner that preserves the
national Lebanese interest,” stressing “the need to reach consensus over a
comprehensive national defense strategy.”He also underlined that “weapons should
not be used domestically.”
“We are totally keen, together with the Resistance, on preserving domestic
stability and civil peace, especially in this critical and sensitive moment in
the region. As to the divergent viewpoints on evaluating the developments of the
Syrian crisis, that should be left to direct dialogue, away from bickering in
the media.”
Beirut building collapse traps residents
January 16, 2012/By Stephen Dockery The Daily Star
BEIRUT: A five-story apartment building collapsed in the Ashrafieh district of
Beirut Sunday, trapping an unknown number of people under the rubble.Rescue
workers worked into the night digging through debris to try and find those still
alive beneath a mound of concrete shards and twisted metal. Officials at the
site of the collapse said voices could still be heard from below.
Red Cross officials announced Sunday night that one person had been pronounced
dead while 10 people were pulled alive from the building. It is likely that
amount could climb as the number of people trapped is still unknown. The
building includes 10 apartments. Ashrafieh resident Nicolas Abou rjeily told The
Daily Star he had heard the building collapse from a block away around 6 p.m. “I
heard a loud sound,” He said, adding that he ran to see a large cloud of dust,
debris and bloodied people being pulled out of the building. Distraught and
weeping people surrounded the collapsed building, hoping to see signs of friends
and family. Rescue workers pulled a number of injured out of the rubble
throughout the night, carrying them down from the debris on stretchers into
waiting ambulances. Emergency medics milled outside local hospitals, with
rescues growing less frequent as the night wore on. Most of the streets near the
site of the collapse were closed as Civil Defense personnel, the Red Cross and
the Army arrived to help rescue residents. There is no indication of what caused
the collapse, but residents could have had some warning, as the building may
have shaken before it collapsed.
The sons of Tanios Farhat, a 70-year-old man who lived on the ground floor of
the building, were said to have rushed to try and save their father when the
building started to shake, a security source told The Daily Star.The three sons
were said to have been trapped in the building when it collapsed and the voices
of two of them could still be heard, the source said.During the night emergency
crews asked people to remain quiet in order to hear those calling for help from
beneath the rubble. Debris from the collapsed building also slid into the
foundations of adjacent buildings, prompting Army officials at the scene to ask
people in the area to evacuate because of concerns that other buildings might
collapse. President Michel Sleiman and Interior Minister Marwan Charbel arrived
at the scene to assist in the evacuation process. “There is more help coming to
the area to assist in the evacuation process and rescue people still trapped
under the rubble,” Charbel said.
Ann-Marie Abdel Karim, 15, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Saint George
Hospital in Ashrafieh. Among the 10 rescued, two women, a Filipino and a
Lebanese, were transported to nearby hospitals. Health Minister Ali Hasan Khalil,
and a number of MP, including Beirut lawmaker Jean Oghassapian, arrived at the
scene and expressed their regrets about the collapse. Former Prime Minister Saad
Hariri also expressed his regrets for the people who died or were injured in the
collapse of the building. Lebanese Red Cross spokesperson Ayad Monzer said that
no clear information was available regarding the number of people trapped under
the rubble.
Ban:
STL mandate to be extended automatically if work remains
January 16, 2012/By Mirella Hodeib/The Daily Star
Editor’s note: The following is the full text of an interview with U.N.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon conducted Saturday by The Daily Star.
Q: Are consultations with the Lebanese government concerning the renewal of the
mandate of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon binding?
A: In accordance with the Lebanon and U.N. agreement, the STL mandate should be
extended. If the works of the tribunal are not completed by Feb. 29 of this
year, it is to be extended automatically. The question is how long that should
be extended. That is something to be decided by me in consultation with the
Security Council and Lebanese authorities. I am in the process of having [those]
consultations.
Q: What about the protocol between the Lebanese government and the United
Nations on the STL? Some Lebanese factions are calling for it to be amended. Is
that possible?
A: The STL was established in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1757.
I don’t think there is a need to change any agreement. It is a matter of
extending the [court’s] mandate so that all the works can be carried out to
bring to justice the perpetrators of this crime (the 2005 assassination of
former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri). This will send a strong message to not only
perpetrators but any other potential crimes.”
As you know since this STL Lebanon was established, you have not seen any
political assassinations. This means the message has been clearly conveyed.
These are very important tools, mechanisms, to end impunity.
Q: Are you satisfied with the way Lebanese authorities have dealt with the
indictment issued by the STL? Have they made enough efforts to apprehend the
four suspects?
A: Four persons have been accused officially and it is important for the
Lebanese government to fully cooperate with the STL to apprehend them as soon as
possible. I am grateful to the Lebanese government for their strong commitment
to the STL by contributing 49 percent of their financial obligations. I count on
the continuing support and cooperation of Lebanon’s government.
Q: How do you respond to Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah
saying that he was pleased that you, as well the United States and Israel, were
concerned with the resistance’s growing capabilities?
A: It is important that Security Council Resolution 1559 is fully respected and
implemented. I was emphasizing in my [news] conference [Friday] that while
pressing my concern of Hezbollah’s military capacity it is important that all
the parties should fully comply with this resolution.
Q: What if it isn’t fully implemented? you called for dialogue among Lebanese
factions over the issue. What if the dialogue fails to achieve outcomes? What is
the position of the U.N.?
A: There should be continuous efforts to realize this resolution, [regarding]
the disarmament. These weapons outside state authority are very dangerous and
harmful to peace and stability for Lebanon and also in the region. There have
been allegations of illegal arms transfers. This affects negatively to overall
peace and stability of Lebanon as well as in this region. This is why I
expressed my concern.
Q: There have been several reports that the United Nations is receiving threats
to its Lebanon offices. Are you mulling a move?
A: The location of U.N. headquarters in [Downtown] Beirut is exposed to threats,
security threats, and we are concerned about this. That is why I have discussed
this issue with the leadership of the Lebanese government. They also fully
appreciate these security concerns. We are now discussing actively to relocate
our headquarters to a safer and more secure place within Beirut, or if not, the
outskirts of Beirut. But I hope the Lebanese government will render full
cooperation as soon as possible.”
Q: Did you discuss with Lebanese officials the possibility of establishing
humanitarian corridors between Lebanon and Syria? What is your evaluation of the
work of Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s Cabinet?
A: I am very happy to work with Prime Minister Mikati on all matters. I really
admire his leadership. As for the specific question of the issue of humanitarian
corridors, that is to be decided in consultation with the Syrian government. At
this time, the League of Arab States’ ... monitoring mission is in Syria and we
are waiting for their assessment report after they return. All these issues will
be discussed in due course.
Q: Will there be any military action against Syria similar to what happened in
Libya in your opinion?
A: No one has raised the possibility of having military operations at this time
and since the League of Arab States has already entered Syria, they are
monitoring the situation. The League of Arab States’ ministerial meeting has
reconfirmed the continuation of this mission. So let us wait for their
assessment and I am in close consultation with Secretary General of the League [Nabil]
Elaraby. We highly commend the efforts of the League of Arab States. We are
going to provide technical assistance in the area of training of the monitoring
teams.
Q: Is the U.N. going to help Lebanon demarcate its maritime border?
A: Lebanon has the right to explore and exploit its maritime resources in
accordance with the law of the sea. Lebanon and Israel can explore their
maritime resource in uncontested areas. But this needs to be discussed
bi-laterally. The United Nations, unless we are mandated by the General Assembly
or the Security Council, cannot directly intervene in this matter. If the
Israeli and the Lebanese governments agree to give us, request us to play some
mediating or facilitating role, we can do it. But I have explained this to the
leadership of the Lebanese government about the current situation, [although] we
will continue to discuss this matter.
Q: Will Israel pull out from the northern part of the border village of Ghajar?
Are talks about the withdrawal stalled?
A: It is regrettable this issue has not been resolved. In fact there was a very
positive development which took place over a year ago. The U.N. Interim Force in
Lebanon has presented its plan of action to secure the security there after the
withdrawal of Israeli [Army] from the northern [part] of the village of Ghajar.
Unfortunately we have not received any response from the Israeli government. The
Lebanese Armed Forces have agreed to the proposal of UNIFIL.”
No plan to send Arab troops to Syria: League source
Reuters) - The Arab League has not received any official request or suggestion
that it send Arab troops to Syria, an Arab representative to the Cairo-based
League told Reuters on Sunday. Qatar's emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani,
said on Saturday that Arab troops may have to step in to halt the bloodshed in
Syria since the start of protests against President Bashar al-Assad in March.
"There is no official suggestion to send Arab troops to Syria at the current
time ... There has been no Arab or a non-Arab agreement on a military
intervention in Syria for the time being," the representative to the League
said. There is little appetite in the West for any Libya-style intervention in
Syria, although France has talked of a need to set up zones to protect civilians
there. It was far from clear if Arab countries would be willing to beef up the
team of civilian monitors currently in Syria, let alone send in troops without
broader international support. It was also not clear if Qatar envisaged the
troops playing a peace enforcement or other role. An earlier idea of asking the
United Nations to provide technical support and experts to bolster the Arab
monitoring team has so far made little headway. The United Nations says more
than 5,000 people have been killed since protests against Assad erupted in
March. Syrian officials say 2,000 members of the security forces have been
killed by armed "terrorists." The Arab League has suggested a peace plan that
requires an immediate halt of violence and withdrawal of military forces from
cities and has been sending monitors from different Arab states to check if
Assad's regime is committed to the Arab plan. But both Arab monitors who have
travelled to Syria and sources in the Arab League say violence has continued
unabated and have voiced concerns about the efficacy of the mission in its
current form. Qatar has been the most outspoken among Arab countries about the
need for tougher action on Syria. Some other Arab states including Syria's
neighbors Lebanon and Iraq, oppose any escalation against Assad's government.
U.N.'s Ban tells Assad to halt violence and stop killing his people
15/01/2012/BEIRUT, (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
urged Syria's President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday to halt violence against a
10-month uprising and said the "old order" of dynasties and one-man rule in the
Arab world was coming to an end.
"Today, I say again to President Assad of Syria: Stop the violence. Stop killing
your people. The path of repression is a dead end," Ban told a conference in
Lebanon on political reform. The United Nations says more than 5,000 people have
been killed in Syria's crackdown on protests which erupted against Assad in
March, inspired by uprisings that toppled three Arab leaders last year. Syria
says 2,000 members of the government forces have been killed by "armed
terrorists".
"From the very beginning of the ... revolutions, from Tunisia through Egypt and
beyond, I called on leaders to listen to their people," Ban said. "Some did, and
benefited. Others did not, and today they are reaping the whirlwind." The
conflict in Syria has become one of the bloodiest and enduring confrontations of
the "Arab Spring". An escalating armed insurgency, driven by army defectors and
gunmen, has raised fears of civil war. The deployment of Arab League monitors in
Syria has failed to stem the bloodshed and Assad, facing sanctions, increasing
isolation and a crumbling economy, has vowed to crush what he says is a
foreign-backed conspiracy.
The 46-year-old president, who inherited power when his father died in 2000,
also promised a parliamentary election under a new constitution later this year,
and on Sunday declared a general amnesty for crimes committed during the
uprising.
OLD ORDER CRUMBLES
"The old way, the old order, is crumbling," Ban said.
"One-man rule and the perpetuation of family dynasties, monopolies of wealth and
power, the silencing of the media, the deprivation of fundamental freedoms... To
all of this, the people say: Enough."But he also said that the transition to
democracy in the region would be hard and drawn out, requiring genuine reform,
inclusive dialogue, a proper role for women and a solution for millions of young
people seeking work. In the short term, the instability created by the uprisings
had exacerbated economic difficulties. Unemployment was rising, along with food
and fuel prices, while commerce suffered. "Meanwhile, old elites remain
entrenched. The levers of coercion remain in their hands," Ban said. "...We have
reached a sober moment". Where authoritarian rulers had been toppled, there was
no guarantee that their successors would uphold human rights.
"The new regimes must not elevate certain religious or ethnic communities at the
expense of others," he said in apparent reference to fears that newly empowered
Sunni Islamist movements could marginalise minorities. Acknowledging that the
United Nations itself needed to "update its approach" to address the region's
problems, Ban said it was supporting change in Libya, Egypt, Tunisia and Yemen.
"We are firmly committed to help Arab countries through this transition, by
every means," he said.
Al-Assad in Bab al-Aziziyah!
By Tariq Alhomayed/Asharq Al-Awsat
The appearance of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus amongst some of his supporters was
a lot like Muammar Gaddafi appearing in Bab al-Aziziyah, or Green Square, to
show that he is still the leader, and is still popular. However that is not the
truth at all, firstly in the case of Gaddafi, which was proven over the days and
events that followed, and now the same applies to al-Assad.
After al-Assad’s speech, in which he appeared to be begging and detached from
reality, he emerged a day later among the crowds to prove his courage and
leadership, but reality dictates that he came out because of his fear. His
appearance only confirmed that he is no longer the President of Syria, but
rather merely a man who has his followers. Here some may say: How come? The
emergence of al-Assad in Umayyad Square - the day after his 99 minute-long
speech - was an indication that al-Assad is the leader of a specific group, and
not the President of Syria, and in turn he is contributing to isolating himself
more and more. It is suffice to consider the pictures of his lengthy, boring
speech at Damascus University, which did not show the attendance of any
officials from his government, particularly the well-known faces, just as the
images did not show anyone wearing military uniforms, such as high ranking
officials. This is not to mention the fact that a panoramic view of the Umayyad
Square rally shows that most of the audience there were security men, and that
was apparent from their features and physique, and it was suffice to consider
the amount of security personnel surrounding al-Assad’s wife at the time.
In al-Assad’s previous three speeches, and even in his latest interview with the
US television network ABC, he spoke as the leader of the Syrians, although it
was not convincing of course. However, the Umayyad Square scene was different,
where he assured his followers that victory was near, he pledged to fight a
broad spectrum of Syrian society, and he vowed victory over the Arabs and the
West. He seemed as if he was talking from the position of Hassan Nasrallah
rather than the President of Syria, and there is a big difference!
Of course, the question now is: When will al-Assad fall, or how? The answer to
this question was summed up recently by the dissident Syrian Brigadier General
Mustafa Ahmed al-Sheikh, who said that “large divisions, at the level of entire
sectors, only happen when there is an open horizon and an officer or soldier
feels that there is an international resolution to overthrow the regime”. He
adds that “so far there has been no international resolution to overthrow the
regime. That is why we have not seen high ranking officers or officials from
important civilian posts defecting. However, if there was a buffer zone in
place, most of the army would defect and the regime would fall faster”. This is
what happened in the case of Libya, and the intention here is not to call for
extensive NATO military participation, but what is required is an international
resolution to de-legitimize the al-Assad regime. The first step towards doing so
is to issue a UN resolution to provide buffer and no-fly zones, and then the
divisions will grow within the Syrian army, especially as the number of
dissidents so far, according to Brigadier General al-Sheikh, has reached 20,000.
As soon as a buffer zone is in place, according to al-Sheikh, then senior
officials will start to defect, which would in turn quickly bring down the
regime.
This is what must be done now, since all other solutions have become
ineffective, no matter what some have tried to say otherwise.
Iran's intelligence penetrates the wall of China
By Huda al Husseini/Asharq Alawsat
Iran is busy with its maneuvers on numerous fronts. With regards to America, it
is flexing its military muscles, dazzling the naïve, and providing fuel for its
trainees waiting to carry out its deeds. As for Russia, Iran feigns that
relations between the two countries are “cordial”, for at least they meet in the
Syrian trench, although each has its own goal. However, at present, Iran's main
emphasis is on China.
Iran's stance towards China is very interesting: on the one hand Iran is furious
at China's cooperation with some of the sanctions imposed upon Iranian banks,
but on the other hand China still holds the "key" to the effectiveness of the
international sanctions. Besides, Iran believes that China and Russia are
striking a balance between the mounting pressure of the US and its Western
partners, and extending economic relations with Iran as protection against
international sanctions. Hence, Iran is also striving to develop greater ties
with China through alluring oil deals. However, the West has noticed that China,
which imports 11 percent of its oil from Iran, has cut its imports during the
past two months, yet it is not known whether China has sought to diversify its
oil supply, or whether it is still seeking to purchase Iranian oil but on better
terms.
Iran's temptations mask its secret activities in China, as it fears Beijing's
policies are two-fold; China is using its influence to reduce the pressure
mounted on Iran in order to protect its interests there, but it would eventually
submit to the Security Council's resolutions in order not to provoke other
members.
China was a major cause for the disagreement between President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad and his Minister of Intelligence Heyder Moslehi, who criticized the
manner in which agents were being recruited in the Far East, and gained the
support of the Supreme Leader.
For nearly a month, Moslehi has been supervising a "mission" in China that
incorporates Chinese agents who began work for the Iranian regime in early 2011,
and are providing Tehran with significant intelligence information. Iran's
long-term objective is to "impose" a shift on Chinese political stances and
learn how China determines its relations with "arrogant and aggressor states"
(Western states, mainly the US), with regards to the West’s standoff with Iran
over nuclear weapons.
Recruiting in China has been something of a successful coup for Iran, because
Chinese recruits have access the sources of information that Iran seeks to
exploit. Whilst such clandestine activity is being undertaken by Iran, it is
kept separate from diplomatic relations with China to the extent that Iranian
Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi recently paid a visit to Beijing, shortly
after these activities had begun.
Many of the Chinese agents recruited by Iran are either diplomats or civil
servants in Beijing, who are required to provide Iran with details of China’s
political stances towards upcoming issues expected to be deliberated at the
Security Council. This includes the new sanctions imposed by the US and Britain,
as well as the upcoming measures to be taken by the International Atomic Agency.
The reason why these Chinese government employees agreed to leak information and
why they believed their [Iranian] interlocutors is unclear. The Iranian officers
who were assigned to contact the Chinese agents are using aliases and claim to
be businessmen from other countries. The concerned Chinese officials do not seem
to be aware that they are aiding the Iranian regime directly. In recent weeks,
they have been updating the Iranians on Western efforts to urge importers of
Iranian oil to cut trade significantly.
The mission assignment was ordered by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who requested that
the Intelligence Ministry should take active steps to secretly recruit agents
fluent in Mandarin Chinese. It was decided that this particular ministry should
be used as a tool to aid the establishment of a secret Iranian-Chinese economic
project. Hence, Iran is recruiting Chinese businessmen linked with fake trade
firms under the direct supervision of the Iranian Intelligence Ministry with the
aim of evading international surveillance of their businesses. Attempts are also
being made to bribe senior state officials in the Chinese trade sector and
banking system, in a bid to steal a march over rivals seeking to win lucrative
deals, specifically in the energy sector.
The office of the Iranian Supreme Leader has emphasized the need to keep these
plans secret, fearing potentially devastating consequences if they were
discovered by the Chinese. Khamenei has emphasized the importance of China's
economic ties with Iran (Iran is among major exporters of crude oil to China),
but his international affairs advisor Ali Akbar Velayati has suggested that
these relations are effectively guaranteed: "China relies on Iran. Such a
partnership is useful to them as well." Velayati added that “Iranian officials
could in fact extend their influence in China, for Iran is significant to the
Chinese economy."
There has been some opposition to the plan from within the Iranian Intelligence
Ministry itself, out of fear of possible political consequences if the plan is
exposed. The Intelligence Ministry was forced to intensify its
counter-surveillance operations after Indian Navy marine commandos stopped a
trade ship (Nafis-1) flying the Iranian flag inside Indian waters on the 14th
August 2011, with eight African crew-members onboard and a cargo of equipment
from the Far East. Ever since this incident, the Intelligence Ministry has
undertaken desperate efforts to prevent its activities being tracked. Despite
such a setback, the "mission" is still active in China because Moslehi, Velayati
and the inner circle of Khamenei are convinced that such recruitment serves the
prime objective which they believe will lead towards the progress of the Iranian
nuclear program, and the land-to-land missile project. This is apart from the
significant information and materials that have been obtained from North Korea,
and are now being developed in Iran.
The new information which Iran has obtained through its Chinese recruits is
extremely sensitive, including 60 possible exporters of dual-use nuclear
equipment (some of which is produced by Japanese firms), and the raw materials
which Iran requires. Through these new channels, Iranian intelligence has found
a way to obtain high-quality carbon fibers, which Iran requires to construct
more advanced centrifuges than those installed in Natanz, south of Tehran. Other
items sourced include special oils and minerals that are necessary for these
projects, as well as computer machines manufactured by the Chinese company
“SMTCL” (the transactions and dealings are carried out between the identified
company and the holding companies established by the Iranian government, so that
Iran can purchase electronic equipment to produce the main components of
missiles).
Moslehi is aware that this new supply chain will dramatically increase Iran's
uranium enrichment capabilities in Natanz, as well as in other major nuclear
sites in Iran. The obtained information also included a stock inventory list of
certain Chinese companies, which Iran can use to circumvent the official
sanctions imposed by China and its international partners.
As a result of the successes achieved by the Moslehi "mission" in China,
Khamenei has ordered that an additional 80 million Riyals (US $ 55.7million) be
paid to the Intelligence Ministry, and deposited in the fund for Iranian
interests in China 2011 – 2012. Part of the sum will be invested in "human
resources", with emphasis laid on teaching the Chinese language to Iranian
officers in Tehran, so that they can work efficiently on the secret documents
they receive from China.
The Iranian military and espionage circus is at its very peak, but as for the
Iranian people's living standards, these will be determined by the Iranian
elections in March 2012.
Exclusive interview from Asharq Al-Awsat with Turkish
President Abdullah Gul
By Tha'ir Abbas
Ankara, Asharq Al-Awsat- In an exclusive interview, Turkish President Abdullah
Gul denied that his country has abandoned the Syrians, stressing that it
supports the legitimate demands of its people.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Gul sharply criticized the policy of "repressing
demands by tanks and heavy weapons", adding that "when the barrier of fear
collapsed and the masses began to take to the streets and make their legitimate
demands yet you begin by repressing demands by tanks and heavy weapons, the
reaction to this will also be strong".
He expressed apprehensions that there were quarters preparing for civil war in
Iraq and Syria but said he was confident of "the ability of the nationalist
forces and the politicians in the two States to surmount and evade the crisis".
He said his country was concerned and condemns "terrorist operations in Iraq
whatever their sources or their causes". He stressed that his country "regards
equally all the hues in Iraq and Syria so does not support a party against
another, a sect against another sect, or a camp against another camp and wants
all sides to enjoy accord".
The text of the interview follows:
[Asharq Al-Awsat] During your term you revived the orientation towards the east.
What were the results of this policy?
[Gul] This is very important, and it is the secret of our success in Turkey by
preserving our traditions and the teachings of the Islamic religion. We are also
at peace with ourselves, our history, and our historical and religious values.
We are also in concert with the dominating public feelings in Turkey in support
of these inclinations. We are told that we have become in a situation where the
State and the people embrace each other. We also had a big role in making Turkey
embrace its milieu. We became a country that cares about its region. We have
entrenched these tenets in our relationship with these States. The Arab
States--and also the States of the region--became aware of our convictions about
this matter. This is why there was also an embrace between these States and
Turkey.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Does Turkey still feel what is described as "betrayal" from
the Arab world?
[Gul] I do not believe so. We have lived a very long time with the Arab peoples.
Perhaps there were some ideas proposed to the new generations, whether here or
in the Arab world, but these were temporary ideas that have become part of the
past. We must trust ourselves and trust our tenets. We lived with this [Arab]
people a very long time and we coexisted as best as can be. So the new
generations must feel the blessings of this situation.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What do you want from the Arab world?
[Gul] There are States in the Arab area which we want to be strong and
impregnable, and we want their peoples to be prosperous and aspiring to a better
future. To explain how happiness should be reached, I say that peace and
stability must prevail in this region so that these peoples would enjoy
stability, peace, and prosperity. The more entrenched stability is in the
region, and the more solid the situation of these States, the more solid the
conditions of the entire region will be. There are a lot of natural and human
resources that have not been dealt with properly in the crises the region has
gone through. This is why we give a lot of attention to the factors of stability
and peace in the region. These two factors must prevail so that the people can
enjoy their resources.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Concerning your southern neighbor Syria, some aspired f or a
major role for you to the extent that they felt disappointment that you were not
up to the level of their aspirations ...
[Gul] We have established normal and sincere relations with Syria over the past
10 years because we have 900 kilometers of joint borders. We consider the Syrian
people to be fraternal and friendly neighbors without discriminating among any
of their hues. We have been truthful in our discussions over these issues with
the brothers in Syria. We are not a country and I am not a leader to impose
opinions on others or dictate to others what they should do. When we talked with
them, we always talked about what we did in our country; how we accomplished
certain reforms and how we reached these reforms. We said that there were
shortcomings we must redress and that we must work in this direction.
It was with this approach that we talked with the Syrian leadership headed by
President Bashar al-Assad. We told them that you have to seek these reforms
inside your house so that the Syrian people might enjoy prosperity and happiness
and so that Syria should become a strong State. So you must take the initiative
for these reforms from your side.
The latest events had not erupted in this region when we were talking about
these issues for many years. This is why these events did not come as a surprise
to me. They were very expected in the Arab world. In a 2003 speech I delivered
at the Islamic Cooperation Organization in Tehran I said that we must reform our
internal house and seek to solve all the internal problems we have otherwise
there will be a popular explosion and there will be foreign intervention.
In a world dominated by social communication through the Internet, mobile
phones, and social networking sites, you cannot hide what is going on in this
country or this region. Mistakes committed here or there cannot be hidden. We
would have wished President Al-Assad would lead himself these reforms and
undertake a qualitative shift in the country by carrying out these reforms in a
real and constructive manner. We believed that this could happen in Syria. But
as you have seen, when the barrier of fear collapsed the masses started to go
out on the streets and call for their legitimate demands, when you begin to
repress the demands with tanks and heavy weapons, the reaction will also be
strong. We support the Syrian people and we support the legitimate demands.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What is your opinion about the latest speech by President Al-Assad?
Is there still hope for reform from him?
[Gul] I have read some excerpts from it and its main headlines. These statements
might have had credibility six months or a year ago. We have done everything we
could in this domain and we have urged the Syrian Administration to respond to
the people's demand. But I think that what he is doing now is too little too
late.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Is it still possible for Al-Assad to lead the reform?
[Gul] This is up to the Syrian people. The people are the ones who should decide
on this matter. We are not in a position of dictating our will and opinion on
the Syrian people. This is their business alone and they are the ones who decide
it by themselves. We want to see all the hues of the Syrian people happy and
prosperous and to see the Syrian State strong.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Has your last thread of contact with Al-Assad been ruptured?
[Gul] Yes, unfortunately yes.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What can Turkey do to help the Syrian people?
[Gul] Our approach to the affairs of the Syrian people is humanitarian. We also
share with them part of our ideas.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] How do you view the situation in Iraq at present in the light
of the latest developments?
[Gul] When we see terrorist operations in Iraq we feel worried. We denounce
these criminal acts whatever their source and whatever their reasons. We feel
that all the Iraqi hues--as in Syria--are fraternal and friendly and want them
to enjoy security and stability. We look at all of them equally without
supporting a party over anot her, a sect over another sect, or a camp over
another. We want all of them to enjoy accord.
After the withdrawal of the American forces, there have been tensions on the
political arena. These are regrettable matters. After the withdrawal of the
American forces there was supposed to be a spirit of festivity and that all
Iraqi sides should show cohesiveness, cooperation, and solidarity. The Iraqis
should understand the importance of their unity and cohesiveness. After the
withdrawal of the American and foreign forces they should have basked under this
unity because we feel that all of them--Sunnis, Shiites, Arab, Kurds, Turkomen
and others--must be up to the level of responsibility in building the united
Iraq. The Iraqis have suffered since the Iraq-Iran War and the First Gulf War
from difficulties and torment. So after all this, and after having reached this
phase, they should be in a situation in which they can save their country.
Otherwise they will be held responsible.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Do you fear a civil war in Iraq and Syria?
[Gul] We hope this will not happen. There are factors that push in these
directions. We hope it will not happen. At the same time we hope that the Iraqi
and Syrian leaders will rise to the level of the responsibility and will not
allow these fears to turn into realities. It is possible that some are inciting
to this from certain cells, or from terrorist gangs in Iraq, or from those who
do not want Syria and Iraq to enjoy security and stability. But I trust the
politicians and the nationalist forces in this region and trust their wisdom and
shrewdness to avoid all these problems.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] How do you view the crisis existing with France?
[Gul] What we know about France is that it is the home of mental and cultural
liberties and so on. But the suspect moves currently underway will lead to
punishing any person who deviates from the official French position, even if he
is a scientist or historian. This would be futile. In our country there may be
ideas and principles that conflict with the State's perceptions or my own
perceptions. But we deal with respect with these attitudes even if they
contradict what we think. But in France this will be forbidden. The Armenians
say that the Turks annihilated them in 1915 because they were Armenians. We say
this is not genocide but historical facts. There are things that happened at
that time when the Turkish State was fighting on seven fronts including France,
England, and Russia. Russian quarters incited part of the Armenians to carry out
acts that disrupt public order. They were dealt with, but certainly not through
genocide. There were common pains which the Muslims and Turks suffered from and
the Armenians as well. But the Turks suffered more than anyone else from the
ramifications of World War I.
Many European capitals were Islamic cities. The Muslims suffered much in that
period. More than 500,000 were displaced by the war. In the countries of the
Balkans three million people were killed and an equal number was displaced. The
same happened on the caucas front. Where are those Muslims now? We do not teach
our sons or new generations hatred and negative feelings toward things that
happened in the countries where the Ottoman Empire existed. We do not teach them
the principles of violence, hatred, and rancour. We tell the Armenians frankly
that if they want we can form a joint committee and open our entire archives
then accept the results of the historic research that will be undertaken. We
have opened all our dossiers and archives including the existing military
archives for any Armenian or Arab or anyone else to see.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Are you going to impose penalties on France if the draft is
approved?
[Gul] Naturally, there will be an effect on our relationship.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Rupturing diplomatic relations?
[Gul] Our relations in various domains will be affected by this issue.
Extensive interview from Asharq Al-Awsat, with former Arab
League Secretary-General and Egyptian presidential hopeful Amr Moussa
Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat – In an extensive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, former Arab
League Secretary-General and Egyptian presidential hopeful Amr Moussa spoke on a
number of topics, including the political situation in Egypt, his presidential
campaign, and his hopes for the future of the country.
Amr Moussa served as Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs between 1991 and 2001,
following a career in the diplomatic service. Following this, Moussa served as
Arab League Secretary-General between 2001 and 2011, leaving the post to return
to Egypt following the ouster of former president Hosni Mubarak. Amr Moussa is
perhaps the most prominent Egyptian presidential candidate to have thrown his
hat into the ring, and opinion polls consistently show him as leading the
Egyptian presidential race. The last such poll, conducted in November 2011, by
the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, showed Moussa winning
39 percent of the vote.
The following is the full text of the interview:
[Asharq Al-Awsat] You were amongst the Egyptian politicians who signed the Al-Azhar
charter last week. What can you tell us about this?
[Moussa] There was an important document at Al-Azhar [University] which we
signed. This was signed by the Prime Minister [Kamal al-Ganzuri], the Pope [Shenouda
III of Alexandria], the General Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood [Mohammed Badei],
and myself. In addition to this, the party leaders also signed this document,
including the leaders of the Freedom and Justice party, the Wafd party, the al-Nour
party, and others.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] How does this document or agreement differ from the other
agreements that have been made?
[Moussa] It is an addition [to the other agreements]. It includes a very
important article, called “completing the goals of the revolution”, and its
[other] major articles confirm freedom of belief, freedom of opinion, freedom of
expression, freedom of scientific research, freedom of creativity in literature
and the arts, and more. All of this is coming from Al-Azhar University, which
speaks about development, scientific research, freedom of worship, freedom of
expression and more, and so this is something that is very good, and that is why
I confidently signed this agreement. Al-Azhar is regaining and recovering its
leadership role, informing the Egyptians and all the Muslims around the world
that these principles are righteous Islamic principles, namely freedom of belief
and worship….and therefore this is something that is very beautiful.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] You mentioned freedom of creativity in literature and the
arts. Is this a response to the fears that the Islamists will restrict Egypt’s
literature and arts?
[Moussa] No, I do not believe this. However this might be viewed as being a
“response” to stagnation. Among those who attended the Al-Azhar signing was the
leader of the [Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated] Freedom and Justice party Dr.
Mohamed Morsy who said something very important. He said, we have won a majority
[in parliament] but we believe that every Egyptian decision in the future
requires consensus of opinion, otherwise this will result in one viewpoint
dominating other viewpoints, one party dominating [other] parties, without any
concern being paid to [parliamentary] majority and minority.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] As we approach the one-year anniversary of the 25 January
revolution in Egypt, do you believe that the revolution has achieved its
objectives, particularly as some people are claiming that what has happened is
nothing more than superficial change; one corrupt and autocratic regime being
traded in for another?
[Moussa] No, this is an extremely narrow point of view, which perhaps intends to
inflame the situation. Otherwise, how can we explain the recent Egyptian
parliamentary elections, which were completely different than all other
elections that have taken place in Egypt over the past decades? Doesn’t this
represent an essential step on the road to democracy, and which can be
considered one of the objectives of the revolution? So, this is one objective
that has been fulfilled. We can also take the specification of a deadline for a
new president to be elected, which is 30 June, as the fulfillment of another
revolutionary objective. This means that there is a transition from the era of
dictatorship and autocratic hegemony to the era of a president being elected,
not appointed. This was also one of the objectives of the revolution. What about
the former president and pillars of the former regime being brought to trial?
Wasn’t this also one of the revolutions objectives? The priorities of the
political authorities, the presence of the revolution and revolutionary
political parties and coalitions, and the main principles that everybody is
talking about today…all of this is completely different from the past. When the
proposal was put forward for a decentralized [political] system in Egypt,
starting with the election of governors and mayors, and the presence of village,
municipal, and provincial councils…this shows that democracy can now be found at
all levels [of Egyptian politics]. Isn’t this the fulfillment of one of the
objectives of the revolution? What about the change in Egyptian society at its
most basic level, the change of rule, and the manner of ruling Egypt? When you
hear everybody talking about reviewing Egypt’s legal and economic system, and
rebuilding the country…all of this represents the fulfillment of the objectives
of the Egyptian revolution. As for power being transferred from the Supreme
Council of the Armed Forces [SCAF] to an elected national authority by 1 July
[2012]…this will represent the fulfillment of one of the major objectives of the
revolution.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] However despite these achievements, many people in Egypt –
particularly the youth who drove the 25 January revolution – are disappointed
about the course of events following Mubarak’s ouster. There are some fears that
25 January, 2012, may see the people taking to the street en masse to express
their anger. Is this likely?
[Moussa] This is a good question, and some people do indeed believe that 25
January 2012, may be a day of clashes, or some forces of chaos may seek to
incite such clashes.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] These people are demanding that SCAF immediately hand over
power to a civil government. What is your view of this issue?
[Moussa] The issue of power being transferred immediately is not acceptable;
otherwise we will be a Jamahiriya [Gaddafi’s Libya] and not a jumhuriya
[republic]. This is not possible, there will be a transition to an elected
national authority, and I stress the term elected here, by the deadline that is
already in place. As for the public discussion about the 25 January anniversary,
this will be a day of celebration, a day of unity and coming together, not a day
of clashes and chaos.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What about those who fear bloody clashes breaking out in Egypt
between 25 January and 11 February, the anniversary of the ouster of the Mubarak
regime? Do you think there is any possibility of this happening?
[Moussa] Why would this happen? This is not one of the demands of the
revolution. This is an anarchist demand, and there is a big difference between
those calling for revolution and those calling for anarchy.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] When will candidates begin to register their candidacy for the
Egyptian presidential elections?
[Moussa] This will begin on 15 April, although it may be moved forward by a week
or two. Then an agreement will be made regarding a roadmap [for the presidential
elections], with the final deadline for this being 30 June. This date is not far
away, rather it is fast approaching. From 15 April until that day…this is when
the presidential elections campaigns will take place.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What about the debate that is raging regarding whether a new
constitution should be drafted before the presidential elections?
[Moussa] There is a debate going on…and it is possible that we can bring an end
to the issue of the [new] constitution within the next two months. There is more
than enough time to draft a constitution before the presidential elections,
particularly as the majority of the constitutional issues have been agreed upon.
The disputes are confined to the issue of the ruling system, whether this will
be a presidential or parliamentary system, and regarding the precise powers of
the president and parliament. In addition to this, there are other issues such
as Egypt’s identity, the representation of “worker” and “farmer” members of
parliament and more. It will not be difficult to reach an agreement on these
issues. The constitutional role of the military institution must also be
decided. This is an institution that must be respected as one of the key
institutions of the state.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] In your own opinion, would you prefer to see the president
elected first, or the new constitution drawn up before the presidential
elections?
[Moussa] Neither one nor the other; the [new] president must be elected and in
office on 1 July, 2012, whether the constitution has been drafted or not. This
is something that must not delay the presidential election; however it would be
better if the constitution was in place by that date.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What are the priorities for the next president?
[Moussa] Speaking for myself, I believe that my mission is to rebuild Egypt, or
rather, to lead the operation to rebuild the country, coordinating between all
the national forces. In order to rebuild Egypt we would need to implement three
things, namely: democracy, reform, and economic development. By democracy, I do
not just mean the ballot box, but also human rights, separation of powers, and
the independence of the judiciary. As for the issue of reform, the first thing
that we must do is eliminate corruption, and let me tell you how. Corruption did
not come out of nowhere, it was institutional. Look at the hundreds of laws that
were issued over the previous years and you will find that they are full of
exceptions and loopholes that lead to corruption not being penalized; this is
something that came at the expense of Egypt’s poor people and can be seen in the
laws regarding construction of buildings, laws of [purchasing] agricultural
land, and even the laws regarding the licensing of stalls. As citizens in a
third world country, we must realize that poverty is the basis of corruption,
for everybody wants to take as much as they can. Therefore, one must keep in
mind that Egypt’s greatest enemy is poverty, and therefore the basis of one’s
program and action is to combat poverty, in every sense of the word, and so this
means material poverty, but also moral poverty. As for the third point, which is
economic – and social – development, we must put in place an economic program
for the future. The short-term [economic] program that is being implemented
today is the responsibility of Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal al-Ganzuri, because
he is in charge of ruling the country until 30 June. However we must also look
to the future, and make medium and long-term economic plans.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Let us talk about the trials that are taking place of former
regime figures. Some people are casting doubts about these trials, particularly
as many of them are still ongoing. What is your view of this issue?
[Moussa] I would say that since there are trials there must also be
judgments…that is expected. The issue is not trials taking place in order for an
audience to observe this; rather this is in order to achieve justice. We are
waiting for these judgments, and I believe that the ruling in the trial of
former president [Hosni Mubarak] will be issued sometime this month.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Returning to the 25 January revolution, how would you respond
to the claims that there have been attempts to distort the image of the
revolution and portray them as foreign agents, following accusations that they
have received funding from foreign countries?
[Moussa] You can add the anarchists’ entry on the scene to this, for they have
also distorted the image of the revolutionaries. Someone who wants to burn down
a ministry, or disrupt [political] operations, and more…is certainly not a
revolutionary. I have heard how many of the revolutionary youth have taken
action to prevent such acts and disruption. I would therefore agree that there
are indeed attempts being made to distort the image of the revolution and the
revolutionaries, however achieving the objective of the revolution will
vindicate the revolution and the revolutionaries.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Politics in Egypt has always been centralized, even during the
Mamluk and Ottoman periods. The power has always been held in the hands of a
small ruling class, whether we are talking about land barons during the Ottoman
era or the army following the 1952 revolution. After all of this, will it be
easy for true democracy to take root in Egypt?
[Moussa] Over the past three decades, power was not in the grip of the Egyptian
armed forces, but rather the hands of a harsh security-based regime. There is a
difference between the two. The regime over the past thirty years was
authoritarian and dictatorial based upon a brutal security service that had
besieged the people; it [power] was not in the hands of the army. This
centralized regime caused a number of social phenomenon to occur in Egyptian
society. Firstly, 50 percent of Egyptians are living below the poverty line. In
other words, 1 out of 2 Egyptians is poor, whilst the second is most likely not
rich. 30 percent of Egyptians are illiterate, or in other words, 1 out of 3
Egyptians cannot read or write. The figures also say that Egypt has an
unemployment rate of between 20 and 25 percent, or that approximately one out of
every 4 or 5 Egyptians is out of work. Why has all of this happened? This is due
to poor governance, excessive centralization of power, and cruel dictatorship.
However we have now replaced dictatorship with democracy…there can be no doubt
about this, at least.
The other issue, with regards to administering the country, is that this must be
managed by officials who are close to the people. Here we come to what I
previously called for, namely governors and mayors must be elected by the
people. Not elected and forgotten about, but rather elected and held accountable
by a legislative council, whether we are talking about a village council,
neighborhood council, or provincial council, in addition to parliament. I
proposed this idea and published it in an article, and it was even commented on
in Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper. This will result in the creation of a generation
of politically aware youth. The minimum age for a parliamentary candidate [in
Egypt] is 25 years old; however this is 21 for local councils. The same goes for
women, and young women will have the opportunity to enter such councils. So let
us open the door to restructuring political operations and tools of governance
in Egypt. This is part of my own personal view of what is required from the next
president.
Returning to the current situation, and with the approaching anniversary of the
25 January revolution, we cannot measure the revolutionary achievements every
week or month, because there are achievements that will not be fully realized
even in 20 years’ time. However there are achievements that have been made on
the ground and the important thing is that we are moving forward. When the
president is elected, it will be his mission to review the unjust laws, begin to
fight corruption and poverty…these are the things that will achieve the
objectives of the revolution in a sustained manner.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] The Egyptian people have not been used to being politically in
charge, and even Gamel Abdul Nasser, in his book “Egypt’s Liberation: The
Philosophy of the Revolution” said that the Egyptian people are politically
passive. Do you think that the Egyptian people can engage with democracy today?
[Moussa] Of course, the Egyptian people can do this; they took action to save
themselves during the era of dictatorship. The Egyptian people are like all
people…why should the Egyptian people be an exception from all the other people
in the world and unable to engage with democracy? The Indian people, the
Vietnamese, the Malaysians, the Turks, and the Tunisians all engaged with
democracy…why not the Egyptians? Such statements aim to harm the Egyptian people
and convince them that they are unable to do so…but I say that the Egyptian
people are capable, and you will see this in the future. We have seen the
parliamentary elections take place, and the presidential elections are on the
way…whilst elections will soon take place at all levels, including village,
municipal, and provincial council elections. This will represent a great boost
to the democratic process in Egypt.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Bearing in mind the famous proverb, those who cannot remember
the past are condemned to repeat it, let us look to Egypt’s past. In 1805, for
example, al-Azhar was a major player, and one of the reasons why Muhammad Ali
Pasha was chosen as the Ottoman administrator for Egypt. Today, al-Azhar is also
exerting its influence in the political scene, whilst the Islamists are in the
ascendency, whether we are talking about the Muslim Brotherhood or the Salafists.
In your own opinion, which party is the most dominant today with regards to
choosing the presidency? Who should a presidential candidate gamble on?
[Moussa] Presidential candidates must gamble on all of these forces and not
preclude any of them. Many regimes, particularly the former Egyptian regime,
gambled that the army, the police, its supporters, funds, and even foreign
powers, would protect it. However they forgot the most important thing, namely
the people. Therefore anybody who wants to stand for the [presidential] election
must not rely on this political force or that political force, but rather the
Egyptian people. A presidential candidate must convince the people at a
grass-roots level to endorse their candidacy. I believe that the people now
understand that a major imbalance was in place in Egyptian society, and this
requires a number of things [in order to resolve]. This requires a strong and
politically aware presidency, cooperation between the presidency and parliament,
an efficient and capable government, and strong Egyptian relations with the Arab
world and international community, based upon mutual trust and confidence. All
of this is needed if we are to extricate ourselves from the problems we are
facing today. Therefore, the next president will face a difficult presidential
campaign, and a large responsible [following his election], this won’t be a
picnic, but rather a harsh responsibility for whoever becomes the president.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] You are putting yourself forward as an independent
presidential candidate, without any connection to the political parties and
coalitions that are present in the Egyptian political arena today. How will you
respond if all the major parties put forward presidential candidates to compete
against you?
[Moussa] It is up to the people to decide. There are major parties and
coalitions who put forward parliamentary candidates who succeeded. The Freedom
and Justice party has won a parliamentary majority, whilst the al-Nour party has
also won a large number of parliamentary seats, not to mention the Wafd party
and the Kutla al-Masriya. Some of these parties will undoubtedly nominate
presidential candidates…but I am saying “this is my [political] program and this
is what I think, and I believe that I will be completely capable of resolving
the problem and leading the process of reconstruction in Egypt should I be
elected.” It is up to the Egyptian people to vote. Democracy means that
candidates must be prepared for victory as well as defeat.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] In the forthcoming period will there be any reliance on any
particular coalition? Will you try to convince any parties to back your
candidacy?
[Moussa] Of course, I will talk with all parties and coalitions and indeed all
people, and even with you personally to convince you to vote for me! I have
already started to visit villages and small towns and provinces to speak with
the people.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Are you afraid of presidential candidates trying to use
religion to secure votes?
[Moussa] The Egyptian people are aware [of this]. We, as Egyptians, know that
our feelings can be influenced by religion; therefore, I am not afraid of this,
because I myself am one of the people whose feelings can be influenced by
religion and with the principles and tolerance of religion. However we must also
not forget that inside each of us there is the religious side, and the patriotic
side….and this is why the country is drowning, and there must be serious
political operations to address this. I want to guarantee job opportunities at
home and abroad to our youth, as well as develop our own industries,
particularly tourism and agriculture. This is something that we must do.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] During the parliamentary elections, despite the law and the
constitution banning religion being used in politics, most members of the
Islamist parties did so, using mosques during their election campaigns, for
example. What is your view of this?
[Moussa] I believe that Egypt’s collective [political] awareness is far too
advanced to view this situation as being an issue of worship only. The issue is
one of respecting other religions. As an Egyptian Muslim, I respect the Islamic
religion, and so it would not be right for me to go beyond this, and if I did go
beyond this, I should return to it. However I also have another duty, namely to
read and learn and work with modern science; to express my opinions; to enjoy
literature and the arts. What is Egypt? Egypt is al-Azhar, the well-educated
elite that has led sciences, literature, and art throughout the Arab world and
the Middle East over the past years. Therefore Egypt is Taha Hussein and Abbas
al-Akkad. Egypt is Umm Kalthoum and Mohammed Abdel Wahab. It is Ahmed Shawqi and
Hafez Ibrahim. It is the renowned scientist Ali Moustafa Moshrafa. It is Naguib
Mahfouz. This is Egypt. If we wanted it to be without writers, artists,
intellectuals, and scientists…then this is not Egypt.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Despite all this, many people have expressed their fears that
many of Egypt’s freedoms will take a step backwards, particularly with regards
to the parliamentary majority enjoyed by the Islamists. Were these parliamentary
results a source of concern for you?
[Moussa] No, I am not concerned about this at all, because this is democracy.
What can you say about an Islamist parliamentary majority…when this is what the
people decided…and we are still waiting for the results of the presidential
elections. Some people are saying that there were a lot of irregularities in the
parliamentary elections…however whatever the case, these results reflect the
mood in Egypt today. As for the public’s mood regarding Egypt’s future, I think
the public wants to see a balance between the different components [of the
Egyptian government].
[Asharq Al-Awsat] There have been claims that the Muslim Brotherhood affiliated
Freedom and Justice Party will back current Arab League Secretary-General Nabil
Elaraby for the presidency. Have you given this scenario any thought?
[Moussa] No, I have not thought about this. I am in contact with everybody, and
with Dr. Nabil Elaraby, and also with [Advisory Council president] Mansour
Hassasn, and others. Their position is that they are outside of the scope of
presidential candidacy, however even if this did occur…then I welcome it. When
the name of Nabil Elaraby, or any other, is put forward, this does not bother
me, indeed I welcome it.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What about if SCAF decided to lend its support to a particular
candidate? What if SCAF chairman Field Marshall Hussein Tantawi decided to stand
for the presidency? Would you continue your candidacy?
[Moussa] I am committed to standing for the [presidential] electoral battle, God
willing, until the end. I understand that the Field Marshall is not interested
in standing as a candidate. We make assumptions on this…and then ask questions
about these assumptions, and create a confused and tense position. The man [Tantawi]
did not say that he will stand for election, so why are we even discussing this.
Let me also say that I welcome all candidates, for it is the [Egyptian] people
that will decide, and which will seek to uncover the shape of every candidate.
Everyone must get involved and take part in campaign tours and speak with the
people and receive the insults [from political opponents], with the people
supporting some views, and being against others…so it is not easy. It is no
longer a case of this candidate is being supported by this figure, therefore
it’s over…no…the candidates will have to go to the villages and talk to the
Egyptian people, and they will say yes or no, whether you are good enough or
not.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] You have stressed that you intend to take part in the
presidential electoral battle “until the end”, but what can you tell us about
your policies? Do you see yourself as belonging to the left-wing, the
right-wing, or the moderate?
[Moussa] My basis is Egyptian nationalism. This may require me to take a
left-wing position, or a right-wing position, or a moderate position [depending
on the circumstances]. The main thing is to take a nationalist position…that is
in the interests of Egypt and the Egyptian people. As I am part of the Arab
world, I must also respect the Arab and African dimensions. I believe that
Egyptian vitality is a trinity…namely Arabic, African, and Mediterranean.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Some of your political opponents have made references to the
fact that you were a minister under the former regime, saying this makes you
unsuitable to preside over the new Egypt. What is your opinion of this?
[Moussa] Yes, I was a minister under the former regime. Indeed, I was not just
any minister in the former regime, I was the foreign minister. I was the
Egyptian Foreign Minister between 1991 and 2001, and I carried out my duties and
responsibilities according to my conscience. It makes me happy to recall the
overwhelming support and respect that Egyptian diplomacy enjoys from the
Egyptian people, Arab world, and international community. This is an issue that
I do not fear, and my answer is that this is something that is not said by the
revolutionaries, but by [opposing] political campaigns that want to take
advantage of the people. If former Egyptian prime minister Essam Sharaf was a
minister under Hosni Mubarak and a member of the National Democratic Party …and
was chosen and nominated as Prime Minister by Tahrir Square [following the
ouster of Mubarak], so what if I was [also] a minister? This is double standards
and cheap talk.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What about the claims that you are receiving financial backing
from Saudi Arabia? There have been reports that you have received as much as 50
million Egyptian pounds for your presidential campaign…is this true?
[Moussa] This is completely untrue. Saudi Arabia is a friend and sister state
[to Egypt], and it is waiting to see what will happen in Egypt. Saudi Arabia has
taken the same line with regards to all the candidates and political trends in
Egypt. As for the issue that Saudi Arabia sent me money, I completely deny this.
This did not happen, and will never happen. I call on those who make such claims
and write such things to comply with God Almighty, because this is not true.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] The future of Egypt’s relations with Israel is an issue that
weighs large in the minds of Egypt’s citizens. What is your view on this issue?
[Moussa] I visited many villages in Upper Egypt and elsewhere, and whilst
talking about various domestic issues such as services to citizens, education,
and more, no meeting would end without the question of Palestine being raised.
Since the beginning of the 25 January revolution, when I was Secretary-General
of the Arab League, the youths - when speaking to me – would always include
questions about Palestine, the state of Palestine, Gaza, and Hamas. Let me tell
you that the Middle East region needs a new system. The Arab world and the
Middle East are in the process of change, and so the previous way of doings
things is no longer good enough. Firstly, we must put forward a new political,
economic, and security system in the region. Secondly, and with regards to
Egypt, the Arab – Israeli conflict, and the Palestinian Cause, Egypt must and
will continue to be part of the Arab Initiative [for peace]. Egypt’s policy on
the Arab – Israeli conflict, and its resolution, must be based on the Arab
Initiative. As for Egyptian – Israeli relations, the Egyptian – Israeli peace
treaty is in place, and I do not think there are any circumstances that will
lead to its cancellation. I do not think this will happen, and I do not think it
would be wise for this treaty to be cancelled. The treaty will continue so long
as each party respects it…as for the security situation in the Sinai Peninsula
and the presence of Egyptian forces there, I believe that the security articles
of the treaty should be reviewed in this regard. This is something that can be
discussed within a political framework. As for the Palestinian Cause, Egypt must
not turn its back on this, for this is part of Egypt’s national security. As
Egyptians, we are the largest neighbor to Palestine and Israel, and so we must
work to control the situation in this region. This is via three points: solving
the Arab – Israeli conflict in a just and respectable manner, solving the
Palestinian Cause through the establishment of a genuine Palestinian state, and
by establishment an atmosphere where everybody feels safe, most prominently
through nuclear non-proliferation
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What about the issue of Egypt’s sale of natural gas to Israel?
Will this deal remain unchanged?
[Moussa] There are two issues that must be decided. Firstly, whether we will
sell natural gas to Israel or not, and secondly, how such sales will take place.
There is a lot of corruption in the gas deals that occurred in the past. This
corruption must be immediately addressed. As for the issue of whether we will
continue such sales, the [Egyptian] political apparatus must look into this and
consider how it will manage Egypt’s gas and oil policies, environmental
policies, etc.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] When you were Arab League Secretary-General, you played a
major role in internationalizing the situation in Libya during the Libyan
revolution; however following your departure it seems that the Arab League has
suffered one setback after another, particularly with regards to the situation
in Syria. What is your view of this?
[Moussa] I believe in taking the issue of change in the Arab world very
seriously. The Arab’s League’s operations in this regard should be in line with
the course of history. Therefore I completely reject the issue of practicing
violence against citizens and suppressing revolutions and attempts to stop the
wheel of change.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What about the Syrian regime continuing to kill Syrian
citizens at this time? It seems that the Arab League is not dealing with the
Syrian revolution in the same manner as the Libyan revolution. Why is that?
[Moussa] Libya was in between two countries where change had taken place, namely
Tunisia and Egypt; therefore it was hard to avoid such change. Syria is in a
region that does not respond to revolutions. It is also an extremely sensitive
region…being next to Israel, as well as Arab states that fear certain political
developments. Syria is next to Iraq, Turkey, and others. However this by no
means justifies the use of violence against citizens, nor does it justify the
death of 5,000 citizens in clashes with the government. I am not in the picture
regarding what precisely the Arab League is doing [with regards to Syria], but I
believe that the Arab League delegation of monitors must be considered a first
step, and not the end of the road. As I said, the situation in Syria is
different to Libya. There are a number of complexities surrounding the Syrian
situation; however this does not justify the bloodshed that is being seen in the
Syrian streets. I believe that the Arab League should take a clear position
regarding change [in Syria], and that violence against the [Syrian] citizens
must stop, otherwise it is up to the relevant international security authorities
to take action.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] If you were the Arab League Secretary-General today, how would
you resolve this crisis?
[Moussa] Firstly, there must be a halt to the violence against the citizens.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] However how would you achieve this?
[Moussa] The Arab League observers must submit daily reports about what is
happening. How can Syrian citizens be fired upon when they are in Syria?
Moreover Arab diplomacy must become more active, and the Arab States must act
together as a group, not individuals, along with the Arab League, to communicate
with the international community [about the situation in Syria]. All countries
are concerned about what is happening in Syria, due to the sensitive regional
position it occupies. The Syrian crisis is already internationalized, but this
did not take. Egypt must also play as prominent a role as Turkey and Iran in
confronting and resolving the situation in Syria.
Will the Salafis change?
By Abdul Rahman Al-Rashid/Asharq Alawsat
It is not surprising that the Muslim Brotherhood won around 45 percent of vote
in the Egyptian parliamentary elections. In fact, we expected them to achieve a
landslide victory, based on their reported popularity. The performance of the
Salafis was the real surprise. With no experience, no popularity and no
political charisma; they won more than quarter of the votes. They won despite
being subjected to criticism and ridicule from all sides, including the Muslim
Brotherhood. Various political powers seemed to be in unison against the Salafis.
The media accused them of receiving funding from abroad, whilst they were
slammed as “malicious” and “scheming.” Meanwhile, the Muslim Brotherhood was
praised and courted by the same groups that had accused them in the past of
backwardness, and being dependent on foreign powers.
Today, the Salafis have around 25 percent of the seats in Egypt’s first free
parliament, where no party has won a decisive majority. It is no longer possible
to accuse those representing a quarter of the Egyptian people of being agents of
foreign powers. They can no longer be ridiculed as the group that deems it
impermissible for women to “touch cucumbers or bananas”, and yet is happy to
deal with Israel! The results of Egypt’s parliamentary elections indicate that
Egyptians, and also Arabs, must accept a new reality, namely that the Salafis
have seized a large share of the political map.
However, although conservative Salafism has deep roots in our history, the
Salafis have little experience in politics. On the contrary to the 80-year-old
Muslim Brotherhood, the Salafis are still relative beginners. The Arabs and the
wider world have never known a Salafi model of rule to judge upon, other than
the Saudi regime. That’s why Riyadh is usually accused of being the worldwide
Salafi mentor, although Saudi Arabia is often the first to be adversely affected
and the last to gain from the group, as was the case when the Kingdom was
accused of having ties to al-Qaeda. We know nothing of the Salafis succeeding as
an independent political group, except in Kuwait.
Despite competing with them, it seems that the Muslim Brotherhood will in fact
benefit most from the emergence of Salafis. The Egyptians, as well as the West,
are now obliged to choose one of two religious parties: the elegant Muslim
Brotherhood or the “backward”, bearded Salafis. This is why foreign ministries
across the Western world rushed to express their relief at the Brotherhood’s
victory, as well as praising their civilized stances; whilst winking in
reference to the “savage” Salafis. I would not rule out that the Muslim Brothers
might have played a part in such anti-Salafi propaganda, as it undoubtedly
serves their interests.
Nevertheless, the Muslim Brotherhood shouldn’t celebrate being victorious in the
first elections; as the battle is still in its early stages. Salafism - which is
basically a social movement in all its aspects - is capable of change, and thus
it may cause a major political problem in the future if it is not contained.
From an Islamic point of view, the Salafis stand to the right of the Muslim
Brotherhood, in other words they are able to outbid them religiously. There is
no doubt that the more religious members of the electorate will definitely vote
for the Salafis. However, the young Salafis who were in charge of the recent
election campaign are politically enlightened. Whoever listened to their
speeches would realize that they are changing, and becoming more like the
Brotherhood in their political discourse. Here we cannot help but admire the
potentials of their rising star Nader Bakkar.
What is really concerning about the Salafis is not their strict social program,
but the possibility of their political change. This reminds us of the Jihadist
movements in Afghanistan, where the Salafis merged with the Brotherhood in
Afghan camps during the 1980s and 1990s and created a new creature; namely
“al-Qaeda”. The Salafis became popular among the extremists because of their
conservative and provocative views. For example, one prominent Salafi once said
that a woman’s face is like her genitals - in reference to the fact that it
should be covered. In the future, the Salafis will become more radical and
demanding in the political sphere. They will make demands that the ruler cannot
implement, and then call for his exit as a religious duty.
The Salafis in the Gulf used to be more traditional. They believed in separating
religion from politics; in other words, they applied the theory of mandatory
obedience to the ruler, which is not applicable any more. In the majority of
their political discourse, the Salafis have now become much closer to the Muslim
Brotherhood, but wearing a Gulf thobe. However, because of their limited
experience, they are less flexible than the Brotherhood.
I fear that the less politically aware Salafis might push their movement towards
increasingly hard-line positions, in competition with the Muslim Brotherhood. In
turn, this will make Salafi politics more radical, which we will see in the
Egyptian scene over the next four years. Meanwhile, this will all take place
under difficult conditions because of the fragility of the new Egyptian regime,
and the willingness of all parties that lost out in the elections to exacerbate
the scene, like the nationalist parties and the military council.