LCCC NWS BULLETIN
FEBRUARY 22/2006
Below News from
Miscellaneous Sources for 22.2.06
Maronite patriarch for Lahoud's ousting-UPI 22.2.06
SLA vets in Israel to get NIS 80m.Jersusalem Post 22.2.06
An Initiative by Aoun is Needed. By: Abdullah Iskandar- Al-Hayat - 22.2.06
Meshaal…and the Fireball.By: Ghassan Charbel Al-Hayat -22.2.06
Below news form the Daily Star for 22/2/06
Sadr offers to mediate Beirut-Damascus spat
Sfeir voices support for peaceful removal of President Lahoud
March 14 Forces say they will take to the streets in effort to oust Lahoud
LF leader ratchets up pressure on Lahoud
March 14 youth groups set on toppling Lahoud
Sfeir plays pivotal role in campaign to topple Lahoud
U.S. envoy backs reform plan after talks with Berri
Jumblatt refuses to confirm attendance at Berri's dialogue
SOLIDE leader pessimistic about UN delegation visit to Syria over detainees
Committee set on arms-free Sidon
Workshop aims to build democracy in Lebanon's civil
society
SOLIDE leader pessimistic about UN delegation visit
to Syria over detainees
By Rym Ghazal -Daily Star staff-Wednesday, February 22, 2006
BEIRUT: A delegation from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visited
Syria last week over the issue of missing Lebanese and non-Lebanese citizens,
seeking its "cooperation" in this matter.
A source at the United Nations confirmed to The Daily Star media reports
published on Tuesday that a delegation headed by Frej Fneish met with Syrian
officials, including the newly appointed Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem
and the Syrian special commission overseeing the case of missing Syrian citizens
in Lebanon.
The source said the "visit was over the issue of the disappearance of Lebanese
and non-Lebanese individuals."The source added: "The commission is exploring
possible means of cooperation with Syrian officials in the field of human
rights."
Although it was said that the meeting with Syrian officials saw "progress," as
Moallem "promised Syria's openness on this issue," Ghazi Aad, the head of SOLIDE
(Support for Lebanese in Detention and Exile) was not "optimistic about any such
progress." "I met with the UN delegation that went to Syria, and Syria did not
offer any new information, denying they have detainees and lumping the issue of
the missing people with the whole Syria-Lebanon relations problem," said Aad.
"Only an international investigative commission can really do something about
the detainees' issue. Hoping Syria will listen to the requests of a UN
delegation is unrealistic," added Aad.nMembers of SOLIDE and relatives of
missing individuals have been camped out in front of the United Nations House in
Beirut for almost 10 months, calling for an international investigation.
Sfeir plays pivotal role in campaign to topple Lahoud
By Adnan El-Ghoul - Daily Star staff
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
News analysis
Regardless of whether the Maronite patriarch considers MP Michel Aoun a
"military man" is irrelevant, according to Democratic Left Movement leader Elias
Atallah. Commenting on a correction printed in As-Safir regarding a headline
that hinted Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir would not support Aoun for
president, Atallah stressed that "it did not change Sfeir's actual position in
supporting the ouster of President Emile Lahoud."
"Sfeir announced his position regarding the presidency on several occasions," he
added. "He will clearly support the majority's efforts to oust Lahoud."
With each national party seeming to read Sfeir's ambiguous statements
differently, it is more than obvious he will play a major role in the decision
to oust Lahoud or keep him in office.
The parliamentary majority represented by the March 14 Forces, however, at least
seems to have a plan for Sfeir's consideration. Adversely, Aoun, Amal and
Hizbullah have so far failed to mount a unified counterattack to foil the
majority's campaign to dethrone the president.
The latter seem content in their belief that Sfeir remains opposed to toppling
Lahoud by force or before a successor has been secured.
Political analysts say Sfeir is starting to back off from his condition that
legal means be pursued based on unconfirmed reports of assurances from Saudi
Arabia, France and the United States - in addition to the Pope's conditional
approval - of full support for the majority's quest.
Accordingly, the analysts say, the majority will honor Sfeir's conditions for
the time being.
Reached for comment on the issue, Amal MP Ayoub Humayed said his party would
give Sfeir the final say on the presidency.
"We are focused on preparing for the national dialogue, because the presidency
issue will not be settled before the conference starts," he added.
Humayed said everything depends on the actual outcome of any decision and its
effect on the balance of political forces on the ground.
Meanwhile, during a morning talk show on LBCI, Progressive Socialist Party MP
Akram Chehayeb said an Amal delegate was to visit Chouf MP Walid Jumblatt to
invite the Democratic Gathering bloc to the conference.
Observers believe Jumblatt will offer to abstain from the dialogue in exchange
for Berri's support for the parliamentary majority's efforts to oust Lahoud.
However, Humayed ruled out the possibility of a compromise on Amal's part.
Asked if Amal would sign the majority's proposed petitions, he said: "We have
not yet made a decision."
"In principle, we do not see any constitutional basis for the petitions," he
added, suggesting instead that their "political value" be invested in the March
2 national dialogue.
Majority leaders are betting Sfeir will prefer a solution based on
constitutional grounds, regardless of how weak these grounds might be.
Therefore, the majority will make sure to view Sfeir's position objectively in
the hopes this will ensure that Aoun never advances to the short-list of
presidential candidates.
Aoun's fear that public protests would escalate "to uncontrollable limits" has
served the interests of his opponents, who interpreted the comments as a threat
to resort to street protests should the majority enforce an unfavorable
solution.
Members of the Qornet Shehwan Gathering, including Butros Harb, Nayla Mouawad
and Samir Franjieh, will continue their efforts to find a constitutional way in
which to remove Lahoud in Parliament, while also short-listing their own
presidential candidates.
Majority leader Saad Hariri will continue to assure Hizbullah, whose main
concern remains how to protect the resistance and preserve its weapons, even if
it involves sacrificing Lahoud's presidency and Aoun's chances to replace him.
Jumblatt and Samir Geagea had made gestures they were willing to be flexible
only to finally achieve some much-needed political penetration, namely on Amal's
position on a constitutional option to oust Lahoud.
Geagea is increasingly confident that Lahoud will be out of office by March 14.
Within a few days, we will know whether Geagea's confidence is justified. Should
the majority achieve its goals, two clauses of Resolution 1559 will have been
implemented, leaving only Hizbullah's weapons and the Palestinian military
presence in Lebanon.
Sfeir voices support for peaceful removal of President
Lahoud
Daily Star staff-Wednesday, February 22, 2006
BEIRUT: In an interview with As-Safir, Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir
said he supported the ousting of President Emile Lahoud peacefully and through
legitimate means. "If the president is unable to run things it means that his
position is almost vacant," he said. "When we see that international forces do
not recognize him ... and people in general do not count on him to run the
country's affairs, the outcome becomes clear."
But Sfeir reiterated that the ousting of Lahoud should be achieved in line with
constitutional means and not through popular demonstrations.
"The president's dignity should be preserved as an individual and as the
representative of the presidential institution," he said.
Sfeir said "the Lebanese people are divided between those who want Lahoud to
resign and other who don't."
He warned that if demonstrations were held, "there might be confrontations which
would lead to a massacre."
Expressing support for the parliamentary majority's proposed plan to oust Lahoud,
Sfeir said: "If it were proven that the legislators were truly forced to extend
Lahoud's term, then anything agreed under pressure is considered cancelled."
But Sfeir stressed the need to find a replacement for Lahoud before toppling
him.
The article quoted Sfeir as saying it would be better if the next president were
not a military man, a comment widely seen as referring to Free Patriotic
Movement leader, and former general, Michel Aoun.
But a clarification posted on the paper's Web site said that when asked about
Aoun, Sfeir said: "My opinion is still the same but some people say that the
military man is gone with the wind and what remains is a civilian citizen."
In a statement, FPM MP Salim Aoun said, "Michel Aoun was a military man 15 years
ago and is not one anymore."
Referring to the parliamentary majority, he added: "They do not want a military
man to come to power and we don't want a trader. We want someone who can build
this country."
According to Sfeir, the president should be approved by all Lebanese because "he
is not the president of the Maronite sect, but of Lebanon."
Concerning Hizbullah's weapons, the prelate said: "All the constitutions in the
world stipulate that all people are equal before the law, but there cannot be
equality if a party has weapons and another hasn't."
While stressing that Hizbullah is not a militia, Sfeir said "the resistance is a
militia when it does not abide by the orders of the government." He called for a
strengthening of the Lebanese Army to defend the country from Israeli threat.
Asked about the recent joint understanding inked between Hizbullah and the FPM,
Sfeir called for "accord between all the people and the parties," but added that
"I did not study the document in a critical way; but some people said that it
did mention the Taif Accord."
Sfeir stressed the need to resolve pending issues with calmness and wisdom,
adding: "I can't support all that has been said during the February 14
demonstration, knowing that the wars start with words. It is as if there was a
war looming."
According to the patriarch, "we need speeches that reassure the people and give
them hope in the future."
Asked if he believed the Lebanese have learned from the Civil War, he said: "The
speeches we hear do not show that they have learned a lot."
As for Syria, he said good relations should be established between the two
countries on the basis of mutual respect of each country's sovereignty.
Although he admitted that Syria had withdrawn from Lebanon, Sfeir questioned
whether the influence of Syria was no longer being exercised. Sfeir met Tuesday
with MP Salim Salhab, Colombian Ambassador Georgina Mallat and a delegation from
Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya. He held separate talks with lawyer Chibli Mallat and Dr.
Daoud Sayegh. - The Daily Star
March 14 Forces say they will take to the streets in
effort to oust Lahoud
MPs circulate petition calling on president to resign
By Leila Hatoum -Daily Star staff
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
BEIRUT: There "will be a demonstration on March 14," possibly in Baabda, in an
attempt to pressure Lebanese President Emile Lahoud to resign, March 14 Forces'
MP Elias Atallah told The Daily Star Tuesday. Atallah said he "has no
information about any counterdemonstration" in support of the president. Rumors
have been circulating for the past week that if the March 14 Forces stage a
demonstration to topple Lahoud, a counterdemonstration will be staged by
pro-Syrian parties, namely Hizbullah, to defend Baabda Palace.
However, according to Atallah, "if there is a counterdemonstration, we will not
fight them because we believe that we should never cross a certain line that
leads to a civil war. If the army decides to open fire on us, we will not reply,
but will stand in our place."Pro-Syrian former ministers Suleiman Franjieh and
Talal Arslan met Tuesday and threatened to stage a counterdemonstration should
the March14 Forces take to the streets.
"The street is not the property of anyone and the president will not be
toppled," Arslan said. Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, a vocal member of
the March 14 Forces, did not deny that there would be a demonstration on March
14.
"If there is another opinion that supports Lahoud's stay, then those who support
this opinion have the right to have a peaceful counterprotest," Geagea said.
Geagea stressed that it was not the government which was calling for staging
protests and toppling Lahoud's regime. "Those who are doing so are parties who
have ministers in the Cabinet," he said.
Melchite Catholic Patriarch Gregarious III Lahham called on all parties to
adhere to "classy, democratic speech" to solve their political differences,
adding that "things should not be settled by resorting to the street or using
improper speeches."
A separate attempt by the March 14 Forces to push Lahoud to resign is being made
through a petition aimed at gathering "some 20 signatures, give or take a
signature, from the MPs who extended Lahoud's term back in 2004. We are
targeting the MPs who were pressured [by Syria] to extend Lahoud's mandate,"
Atallah said.
Sidon MP Bahia Hariri, the sister of former slain Premier Rafik Hariri, signed
the petition on Monday.
The March 14 Forces say that Lahoud is the last symbol of Syrian influence in
Lebanon.
Meanwhile, a source at the presidential palace denied rumors circulating Tuesday
that Lahoud would step down in return for international guarantees he won't be
prosecuted or harmed.
"The president's stand is firm and he has announced on more than one occasion
that he will continue his mandate until the last day - that is until November
24, 2007.
"So far the March 14 Forces' stands have varied from one day to another. We are
hearing many frivolous comments in an attempt to stir the people, but so far
they have been facing many political setbacks, especially regarding what Geagea
has been saying."According to the presidential source, "it is clear that Geagea
is mixing things up. One time he says that there is no consensus on presidential
candidate Pierre Dakkash and another time he declares that there is consensus on
Dakkash. One day he comes out saying that Lahoud will be toppled by March 2, and
now he is saying by March 14.
"I think that Geagea should be more realistic ... As for the petition, it has no
legal effects. They have confessed that it only has a moral and media
effect."Another rumor that Dakkash would be the president for the remainder of
Lahoud's term was neither confirmed nor denied.Dakkash told The Daily Star on
Tuesday that regardless of what the people are saying, the most important thing
is to "bring together all the national stands which all parties agree upon.
"After doing so, we can all sit down on the table of dialogue to discuss the
points which these parties disagree upon, including the issues of the presidency
and the arms of the resistance," he said.
U.S. envoy backs reform plan after talks with Berri
Daily Star staff-Wednesday, February 22, 2006
BEIRUT: In meetings with Speaker Nabih Berri and Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh,
U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman said his country remains committed to supporting
a comprehensive and credible reform program in Lebanon. The ambassador said that
"along with Lebanon's other friends in the international community, the U.S.
looks forward to working with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Foreign Minister
Fawzi Salloukh and their Cabinet colleagues in organizing a conference to
support the reform program, at a time that the Lebanese believe is appropriate."
Speaking after a meeting with Salloukh, Feltman said: "I assured His Excellency
the Minister that, as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, the U.S.
supports fully the dialogue between the government of Lebanon and the UN
following up UN Security Council Resolution 1644."The ambassador added: "My
government welcomes the decision of the Lebanese Cabinet to send a judicial
delegation this week to UN headquarters to discuss a tribunal with an
international character."
Regarding the UN-Lebanese consultations, Feltman said: "We stand ready to offer
assistance or advice, if desired by the two parties."The American ambassador had
earlier met with Berri to offer him the "very best wishes for the initiative he
has announced regarding a national dialogue involving the parliamentary blocs."
"As long-term supporters of the Taif Accord, we Americans have full confidence
that Lebanon's diverse population can address issues of national concern in ways
that strengthen Lebanon's unity and that are consistent with international
resolutions regarding Lebanon," he said. Berri also met with Russian Ambassador
Serguei Boukin, who applauded Berri's national dialogue proposal, which is
scheduled to begin March 2. "I hope the Lebanese will overcome this complicated
phase in their history and defeat historic and external challenges by political
means and within the framework of the proposed political dialogue," Boukin said.
Meanwhile, Higher Shiite Council Vice-President Sheikh Abdel-Amir Qabalan met
with Egyptian Ambassador Hussein Derrar. After thanking Derrar for Egypt's
efforts to restore calm in Lebanon, Qabalan called on all Lebanese to respond
positively to Berri's initiative, "away from any tense political rhetoric, which
can only entail bickering and panic." The diplomat also backed national
dialogue, saying, "solutions can be reached only through consensus and
dialogue." - The Daily Star
Jumblatt refuses to confirm attendance at Berri's
dialogue
Says he must consult allies
By Nada Bakri and Maher Zeineddine -Daily Star staff
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
BEIRUT: As parliamentary blocs prepare for the upcoming national dialogue,
Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt has yet to confirm that he
will participate in the event, saying he must first consult with his allies on
the issue.
Jumblatt's closest ally, Future Movement leader Saad Hariri, and the rest of the
March 14 Forces have already confirmed their participation. Jumblatt continues
to delay his decision, despite having received Tuesday a special committee
formed of Amal parliamentary bloc members dispatched to extend an invitation to
the national dialogue called for by Speaker Nabih Berri.
"I have to finish my consultations with my March 14 allies over this dialogue
issue. Of course no one can refuse to participate in a dialogue, but also no one
can agree to take part in a dialogue just for the purpose of having one,"
Jumblatt said.
Jumblatt said the problem lies in the absence of a leader to head the national
discussions. "We are a team and they are a team and when I say there is no
leader this means that the president is part of one of the teams. For the
dialogue to be complete the president has to stop implementing a non-Lebanese
agenda. The main item to be discussed should be overthrowing the president." The
Druze leader compared the rockets found near the home of MP Bahia Hariri to
those found in near his residence a few months ago, and which were followed by
the assassination of anti-Syrian MP Gebran Tueni.
"Are [Syrian President] Bashar [Assad] and his agents preparing for another
assassination before the dialogue starts? There is a historical and technical
resemblance between the two situations," Jumblatt said.
Jumblatt further dismissed allegations that overthrowing President Emile Lahoud
would automatically lead to the disarmament of Hizbullah. "The resistance has
finished its role. The Shebaa Farms issue can be solved without arms; the Taif
Accord should be implemented; the army should be deployed to the South; and the
armistice agreement reactivated," Jumblatt said.
The Amal committee, which included MPs Anwar Khalil, Michel Moussa, Samir Azar
and Ayoub Humayyed, also visited former President Amin Gemayel, who said his
parliamentary bloc will take part in the talks.
Gemayel said Berri's initiative should pave the way to solve all pending issues
and unite the Lebanese. He stressed that all debatable issues, including the
Hizbullah's weapons, should be settled according to the Taif Accord.
"The Taif Accord is clear concerning the arms of Hizbullah and it stipulates
reactivating the armistice agreement with Israel," Gemayel said. "Let's sit at
the dialogue table with [Hizbullah leader] Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah whose
national commitment is certain and each present his proposals and at the end we
will reach a solution because we all want what is good for Lebanon," he added.
Another Amal parliamentary committee including MPs Ali Hassan Khalil, Antoine
Khoury, Ghazi Zaiter, Qassem Hashem and Ali Bazzi visited former Premier Najib
Mikati who said he will be represented in the dialogue by Berri.
Khalil said that Mikati welcomed any attempts that contribute to enhancing
political stability and unity.
But Mikati raised concerns over the timing and the preparations for the
dialogue.
"The debate over the presidency makes the date for starting this dialogue
inappropriate. Preparations for this dialogue are very essential in order for it
to be fruitful rather than pulling strings between politicians," Mikati said.
The same delegation also met with former Premier Salim al-Hoss and former MP
Tammam Salam. Khalil said that Hoss welcomed the initiative in principle, but
voiced concerns over what results it can achieve. "Hoss in principle supported
the dialogue but raised questions over the results it can lead to in light of
the current political atmosphere," Khalil said. Although Mikati, Hoss and Salam
are not invited to the dialogue, Khalil said "it is essential to meet with the
different political forces to learn from their expertise and listen to their
recommendations and proposals." The Amal MPs briefed Berri who then met with
Foreign Affairs Minister Fawzi Salloukh and discussed internal and regional
matters.
Workshop aims to build democracy in Lebanon's civil
society
By Therese Sfeir -Daily Star staff
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
BEIRUT: A parliamentary workshop was held Tuesday under the theme of "The
practice of democracy in Lebanon's civil society." In a speech prepared for the
event, Speaker Nabih Berri said, "Dialogue is the most decent form of democracy.
Lebanon is in need of dialogue in light of the dangerous political period the
country is going through."
Berri did not attend the event. The workshop was organized by Parliament and the
Parliamentary Dialogue Forum. Speaking on Berri's behalf, MP Ali Bazzi said "the
practice of democracy in public and private institutions or in the institutions
of civil society has become a major factor in developing and promoting the
stability of these institutions." He also underlined the need for "political
figures, civil society and its institutions to deploy all efforts to promote the
culture of dialogue in order to resolve the problems facing the country."
"Consequently, we are relying heavily on the dialogue initiative launched by
Speaker Nabih Berri in order to put an end to the divisions in our country and
so the Lebanese people can finally have a unified opinion about all the
controversial issues in their country," he said.
Head of the forum Ghassan Sayyah said "this workshop is organized at a turning
point, at a time when politicians and civil society activists are stressing the
need for dialogue as the best means to tackle national causes and build a modern
country."
He added that the institutions of civil society are facing "difficulties and
challenges resulting from radical problems in the practice of democracy."
According to Sayyah, "the workshop aims to shed light on the practice of
democracy in civil society and to find the means and proposals to promote it, as
well as creating opportunities to exchange knowledge between participants and
contributing to the creation of a culture of democracy."
The workshop falls under the umbrella of a youth and media program organized by
the Christian Youth Association and An-Nahar newspaper, in cooperation with the
Parliamentary Dialogue Forum and the U.S.-Mediterranean Partnership.
Bilal Sharara, secretary general of the foreign affairs parliamentary committee,
said "The institutions of civil society do not have democratic characteristics
which enable them to contribute to building up a culture of democracy."
According to Sharara, some solutions include teaching principles of democracy in
schools and holding transparent elections within institutions.
Meshaal…and the Fireball
Ghassan Charbel Al-Hayat - 21/02/06//
President Mahmoud Abbas refused to look for a pretext to defer the elections. He
refused to be involved in any attempt to affect their course and question their
results. The ensuing Fateh defeat did not drive him to even the score with the
victorious "Hamas." He could have resorted to the easier option: pack and go.
Yet, he didn't. He acted according to the mentality of a statesman and not
according to the mentality of the factions' struggles. He has to be credited for
the behavior of an official, whose authority has been worn out by all the
factions: an uncommon practice in our region.
In his address at the first session of the Legislative Council, Abbas acted
according to the same rationale. He refused to use the victory of "Hamas" as a
pretext for hostility or blackmail. He refused to punish the Palestinian people
for their free electoral choice. It could be said that he tried to set a shield
to face the Israeli trap and the US and western pressures. The power of this
shield in providing this new experience with a real protection depends on the
capacity of the other side in meeting him half way or in close proximity
thereof.
Respecting the will of the voters stands for appointing "Hamas" to form the new
cabinet. He was not reluctant, but clearly addressed the victorious movement as
a responsible man. He urged it to "respect all the agreements signed" with
Israel. He emphasized the negotiation methodology as "a realistic strategic
political choice." He talked about the inevitable "presence of one arm, the
legitimate arm," calling for "developing peaceful means for popular resistance."
Abbas was addressing the MPs of "Hamas", hinting at the omnipresent man. He was
addressing Khaled Mechaal, whether he was following the session from Damascus or
Tehran. It is most likely that Mechaal, the architect of the Arab and Islamic
relations of "Hamas", in addition to other roles, felt that assuming the cabinet
decision was tantamount to holding a fireball. It is irrefutable that the head
of Hamas' politburo "was hoping for a victory resembling that of "Hezbollah" in
South Lebanon, i.e. the pullout of the Israeli army in tune with the attacks and
a subsequent control by the resistance over the liberated territory without any
obligation or commitment. But the South of Lebanon is one thing and the
Palestinian territory is another.
When the politburo of "Hamas" will meet to shape its policy in the Cabinet,
Meshaal and his companions will have to examine numerous issues: the situation
of the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza; the responsibility of the
PA and the Cabinet in security, economy, and resuming the creation of the
Palestinian state. They should also examine "the road map" and the Israeli
orientations following the pullout from Gaza and the absence of Sharon. They
should take into consideration the White House and the Quartet capitals and
listen to the advices of Cairo and other capitals, bearing in mind Damascus and
Tehran and the current clash between the two capitals and the international
resolutions or Western wills.
Khaled Mechaal knows that "Hamas'" experience will transcend, by its outcome,
the boundaries of the experience's stage despite its specific characteristics.
He knows that many are wagering on the failure of the movement and getting ready
to capitalize thereon. He knows that others are wagering on rehabilitating "Hamas"
as a prototype of the ability to rehabilitate the Islamists generated by the
ballot boxes. He knows that the talk about flexibility without holding on to the
fundamentals is not enough to deal with the details or the major decisions. The
issue definitely goes beyond the readiness to commit to a truce, though long. As
for the issue of international acknowledgment and support: the alternatives are
not available and insufficient, when available. The balance of forces does not
allow "Hamas" to form a cabinet leading the armed resistance. The current
situation of "Hamas" does not allow it to adopt the options of Abbas without a
certain maturity in the stances of others.
Tangible issues will be raised: securing the wages at the end of the month and
boosting the Palestinian economy. In the resistance, strikes, slogans, and
speeches are enough. In authority, actions, achievements, and figures are
needed. What if "Al Jihad" movement decided tomorrow to carry on a suicide
attack in Tel Aviv? What if "the Al-Aqsa Brigades" decided that truce is a way
to squander the right of the resistance?
The regional climate is really dim: The Iraqi image intertwines with the Iranian
nuclear ambitions; the Syrian situation is currently inseparable from the
Iranian clash with the West; South Lebanon cannot severe its ties with the
Syrian and Iranian files. Mechaal knows that, as he knows that "Hamas" yesterday
assumed the decision of the Palestinian cabinet and held the fireball along
therewith.
An Initiative by Aoun is Needed
Abdullah Iskandar Al-Hayat - 21/02/06//
Talk of the devil, and he is bound to appear! What a suitable Lebanese proverb
under such circumstances meaning that an incident becomes ineluctable when
repeatedly evoked! As more and more statements and declarations warn against or
even accuse others of seeking to stir up a civil war in Lebanon, any political
or penal mistake may dreadfully become the sparkle that lights the fuse,
especially that the power on the one hand and the parliamentary and popular
forces on the other widely diverge.
Between these two forces a flagrant contradiction, one "Hezbollah" and "Amal"
failed to patch up with their vehement support to the presidency, deemed, by
contrast, unconstitutional in the eyes of the parliamentary majority. Such
lineup and its ensuing stalemate concern the numerous goals behind the
President's term extension. Most dangerously, Lebanon witnessed since then a
series of assassinations against leaders rejecting such extension and its
objectives.
In the same vein, the Lebanese parties diverge on the goals and the means to
mend the complained of flaw.
"March 14" Forces escalated their speeches and demands, whether as concerns the
Resolution 1559, "Hezbollah" weapon, or relations with Syria. Months after they
held the majority in the Parliament, these Forces have failed to achieve any
real progress with respect to the issues they defend. They even ascribe their
failure to the impediments, pressures, and threats put up by Syria and its
allies in Lebanon. But at last, they have found the scapegoat, the President of
the Republic, a basic pillar of the pre-Resolution 1559 situation. They have
also set a time limit to overthrow him, especially that he is the weakest among
all their other opponents.
Wary of "March 14" slogans, "Hezbollah" and Aoun have harnessed their
"Understanding Document" to serve their interests. Luckily, this agreement has
broken the Christian ban on the Shiite party and the Muslim ban on the Christian
movement. Nonetheless, it failed to create the breakthrough evoked by Sayyed
Nasrallah and General Aoun. It may even stay a dead letter if un-complemented
with other rational steps to enforce some of its provisions, notably diplomatic
exchange, frontiers demarcation with Syria, and the body tasked with finding
alternatives to "Hezbollah" weapon to help Lebanon face the continuous Israeli
threats.
As the Speaker and "Amal" leader Nabih Berry determined the nature of the
parliamentary dialogue around a round table to end the stalemate, "March 14"
forces sent many warnings to the President. Hence, the battle seems pitched
between the potential outcome of the days-bound dialogue and the expiry of the
delay given to the president.
Under these circumstances, the President clings to his seat as long as there is
no legal and constitutional mechanism to oust him, or at least as long as this
debate is unsettled. In turn, the President is also cautious in resorting to the
street and staging demonstrations likely to end up in clashes when nearing the
presidential palace. He has also declared that such behavior is tantamount to a
"putsch" - a description that leaves many possibilities open until the conflict
is finally resolved.
Indeed, the stalemate will trigger the explosion. For this reason, the next few
days are crucial in this regard. It won't be easy to reverse the trend without a
loophole. Though many still evoke foreign intervention and regional benefits
reaped as a result of tensions crippling Lebanon, it may not be too late to open
this loophole. So long as parties to the parliamentary dialogue impose their
conditions, an initiative must be launched to unleash the said dialogue. Aoun
can, for instance, embark on this mission through his parliamentary bloc. For
the General, the basic party to the "Understanding Document" incorporating many
principles approved by "Hezbollah," is mainly concerned with the presidential
alternative, one axis of the proposed dialogue. Finally, such initiative can
buttress his standing as a presidential candidate and a pole that can turn his
promises into tangible measures.
Aoun Accuses Government Of Staging Unconstitutional Coup Against Presidency
Gen. Michel Aoun has accused the March 14 groups of abusing their position in
power and attempting to stage a coup by calling on people to take part in huge
protests to oust President Emile Lahoud.
The head of the Free Patriotic Movement said Monday he was the first to say that
Lahoud should not complete his presidential term that ends in 2007. But he
warned against ousting the president by using unsuitable means that could lead
to bloodshed.
"The government should not use the people to target a constitutional
institution," said Aoun, adding that the ministers and the ruling parties were
staging a coup against the presidency.
He described calls by the March 14 groups, who form the majority in government,
to oust Lahoud through protests as "undemocratic" and said the government should
be held responsible in case any riot or attack occurred.
The issue to end Lahoud's term should be dealt with in accordance with the
constitution that states how to manage the political process, said Aoun,
stressing that this matter should be debated in parliament.
He warned, however, that if the ruling parties violate the constitution, "then
we will work on toppling the government."
"Do we have to destroy all that has been built by holding a demonstration to
overthrow the president? How much is (the giant real estate company) Solidere
worth today? $70 billion? If three or four youths get some kerosene and set it
on fire, it would be catastrophic," Aoun said.
Aoun's comments came a day after the March 14 leaders agreed on a consensus
candidate, backed by Aoun, for parliamentary by-elections in Baabda-Aley
district to fill the Maronite seat vacated by Legislator Edmond Naim's death.
On Sunday, Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea said he hoped this understanding would
have positive repercussions on the presidential issue.
Aoun was a key member of the March 14 alliance that along with international
pressure drove Syrian troops out of Lebanon in the aftermath of ex-premier Rafik
Hariri's assassination. However, he broke with the group during parliamentary
elections in June and has recently made overtures to Syria's closest Lebanese
ally Hizbullah with whom he signed a cooperation agreement this month. Beirut,
Updated 21 Feb 06, 13:26
Maronite patriarch for Lahoud's ousting
BEIRUT, Lebanon, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Lebanon's opposition bid to oust pro-Syrian
President Emile Lahoud was backed by the Maronite patriarch, who declared it
should be done constitutionally.
In line with Lebanon's confessional system, Lebanese presidents are chosen from
the Maronites. Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir, the highest Maronite religious
authority, declared openly that he has removed the church's protection on Lahoud.
Speaking in an interview with Beirut's leading daily As-Safir Tuesday, Nasrallah
said he backs "the ouster of the president of the republic through legal and
constitutional means." Sfeir said that Lahoud's growing isolation since Syria's
withdrawal last year made the post of president effectively vacant.
"The president should by law oversee rule over the whole country, but if he can
no longer assume that matter, his post becomes almost vacant," Sfeir said.
His comment coincided with a campaign launched last week by anti-Syria
opposition groups to force the president to step down, including parliamentary
petitions calling for his resignation and street action and demonstrations
outside the presidential palace. Sfeir, who is largely respected by all Lebanese
politicians, Christian and Muslim, said street action could be tolerated to a
certain limit. "But it should not include raiding the presidential palace to
topple the president by force."
The Lebanese are divided over Lahoud's ousting. The parliamentary majority is
seeking signatures for a parliament petition calling for Lahoud's resignation.
Under the constitution the petition is futile unless it is backed by two-thirds
of the 128-member chamber. The opposition holds 71 seats, but needs 86
signatures.
Opposition leaders Waleed Jumblat, the Druze head of the Progressive Socialist
Party, Hariri's son and political heir, Saad, who commands the Sunni majority in
parliament, and Samir Geagea head of the Christian Lebanese Forces group
launched their campaign to oust Lahoud on the first anniversary of former Prime
Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination.
On the other side of the spectrum stand the Shiite Hezbollah and Amal Movement,
Christian strongman Gen. Michel Aoun, head of the Free Patriotic Movement, and a
presidential hopeful who has declared his opposition to removing Lahoud by
force.
Lebanese Christian leaders press Lahoud to quit
21/02/2006- BEIRUT,(Reuters) - Lebanon's top Maronite Christian cleric on
Tuesday joined calls for the removal of pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud, who
has previously refused to resign.
An anti-Syrian bloc that dominates government and parliament launched a campaign
last week to oust Lahoud by March 14 to complete Lebanon's emergence from
Syria's shadow.
Maronite Cardinal Nasrallah Sfeir appeared to throw his considerable influence
behind the effort, delivering his most scathing attack against Lahoud to date.
"If the president is unable to run things it means that his position is almost
vacant," he told Lebanon's daily As-Safir. "When we see that international
powers do not recognise him...and people in general do not count on him in
running the country, the outcome becomes clear."
Sfeir, however, reiterated that Lahoud's impeachment should be done
constitutionally and not through a popular revolt. The constitution lists high
treason or breaching the constitution as grounds for impeachment. Lahoud says he
is guilty of neither.
Sfeir has previously insisted that Lebanon's multi-sectarian parliament to
choose a succesor before removing Lahoud.
"God willing we may be done with this issue before the (March 14) deadline,"
Christian leader Samir Geagea. He did not say how Lahoud could be forced out,
but did not rule out street protests or agreement with pro-Syrian parties to get
the two-thirds parliamentary majority needed to impeach him.
The assassination a year ago of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri changed
Lebanon's political landscape, with street protests forcing Syria to bow to
international pressure and end three decades of military presence in April.
The Christian, Sunni Muslim and Druze coalition that had demanded that Syria
withdraw and Lahoud resign won mid-year elections, but the president, a former
army commander, has vowed to stay until his term expires in November 2007.
"There is one 'small matter' that is left over from the previous regime. I have
nothing against Emile Lahoud but the whole thing is not reasonable: a whole
regime was changed, how can we keep a part of it?" Geagea was quoted as saying.
The extension of Lahoud's term by three years in 2004 at Syria's behest plunged
Lebanon into political turmoil and set Damascus on a collision course with the
international community.
A U.N. inquiry into Hariri's killing has implicated senior Syrian officials and
their Lebanese allies, including four security chiefs loyal to Lahoud. They have
all denied any role.
Lebanon's president, elected by parliament, is always a Maronite. Though not as
powerful as before reforms agreed at the end of the 1975-1990 civil war, the
head of state still has significant political and military prerogatives.
Sadr on a visit to Beirut
date: 21 02, 2006
Beirut, Feb. 21 (BNA) Leader of Al Sadr political Iraqi Party Mughtada Al Sadr
arrived here today on a one week visit to Lebanon where he will meet with
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and Prime Minister Faoud Al Saniora.
This the first visit by Sadr to Lebanon. Earlier this week, Sadr was on a visit
to Jordan and Syria.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1139395452027&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
SLA vets in Israel to get NIS 80m.
By DANIEL KENNEMER
The Knesset Finance Committee on Monday approved payment of about NIS 80 million
in "appreciation grants" to veterans of the South Lebanon Army remaining in
Israel, implementing decisions made in earlier legislation.
"Until now the SLA veterans have not even received certificates of appreciation,
and now they will have grants in addition to certificates," said Labor MK Isaac
Herzog, who was the major proponent of the legislation.
SLA veterans will receive a flat NIS 40,000 grant, in addition to an amount
equivalent to three times the salary earned by each veteran during his service
in the militia prior to Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon. On average,
the additional amount comes to NIS 80,000, bringing the total grant to roughly
NIS 120,000 per SLA veteran.
Of the 2,500 SLA veterans and family members who crossed into Israel following
the summer 2000 pullout, only 650 remain in the country.
The total amount will be paid to each veteran over seven years, counting from
the original legislation's passage at the end of 2004, adjusted for inflation
and interest. NIS 16,800 will be given to each veteran for each of the first two
years, and the remaining amount will be divided into a monthly stipend spread
over the following five years.
To date, SLA veterans benefited only from a housing allowance provided by virtue
of an emergency government decision that requires yearly approval. The Finance
Committee also called on the government to find a more permanent arrangement,
ahead of the annual expiry of the housing allowance on March 1.