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legend Whitney Houston dies at 48
Pop legend Whitney Houston died Saturday aged 48 in a Beverly Hills hotel on the eve of the Grammys, triggering shock and a wave of tributes as music stars gathered for the annual awards show.
Ms Houston died on the eve of the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. She had been due to attend a pre-awards party in the Beverly Hilton Hotel organised by her long-time mentor and record industry executive Clive Davis on Saturday evening.
'There were no obvious signs of criminal intent at this time, and it is being investigated by the Beverly Hills police department,' said the police spokesman.
The cause of death was not immediately known.
Obama consults Mubarak
US President Barack Obama on Tuesday consulted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on political tumult in Tunisia and tensions in Lebanon sparked by a UN probe into the killing of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Obama spoke to the Egyptian leader after US officials said last week they were seeking to exert leverage in Lebanon though key regional players, and after the flight of ousted Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
The White House said Obama told Mubarak he was urging calm, an end to violence and free and fair elections in Tunisia, amid public rage at the continued presence of the ousted president party on the political scene.
Obama also told Mubarak he was grateful for his support for the UN probe in Lebanon, which has kept its first indictment in the killing of the former prime minister under wraps amid fears of violence in Beirut.
The US president also offered personal condolences to Mubarak and the Egyptian people for the heinous bombing targeting Coptic Christians on January 1 in Alexandria that left 21 people dead and wounded 79 others.
The two men also discussed stalled efforts to advance peace between Israelis and Palestinians, the statement said.
Special Tribunal for Lebanon Prosecutor-General Daniel Bellemare submitted his indictment on the Rafik Hariri case on Monday.
Unconfirmed press reports say that the indictment names members of Hezbollah, which has demanded that Lebanon reject the tribunal and on January 12 withdrew from the cabinet with its allies, precipitating the government collapse.
Prime Minister Saad Hariri is currently heading a caretaker government pending the outcome of consultations between MPs and President Michel Sleiman that have been postponed to next Monday.
Jumblatt
Democratic Gathering bloc leader MP Walid Jumblatt said that the situation in Lebanon has shifted negatively and no one should hold him responsible.
According to Al-Akhbar newspaper Wednesday edition, Jumblatt said that the current political situation in the country is very bad.
He also said that he was coordinating with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on matters related to the country’s impasse.
Special Tribunal for Lebanon Prosecutor General Daniel Bellemare submitted his indictment on former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri 2005 assassination on Monday.
Hezbollah has demanded that Lebanon reject the tribunal and on January 12 withdrew from the cabinet with its allies, precipitating the governments collapse.
Prime Minister Saad Hariri is currently heading a caretaker government pending the outcome of consultations that have been postponed to next Monday.
Sleiman talks with Qatari PM, Turkish FM
President Michel Sleiman said on Tuesday that he carried out deep and useful talks with Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani and Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu during their meeting at the Baabda Presidential Palace.
According to a statement issued by the president’s press office, the president also met with Telecommunications Minister Charbel Nahhas and discussed the work of the latter’s ministry.
The Qatari PM and the Turkish FM arrived in Lebanon on Tuesday to address the political situation.
Lebanon unity government collapsed last Wednesday after Hezbollah and its allies pulled their 10 ministers from cabinet and one minister close to Sleiman announced his withdrawal, providing the necessary number of resignations for the government to fall.
Hezbollah and its allies have for months been pressing Prime Minister Saad Hariri to disavow the Special Tribunal for Lebanon probing the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on the grounds that it is part of a US Israeli plot that will indict Hezbollah members.
Hariri is now heading a caretaker government pending the outcome of consultations postponed to next Monday between Sleiman and parliamentarians on the appointment of a new premier.
Berri
The March 14 coalition missed a golden opportunity that would have taken us out of the current Lebanese political impasse, Speaker Nabih Berri said.
In an interview with An-Nahar newspaper published on Wednesday, Berri said that March 14 missed a chance that could have created a better atmosphere for the upcoming consultations to name a new premier.
Meanwhile, according to Al-Hayat newspaper Wednesday edition, Berri cast blame on Prime Minister Saad Hariri during the Tuesday meeting with Qatari and Turkish officials because Hariri did not respond to a message sent by March 8 calling on him to define his position on what will be included in the Ministerial Statement of the new cabinet.
Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassem bin Jaber Al Thani and Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu arrived in Beirut on Tuesday to address the political situation and met with President Michel Sleiman, Hariri and Berri.
Special Tribunal for Lebanon Prosecutor General Daniel Bellemare submitted his indictment on former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri 2005 assassination on Monday.
Hezbollah has demanded that Lebanon reject the tribunal and on January 12 withdrew from the cabinet with its allies, precipitating the government collapse.
Hariri is currently heading a caretaker government pending the outcome of consultations that have been postponed to next Monday.
Wikileaks Source
The WikiLeaks revelations have already caused immense embarrassment to William Hague but his pains count as the most trivial of setbacks compared to the epic calamity inflicted on pro-Western officials in Lebanon.
Elias Murr (L), the defence minister has been caught red-handed conspiring with the United States of America to facilitate an Israeli invasion in 2008 Photo: AP
By Peter Oborne, Beirut 9:00PM GMT 10 Dec 2010
The Foreign Secretary had been accused of pandering to the US ahead of last May’s general election since his private conversations with state department officials became public.
The accounts of conversations with members of Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri’s government have revealed collusion with the state’s main enemy.
Elias Murr, the defence minister has been caught red-handed conspiring with the United States of America to facilitate an Israeli invasion in 2008.
The Wikileaks cables reveal how, over a two and a half hour lunch with American diplomats, Mr Murr spelt out areas that Israeli jets should hit.
He also revealed he had ordered the Lebanese army 'not to get involved in any fighting and to fulfil a civil defence role”.
The minister’s only concern was that the invading force refrain from attacking Christian areas. Attacks on Shia Muslims was 'Hizbollah’s problem’ and Mr Murr - a Christian in a Sunni-led government - hoped that the offensive would allow the army to displace the radical Iranian-backed group that is Lebanon’s strongest force.
His plan was for the Lebanese army to remain in its bases – then take over once Hizbollah’s militia forces had been defeated.
The Americans concluded that Murr 'seems intent on ensuring the Army stays out of the way so what Hizbollah bears the full weight of an Israeli offensive.’
Almost as damaging, Murr’s testimony directly implicates the Lebanese president Michel Sleiman. In March 2008, at the time of the conversation, the Lebanese president was army chief of staff. And Murr told his American friends that he had already instructed Sleiman that the Lebanese army should not get involved 'when Israel comes.’
It has been commonly claimed that the Julian Assange’s Wikileaks revelations have contained no dazzling revelations. But these revelations are bound to inflict long term damage on the already troubled government of Prime Minister Hariri.
It is true that local reaction in Beirut has been measured, even from Hizbollah, and that Elias Murr himself has reacted with amazing insouciance.In a statement he called for Lebanese who have labelled him a traitor to be put on trial. He asked: 'Who will try those who are accusing other Lebanese of treason only because they hold a different opinion?’
But this muted reaction is only because the Lebanon is already facing what threatens to become the country’s greatest crisis since the end of the civil war twenty years ago.
A United Nations investigation into the 2005 assasination of Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri (father of the current premier) is set to issue draft indictments that are widely expected that the tribunal to identify Hizbollah as the perpetrators of the crime.
Sources say the indictment will go to the judge within days.
When the charges are published many believe Lebanon will face a dangerous conflagration.
Hizbollah was yesterday mounting a last ditch attempt to discredit the tribunal, warning that it will cause 'chaos.’
Ammar Mousawi, Hizbollah’s director of international relations, issued a steely warning to me at its headquarters in southern Beirut. He said: “We view the tribunal as an aggression against us. We will deal with this aggression with means and methods that are required.”
A finding against Hizbollah would license Sunnis to mount revenge attacks on Shias and could trigger all out fighting. The tribunal has been viewed as flawed by Hizbollah from the start.
He said: 'I want to underline a point. Our position against the indictment is not a position against justice or truth. At the dialogue table all parties including us were concerned with punishing the perpetrators. We still adopt the same position.
“But in any offence or criminal act the investigators start by looking at the list of those who have benefitted. But there was no motive for Hizbollah. We and the Syrians were the people who were most disadvantaged by the killing of Hariri.”
The Israelis, suggested Mousawi, were more likely the guilty party.
The danger of a return to violence has stimulated a desperate last minute campaign by Saudi Arabia and Syria to stop the tribunal in its tracks.
This would involve Prime Minister Saad Hariri withdrawing his support for the tribunal. As the son of the murdered man, Harriri’s acquiesence carry’s huge weight in the Arab world.
Deals like these may sound unsavoury- and contrary to natural justice- but in Beirut it may avert diaster.
The government is already in paralysis because of the tribunal - the cabinet has not met for the last three weeks because of the dispute.
Beirut has seen a return to peace and even prosperity after the desperate decades of internal strife. Cafes and restaurants are full amidst an unprecedented construction boom which has seen many of the loveliest parts of the old historic city replaced by towering blocks of flats.
But this week, the question I was most often asked by tremulous waiters, cab-drivers and hotel staff was: 'Are we about to return to civil war?’
Judge
Military Investigative Judge Riad Abu Ghida issued an indictment on Thursday against retired General Fayez Karam, the National News Agency NNA reported.
The judge requested a sentence of temporary hard labor, which could range from 3 to 15 years, the report said.
Ghida also charged a second defendant from the Karam family, whom the NNA report did not name, as Karam accomplice.
The judge transferred both cases to the Permanent Military Court for trial, the report added.
Karam, who is a Free Patriotic Movement official, was arrested by the ISF Information Branch in August on suspicion of collaborating with Israel.
STL official
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon could begin trying those accused in Prime Minister Rafik Hariris 2005 assassination in September or October 2011 in the best-case scenario, STL Acting Registrar Herman von Hebel said on Thursday.
The tribunal may hold trials in absentia if no arrests are made, Hebel said in a press conference near The Hague according to LBCI television.
Tensions are high in Lebanon amid unconfirmed reports that the STL will soon issue an indictment in its investigation of the Rafik Hariri murder and that it will accuse Hezbollah members.
Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has said that Hezbollah will cut off the hand of anyone who tries to arrest any of its members in the case and that the telecom evidence reportedly used by the STL is worthless.
LBCI
French President Nicolas Sarkozy met with his Syrian counterpart, Bashar al Assad, in Paris on Thursday to address the latest developments, including the current Lebanese situation.
According to LBCI television, the two leaders also discussed bilateral relations as well as recent events in the Middle East.
Assad began on Wednesday evening a working visit to France. The Syrian Arab News Agency SANA quoted French Ambassador to Syria Eric Chevallier as saying that Sarkozy and Assad will discuss the Israeli Arab peace process, regional stability, and Lebanese politics.
Tensions have run high in Lebanon in recent months amid reports that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL will soon issue an indictment in its investigation into former Prime Minister Rafik Hariris 2005 assassination. Media outlets have also speculated that Hezbollah members will be named in the indictment.
Saudi and Syrian officials have reportedly been communicating in efforts to reach a compromise deal that would resolve tensions among Lebanese parties.
Qatar
Massive street parties broke out across the country yesterday evening after FIFA made the announcement awarding Qatar the hosting rights of 2022 World Cup.
It was a carnival like atmosphere on the scenic Corniche where traffic on the 8km stretch came to a stand still after 7pm as thousands of vehicles headed there for the traditional victory procession.
The party goers spilled onto either side of the road blaring horns and hooting vuvuzelas, with some even dumping their cars and deciding to walk in the middle of the road.
Thousands had earlier watched the ceremony beamed live from Zurich, Switzerland, on a giant screen installed at the open air Souq Waqif where supporters of Qatar bid started pouring in as early as 3pm.
As the crowd swelled by 6pm, so did the intensity, and when 45 minutes later FIFA president Sepp Blatter showed the world the card with the name of Qatar on it, people erupted with joy.
I cant, I cant…I dont know what to say. Nice, fine, beautiful, happy, said Qatari youngster Waleed Abdul rahman al Baloshi, tears flowing.
There were flags not just from Qatar but Tunis, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt.
This is the best thing that happened to Qatar. I support the fact the World Cup will be held so near, said a Bahraini, who came all the way to Souq Waqif to watch the ceremony live.
Excitement at the Souq was palpable with vuvuzelas blaring incessantly, Qatari flags fluttering, and children with Qatari flags painted on their faces running about delirious with joy.
I feel absolutely thrilled. It feels like Eid. It is Eid, said Qatari Ibrahim Abdullah Shukri, who with his wife and two young sons was dressed up in Qatari colours.
Another Qatari, Mohamed Saleh al Abadi said the fact that Qatar beat the likes of the US, Japan and South Korea, itself is an achievement.
Very recently we were called a third world country. This changes it all. Its a proud moment not just for Qatar, but the entire Middle East, said alAbadi.
The joy was so contagious, it quickly spread to everyone in crowd, which truly reflected the diversity Doha has come to be known for.
Hugs were exchanged by everyone with anyone.
Some flew in just for the occasion.
Because it was an extended weekend in the UAE, where we live, we decided to come here and explore the country, especially when a lot was expected to happen for it, Brazilian Andre Amaral and his Argentinean partner Dolores Picot said.
We are big fans of Qatar efforts to promote football. They just hosted Brazil and Argentina in Doha, the South Americans said.
All were also particularly insistent in having their picture taken next to the Qatar bid billboard attached to the giant screen which yesterday read: Lets Make History. Today
History was indeed made in the peninsula last night.
Qatar 2022 World Cup Bid
The decision on the hosting of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup tournaments will be revealed in Zurich on Thursday 2 December.
A host of VIPs and renowned personalities from the worlds of sport and politics will be present in Zurich, supporting their home nations bids. The world media will also turn out in force, with some 1,000 journalists accredited to cover the event, and nearly 70 TV stations broadcasting live from Zurich.
The final presentations by the nine candidates begin on Wednesday at the Home of FIFA in Zurich. Proceedings open with the contenders to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The running order starts with Australia at 14.00 CET, followed on the hour, every hour by Korea Republic, Qatar, USA and Japan, who have the final starting slot at 18:00.
The candidates for the 2018 FIFA World Cup take to the stage on Thursday morning. Belgium and the Netherlands start the ball rolling at 9.00, followed by Spain and Portugal, England, and finally Russia at 12 midday. The running order was previously determined by the drawing of lots.
Following the presentations, the FIFA Executive Committee will gather to consider its verdict and vote on the choice of host nation for the forthcoming finals. The announcement is expected at approximately 16.00 CET, when FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter will open the envelopes to reveal the names of the winners before a live audience and the global media representatives at Zurich Exhibition Centre.
Stay tuned to FIFA.com, the official website of world football governing body, for full coverage of two enthralling days. Our LIVE reporting on events at the Home of FIFA begins at 14.00 CET on Wednesday. We ll exclusively bring you the presentations by all nine candidates, followed by the official announcement of the FIFA World Cup host nations on Thursday afternoon.
Moussa
Development and Liberation bloc MP Michel Moussa said on Tuesday that France has intentions and interests to foster calm in Lebanon.
He told the Future News that Saudi Syrian efforts to defuse Lebanese tensions are ongoing, adding that Iran and Turkey are also playing a role in resolving political rows in Lebanon.
The MP also said that Prime Minister Saad Hariri Iran trip was of high importance.
Hariri concluded his three-day visit to Iran on Monday by holding a final round of talks with Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi and signing nine bilateral cooperation protocols. The Lebanese PM then headed to France for another three day official visit.
Tension is high in Lebanon amid unconfirmed reports that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL will soon issue an indictment in its investigation of former PM Rafik Hariri 2005 assassination. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation CBC reported on November 21 that the STL has telecommunications evidence strongly linking Hezbollah to the murder.
Zahra
Hezbollah wants the March 14 coalition to surrender, but this will not happen, Lebanese Forces bloc MP Antoine Zahra said on Tuesday.
Zahra told LBCI television that Hezbollah primary goals are currently achieved, starting by obstructing the Lebanese cabinet and paralyzing the rule.
He said that March 8 primary aim is to obstruct the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL.
As they know they cannot halt the tribunals probe, their goal is to take Lebanon as a hostage, Zahra said, in a reference to Hezbollah and the March 8 parties.
Tension is high in Lebanon amid unconfirmed reports that the STL will soon issue its indictment in former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri 2005 assassination. It is rumored that the indictment will name Hezbollah members.
In a speech on November 11, Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said that Hezbollah will cut off the hand of anyone who tries to arrest any of its members in the case.
Iran
Iran agreed Tuesday to a new round of talks in Geneva on December 6 and 7 with world powers on its controversial nuclear program, an EU foreign affairs spokesperson said.
Iran chief negotiator Said Jalili will meet for talks with EU chief diplomat Catherine Ashton, who will lead the international delegation, the spokesperson said.
We have now received a response from the Iranian authorities in which they have said that Dr. Jalili has accepted Catherine Ashtons proposal to meet in Geneva, the spokesperson said.
Talks between Catherine Ashton and Dr. Jalili will now take place on Monday and Tuesday next week in Geneva.
Ashton would lead the so called 3+3 or 5+1 group of nations negotiating with Iran made up of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council the United States, Russia, China, France, and Britain and Germany.
The talks will be the first between Iran and six world powers since October 2009.
Disagreement over the agenda has held up the talks. The world powers want the talks to focus on Irans uranium enrichment program but Tehran wants a wider discussion that includes regional security issues.
The United States, Europe and Israel fear that Iran wants to use nuclear technology to build a bomb, but Tehran insists that its program is a peaceful drive to produce civilian energy.
Erdogan
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that it is important to maintain Lebanese national unity.
Lebanon has always been an example for coexistence… But someone has wanted to ruin it for a while. This should not be allowed, Erdogan said during the inaugurating of a hospital funded by Turkey in Saida.
The Turkish PM also thanked everyone who contributed to building the hospital.
Erdogen arrived in Beirut on Wednesday for a two day official visit.
His visit comes as tensions soar in Lebanon amid rumors the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL will indict high ranking members of Hezbollah in connection with the 2005 murder of ex Premier Rafik Hariri.
There are fears that should the tribunal implicate Hezbollah, it could lead to sectarian violence that would pit Prime Minister Saad Hariris Sunni supporters against the Shia Hezbollah.
Erdogan
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met on Thursday with UNIFIL Commander General Alberto Asarta Cuevas at the office of the Turkish contingent in Tyre.
Erdogan followed up on the mission of the peacekeeping troops in South Lebanon during his meeting with Asarta, the National News Agency NNA reported.
The Turkish PM visit comes as tensions soar in Lebanon amid rumors the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL will indict high ranking members of Hezbollah in connection with the 2005 murder of ex Premier Rafik Hariri.
There are fears that should the tribunal implicate Hezbollah, it could lead to sectarian violence that would pit Prime Minister Saad Hariris Sunni supporters against the Shia Hezbollah.
Gemayel
Following his meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday, Kataeb Party leader Amin Gemayel called for a constructive dialogue between Lebanese parties.
Gemayel said that an open dialogue between the parties would help reach a middle ground to resolve Lebanese disputes, the National News Agency NNA reported.
We are primarily concerned about the current domestic situation.
He voiced hope that Arab states would stress on engaging in dialogue in Lebanon as part of their efforts to foster Lebanese stability.
Tension is high in Lebanon amid unconfirmed reports that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL will soon issue its indictment in its investigation of the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
There are fears that should the court indict Hezbollah members, it could lead to clashes similar to those of the 2008 May Events when gunmen led by the party took over half of Beirut.
Sleiman
President Michel Sleiman met Friday with Qatari Energy Minister Abdullah bin Hamad al Attiyah to discuss bilateral relations and Sleiman upcoming visit to Qatar, according to a statement from the president office.
Sleiman also received US Central Command head General James Mattis and US Ambasador to Lebanon Maura Connelly, who conveyed US President Barack Obama best wishes on the occasion of Lebanon Independence Day and discussed military aid to Lebanon with him.
Islamist
LBCI television reported Thursday that prisoners affiliated with Islamist parties protested in Roumieh Prison after security measures were taken following Tuesdays incident.
The rioting prisoners threw objects from windows, the report added.
Two members of Fatah al Islam attempted a prison break in Roumieh on Tuesday. Police managed to capture Syrian inmate Munjid al Fahham within the prison grounds after he injured himself trying to escape, while inmate Walid al Bustani is still on the run.
Mneimneh
Education Minister Hassan Mneimneh a Future Movement minister told Future News Television on Thursday that discussions on issues that concern the people should not be postponed until the false witnesses issue is resolved, and called on resuming the cabinet and ministries work to discuss issues including Israel recent decision to withdraw from a border village in the south.
The March 8 coalition said that resuming discussions in the cabinet is not possible if the false witnesses file is not transferred to the Justice Council, Mneimneh said, adding that this would lead to paralyzing the cabinet and ministries work.
There are bets that the Syrian Saudi efforts would help achieve a solution, but if the March 8 coalitions position does not change, postponing the cabinet session is possible, he added.
March 8 politicians have called for the cabinet to task the Justice Council with investigating the issue of witnesses who gave unreliable testimonies to the international probe into the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. However, March 14 figures have said that the regular judiciary should handle the matter.
On Wednesday, Israels security cabinet backed plans to withdraw Israel Defense Force IDF troops from the northern part of the disputed village of Ghajar and hand over control to UNIFIL.
Zahra
Lebanese Forces bloc MP Antoine Zahra told the Free Lebanon radio station on Thursday that Syria and Saudi Arabia cannot affect the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL work, and added that expecting a solution from them regarding the tribunal is impossible.
The March 8 coalition does not aim to defeat the March 14 coalition but it wants to control all of the country as well as authoritative positions including the presidency, particularly if this position adheres to the constitution and law which contradict the March 8 agenda and aims, Zahra said.
Tension is high in Lebanon amid unconfirmed reports that the STL will soon issue its indictment in its investigation of the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. There are fears that should the court indict Hezbollah members, it could lead to clashes similar to those of the 2008 May events – when gunmen led by the party took over half of Beirut.
Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has repeatedly said that the STL is an Israeli project that will indict members of his party.
Last week, the Hezbollah chief said that the party will cut off the hand of anyone who tries to arrest any of its members in the case.
Israels
Israeli warplanes buzzed southern regions on Wednesday and conducted mock attacks over the Shebaa, Hasbaya, Marjayoun, Nabatiyeh, and Iklim at-Toufah areas.
Israeli
Israels security cabinet on Wednesday backed plans to withdraw Israel Defense Force IDF troops from part of a disputed village on the Lebanese border and hand over control to UNIFIL.
The ministerial committee on security decided today to accept the principles of a proposal by the United Nations and UNIFIL to withdraw IDF forces from the northern part of the village, the AFP quoted cabinet secretary Zvi Hauser as saying in a statement.
The move will see Israel pulling out of the northern sector of Ghajar village, although no date was mentioned in the statement.
Security control for the village's northern half is to be handed over to UNIFIL.
Ghajar
Our Correspondent reported Wednesday that residents of northern Ghajar village began a protest at 2 p.m. against the Israeli security cabinets plan to withdraw Israel Defense Force IDF troops from the disputed village on the Lebanese border and hand over control to UNIFIL.
According to the correspondent, residents believe the withdrawal will divide the village and separates families.
The residents requested that Ghajar be considered a part of the Golan Heights and for its final status to be determined along with the rest of the occupied Syrian land, the correspondent added.
STL Appeals Chamber
The Appeals Chamber of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL issued a unanimous opinion Wednesday rejecting the Prosecutors appeal of the recent decision by the Pre Trial Judge, Daniel Fransen, relating to the request by former General Security chief Jamil al-Sayyed for access to documents about his detention by the Lebanese authorities.
According to an STL press release, the Appeals Chamber also found that the STL has jurisdiction to consider Sayyed request and determined that Sayyed has legal grounds to bring this application before the Tribunal.
The Pre Trial Judge will now decide on the merits of Sayyed application, specifically whether Sayyed should have access to the documents that he believes are held by the Tribunals Prosecutor, the statement said.
STL President Antonio Cassese rejected Sayyed motion last Friday to disqualify Judges Ralph Riachi and Afif Shamseddine from the hearing on STL Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare’s appeal.
Sayyed was arrested in 2005 on suspicion of involvement in former Prime Minister Rafik Hariris assassination and was released in 2009 due to lack of evidence. In March 2010, he requested that the tribunal give him access to his investigation files so that he could take legal action against witnesses he says gave false testimony against him.
Two injured
A gun battle broke out between members of the Amhaz and Moqdad families in Beirut southern suburb of Dahiyeh on Wednesday, in which two people were injured,correspondent reported.
The clash took place on Hadi Nasrallahs Highway in Dahiyeh, and escalated to the use of arms, the correspondent said.
He also said that the injured were transported to a nearby hospital, adding that the Lebanese army is chasing the perpetrators.
Williams
Following his meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Shami, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams voiced hope that ministers will be able to meet in a collegial atmosphere later on Wednesday.
He also voiced hope that the ministers would pay respect to past agreements, such as those in Doha and the 2009 Ministerial Statement, according to a statement issued by his office.
We all look to the cabinet to help diminish some of the concerns and tensions of recent days.
He also said that he had a good meeting with Shami, adding that the latter reiterated Lebanons commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Ministers will discuss on Wednesday the issue of witnesses who gave unreliable testimonies to the investigation of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariris 2005 assassination.
March 8 politicians have called for the cabinet to task the Justice Council with investigating the issue of false witnesses. However, March 14 figures have said that the regular judiciary should handle the matter.
EU urges
EU chief diplomat Catherine Ashton is extremely concerned by the announcement by Israel of a plan for the construction of 1,300 new housing units in east Jerusalem, her office said in a statement.
This plan contradicts the efforts by the international community to resume direct negotiations and the decision should be reversed, her office said, joining US and UN criticism of the Israeli decision.
Ashton said settlements were illegal under international law, warning that they constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two state solution impossible.
The EU foreign policy chief recalls that the European Union will not recognize any changes to the pre 1967 borders, including Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties.
She called for any final status issues to be resolved through negotiations, including the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of two states.
Catherine Ashton continues to call on both parties to create an environment conducive to the resumption of direct negotiations, her office said.
Israel s decision to approve the new homes in east Jerusalem on Monday sparked a furious reaction from the Palestinians, who accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sabotaging peace talks.
Sfeir calls
Former Minister Wadih Khazen quoted Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir on Tuesday as calling on Lebanese parties to unite regardless of the content of Special Tribunal for Lebanon STLs pending indictment.
According to Khazen, Sfeir warned against any foreign exploitation of a Lebanese cabinet stalemate, the National News Agency NNA reported.
The patriarch also praised President Michel Sleiman and Lebanese Armed Forces LAF Commander General Jean Kahwajis efforts to confront attempts to destabilize Lebanon.
Sfeir called on all Lebanese parties to have awareness and engage in dialogue.
He later met with Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Assiri who voiced Riyadhs hope that calm would be fostered in Lebanon, the NNA added.
Tension is high in Lebanon after unconfirmed reports indicated that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL would soon issue its indictment for the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. March 8 parties are calling for the abolition of the tribunal.
Future bloc MPs
During Tuesday s Parliamentary Budget and Finance Commission, Future bloc MPs called for an investigation of government financial records dating back to 1989, when Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun served as Lebanon’s premier.
correspondent reported that the Future bloc MPs proposal came after March 8 MPs called for a probe into financial records dating back to 1993, the period when late former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was serving his first term as the country’s premier.
Aoun and other MPs from his bloc have accused the Finance Ministry of corruption and called for state expenditures since 1993 to be accounted for.
National dialogue
Reports that President Michel Sleiman, Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Speaker Nabih Berri met following the end of Thursdays national dialogue session and agreed that the body would meet again before November 22.
Afterwards Sleiman met separately with Hariri and Berri.
Several media outlets reported that Thursdays session was not attended by the leaders of the Free Patriotic Movement, Progressive Socialist Party, Lebanese Democratic Party, Syrian Social Nationalist Party and Marada Movement.
The last dialogue session was held in August, in which the committee agreed to continue studying a national defense strategy.
Sleiman
President Michel Sleiman held bilateral meetings with March 14 alliance figures after the national dialogue session ended.
Several media outlets reported that Thursdays session was not attended by the leaders of the Free Patriotic Movement, Progressive Socialist Party, Lebanese Democratic Party, Syrian Social Nationalist Party and Marada Movement.
The last dialogue session was held in August, in which the committee agreed to continue studying a national defense strategy.
Hariri
Prime Minister Saad Hariri said it was unfortunate that some political figures did not attend the national dialogue session that addresses the defense strategy and Israeli threats against Lebanon.
Rports that Hariri voiced the importance of dialogue for Lebanon.
President Michel Sleimans statements were clear and all parties must participate in the next session, the PM said, adding, We want dialogue to continue because it serves the Lebanese.
Sleiman, Hariri and Speaker Nabih Berri met following the end of the session and agreed that the body’s participants would congregate again before November 22.
According to a statement issued by the presidents press office on Thursday, Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt, Tashnaq Party leader MP Hagop Pakradounian, Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun, Loyalty to the Resistance bloc MP Mohammad Raad, Lebanese Democratic Party leader MP Talal Arslan, Syrian Social Nationalist Party leader MP Assad Hardane and Marada Movement leader MP Sleiman Franjieh did not attend the session.
Hassan to critics
During Tuesday Parliamentary Budget and Finance Commission meeting, Finance Minister Rayya al-Hassan said in response to critics that we did not commit any mistake and we will no longer tolerate criticism.
March 8 figures, primarily Change and Reform bloc MPs, have repeatedly criticized Hassan. Last month, Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun said that the Finance Ministry looks like Ali Baba’s cave, adding that employees are working there illegitimately.
Baroud
Interior Minister Ziad Baroud said on Tuesday that the current political tension in Lebanon does not exempt any party from the responsibility of resolving traffic related problems, calling on the parliament to ratify the pending proposal on traffic laws, MTV reported.
He said that he agreed with Health Minister Mohammad Jawad Khalifeh on making the Health Ministry the authority to register victims of traffic accidents.
Baroud added that he proposed during Monday cabinet session to establish a special emergency unit tasked with dealing with traffic related problems.
This comes amid reports of increased road accidents in Lebanon. As Safir newspaper reported on Saturday that 50 people died and 372 others were wounded in 247 road accidents in September
Nahhas
During a press conference on Monday, Telecommunications Minister Charbel Nahhas said Israel infiltrated the telecommunications sector and managed to alter and manipulate its data.
Israel was able to control this sector through its spies, Nahhas said, adding that strengthening the sector is important since it should not be this fragile.
There are governmental measures being taken related to this issue, the telecommunications minister also said.
When asked if phone calls can be modified, Nahhas said this is a technical issue that investigations by relevant bodies can decide.
According to a statement issued by Nahhas press office last Friday, the International Telecommunication Unions ITU conference in Mexico condemned Israeli aggression against Lebanons telecom networks.
Security forces have detained several people during the past few months on suspicion of collaborating with Israel, including three Alfa employees.
Mine explosion
On Monday that seven members of Ajyal as Salam Association, which is a Lebanese de mining association affiliated with Hezbollah, were injured when a mine exploded in the southern village of Yater.
The correspondent added that those injured were transferred to hospitals for treatment.
Gas prices
Energy Minister Gebran Bassil issued a statement on Wednesday noting the price changes in gasoline, oil and fuel in Lebanon for the coming week.
Per 20 liters, the price of unleaded 95 and 98 gasoline prices increased by 500 LL respectively. Diesel oil prices increased by 400 LL and household gas tank prices for a 10 kg tank and for a 12.5 kg tank increased by 200 LL and 300 LL respectively.
The statement set the following price ceilings for fuel prices per 20 liters:
Unleaded 95: 32,800 LL
Unleaded 98: 33,500LL
Kerosene: 21,600 LL
Diesel: 22,300 LL
Diesel for motor vehicles Kl: 22,500 LL
Household gas tanks 10 Kg: 16,500 LL
Household gas tanks 12.5 Kg: 20,100 LL
Aawar
Mountain Unity bloc MP Fadi Aawar told the Voice of Lebanon VOL radio station on Wednesday that the situation in Lebanon is calm due to the Saudi-Syrian agreement to foster stability in the country.
Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdel Aziz and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met for talks on current tensions in Lebanon concerning the fate of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL investigation into the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Tension ran high in Lebanon after reports said that the STL will soon issue its indictment in the Rafik Hariri murder. March 8 figures are calling for the abolition of the tribunal.
Members
The parliament met on Tuesday and re-elected the members of the bodys executive committee and commissions.
He added that the session lasted for only 15 minutes.
All the heads of the parliamentary commissions were re-elected and only slight changes were made to the bodies, the correspondent also said.
Iran
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ramin Mehmanparast said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Saad Hariri intends to visit Tehran before the end of this year, the Kuwait News Agency KUNA reported.
The date of Hariris visit was not determined yet, but it will happen before the end of 2010, Mehmanparast said, adding that the PMs visit comes within the framework of good Lebanese-Iranian relations.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived to Beirut for an official visit last Wednesday and left the country on Thursday night. While in Lebanon, he met with top Lebanese officials and also addressed large crowds at Hezbollah rallies.
Rahmeh
Free and United bloc MP Emile Rahmeh told New TV on Monday that Israel wants to achieve aims it failed to achieve through war and espionage, by using the judiciary- a reference to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL.
Responding to former MP Elias Atallah claim that Rahmeh went to Israel several times, the latter said that he will sue Atallah. I have never visited Israel, Rahmeh said.
Tension ran high in Lebanon after reports said that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL would soon issue its indictment for the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. There are fears that should the court indict Hezbollah members, it could lead to clashes similar to those of the 2008 May Events.
Saadeh
Kataeb bloc MP Samer Saadeh told OTV on Monday that US statements supporting the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL are not new.
US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman arrived in Beirut from Riyadh on Sunday and met with President Michel Sleiman to deliver a message from US President Barack Obama reaffirming US commitment to a stable, secure, independent and sovereign Lebanon.
We refuse that those who bring peace be tyrants and criminals. Giving us the choice between justice and stability places us in this situation, Saadeh said.
Some Lebanese citizens are submissive to Iranian influence, the MP also said, adding that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahamdinejad’s visit did not change anything.
Ahmadinejad arrived in Beirut Wednesday morning on an official visit that took him to Lebanon border with Israel. He left the country on Thursday night.
Tension ran high in Lebanon after reports said that the STL would soon issue its indictment for the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Several March 8 figures are calling for the abolition of the tribunal. There are fears that should the court indict Hezbollah members, it could lead to clashes similar to those of the 2008 May Events.
Sakr
Lebanon First bloc MP Okab Sakr told OTV on Monday that at the Riyadh summit, Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdel Aziz and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad did not discuss cancelling or stopping the work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL.
Abdullah and Assad met in Riyadh on Sunday, according to AFP, as tensions continued in Lebanon over the fate of the STL’s investigation into the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
The Riyadh summit reinforced the Baabda summit’s call to maintain stability and civil peace, Sakr said.
Assad, Abdullah and President Michel Sleiman held a summit in July in Baabda in a bid to defuse political tension following Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah’s July speeches when he called the STL an Israeli project designed to target Hezbollah by stirring up sectarian strife in Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s weaponry is an issue that should only be addressed during a national dialogue session. We do not accept swapping the STL for arms because this would politicize the STL, the MP added.
Tension has run high in Lebanon amid reports that the STL could soon issue its indictment for the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. March 8 politicians have called for the tribunal’s abolition and there are fears that should the court indict Hezbollah members, it could lead to clashes similar to those of the 2008 May Events.
Hashem
Change and Reform bloc MP Abbas Hashem told New TV on Friday that the phone call made by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdel Aziz was highly ethical.
Ahmadinejad reassured the Arabs by the phone call he made to the Saudi king, Hashem said, adding that he is optimistic regarding future Lebanese domestic developments.
The Saudi Press Agency SPA reported on Tuesday that the Iranian and Saudi leaders spoke over the phone before the former embarked on his trip to Lebanon.
The Iranian president arrived in Beirut on Wednesday morning in an official visit, and left the country on Thursday evening.
Tension ran high in Lebanon after reports said that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL would soon issue its indictment for the 2005 assassination offormer Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
There are fears that, should the court indict Hezbollah members, it could lead to clashes similar to those of the 2008 May Events.
Marouni
Kataeb bloc MP Elie Marouni told New TV on Friday that he wished Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had met with all Lebanese leaders, including March 14 alliance Christians, during his visit to Lebanon this week.
The Iranian president arrived in Beirut on Wednesday morning in an official visit that took him to Lebanon’s border with Israel. He left the country on Thursday night.
We did not feel that the Lebanese state had a role, but that Ahmadinejad was visiting Lebanese parties he supports financially during his stay in Lebanon, Marouni said, in a reference to Hezbollah.
We agree with Iran and Hezbollah on being against Israel, but we disagree with them regarding ways to confront Tel Aviv. We aim at having a state that has a strong Lebanese army, while they are empowering Hezbollah, Marouni added.
Abboud
Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud told OTV on Friday that Prime Minister Saad Hariri must not disregard the parties who fabricated the witnesses who gave false testimonies in the international investigation of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s 2005 assassination.
I am sure that a large portion of Lebanese people sees flaws in the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL, Abboud said, adding that penalizing the false witnesses is a primary step to uncover the truth behind the Rafik Hariri murder.
The cabinet decided to postpone discussing the issue of false witnesses until the cabinet’s next session on October 20.
Tension ran high in Lebanon after reports said that the STL will soon issue its indictment in the Rafik Hariri murder. March 8 figures are calling for the abolition of the tribunal.
There are fears that, should the court indict Hezbollah members, it could lead to clashes similar to those of the 2008 May Events.
Cassese names judges
On Wednesday Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) President Antonio Cassese named the Appeals Chamber that will examine the appeal filed by STL Prosecutor General Daniel Bellemare regarding former General Security chief Jamil as-Sayyed’s request, according to his order published on the STL’s website.
The judges named are Antonio Cassese presiding, Ralph Riachy, David Baragwanath, Afif Chamseddine, and Kjell Erik Björnberg.
Sayyed was arrested in 2005 on suspicion of involvement in former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s assassination and was released in 2009 due to lack of evidence. In March 2010, he requested that the STL give him access to his investigation’s files so that he can take legal action against witnesses he says gave false testimony against him.
STL Pre-Trial Judge Daniel Fransen held a special hearing for Sayyed’s request in July, then ruled on September 17 that the request falls within the tribunal’s jurisdiction and that Sayyed has legal standing before the court.
At the end of September, Bellemare appealed Fransen’s ruling. Sayyed then countered by filing an appeal of his own.
Cassese’s order noted that the judges biographies can be perused on the tribunal’s website, adding that they will be translated into Arabic shortly.
Assad to Maliki
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told visiting Iraqi premier Nuri al-Maliki on Wednesday that better ties between the two nations will be strengthened by the formation of a new Iraqi government, according to a statement from Maliki’s office.
Our attitude about the formation of the government is clear: The solution must be Iraqi, Assad was quoted as saying.
Iraq has a great history, no one can order it what to do, the Syrian leader said, adding that, Iraqis own that decision."
The statement was issued after Maliki arrived in Damascus and held talks with Assad following a year-long row as the Iraqi leader seeks to win support for his bid to remain in power.
It said the two leaders discussed the improving of relations between the two countries to serve the joint interest and strengthen security and stability in the area.
Sleiman, Ahmadinejad
Lebanon appreciates Iranian support in the confrontation with Israeli aggression, particularly after the July 2006 war, President Michel Sleiman told his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in remarks delivered at a televised lunch in Baabda Palace on Wednesday afternoon.
Sleiman also said, Preservation of our country lies in its national unity and legitimate institutions, in the foundations of co-existence, and according to the charter on which Lebanon has stood since its beginning.
He added that he was pleased to expand bilateral cooperation, citing a large group of agreements he has signed with the Iranian leader.
Ahmadinejad then responded with his own remarks, referencing the deep-rooted historical relations of friendliness between Iran and Lebanon, particularly the cultural exchange carried by religious scholars traveling between the two countries.
He also praised Sleiman’s efforts to take pride in historical Resistance and thanked the president, Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Saad Hariri for their service to the Lebanese people.
Budget
Thursday that an intense debate regarding the legitimacy of the Internal Security Forces ISF Information Branch is going on in the Parliamentary Budget and Finance Commission.
The correspondent said that the March 14 MPs defended the Information Branch, while March 8 MPs called it illegitimate.
Abdullah
Sports and Youth Minister Ali Abdullah—who is a Development and Liberation bloc minister—told the Voice of Lebanon VOL radio station on Thursday that stalling the discussions on the issue of false witnesses only leads to sedition and ruin.
Speaker Nabih Berri said on Wednesday that the Development and Liberation bloc ministers will not attend a future cabinet session unless it is devoted to discussing and finalizing the issue of false witnesses.
We are not requesting that the false witnesses be investigated because we are not judges, Abdullah said, adding that their request is to finalize the issue.
Following Wednesday’s cabinet session, Information Minister Tarek Mitri said that the cabinet will discuss the matter on Tuesday.
Bazzi
Development and Liberation bloc MP Ali Bazzi told NBN television on Thursday that Speaker Nabih Berri’s Wednesday position was a positive shock.
Speaker Nabih Berri said on Wednesday that Development and Liberation bloc ministers will not attend a future cabinet session unless it is devoted to discussing and finalizing the issue of false witnesses.
Bazzi voiced his hope that the issue will be tackled during Tuesday’s cabinet session, adding that Lebanon must take a clear position regarding the matter.
Following Wednesday’s cabinet session, Information Minister Tarek Mitri said that the cabinet will discuss on Tuesday false witnesses.
Hamadeh
Democratic Gathering bloc MP Marwan Hamadeh described Syria’s Sunday decision to issue arrest warrants in the case of former Lebanese General Security chief Jamil as-Sayyed as insignificant, LBCI television reported on Monday.
Syria issued 33 arrest warrants against judges, officers, politicians – including Hamadeh – and journalists of Lebanese, Arab and other nationalities.
Sayyed was arrested in 2005 on suspicion of involvement in former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s assassination and was released in 2009 due to lack of evidence. In December 2009, he filed a lawsuit in Damascus against various defendants whom he alleges were involved in a conspiracy of false testimonies against him.
I do not want to engage in arguments that might harm Syrian-Lebanese relations,Hamadeh said, voicing hope that Syria’s Sunday decision is not used by certain parties to add fuel to fire.
If these arrest warrants are a message implying to cancel the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), Prime Minister Saad Hariri cannot do so and does not want to do so, the MP added.
Cabinet
On Monday, cabinet session will address the 2011 state budget only, adding that President Michel Sleiman will chair the meeting in Baabda at 5 p.m.
He also said that Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar’s report on the issue of witnesses who gave false testimonies to the investigation of the 2005 murder of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri will not be discussed until after the Special Tribunal for Lebanon issued its indictment.
However, the correspondent said that the ministers might discuss Syria’s decision to issue arrest warrants in the case of former Lebanese General Security chief Jamil as-Sayyed.
On Sunday, Syria issued 33 arrest warrants against judges, officers, politicians and journalists of Lebanese, Arab and other nationalities.
Sayyed was arrested in 2005 on suspicion of involvement in former PM Rafik Hariri’s assassination and was released in 2009 due to lack of evidence. In December 2009, he filed a lawsuit in Damascus against various defendants whom he alleges were involved in a conspiracy of false testimonies against him.
Hmayed
Development and Liberation bloc MP Ayoub Hmayed told MTV on Wednesday that the Amal Movement—which he is a member of—wants the truth behind the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
The issue of witnesses who gave false testimony to the international commission investigating the Rafik Hariri murder should be the first ring in uncovering the truth, he added.
Tension increased in Lebanon after reports said that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL would soon issue its indictment. There are fears that should the court indict Hezbollah members, it could lead to clashes similar to those of the 2008 May Events.
March 14
Following its weekly meeting, the March 14 General Secretariat voiced its concern over some Hezbollah officials’ threats regarding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL and said that “pushing the Lebanese to accept the dominance of power over the dominance of truth and justice is unacceptable because it would ruin Lebanon, according to a statement issued on Wednesday.
This comes in a possible reference to Loyalty to the Resistance bloc MP Nawwaf al-Moussawi who said on Friday that any group in Lebanon which abides by the STL’s pending indictment will be dealt with on the basis that it is one of the tools of the US-Israeli aggression, adding that supporters of the indictment will face the same response as the US-Israeli aggressor.
The tribunal does not only concern one sect, the statement added, calling on the Lebanese people to unite and adhere to civil peace.
The March 14 General Secretariat also warned of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s visit to Lebanon particularly because the latter considers Lebanon an Iranian base on the Mediterranean sea.
Ahmadinejad is expected to visit Lebanon mid-October.
Moussawi
Following his meeting with UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams on Wednesday, Hezbollah International Relations Officer Ammar Moussawi issued a statement that international administrations cannot replace the national will in a sovereign country.
According to the statement, Williams and Moussawi discussed latest developments particularly those related to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL)’s pending indictment.
Talks that the tribunal’s indictment are in the hands of the international community represent international domination, Moussawi said, adding that stability and civil peace must be protected.
The major challenge is how countries, political parties or judicial teams will deal with the pending indictment, Moussawi added.
Tension ran high in Lebanon after reports said that the STL would soon issue its indictment for the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. There are fears that should the court indict Hezbollah members, it could lead to clashes similar to those of May 2008.
Accidental explosion
An explosion occurred at the Central Bank building in Nabatiyeh in South Lebanon on Tuesday due to a malfunction in the building’s electrical wires, NOW Lebanon’s correspondent reported.
Several Syrian workers were injured in the explosion and transported to the Nabatiyeh state hospital, the correspondent added.
Hobeich
Lebanon First bloc MP Hadi Hobeich told MTV on Tuesday that the weapons used against domestic parties are considered militia arms.
I do not know how Loyalty to the Resistance bloc MP Nawwaf Moussawi has the right to talk about militias, and I do not know what to call the weapons that were used in the Bourj Abi Haidar clashes in August, he said.
Moussawi said on Friday that Future Movement members who are committed to the STL and its indictment should be scared, and not just worried. He also said that any group in Lebanon that abides by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon’s (STL)[pending] indictment will be dealt with on the basis that it is one of the tools of US-Israeli aggression.
Three people died in the fighting on August 24 in the Bourj Abi Haidar area of Beirut between supporters of Hezbollah and those of the Sunni group Al-Ahbash.
We will not accept to be politically executed, Hobeich said, adding that “no state is capable of abolishing the STL because the court was established by a UN Security Council Resolution.
UN Security Council Resolution 1595, which was passed in 2005, called for an investigation to bring to justice the perpetrators of former PM Rafik Hariri’s 2005 assassination.
Fatfat and Ammar
correspondent reported that during Tuesday’s session of the Parliamentary Budget and Finance Commission, Lebanon First bloc MP Ahmad Fatfat and Loyalty to the Resistance bloc MP Ali Ammar exchanged insults over matters related Lebanon’s share of funding for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL).
According to the correspondent, Ammar said that the March 14 alliance destroyed the country and established a US-Israeli court that was approved in an illegitimate way.
March 14 MPs withdrew from the September 16 evening session of the Budget and Finance Commission to prevent reaching quorum when March 8 coalition MPs called for voting on a 2010 state budget clause pertaining to Lebanon’s funding of the STL.
Tension ran high in Lebanon after reports said that the STL would soon issue its indictment in the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Future bloc voices
The Future bloc issued a statement following its Friday meeting, saying that the bloc fully supports Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s Friday statement that there will be no compromise at the expense of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL).
Escalating tension will not affect the STL probe, the statement added.
The bloc also voiced its support for all [steps taken to protect peace and stability in Lebanon.
Tension ran high in Lebanon after reports said that the tribunal will soon issue its indictment. Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said in July that the STL is an Israeli project that will indict Hezbollah members.
LF lashes out at Franjieh
The Lebanese Forces issued a statement on Friday slamming Marada Movement leader MP Sleiman Franjieh over the latter’s Thursday statement that criticized Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar and the LF.
Franjieh said on Thursday that Najjar –who represents the LF in the cabinet—should step down for someone moderate to replace him. The Marada Movement leader also said that the LF was vandalizing public property by hanging flags on the occasion of “the Martyrs Day organized by the LF on Saturday.
“Franjieh dreams of having former pro-Syria Justice Minister Adnan Addoum or the parties behind him to be back in their governmental posts, but that is impossible, the LF statement said.
It added that the LF received legal permission to hang its flags, adding, It is not the first time that this annual event raised Franjieh’s concerns.
Franjieh is the last person who has the right to complain about [vandalizing] public property, since he took over many properties in North Lebanon to carry out suspicious activity, the LF statement added.
General Fayez Karam
Several media outlets reported on Thursday that Free Patriotic Movement official and retired Brigadier General Fayez Karam who was arrested last month on suspicion of collaborating with Israel was rushed to the Hotel Dieu Hospital in Beirut to undergo emergency heart surgery.
Karam had been detained at Internal Security Forces (ISF) Information Branch’s prison since his August arrest.
LAF
The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) issued a statement on Tuesday saying that army units arrested wanted individuals in the Bekaa towns of Hour Taala and Brital, and confiscated weapons in the area.
The LAF also confiscated large quantities of Heroin and Cocaine, as well as stolen cars, computers and cell phones, the statement added.
Gemayel
Kataeb Party leader Amin Gemayel told Future News on Tuesday that Hezbollah’s armed presence at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport on Saturday does not benefit the party or the Shia sect.
A Hezbollah delegation received former General Security chief Jamil as-Sayyed at the airport upon his arrival from France.
Attorney General Judge Said Mirza requested to summon Sayyed last week, after the latter said that Prime Minister Saad Hariri should take a lie detector test to prove he did not support or fund false witnesses in the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL). Sayyed vowed to take his right with his own hands.
Hezbollah however said that Mirza’s request was political par excellence,calling for a reversal of the judiciary's decision to summon Sayyed for questioning.
What happened in the airport is a repetition of a situation that occurred in 1975, Gemayel said, in a reference to the Lebanese civil war outbreak.
He also said that the STL is necessary to protect Lebanon.
Our struggle is building a strong and capable state, this is where we meet with Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Gemayel added
Fadlallah
In response to the Future bloc’s Tuesday statement, Loyalty to the Resistance bloc MP Hassan Fadlallah issued a statement later in the day, saying that Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s party is attempting to distort the facts and poison the domestic atmosphere to incite sedition.
The Future bloc questioned on Tuesday the presence of Hezbollah’s armed members at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri Airport on Saturday, when a Hezbollah delegation received former General Security chief Jamil as-Sayyed upon his arrival from France.
Attorney General Judge Said Mirza requested to summon Sayyed last week, after the latter said that PM Saad Hariri should take a lie detector test to prove he did not support or fund false witnesses in the Special Tribunal for Lebanon . Sayyed vowed to take his right with his own hands.
This party is trying to employ the Lebanese judiciary to serve political purposes, Fadlallah said.
We stress that protecting the state would be done through the protection of its institutions, starting by penalizing the STL false witnesses, Fadlallah said.
Mirza summons Sayyed
BEIRUT: Majority lawmakers withdrew Thursday from a meeting of the Finance and Budget parliamentary committee following debate over the clause in the 2010 budget related to the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL).
“The reason behind our withdrawal is opposition MPs’ insistence to vote over the article on the funding of the STL,” Future Movement MP Jamal Jarrah told reporters at Parliament following the committee’s meeting.
Future Movement and Hizbullah MPs traded accusations following the session over the failure to reach an agreement over the article.
Jarrah said the majority March 14 Forces MPs withdrew from the session to protest against Hizbullah’s condemnation of the STL as an Israeli and US project.
But Hizbullah lawmakers accused March 14 parties of insisting to vote on the issue in the committee’s first meeting Thursday morning when their quorum was complete, before reconsidering their stance in the afternoon meeting when many of them were absent.
Head of the committee, Free Patriotic Movement MP Ibrahim Kanaan said the committee had three choices: postponing discussions over the issue until the committee’s upcoming session on September 27, voting on the article or leaving it to the Parliament’s general assembly to vote on the article.
Future Movement MP Amar Houri told The Daily Star that Hizbullah MP Hassan Fadlallah demanded the abolition of the STL during the session.
We were patient before now but after September we will deal with the issue differently, Fadlallah said, according to Houri.
Seminar marks 28th anniversary
BEIRUT: Lebanese and Palestinian factions marked the 28th anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila massacres Thursday with a number of activities, amid calls for probing the perpetrators.
Representatives of several Lebanese and Palestinian groups along with human rights activists convened in a seminar entitled “Where Have the Legal Pursuits in the Sabra and Shatila Massacres Reached?” that was held in Le Meridian Commodore hotel in Beirut.
Ali Hweidi, the general manager of the “Thabet organization,” which calls for the Palestinians right of return, called for bringing the perpetrators of the crime to a “ just international trial that pronounces truth, so that perpetrators will not escape trial and learn that crimes against humanity do not fade with time.”
Assisted by the Israeli Army that cordoned off the Sabra and Shatila Palestinian refugee camps on the outskirts of Beirut, armed men – said to be members of the Lebanese Forces – entered the camps on September 16, 1982, and remained inside for two days during which they massacred the camps’ unarmed Lebanese and Palestinian residents.
While international sources estimate the number of casualties to be 800, Palestinian ones say it reached 3,500.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Tarek Mitri, who attended on behalf of Prime Minister Saad Hariri, called for revealing the truth regarding the events during Lebanon’s bloody 1975-90 Civil War “but without falling in today’s disputes, a continuation of the past’s wars.”
He said the memory could only be cured by “emphasizing historical reality through legal tools and values … along with confessions and apologies.”
“We are interested today … to stress historical reality with its facts and documented testimonies and renew demands for examining it justly,” the minister added.
Hweidi said that lawsuits should be filed from non-European countries after Belgium succumbed to political pressures and amended its laws in 2003, preventing the pursuit of Israeli figures suspected to be involved in the crime.
The call came in light of attempts by family members of Sabra and Shatila victims to sue Israeli officials including former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon – Israeli defense minister during the massacres – before Belgian judiciary.
The Thabet official highlighted the need to file lawsuits by lawyers representing the families of victims, a step which he said should be supported on Arab and Islamic official levels due to its high financial cost.
In other news, Hizbullah issued a statement in which it stressed that “Sabra and Shatila terrorist crimes will remain an eternal mark of disgrace on the foreheads of its perpetrators.”
“Hizbullah condemns the sinful international silence over those crimes and [international] negligence of pursuing their perpetrators and bringing them to trial before the international judiciary that seems to be helpless in face of continuous Zionist crimes,” said the statement.
Separately, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) organized a demonstration and a sit-in at the Shatila camp to commemorate the massacres.
Representatives of Lebanese and Palestinian factions participated in the event.
DFLP representative Ali Faisal highlighted the need to “open the file of the carnage and to trial its perpetrators and planners.”
Hizbullah denies
BEIRUT: Hizbullah’s spokes-man on Thursday strongly denied media reports that the party has produced a pack of playing cards bearing images of Israeli officials to be targeted in potential assassinations.
Kuwaiti, Israeli and American media outlets had reported that Hizbullah had produced the cards to identify candidates for “revenge assassinations” over the 2008 killing of Imad Mughniyeh, a top Hizbullah member.
When contacted by The Daily Star, Hizbullah spokesman Ibrahim Moussawi said that it would be “against the culture” of Hizbullah for it to use such “reckless” methods.
He noted that card playing is generally frowned upon in Islamic culture, adding that “Hizbullah does not endorse or sanction” the production or use of such cards.
Kuwait’s Al-Rai reported on Wednesday that Hizbullah had manufactured a card deck, similar to the one used by the United States to identify chief targets during its 2003 invasion of Iraq, aimed at identifying potential targets as a riposte to the death of Mughniyeh, who was killed in a Damascus car bomb attack.
Al-Rai’s story was carried by several other media outlets, including Haaretz, Ynetnews and Fox News’ Liveshots blogs.
Judiciary should not be questioned
President Michel Sleiman said that the legitimacy of judicial institutions should not be questioned or threatened, according to a statement released by the president’s office.
“[Judicial] authority should be preserved and maintained,” he said.
On Tuesday, Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun called on Lebanese citizens to not abide by requests of the Internal Security Forces – Information Branch or Attorney General Said Mirza, saying, “The judiciary is burning.”
Aoun also criticized the government in a fiery speech on September 5 over media leaks allegedly stemming from the ISF-Information Branch’s investigation of Brigadier General Fayez Karam, an FPM official arrested August 5 on charges of spying for Israel.
Some are using disrespectful dialogue when they address “friends and neighboring states,” said the president, calling for easing tension in the country and respecting the Taif Accord.
Lebanon is facing a coup attempt
Following its weekly meeting on Wednesday, the March 14 alliance General Secretariat issued a statement that “Lebanon is confronting an attempt to form a coup, which was [proved] by [the acts of] Hezbollah, Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun and former head of Lebanon’s General Security Jamil as-Sayyed.”
“[Lebanon] is facing a very risky phase,” the statement added.
On Tuesday, Aoun said that the state has fallen and that “the judiciary is burning.” On Sunday, Sayyed stated that “[Prime Minister Saad Hariri] should take a lie detector test to prove he did not support or fund false witnesses in the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL),” investigating the murder of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri, while Hezbollah has repeatedly questioned the credibility of the STL.
“Everyone knows that [March 14] decided to turn the past page of Lebanese-Syrian relations after 2005… March 14 supported President Michel Sleiman’s visit to Damascus in the summer of 2008 and Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s visit to Syria after the 2009 parliamentary elections,” the statement added.
It also said that March 14 offered to resolve the past disputes with Hezbollah, adding that March 14 representatives formed a national-unity cabinet that included Hezbollah.
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