Miscellaneous - Weather Forecast: Partly cloudy with rise in temperatures
Fri 11/05/2012 09:19
NNA - 11/5/2012 The meteorology department at Beirut International Airport
forecasted weather on Saturday to witness cloudy skies with an increase in
temperature degrees.
Coastal temperatures: 15 to 27 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 11 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 11 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-westerly with speeds between 10 and 30 km/hr.
Humidity: 50% to 80%.
Sea: Mild waves, with surface water temperature varying between 22 and 23
degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Khalil opens Free Health Day at As-Sahel Hospital
Fri 4/05/2012 16:20
NNA - 04/05/2012 - Public Health Minister Ali Ali Hassan Khalil opened
Friday at As-Sahel Hospital the World Health Day, in presence of a
number of deputies and civil community members.
Khalil gave a word during the event, calling for a clear health plan
prone to persist without being affected.
Turning to politics, Khalil said that Lebanon was living a political
perturbation, explaining that any local tension in political rhetoric
should remain under the national interest ceiling. "It is of nobody's
interest to paralyze state and consolidate constitutional violations,"
said Khalil.
A.M>
Miscellaneous - Hajj Hassan: Food Security associated to political security
Fri 4/05/2012 14:32
NNA - 4/5/2012 Agriculture Minister Hussein Hajj Hassan Friday said food
security is very much associated to political security since it is an
international cause and not solely an Arab one.
The Minister said the Arab reality proved that there was no self-sufficiency
policy adopted since "most Arab countries import wheat."
Hajj Hassan was speaking during the consultative workshop on food security for
the civil society in the Near East.
The event, held at Holiday Inn hotel, was organized by the Arab Group for the
Protection of Nature (ANP) and co-organized by the Green Line Association and
the World Regulatory Committee for Civil Society Mechanism.
Reiterating that food security was a political decision, Hajj Hassan said the
U.S. was an exemplary for such a practice regarding its choice of people it
offers help to.
He commented on the FAO and civil society's allegations that food security was a
matter of famine, asserting that it was merely a political one.
"We ought not to change this cause from social to political, the way Palestinian
Cause was changed into a refugees' one," the Minister said.
In that respect, Hajj Hassan slammed the U.S. and the Congress policy and said
that they do not pay for aid except in case of a political consensus.
"Tackling the Nile river water issue is not irrelevant to what Israel wants and
aspires for," Hajj Hassan said and stressed, once again, that water security
was, similarly to food security, linked to political security.
As for the Arab civil society role regarding all of the aforementioned, Hajj
Hassan said this society was a fundamental part in political, cultural, and
pedagogic equations and thus, has to enjoy its role to monitoring,
accountability, and follow-up.
He urged for admitting the Arab civil society's need to cast away U.S. security
interferences.
"Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq are scheduled to meet on the 14th
of the current month to tackle food security issue with FAO," he said.
The Minister revealed later on that the Arab League has not yet realized any
food security project but, on the contrary, "it is getting worse."
Furthermore, Hajj Hassan said food processing was still underdeveloped in Arab
countries "for we are still importing from other countries that used to be the
same as we were 40 years ago."
"When the political situation becomes stable in the Arab nation, a food security
policy ought to be adopted and complementary economic food markets out to be
found," he concluded.
Miscellaneous - Khoury opens national workshop for Rio +20 conference
Thu 3/05/2012 16:44
NNA - 03/05/2012 - Environment Minister Nazim Khoury opened on Thursday a
national discussion workshop as preparation for upcoming United Nations
Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio De Janeiro, at Holiday Inn hotel of
Verdun/Beirut.
The opening event was attended by representatives of the civil community and
international organizations.
Khoury gave a word explaining that this workshop aimed to discuss the
preparatons for said conference, notably to study the national report draft
released in this concern.
Miscellaneous - World Day for Press Freedom in Antonine University
Thu 3/05/2012 16:43
NNA - 03/05/2012 - The Antonine University's Faculty of Media and Advertising,
under the auspices of Lebanese President Michel Sleiman, celebrated on Thursday
the World Day for Press Freedom, in presence of the director general of the
Presidential Palace Dr. Elie Assaf representing President Michel Sleiman, Deputy
Hikmat Dib, head of Antonine University Priest Germanous Germanous, and others.
Germanous gave a word during the event, deeming the freedom of expression and
press as a bridge of connection between understanding and knowledge. He
explained that press freedom was essential for exchanging ideas and knowledge
among the state, society and cultures.
A.M>
Miscellaneous - Ashton speaks on behalf of EU on World Press Freedom Day
Thu 3/05/2012 16:06
NNA - 3/5/2012 - Following is the declaration by the High Representative,
Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the European Union on the occasion of World Press
Freedom Day:
"Freedom of expression as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human rights
entails everyone's right to hold opinions without interference and to seek,
receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of
frontiers. On the occasion of World Press Freedom day, the European Union
recalls these principles and pays tribute to all those who fight for the respect
of freedom of expression and for free, pluralistic press and other media.
Censorship and harassment of editors, writers, journalists or bloggers are
unacceptable, as are the use of violence and state induced arrests inflicted
upon them. The EU commends the courageous work of journalists who, in often
highly precarious conditions, continue to provide independent information. The
EU calls on all states to guarantee the safety of journalists and to allow them
to carry out their vital role of reporting and commenting on events in an
independent manner without fear of violence and recrimination.
Freedom of expression also extends to the internet and other media, and the EU
is firmly opposed to any unjustified, disproportional restrictions of access to
or use of these media."
Miscellaneous - Inauguration of " Donation Parties' Conference" in Rivera Hotel
Thu 3/05/2012 14:46
NNA - 3/5/2012 - Under the Patronage of Social Affairs Minister, Wael Abou Faour,
Donation Parties' Conference was inaugurated today (Thursday) before noon in
Rivera hotel, Beirut, in partnership with Civil Society Associations, presence
of Japanese and Spainish Ambassadors to Lebanon and political dignitaries.
Speaking in the conference, Abou Faour thanked those who organized this activity
of which 14 bodies and institutions of the Lebanese civil society benefit in the
field of training and building capabilities.
Abou Faour stressed that Lebanon doesn't only need to witness development of its
society to be a real civil one but it also need to have a more developed
political system which would be able, at least, to meet the future half way.
In his word, Spanish ambassador, Juan Carlos Gafo, said that the "Spanish Agency
for International Development Cooperation (AECID) is a public legal entity
within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. AECID is the governing
body for Spanish policy on international development cooperation, and its
fundamental aim is to combat poverty and promote, manage and implement public
policies for international sustainable human development cooperation in
developing countries."
He said that the Spanish cooperation in Lebanon in 2010 had reached 23 million
Euro, pointing out that they have currently 35 ongoing projects of which solid
waste management project in Marjaayon, Fighting fires project in cooperation
with the Ministry of Interior, and enhancing and strengthening organ donation
and transplanting program in Lebanon are just some.
He concluded, "� we , at this stage, are assessing and redefining our
cooperation policy in Lebanon regarding sectors of priority as for intervention
and fund distribution," indicating that the Spanish cooperation funds would
continue representing Spain's commitment to achieve development in Lebanon.
L.Y.R.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Cloudy with rise in temperatures
Thu 3/05/2012 10:29
NNA - 3/5/2012 Weather in Lebanon on Friday is expected to be cloudy with rise
in temperature degrees as forecasted by the meteorology department at Beirut
International Airport.
Coastal temperatures: 16 to 26 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 11 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 14 to 26 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South to south-westerly at night with speeds between 10 and 35
km/hr.
Visibility: Good, worsens at heights due to dust and fog.
Humidity: 60% to 85%.
Sea: Mild waves with surface water temperature of 21 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Khoury receives Big Blue delegation
Wed 2/05/2012 17:46
NNA - 2/5/2012 - Minister of Environment, Nazem Khoury, received Wednesday a
delegation of Big Blue and Ecompatible Association, with talks featuring high on
the underway ecologic activities and the means of cooperation with the Ministry.
Conferees highlighted the necessity to launch awareness campaigns in schools
pertaining to the importance, nay the obligation, of preserving Lebanese coasts.
Separately, the Minister discussed with the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Lebanon
the bilateral relations as well as the cooperation on the level of the
preparation for the impending Rio+20 Summit.
NNA - 01/05/2012 The meteorology department at Beirut International Airport
forecasted weather Thursday to witness some thunderstorms during primary day
hours with no major change in temperature degrees.
Coastal temperatures: 14 to 23 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 13 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 13 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South to south-westerly at night with speeds between 10 and 40
km/hr.
Visibility: Average, worsens at certain intervals due to dust and fog.
Humidity: 65% to 85%.
Sea: Mild waves with surface water temperature varies between 20 and 21 degrees
Celsius.
NNA - 16/04/2012 - A smuggled lion cub was transferred from downtown Beirut to a
sanctuary in South Africa, due to the efforts of Animals Lebanon.
Lebanon is only one of 18 countries which has not yet joined the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and lions, tigers, cheetah and
chimpanzees are all openly available for the right price. Lions are listed for
sale on Lebanese websites for $9,000 to $15,000, and some owners even boast that
they will deliver internationally. There is a huge profit as lions are sold for
less than $500 in Syria before crossing the border.
"The Government is taking the process of joining CITES seriously, and it has
recently moved from the Council of Ministers to the Parliament," said Lana El-Khalil,
President of Animals Lebanon. "Parliament now needs to move this up the agenda,
ensure that Lebanon joins the Convention and enacts national legislation to be
compliant, and actively enforces this legislation."
Animals Lebanon recently rescued another lion cub from a Beirut balcony, and
after the two lions were smuggled from Syria in October they will be reunited in
the sanctuary.
"We are glad that this lion finally made it to the sanctuary, but for every
animal we rescue far more are smuggled in. The government must work quickly to
stop these animals coming into the country and ending up as pets or locked in
private unregulated zoos," continued El-Khalil.
Founded in 2008, Animals Lebanon (www.animalslebanon.org) works to protect
animals through legislation, education, campaigns and rescues. As one of the
most effective organizations in the Middle East, Animals Lebanon has rescued
thousands of animals while closing down unregulated zoos, campaigning against
abusive circuses and investigating the smuggling of endangered species.
Miscellaneous - Thoum/Batroun 4 Going Down with the Titanic
Sun 15/04/2012 17:45
commemorated the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic with 4 of its
sons on board. All 4 out of a total of 20 Lebanese and unaccounted for number of
Syrian victims were bound for New York in quest for a new life in America when
the presumed unsinkable ocean liner hit an iceberg to the north/west Atlantic
and went down in a matter of minutes.
A requiem mass in memory of the victims at the local church took place amid
plans by the local social club to erect a monument in honor of all those victims
of the tragic sinking of the Titanic.
In his sermon, the parish priest recalled thousands upon thousands of poor
farmers forced to emigrate to the US and elsewhere during the 19th century and
up till now. They had to find a new home under extreme hardship and duress and,
in quest of dignity and settled life the priest said.
G.G/R.K
Miscellaneous - APAF, Dekwaneh municipality save stray dogs
Sun 15/04/2012 12:15
NNA - 15/04/2012 When stray dogs appeared in the area of Mar Roukoz - Dekwaneh,
APAF (Animals Pride and Freedom) addressed the issue in a professional way and
Dekwaneh's mayor lawyer Antoine Chakhtoura fully collaborated to be part of a
short-term and long-term cooperation plan to save strays rather than kills them.
An organization for animal welfare and the preservation of the environment and
humans, APAF represented by its president Soraya Mouawad, qualified the Dekwaneh
Municipality to be an ideal prototype municipality dealing with stray animals
and at the same time preserving the ecological circle in a contemporary and
civilized manner.
Three stray dogs were rescued Sunday, and the rest will be salvaged in the
coming days. The three dogs that were rescued from a landfill, where foreign
refugees share their lives with the stray dogs, is a truly catastrophic
situation. It was so impressive how those refugees, despite their poverty and
their tragic state took care of the dogs. The refugees did not deal with
brutality as a solution against stray dogs.
Mayor Chakhtoura personally supervised the operations even those after midnight
to draft a plan to save the dogs. A full coordination between the Dekwaneh
police, represented by its president Souhail Najm, the police officers and a
team of APAF specialists identified the first steps to maintain public safety
and rescue the dogs.
After the capture of the dogs, they were taken for treatment by a veterinarian
and subsequently will be neutered when they reach the specified age.
The life of those dogs was changed from a stray in the landfill to a decent life
in an animals' farm within few hours.
APAF addresses the Minister of Interior and Municipalities to fulfill the
long-term plan to approve the draft law submitted by the organization Animals
Lebanon, backed by APAF that makes it illegal to abuse and mistreat animals.
Moawad stressed that fierce dogs and peaceful ones be distinguished. The
peaceful ones preserve the environment while the fierce ones, infected with
rabies and other incurable diseases, are not to be randomly shot or killed
through poisoning, but with euthanasia.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Cloudy with increase in temperatures
Fri 13/04/2012 11:20
NNA - 13/04/2012 The meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International
Airport forecasted weather Saturday to experience a significant rise in
temperatures, accompanied by cloudy skies.
Coastal temperatures: 12 to 29 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 8 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 10 to 26 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North-westerly during the day, feeble and unstable at night, with
speeds between 8 and 25 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Humidity at the coast: 45% to 70%.
Sea: placid water with surface temperature at 19 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - The Bus Takes the Podium, under PM patronage
Thu 12/04/2012 17:04
NNA - 12/4/2012 - The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in
collaboration with the HANGAR (UMAM D&R) in Haret Hreik and the European
Commission in Lebanon, on Thursday launched the "Bus Takes the Podium"
project, upon the looming 37th anniversary of the Lebanese Civil War,
under the patronage of Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, represented by the
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Adnan Mansour.
This long-term initiative consists of the infamous war-triggering yet
overhauled bus of Ain al-Rummaneh, which will travel across the country
as of today, hosting and prompting a variety of activities in a bid to
preserve and flatly spread the Lebanese memory.
The bus carries an all-inclusive and wide ranging archive about the
diaries, events, and fatalities of the two-decade-old civil war.
It is rather a symbolic library, equipped with computers loaded with
UMAM archives, as well as with a light scanner and audio-visual
recorders.
Miscellaneous - "The Institute Curie in Paris" Reveals Latest Advances in Breast
Oncology at 'Bellevue Medical Center'
Thu 12/04/2012 11:23
NNA - 12/4/2012 - 'Bellevue Medical Center' opens a specialized Breast Care
Unit, making Beirut a reference treatment center in the region
'Bellevue Medical Center' will be hosting a medical event on Saturday April 14
entitled "Advances in Breast Oncology" organized by "The Institute Curie in
Paris", one of the leading medical, biological and biophysical research centers
in Europe, and Professor Joseph Abboud, President of the 'Group of Francophone
Gynecologists' in collaboration with the 'Lebanese Society of Obstetrics and
Gynecology'.
During this occasion, Pr. Abboud will be announcing the opening of a specialized
Breast Care Unit at 'Bellevue' which will comprise of a range of different
specialties including Gynecology, Oncology, Reconstructive Surgery and
Psychotherapy.
Commenting on this, he said, "Our objective is to make Beirut a vital reference
treatment center in the whole region for breast oncology. This is why we have
decided to open a 'Breast Care Unit' that involves a full range of specialties
from diagnosing the disease to treating any psychological repercussions.
"He also stressed on the importance of continuously raising awareness in order
to ensure early detection, pointing out that the conference will include vital
tips and guides for women.
The day will be held in line an initiative aimed at enhancing the exchange of
knowledge and experience between The Institute Curie and the Breast Care unit at
Bellevue for the latest advances in the diagnosis, treatment and management of
breast cancer.
A large group of lecturers and doctors from different specialties will be in
attendance, in addition to women, some of whom have experienced the disease, in
order to enlighten them on what they can be subjected to during the
rehabilitation period.
The event will include eight sessions which will be addressing various topics
corresponding to the stages of diagnosis, treatment and breast reconstruction,
in addition to the genetic factors that may lead to breast cancer.
It will also include a session that will present facts on the reality of the
spread of the disease in Lebanon and the different types of treatments used.
Furthermore, Dr. Annie Nganou, a doctor and dance-therapist, will be presenting
a public session on belly-dancing therapy after mastectomy. This session will
also be attended by a group of therapists, psychologists and professors from
Lebanese dance schools in order to further spread the use of this technique.
Miscellaneous - Weather: clear with rise in temperature
Thu 12/04/2012 10:20
NNA - 12/4/2012- Weather in Lebanon tomorrow (Friday) is clear to little cloudy
with gradual rise in temperature as forecasted by Beirut Airport -based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
General status: Relatively stable weather dominates over the Mediterranean
Eastern basin during the upcoming days.
-Temperature: On the coastline 11 degree Celsius low to 23 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 3 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range:6 degree Celsius low to 23 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: southern-western in the morning changes to northern- western
during day time gusting between 8 and 25 Km/hr.
- Visibility: Good on the coastline, worsens every now and then over the
mountain range because of fog.
- Humidity: between 50% and 75%.
- Sea : Moderate, Surface temperature 19 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather: cloudy with drop in temperature
Wed 11/04/2012 10:07
NNA - 11/4/2012- Weather in Lebanon tomorrow (Thursday) is partly cloudy with
fog over the mountains in the morning and slight drop in temperature as
forecasted by Beirut Airport -based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
General status: Unstable spring weather dominates over the Mediterranean Eastern
basin.
-Temperature: On the coastline 11 degree Celsius low to 23 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 3 degree Celsius low to 17 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 7 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: southern-western becomes active every now and then, gusting
between 15 and 35 Km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium on the coastline worsens locally over the mountains
- Humidity: between 50% and 80%.
- Sea : Moderate, Surface temperature 19 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Departure of the Deputy Head of the Defence Office
Tue 10/04/2012 14:16
NNA - Leidschendam, 10 April 2012 - The Deputy Head of the Defence Office, Alia
Aoun, has informed the Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon that she
intends to return to practice as an attorney.
"Following the start of the judicial phase of the STL on the 1 February 2012, it
is now primarily for the Defence Counsel to ensure the protection of the rights
of the accused and equitable justice", said Ms Aoun.
"As the Deputy Head of the Defence Office, I have helped to prepare the ground
for the development of a judicial process that is fair and respectful of all
parties."
"Throughout my term I have been acutely aware of the importance of our work to
the Lebanese people. It is my hope that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon will
continue to fulfill its mandate through the professionalism and devotion of the
Tribunal's staff", Ms Aoun added.
Alia Aoun will return to practice as an attorney in Paris where she will
continue to pursue the promotion of the rule of law in Lebanon and the wider
Arab world.
Miscellaneous - Weather: cloudy with drop in temperature
Tue 10/04/2012 11:06
NNA - 10/4/2012- Weather in Lebanon tomorrow (Wednesday) is partly cloudy with
additional drop in temperature and active winds as forecasted by Beirut Airport
-based Meteorology Department.
The department also forecasted sprinkled rainfall and possibility of
thunderstorms and lightning.
Weather report:
General status: Unstable weather dominates currently over the Mediterranean
Eastern basin.
-Temperature: On the coastline 12 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 7 degree Celsius low to 17 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 11 degree Celsius low to 24 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: southern-western to northern- western gusting between 10 and 30
Km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium to good.
- Humidity: between 50% and 75%.
- Sea : Moderate, Surface temperature 19 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Cloudy with a chance of rain
Mon 9/04/2012 11:25
NNA - 09/04/2012 Tuesday's weather is expected to experience a slight increase
in temperatures, accompanied by cloudy skies with a slight chance of scattered
rains, according to the meteorology department at the civil aviation airport.
Coastal temperatures: 15 to 23 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 10 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 14 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: Volatile with speeds between 10 and 25 km/hr.
Humidity: 50% to 80%.
Sea: Mild waves with surface water temperature at 19 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Fadlallah: Our message is that our land belongs to us and we are
attached to it!
Sun 8/04/2012 20:44
NNA - 8/4/2012 - Member of the "Faithfulness to the Resistance" Parliamentary
Bloc, Deputy Hasan Fadlallah, patronized Sunday the Rashaf Municipality
tree-planting campaign in its natural reserve, in coordination with the Ministry
of Agriculture and Bent Jbeil Municipalities' Union. The campaign includes
planting 3000 olive and pine trees within an area of 30 thousand meters within
the reserve. "Jihad Al-Binaa" Institute, Lebanese Army and UNIFIL members, as
well as civil and young scouts' associations took part in said campaign.
In his word on the occasion, MP Fadlallah considered that the message portrayed
by the reserve is that the land belongs to its people and reflects their
attachment to it. He added that it also relays an "All Green Lebanon" message in
the face desertification in all fields, from politics to morality to other
domains!
Fadlallah valued the de-mining efforts of the Lebanese Army and their removal of
all cluster bombs left behind by the Israeli enemy. He considered that everyone
is concerned in combating this permanent crime implanted in Lebanese soil by the
Israeli enemy, just like the Israeli occupation was confronted through the
"Army, People and Resistance" formula, Fadlallah noted.
R.Sh.
NNA - April 8, 2012 - Greek-Orthodox Palm Sunday celebrations got underway in
Beirut and outlying areas of Lebanon. Palm Sunday processions extended from
Koura and Balamand in the north to local diocese in the far south of the
country.
Marking Jesus Christ's entry into Jerusalem, children carrying palm branches and
candles made the best out of the jolly day amid religious chants with undergrad
theology students delivering Sunday sermon inspired by the occasion.
One student from the Hazeem family prided the religious seminary to which he
belonged with providing children with palm branches and candles rather than
swords or rifles in order to tread the pacifist path charted by the Lord.
NNA - 07/04/2012 Temperatures on Sunday are expected to remain the same, while
skies will be predominantly cloudy according to meteorology department at Rafik
Hariri International Airport.
Coastal temperatures: 11 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 12 to 27 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 10 to 29 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: Weak and volatile with speeds between 8 and 15 km/hr.
Visibility: Average.
Coastal humidity: 50% to 80%.
Sea: Mild waves with surface water temperature at 19 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Air traffic resumes at Beirut Airport
Fri 6/04/2012 21:17
NNA - 6/4/2012 - Civil Aviation Acting Director General, Daniel El-Haibeh,
announced that air traffic has been resumed at Beirut International Airport as
of 8:45 p.m. Friday.
Flights were suspended earlier this evening due to heavy fog, which has
currently diminished.
Miscellaneous - (Update) Halted air traffic due to fog!
Fri 6/04/2012 19:01
NNA - 06/04/2012 - Air traffic at Beirut International Airport has been
suspended between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday evening due to heavy fog over
the tarmac and runway, in accordance with Airport authorities.
Accordingly, incoming flights have been re-routed to Cyprus pending the clearing
of skies above approaches to the Airport.
NNA - 06/04/2012 - 2012 Air traffic at Beirut International Airport came to a
standstill due to heavy fog over the tarmac and runway, N.N.A. field reporters
said today.
Halted air traffic due to poor visibility forced a number of flights to be
rerouted to Larnaka airport /Cyprus pending the clearing of skies above
approaches to the airport. Arrivals and departures had to be momentarily
suspended for nearly half an hour reporters concluded.
NNA - 06/04/2012 The meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International
Airport forecasted weather Saturday to be sunny with limited increase in
temperatures.
Coastal temperatures: 13 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 17 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 12 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: A little volatile with speeds between 8 and 25 km/hr.
Visibility: Average
Humidity at the coast: 20% to 60%.
Sea condition: Mild waves with surface water temperature at 18 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather: cloudy with no change in temperature
Thu 5/04/2012 11:03
NNA - 5/4/2012- Weather in Lebanon tomorrow (Friday) is partly cloudy with
insignificant change in temperature, as forecasted by Beirut Airport -based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
General status: Spring weather dominates currently over the Mediterranean
Eastern basin.
-Temperature: On the coastline 14 degree Celsius low to 25 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 9 degree Celsius low to 24 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 11 degree Celsius low to 25 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: northern-western during day time changes to northern- eastern
gusting between 8 and 25 Km/hr.
- Visibility: Good
- Humidity: between 35% and 70%.
- Sea : wavy, Surface temperature 18 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Khoury: sustainable development more than just slogan
Wed 4/04/2012 15:19
NNA - 4/4/2012 - The parliament organized on Wednesday a symposium on the
development of Jbeil region in presence of Environment Minister Nazem Al-Khoury,
Jbeil MPs, UNDP Director in Lebanon Seifeldin Abbaro and ranking dignitaries.
Khoury delivered a word on this occasion, presenting a detailed list of the
Environment Ministry's services in the field of environmental development of
Jbeil region.
"Sustainable development is more than just a slogan. It's a way of living which
require sufficiency in exploiting natural resources in a way that fulfills
people's needs and preserves resources for the next generations," the
Environment Minister said.
"A study conducted by the World Bank, in cooperation with the Environment
Ministry, showed that environmental deterioration in Lebanon has reached $800
million in 2011, a number which raises concern and urges for solving this
critical matter, hence preserving the country's natural resources," Khoury
added.
"Consequently, the Environment Ministry has worked, both solely and in
cooperation with concerned private and public sectors, at the internal and
external levels so as to provide fundamentals and needs for sustainable
development in Jbeil casa, particularly at the environmental level," the
Minister explained.
Accordingly, Khoury listed various steps to be adopted so as to improve Jbeil
region's environmental sector, among which expending and rehabilitating green
zones, fighting fires' eruption, treating solid wastes, adopting eco-friendly
agriculture, implementing eco-friendly industry, adopting integrated waste
management for olive oil pressing Industries in Lebanon, protecting nature
reserves, preserving maritime environmental resources, and fighting fuel oil
pollution.
D.K.
MESSAGE OF UN SECRETARY GENERAL ON INTERNATIONAL DAY
FOR MINE AWARENESS AND ASSISTANCE IN MINE ACTION
NNA - 3/4/2012 - (United Nations Information Centre) - Following is the message
of UN Secretary General, Ban Ki moon, on the International Day for Mine
Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, 4 April:
United Nations mine action programs make an invaluable contribution to
post-conflict recovery, humanitarian relief efforts, peace operations and
development initiatives.
They prevent landmines and other explosive ordnance from causing further
indiscriminate harm long after conflicts have ended, and help to transform
danger zones into productive land. Mine action sets communities on course toward
lasting stability.
In Libya, mine action personnel have responded to the threat posed by landmines,
cluster munitions, and the lack of secure ammunition storage areas. Thousands of
explosive remnants of war have been secured or cleared from schools, roads or
residential areas, and tens of thousands of people have received risk education.
Over the past year, mine action operators have also been assisting in stockpile
management in Albania, C�te d'Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The recent disaster in Congo Brazzaville, where an arms depot exploded, is a
tragic reminder of the need for such management.
On this year's International Day for Mine Awareness, we are "lending our legs"
in a campaign to show support and compassion for survivors. Working closely with
national authorities and non-governmental organizations, the United Nations is
implementing mine risk education and victim assistance in more than 40
countries, teaching communities how to live safely in contaminated areas, and
assisting survivors with disabilities to obtain access to the full range of
services and rights enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities.
I thank all who contribute to international mine action. I also commend the 159
States that have agreed to be bound by the Antipersonnel Mine Ban Convention,
those that have joined the Convention on Cluster Munitions and Protocol V on
explosive remnants of war, and the 110 that have ratified the Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
On this International Day, I call for universal adherence to these important
treaties and for increased support for mine awareness and mine action. Landmines
and explosive remnants of war hamper development and endanger lives. Let's
eliminate them together for a safe sustainable world.
********
Miscellaneous - Weather: Sunny with rise in temperature
Tue 3/04/2012 10:30
NNA- 3/4/2012- Weather in Lebanon on Wednesday is sunny with obvious rise in
temperature, as forecasted by Air-Port Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Spring weather dominates over the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 10 degree Celsius low to 26 degree Celsius
On the mountain-range: 8 degree Celsius low to 19 degree Celsius high.
In Interior region:7 degree Celsius low to 28 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern- western before noon changes to northern- western in the
afternoon gusting 8 km/hr to 20 km/hr.
- Visibility: Moderate due to high humidity
- Humidity on the coastline: 50% to 80%
- Sea: Almost calm Surface temperature 18 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Jal al Deeb residents block highway to press government to build
bridge
Tue 3/04/2012 08:12
NNA - 3/4/2012 - Jal al Deeb residents blocked the highway in both directions
this morning to pressure the government to rebuild the bridge and ensure
entrances and exist in this area.
MP Nabil Nicolas and other political dignitaries also took part in the protest.
The protest caused a traffic jam from Jal al Deeb all the way to Jounyeh.
The coastal road is also seeing a traffic jam.
O.H
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Cloudy with stable temperatures
Mon 2/04/2012 11:27
NNA - 02/04/2012 Weather in Lebanon on Tuesday shall be partly cloudy with no
major change in temperature degrees, according to the meteorology department at
Beirut Airport.
Coastal temperatures: 14 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 9 to 16 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 11 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North-westerly with speeds between 10 and 30 km/hr.
Visibility: Medium.
Coastal humidity: 50% to 75%.
Sea: Surface water temperature at 16 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Italian Contingent partakes in Palm Sunday celebrations
Sun 1/04/2012 19:42
NNA - 1/4/2012 - Italian Contingent officers operating within the UNIFIL
peace-keeping forces in South Lebanon took part in Palm Sunday celebrations in
Tyre. In this context, the Italian Contingent officers joined Tyre's Maronite
and Greek Catholic Melkite Parish in their mass services on Sunday.
Head of the Italian Contingent, Colonel Dominico Desa, accompanied by officers
of his unit, attended church mass in Al-Mansouri, following which they offered
their greetings on the occasion to Bishops George Bakouni and Shukrallah Nabil
Hajj.
In a word on the occasion, Colonel Desa said that their participation in Palm
Sunday mass service comes as a chance to celebrate alongside the children, who
are a symbol of this festivity and who remind them of their families back in
Italy. "Our mission is humanitarian for the sake of peace in this beautiful
country, to which friendly and brotherly relations have tied us for a long time
back in history," said Desa. He added, "We celebrate today with our people in
Tyre and with the children this blessed occasion, which we hope would bring a
smile to their faces."
The Italian Contingent also celebrated Palm Sunday at its headquarters in the
town of Al-Shameh in the South, with the participation of Colonel Desa and
Contingent officers and members.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Cloudy with drop in temperatures
Sun 1/04/2012 11:08
NNA - 01/04/2012 The new week begins on a cool note in Lebanon as temperatures
are expected to drop, according to the meteorology department at Rafik Hariri
International Airport.
Coastal temperatures: 10 to 23 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 8 to 17 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 7 to 19 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North-westerly to north-easterly with speeds between 10 and 30
km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 40% to 65%.
Sea: Low-rise waves with surface water temperature at 17 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Education Minister Diab undergoes medical check-up at
A.U.H.
Sat 31/03/2012 15:44
NNA - 31/03/2012 - Minister of Higher Education Hassan Diab has been
admitted to AUB Hospital where he underwent a general medical check-up
following mysterious sickness symptoms. Medical Center sources say the
minister's condition remains fairly stable.
Incoming news speak of Education Minister Diab being discharged from AUB
hospital after being diagnosed by doctors fit to leave.
He has been duly contacted by colleague ministers and members of the
public concerned for his wellbeing.
G.G./P.BC.
Miscellaneous: Education minister Diab Undergoes Medical Check-up at
A.U.H.
Sat 31/03/2012 12:48
NNA - 31/3/2012 - Minister of Higher Education Hassan Diab has been
admitted to A.U.B-Hospital where he underwent a general medical check-up
following mysterious sickness symptoms. Medical Center sources say the
minister's condition remains fairly stable.
G.G.
NNA - 31/3/2012 - Cloudy to rainy weather is forecast for tomorrow evening amid
rising temperature throughout the day.
This, according to a Beirut-International airport-based Meteorology department
weather forecast along with chances for occasional drizzles and thunder storms
upcoming Tuesday.
A high of 21 degrees Celsius along the coastline drops to a low of 10 degrees by
nightfall. On the western range, a high of 15 degrees drops to a low of 5
degrees. In the Bekaa and the Interior a maximum of 21 registers only 5 degrees
for the minimum.
Southerly/westerly surface winds gusting between 8-25 kilometers per hour
turning into easterly/southerly by nightfall barely stir a generally calm
Mediterranean Sea whose surface water temperature measures 16-17 degrees Celsius
Humidity for this time of the year stands at 45-70%
NNA - 30/03/2012 A historic cannon, dating back to the Ottoman Empire, was
discovered Friday buried in the sand at the west end of the port in Tyre, NNA
correspondent reported.
Work teams operating in the vicinity of the port of fishermen in the southern
city made the discovery. The cannon was carefully lifted and set aside.
An archeological expert at the site said the cannon was a remnant of the Ottoman
Empire's rule over the country, which ended shortly after World War I.
R.Z.
Miscellaneous - UN in Lebanon Marks Earth Hour to Prop "Sustainable Energy for
All"
Fri 30/03/2012 11:50
NNA - 30/3/ 2012 - United Nations Information Centre - It is Earth Hour 2012 on
Saturday 31 March and the United Nations family in Lebanon, led by the UN House
in Beirut, will observe it between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm by switching off lights
and electronic devices in UN premises in a show of commitment to the UN's
"Sustainable Energy for All" initiative.
Earth Hour, promoted by the global conservation organization World Wildlife Fund
(WWF), is marked every year on the last Saturday of March by asking people and
organizations to turn off their lights for one hour between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm
local time, in whatever time zone they may be located.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on this occasion that turning off our
lights is a symbol of our commitment to Sustainable Energy for All, a pioneering
new initiative he recently launched. "We need to fuel our future with clean,
efficient and affordable energy."
"By acting together today, we can power a brighter tomorrow. The United Nations
is strongly behind this cause. From Earth Hour to Rio+20, let us build the
future we want," Ban said.
The United Nations will be joining many other landmarks around the world in
turning off its lights at its New York Headquarters and other locations.
UN in
Lebanon Marks Earth Hour to Prop Sustainable Energy for All
Fri 30/03/2012 10:42
NNA- 30/3/2012 - (United Nations Information Centre) - It is Earth Hour 2012 on
Saturday 31 March and the United Nations family in Lebanon, led by the UN House
in Beirut, will observe it between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm by switching off lights
and electronic devices in UN premises in a show of commitment to the UN's
"Sustainable Energy for All" initiative.
Earth Hour, promoted by the global conservation organization World Wildlife Fund
(WWF), is marked every year on the last Saturday of March by asking people and
organizations to turn off their lights for one hour between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm
local time, in whatever time zone they may be located.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on this occasion that turning off our
lights is a symbol of our commitment to Sustainable Energy for All, a pioneering
new initiative he recently launched. "We need to fuel our future with clean,
efficient and affordable energy."
"By acting together today, we can power a brighter tomorrow. The United Nations
is strongly behind this cause. From Earth Hour to Rio+20, let us build the
future we want," Ban said.
The United Nations will be joining many other landmarks around the world in
turning off its lights at its New York Headquarters and other locations.
* *** *
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly cloudy with slight rise in temperature
Fri 30/03/2012 10:07
NNA - 29/3/2012 Beirut International Airport meteorology department forecasted
weather on Saturday to be partly cloudy with slight rise in temperature degrees.
Coastal temperatures: 9 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 4 to 11 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 4 to 13 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-westerly with speed between 8 and 25 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 50% to 80%.
Sea: Surface water temperature between 16 and 17 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly cloudy with slight rise in temperature
Fri 30/03/2012 10:07
NNA - 30/3/2012 Beirut International Airport meteorology department forecasted
weather on Saturday to be partly cloudy with slight rise in temperature degrees.
Coastal temperatures: 9 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 4 to 11 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 4 to 13 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-westerly with speed between 8 and 25 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 50% to 80%.
Sea: Surface water temperature between 16 and 17 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Cloudy with chance of rains
Thu 29/03/2012 12:12
NNA - 29/3/2012 Beirut International Airport meteorology department forecasted
weather on Friday to witness stable temperature degrees, as clouds patially
occupy the skies.
Coastal temperatures: 11 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 5 to 11 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 5 to 14 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-westerly with speeds between 15 and 45 km/hr.
Visibility: Medium.
Coastal humidity: 55% to 85%.
Sea: Mild waves, with surface water temperature at 16 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - LeMSIC-SCORE 6th Annual Research Day at AUB
Wed 28/03/2012 18:47
NNA - 28/03/2012 - The Research Day is an annual event organized by the Standing
Committee On Research Exchange (SCORE) of the Lebanese Medical Students'
International Committee (LeMSIC), part of the International Federation of
Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA), and it will be held for the sixth time
at the American University of Beirut (AUB) on Saturday, April 14, 2012.
Medical Students convene on this day in order to present their research work.
SCORE aims at supporting students' involvement in research, which they have
undertaken at their own personal initiative and outside the realm of their
Medical curriculum.
Participating in Research Day are students from AUB, Saint-Joseph University (USJ)
and University of Balamand, signifying the considerable importance of Research
Day to Lebanese Medical Students as a group. Also attending the event are
Doctors and Researchers who fully encourage their students' vast endeavors in
research and commend Research Day for being a platform to display this work.
Research Day is organized in collaboration with the Dean's Office of the Faculty
of Medicine at AUB, the Lebanese Association for the Advancement of Science (LAAS)
and Alpha Omega Alpha.
The event includes oral presentations and poster sessions in fields including
but not limited to: Basic Sciences, Clinical Research in Medicine and Public
Health. Other research activities of the day include featured guest speakers
from the Faculty of Medicine and abroad.
In addition to oral presentations given by students active in research are the
presentations of FM students who are taking the SCORE Research Workshops.
Research Workshops are the fruit of an innovative idea aimed at promoting
research methodology among medical students. The workshops are meant to aid
interested students in learning the basics of the research experience and
writing their own research proposals. During Research Day, students get the
opportunity to present their proposals to the scientific community, thereby
getting exposure and feedback on their ideas.
At the closing of Research Day is the announcement of the winners of the Alpha
Omega Alpha Award for the Best Oral Presentation, the LAAS award for Best Poster
Presentation, and the $3000 Travel Award. The latter enables one of the student
participants to present their research work at an international scientific
conference, which would grant them both experience and opportunity.
One last announcement made at Research Day is the winner of the $1000 SCORE
Issam Fares Institute Grant (SIFI). This venture is meant to provide a motivated
student with a source of funding for a research project of their choice. The
winner of the grant is decided upon by a panel of three doctors.
The distribution of awards is followed by a catered lunch.
Miscellaneous - Celebrating Easter with Beirut Souks
Wed 28/03/2012 12:33
NNA - 28 March 2012 - To celebrate Easter, Beirut Souks and Solidere are rolling
out a series of fun events between the 30th of March and the 16th of April 2012
at the BCD's prestigious shopping district.
The program includes: The Easter Village, which will comprise robot bunnies with
a storytelling tree, and festive performances.
Starting on the 30th of March, the Easter Village will receive Visitors until
the 16th of April everyday between 16h and 20h pm. In addition to this, the
souks shoppers will get a chance to witness "The egg parade" which will take
place daily between 7 and 16 April starting 5 PM; this will include Easter
Mascots, dance bands, and a flowers carnival as well as children wearing bunny
uniforms. In the same period, 4 dance performances will be given every day by
Easter figures.
NNA - 28/03/2012 - Under the patronage of Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the
American University of Beirut Tobacco Control Research Group is holding a
stakeholders' meeting on tobacco taxation policy at the Grand Serail at 10.30 am
on April 4, 2012.
The meeting will highlight the AUB research team's main findings on tobacco
taxation policies and their impact on the economy and public health expenditure.
Miscellaneous - Weather: cloudy with some rainfall
Wed 28/03/2012 11:03
NNA - 28/3/2012- Weather in Lebanon on Thursday is generally cloudy with some
rainfall , possibility of thunderstorms and drop in temperature, as forecasted
by Beirut Airport -based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
General status: Relatively cold air masses affects the Mediterranean Eastern
basin causing unstable weather during the few coming days.
-Temperature: On the coastline 9 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: -1 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 5 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: southern to southern-western gusting between 10 and 40 Km/hr.
- Visibility: moderate worsens over the mountain range.
- Humidity: between 55% and 80%.
- Sea : Moderate, Surface temperature 17 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - UNIDIR, EU hold regional conference on supporting ATT
negotiations
Tue 27/03/2012 19:57
NNA - 27/3/2012 - The United Nations Institute of Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)
and the European Union organized on Tuesday a regional seminar for the countries
in the Middle East at Hotel Gefinor Rotana on supporting the Arms Trade Treaty
negotiations to kick off in July in New York.
Theresa Hitchens, UNIDIR's Director, said this seminar, organized for the
countries in the Middle East, was part of a joint project of the European Union
and UNIDIR, and sixth in the series of events that are put together in different
parts of the world in support of the ATT process.
"We are meeting here in the spirit of cooperation to discuss the ATT, an idea
that has been under discussion at the UN for some five years now. When adopted,
the Treaty will be the first international instrument regulating the trade in
conventional arms, and has the potential to become a vital tool in combating the
illegal and poorly regulated trade of arms and its destructive consequences
worldwide," she said.
Pointing out the contradicting national positions in this regard, Hitchens made
it clear that today's seminar indeed aimed to sharing viewpoints and working on
reaching sought solutions to move forward.
She said that UNIDIR has in collaboration with the EU so far implemented two
projects on the ATT, adding that the findings of these projects revealed that
more continued dialogue about the different concrete aspects of the Treaty was
needed also outside the formal meetings of the UN.
"By bringing together States, NGOs, IOs, experts and defense industry
representatives, our goal of to pave the way for a future ATT that will be
strong, comprehensive, and implementable, built on an informed debate by all
relevant stakeholders from different geographical regions and different
backgrounds," she said.
She did not fail to evoke the "Arab Spring," saying today's meeting in Beirut
comes at an important point in time, as only months are still left before the
ATT negotiations kick off.
"The Arab Spring has demonstrated the importance of arms transfer controls and
made us all think about the potentially devastating effects of illicit
proliferation of conventional arms," she noted.
Mansour Abdullah, the representative of Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour, for his
part said Lebanon was and still is on top of the states believing in the
international legitimacy and human rights' principles. "These rights are
violated on a daily basis in different regions of the world due to the
proliferation of lethal and destructive weapons," he said.
"Arms proliferation and easy access are certainly igniting conflicts and making
them more violent and bloodier."
He noted that nowadays' tragedy lied in underdeveloped countries where armed
violence is widely spread.
"Lebanon realizes the impact of the arbitrary proliferation of arms on the
security of societies, and human rights and freedoms; it also realizes the
humanitarian objectives of the ATT. As a state that partook in drafting the
universal declaration of human rights, Lebanon cannot but support the Treaty,"
he said. But he underlined that realizing such objectives must be through clear
and balanced rules, which shall be applied on everyone with no exception
whatsoever and which shall dissipate fears.
Many personalities participated in today's seminar, among whom the EU Ambassador
Angelina Eicchorst, representatives of the Lebanese Army Chief and ISF Director,
the head of the ATT Prepcoms, and representatives of the civil society from Oman
Sultanate, Libya, Egypt, Yemen, KSA, UAE, Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan.
Miscellaneous - Abou Faour patronizes workshop on child trafficking
Tue 27/03/2012 15:41
NNA - 27/3/2012 - Social Affairs Ministry inaugurated Tuesday a workshop on
"child trafficking in Lebanon" under the patronage of Social Affairs Minister
Wael Abou Faour, in cooperation with the World Vision Organization and UNICEF.
Minister Abou faour delivered a word on this occasion, shedding light on the
importance of protecting children and keeping an eye on them.
"What concerns me the most is to come up with recommendations and effective
solutions for this crisis," he said, deeming as necessary to launch national
discussions pertaining to this topic.
The Minister reminded that Lebanon had signed on the children's right agreement
and on the annexed protocol on child trafficking.
"This is not enough though, as we should raise awareness and exert the best
endeavors within the concerned Ministries, administrations and associations," he
added.
The Social Affairs Minister finally noted that such workshops were aimed at
drawing attention to many social problems facing juveniles.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - EU Delegation launches call for proposals on cultural activities
in Lebanon
Tue 27/03/2012 12:26
NNA - 27/03/ 2012- The Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon is seeking
proposals for the organization of cultural activities in Lebanon. The activities
should aim at promoting inter cultural understanding through any artistic or
cultural activity.
The grants awarded under this call for proposals must fall between the minimum
amount of �15,000 and maximum amount of �30,000.
The full guidelines for applicants are available for consultation on the
following websites:
https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/europeaid/online-services/index.cfm?dopubli.welcome
and
http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/lebanon
The deadline for submission of proposals is Thursday 31 May 2012 at 15h00
(Beirut local time).
An information session on this call for proposals will be held on Thursday 19
April 2012 at 14h00 at the Delegation of the European Union's premises:
Miscellaneous - Weather: cloudy with no change in temperature
Tue 27/03/2012 10:21
NNA - 27/3/2012- Weather in Lebanon on Wednesday is partly cloudy to cloudy with
insignificant change in temperature, as forecasted by Beirut Airport -based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
General status: Relatively cold air masses which affects the Mediterranean
Eastern basin during the few coming days.
-Temperature: On the coastline 10 degree Celsius low to 19 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 1 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 2 degree Celsius low to 17 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: southern to southern-western gusting between 10 and 40 Km/hr.
- Visibility: moderate worsens over the mountain range.
- Humidity: between 55% and 80%.
- Sea : Almost calm, Surface temperature 17 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - (Corrected) WLCU holds conference in Mexico, elects personnel
Mon 26/03/2012 17:23
NNA - 26/3/2012 - The 17th World Congress for the World Lebanese Cultural Union
(WLCU) headed by Eid Shedrawi was held Monday in Mexico whereby Michel Dweihi
was elected as World President and six deputies were designated: Antonio Arida
(Latin America), Antonio Shahin (Brazil), Elias Kassab (North America), Saiid
Yazbeck (Europe), Najib Khoury (Africa) and Joe Arida (Australia and New
Zealand).
George Abi Raad was elected as Head of the trustees' board, Edward Nahas as vice
Head, Dimas Shantiri as Head of the world council for youth, and Toni Kaddissi
as WLCU Secretary General.
The three-day conference tackled expatriation affairs and resulted in various
decisions among which:
- Supporting President Michel Sleiman and his wise policy for guaranteeing
stability, in light of the region's changes.
- Renewing support for the decisions of the Security Council pertaining to
Lebanon.
- Re-calling for extending state authority on all Lebanese territories.
- Urging the Lebanese state to set an electoral mechanism for Lebanese
expatriates spread around the globe, in preparation for the forthcoming
parliamentary elections. Calling on the Lebanese resident abroad to register
their names in the Lebanese embassies and consulates to facilitate such
electoral mechanisms.
- Calling for settling the diplomatic appointments issue to fill the vacancies
in different embassies so as to resume their proper work.
- Organizing visits for youth of Lebanese origins to Lebanon in order to
maintain their contact with their mother country.
- Encouraging expats to invest in Lebanon and create job opportunities so as to
stop intellectuals' and labor force's migration.
- Warning expatriates of brokers who attempt to sell Lebanese territories to
foreigners.
- Urging expats to register their marriages and births in Lebanese embassies to
prevent losing their Lebanese citizenship. Calling on those who have already
lost their ID cards to present all documents required so as to recuperate them.
During the conference, WLCU personnel briefed the attendees on the expatriation
policy adopted in the past two years, the general secretariat's achievements and
the financial report.
After electing the Union's new board, Dweihi thanked all WLCU members for
trusting him with this responsibility, pledging to follow the steps of those who
have paved before him a path of persistence, commitment and loyalty.
He called for working hand in hand with those who believe in Lebanon's
sovereignty, in expatriates' right to vote, and in Lebanon's conviviality and
democracy.
"We as Union ought to preserve our identity and history," he announced, calling
for "building to our children and grandchildren an independent country of which
they feel utterly proud."
D.K.
Miscellaneous - Pi�ton opens Forum of French Language Professional Terminology
Mon 26/03/2012 13:55
NNA - 26/3/2012- Ambassador of France to Lebanon Denis Pi�ton opened before noon
today (Monday) the "Regional Forum of French Language Professional Terminolog."
The opening, which came within the frame of "French Language Agreement" that
Lebanon signed in Montreux - Switzerland, took place at the "Business Higher
Institution. Lebanese, French and Francophone dignitaries attended the opening.
Pi�ton said that the French language is considered the second in the world and
that its spread is very important, pointing out to the fact that languages are
complementary in the institutions' and companies' world.
The ambassador indicated that the Language Agreement that Lebanon signed in
Montreux - Switzerland conference, enabled Lebanon to use an amount of One
million Euro allocated to companies in Tourism industry.
Pi�ton concluded, "This conference aims at studying and comprehending the French
Language position in the professional sector..."
It is to note that the Forum will last for two days.
L.Y.R./N.AF
Miscellaneous - Pi�ton opens Forum of French Language Professional Terminology
Mon 26/03/2012 13:55
NNA - 26/3/2012- Ambassador of France to Lebanon Denis Pi�ton opened before noon
today (Monday) the "Regional Forum of French Language Professional Terminolog."
The opening, which came within the frame of "French Language Agreement" that
Lebanon signed in Montreux - Switzerland, took place at the "Business Higher
Institution. Lebanese, French and Francophone dignitaries attended the opening.
Pi�ton said that the French language is considered the second in the world and
that its spread is very important, pointing out to the fact that languages are
complementary in the institutions' and companies' world.
The ambassador indicated that the Language Agreement that Lebanon signed in
Montreux - Switzerland conference, enabled Lebanon to use an amount of One
million Euro allocated to companies in Tourism industry.
Pi�ton concluded, "This conference aims at studying and comprehending the French
Language position in the professional sector..."
It is to note that the Forum will last for two days.
L.Y.R./N.AF
Miscellaneous - Weather: cloudy with drop in temperature
Mon 26/03/2012 13:18
NNA - 26/3/2012- Weather in Lebanon on Tuesday is partly cloudy to cloudy with
drop in temperature and some rainfall, as forecasted by Beirut Airport -based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
General status: Unstable spring weather dominates over the Mediterranean Eastern
basin.
-Temperature: On the coastline 12 degree Celsius low to 20 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 7 degree Celsius low to 17 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 4 degree Celsius low to 17 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Southern-western gusting between 10 and 30 Km/hr.
- Visibility: Moderate ,worsens over the mountain range
- Humidity: between 50% and 75%.
- Sea :Almost calm, Surface temperature 17 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Research agreements signed between Lebanon and Syria
Sun 25/03/2012 21:39
NNA - 25/3/2012 - Syrian Higher Learning Ministry, National Council for
Scientific Research and the Lebanese University signed on Sunday agreement
contracts for the 9 winning research projects in the 8th Declaration of the
Lebanese-Syrian Scientific Research Joint Cooperation Program 2011.
In this context, Syrian Higher Learning Minister, Abdel-Razak Sheikh Issa,
stated that his Ministry is preparing all necessary arrangements for developing
and supporting such joint scientific research projects aiming at ameliorating
and coming-up with solutions to similar problems in both countries.
He also reminded, herein, that the Lebanese-Syrian cooperation in the field of
science and scientific research has been going on for a long time, with the keen
intention of concerned sides in both countries to support this important track
that serves the benefit of both sides.
Miscellaneous - Maalouf falls ill during Bkirky mass
Sun 25/03/2012 12:55
NNA - 25/03/2012 MP Edgard Maalouf suffered from a sudden stroke while
participating in Sunday's mass in Bkirky, presided by Maronite Patriarch Beshara
Rahi.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Cloudy with drop in temperatures
Sun 25/03/2012 11:17
NNA - 25/03/2012 The meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International
Airport forecasted weather Monday to witness a notable drop in temperature, as
clouds occupy the skies.
Coastal temperatures: 9 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 8 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 6 to 19 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-easterly during the day, shifts to south-westerly at night,
with speeds between 10 and 30 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 25% to 65%.
Sea: Mild waves, with surface water temperature at 16 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Ban Ki-moon accords peace citations to the Italian and Slovenian
Contingents
Sat 24/03/2012 22:59
NNA - 24/3/2012 - United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, accorded
Saturday the Italian and Slovenian Contingents operating within the UNIFIL
peace-keeping forces in South Lebanon peace citations in appreciation of their
role and efforts. Italian Contingent Head, Western Sector Commander, General
Carlo Lamna, accorded members of both Contingents the peace citations on behalf
of the UN Secretary General.
A celebration took place on the occasion at the "Horse Race Track - Romanian
Field" in Tyre, which was attended by Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, Giuseppe
Morabito; Italian Honorary Consul, Ahmad Seklawi; UNIFIL General Commander,
Paolo Seira; South Litani Sector Commander, General Sadek Tleis, and a number of
other prominent dignitaries.
General Seira gave a word marking the occasion, in which he expressed UNIFIL's
strict commitment to aiding all sides in preserving and boosting the state of
halting acts of aggression; in addition to completely respecting UN Decision
#1701. He added that they shall continue to work closely with the Lebanese Army
and Lebanese authorities, and their partners in the United Nations, in executing
the duties delegated to them, namely in ensuring peace and stability in the
South of Lebanon.
Seira also addressed a word of appreciation to the people and official
dignitaries of the South for their genuine support and true friendship.
Miscellaneous - Daylight-saving time begins midnight
Sat 24/03/2012 11:33
NNA - 24/03/2012 Daylight-saving time is set to begin at midnight, tonight, in
Lebanon as time should be set an hour earlier as per a decree issued by cabinet
in March.
vMiscellaneous - Weather forecast: Cloudy and warm
Sat 24/03/2012 11:30
NNA - 24/03/2012 The meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International
Airport forecasted weather Sunday to be partly cloudy with an increase in
temperatures.
Temperatures at the coast: 9 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures at the mountains: 5 to 16 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures in the inlands: 4 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North-westerly during the day, shifts to north-easterly at night
with speeds between 8 and 25 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 40% to 70%.
Sea condition: Placid with surface water temperature at 17 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather: little cloudy with rise in temperature
Fri 23/03/2012 10:58
NNA - 23/3/2012- Weather in Lebanon on Saturday is little cloudy with
insignificant rise in temperature, as forecasted by Beirut Airport -based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
General status: Spring weather dominates over the Mediterranean Eastern basin.
-Temperature: On the coastline 9 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 4 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 6 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Western to northern-western changes to northern eastern gusting
between 8 and 25 Km/hr.
- Visibility: Good
- Humidity: between 35% and 70%.
- Sea : Calm, Surface temperature 17 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - World Water Day: Bassil, Hajj Hassan tackle Lebanese
water crisis
Thu 22/03/2012 14:28
NNA - 22/3/2012 Water and Energy Minister Gebran Bassil Thursday drew
attention to fears encountered as a result of the relevancy of food
security and water issues especially in Lebanon.
"Lebanon might either aggravate the water crisis or help improve its
condition," Bassil said during the Water and Food Security Forum the
ESCWA, the United Nations economic and social development commission in
Western Asia, organized at its headquarters on the occasion of the World
Water Day.
The forum was co-organized by the FAO (Food and Agriculture
Organization) and the UNIC (United Nations Information Centers), under
the patronage of Ministers of Water and Energy and Agriculture, Gibran
Bassil and Hussein Hajj Hassan.
Minister Bassil said adopting a reasonable water policy in Lebanon might
be a step on the path of solving problems in the Arab world.
"Leaving the water crisis unsolved without benefiting of the resources
might originate water conflicts," Bassil noted.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of building dams in order to
stock water.
For his part, Minister Hajj Hassan said the problem in Lebanon is the
absence of a political decision to fund projects to benefit of the
water.
"Did concerned responsible persons notice the decrease in the Bekaa
water stock by tens of meters?" Hajj Hassan interrogated and called for
giving Water Ministry the necessary funds to build dams and conduct
other projects.
On the agricultural level, the Minister said several means might be used
to increase production while reducing used water percentage.
Miscellaneous - Weather: little cloudy with rise in temperature
Thu 22/03/2012 10:28
NNA - 22/3/2012- Weather in Lebanon on Friday is little cloudy with
insignificant rise in temperature on the coastline, as forecasted by Beirut
Airport -based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
General status: Spring weather dominates over the Mediterranean Eastern basin.
-Temperature: On the coastline: 21 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 8 degree Celsius low to 19 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 5 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Western to northern-western gusting between 8 and 25 Km/hr.
- Visibility: Good
- Humidity: between 35% and 75%.
- Sea : Calm, Surface temperature 17 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather tomorrow: Partly cloudy, no change in temperature
Wed 21/03/2012 09:57
NNA - 21/3/2012- Weather in Lebanon on Thursday shall be sunny with temperature
remaining unchanged, as forecasted by Beirut Airport-based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
General status: Spring weather dominates over the Eastern Mediterranean sea
basin.
-Temperature: On the coastline: 11 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 9 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 4 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Northern to northern -eastern gusting between 10 and 30 Km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
- Humidity: between 20% and 65%.
- Sea surface: calm with water temperature of 16 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather tomorrow: Partly cloudy, no change in temperature
Wed 21/03/2012 09:56
NNA - 20/3/2012- Weather in Lebanon on Thursday shall be sunny with temperature
remaining unchanged, as forecasted by Beirut Airport-based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
General status: Spring weather dominates over the Eastern Mediterranean sea
basin.
-Temperature: On the coastline: 11 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 9 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 4 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Northern to northern -eastern gusting between 10 and 30 Km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
- Humidity: between 20% and 65%.
- Sea surface: calm with water temperature of 16 degree Celsius.
Politics - Gemayel, Eichhorst tackle the general situation
Tue 20/03/2012 19:38
NNA - 20/3/2012 Former President Amine Gemayel met at Saifi Central Kataeb House
on Tuesday afternoon with EU Ambassador to Lebanon Angelina Eichhorst, where
they discussed preparations underway for Gemayel's forthcoming visit to
Brussels, a statement by Kataeb Party said.
Gemayel visits Brussels at the end of this week, where he will meet with EU
senior officials and will partake in an international-Arab symposium on Arab
Spring.
Eichhorst voiced EU's adherence to a strong partnership with Lebanon and the
region, expressing readiness to render this partnership a tangible matter.
"It is important for the EU to exchange views with every political player
enjoying long experience in regional developments' issues," Eichhorst said.
In reply to a question, Eichhorst expressed the EU's readiness to assist
"displaced Syrians" if asked by the Lebanese government or concerned
organizations.
---------------L.Y
Miscellaneous - Four Lebanese return from Palestine via Red Cross
Tue 20/03/2012 15:14
NNA - 20/3/2012 - National News Agency correspondent reported Tuesday that the
Red Cross today transferred into Lebanon four Lebanese from inside occupied
Palestine through Naqoura borderline crossing.
Samira Arslan, Anitta Aoun, Aida Abu Zeid and her daughter Ferihan were handed
to the Lebanese Army.
Miscellaneous - World Lebanese Cultural Union holds 17th conference in Mexico
Tue 20/03/2012 12:50
NNA - 20/3/2012 - The World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU) will be holding its
17th conference in Mexico this year, a statement by the WLCU said on Tuesday.
The meeting, scheduled to take place from March 22 till March 25, 2012, will be
held under the chairmanship of WLCU President, Mr. Eid Chedrawi, in the presence
of the union's Former Presidents, Secretary General, Vice President, Continental
Councils' Heads, National Councils' Heads, Continental General Secretaries, the
President of Lebanon's WLCU bureau, and a huge number of officials and senior
magnates.
"The meeting will touch on several issues, as well as on the union's most
prominenet activities within the last two years," the statement read, adding
that conferees are also expected to discuss the union's works agenda for the
coming two years.
During this conference, a new WLCU President and World Council will be elected.
R.H.
Miscellaneous - AUB goes pink in a one-day breast cancer awareness
campaign
Mon 19/03/2012 18:05
NNA - 19/3/2012 - Students from the American University of Beirut's
Lebanese Red Cross Club led a one-day campaign Monday to raise awareness
about breast cancer and its prevention by decorating the area between
Main Gate and West Hall in pink balloons and distributing facts about
breast cancer.
Informative tidbits included advice on healthy eating and regular
exercise to prevent cancer as well as less commonly known facts such as:
For every 100 women diagnosed, one man will also be diagnosed with
breast cancer.
Activities throughout the day included a drawing, with prizes from local
sponsors, and a candy sale with proceeds going to a Lebanese breast
cancer society.
The campaign started on Facebook and Twitter a day earlier.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Spring weather with rise in temperature
Mon 19/03/2012 10:18
NNA - 19/3/2012- Weather in Lebanon on Tuesday is generally sunny with
rise in temperature , as forecasted by Beirut Airport -based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
General status: Stable weather dominates over the Eastern Mediterranean
sea basin during the coming few days.
-Temperature: On the coastline: 7 degree Celsius low to 19 degree
Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 4 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 3 degree Celsius low to 19 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Northern-western during day-time changes to
northern-eastern at night gusting between 8 and 25 Km/hr
- Visibility: Good.
- Humidity: between 30% and 55%.
- Sea : calm, Surface temperature between 16 and 17 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Warmer temperatures and sunny skies
Sun 18/03/2012 11:17
NNA - 18/03/2012 The new week begins on a warm note in Lebanon, as the
meteorology department forecasted the weather to witness an increase in
temperatures. However, ice continues to form on mountainous and internal roads.
Coastal temperatures: 6 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: 0 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 2 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North to north-westerly with speeds between 8 and 25 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 30% to 60%.
Sea condition: Placid waters with surface temperature at 16 degrees Celsius.
NNA - 17/03/2012 Sunday lives up to its name, weather-wise, as the sun
prevails over Lebanon's blue skies causing a significant rise in
temperatures, as reported by meteorology department at Rafik Hariri
International Airport in Beirut.
Temperatures on the coast: 8 to 17 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures at the mountains: 3 to 5 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures in the inlands: 1 to 7 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North to north-westerly with speeds between 10 and 30
km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Humidity at the coast: 20% to 50%.
Sea status: Mild waves with surface water temperature at 16 degrees
Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Khalil returns from Amman, says Ministry to provide AIDS
medication
Fri 16/03/2012 17:51
NNA - 16/3/2012 - Minister of Public Health, Ali Hassan Khalil, on Friday
returned from the Jordanian capital, Amman, where he had been to participate in
the 37th ordinary session for the Arab Health Ministers.
Khalil, President of last year's session, said it was very important to keep
going the Arab joint work in the field of health and to build an Arab joint data
base which paves the way for the ratification of an all-inclusive health
strategy.
He said that it was necessary to have a unified Arab position on the level of
citizens' heath and to participate in the General Assembly of the World Health
Organization in Geneva in forthcoming May, recommending setting the adequate
mechanisms to enhance cooperation with the WHO regional office in Cairo.
During the work sessions, the Minister tackled the measures Lebanon had
undertaken to fight AIDS and develop the national joint program with the WHO.
He said that the Ministry of Public Health is bound to provide AIDS medications
and guarantee their continuity.
A report by the WHO and the joint program on AIDS indicates 4000 contamination
cases in Lebanon, while the number declared before the Lebanese national program
shows 1500 cases until 2011.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Clear with temperature, snow-covered mountain
roads
Fri 16/03/2012 11:35
NNA - 15/3/2012- A clear weather lingers over Lebanon tomorrow with
scattered clouds and low temperature degrees due to the Northern cold
winds.
The Airport-based Meteorology Department warned of icy mountain roads at
night as early in the morning.
Weather report:
- General status: Cold air masses dominate over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin till Friday night, Beirut Airport-based Meteorology Department
reported.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 9 degree Celsius low to 14 degree
Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 3 degree Celsius low to 5 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 2 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high
- Visibility: Good on the coastline, poor in the mountains.
- Humidity on the coastline: between 60% and 85%
- Sea Surface temperature is of 16 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - AUB launches Arab uprisings resource guide
Fri 16/03/2012 10:17
NNA - 15/03/2012 - Access to up-to-date information and archives on the Arab
uprisings is now simpler than ever with the creation of a centralized AUB
library research guide that features everything from scholarly articles and
books to blogs and news reports related to the topic.
The research guide, launched in January by AUB's Jafet Library, was designed to
facilitate student and faculty research on the ongoing revolts sweeping the
region that have captured the attention of liberal arts scholars from diverse
fields across the globe. The guide is accessible to all online browsers for free
and without any registration requirements.
Browsers can access the guide via the hyperlink above or by visiting the AUB
homepage at www.aub.edu.lb and then clicking "Libraries" on the top page menu,
then clicking "e-reference" on the bottom left of the page, then the "research
guides" tab, then clicking "browse all 111 guides" and then clicking "arab
uprisings." The guide includes mostly English and some Arabic resources.
"You can find similar guides in many American universities, but what makes ours
unique is that it gathers information from both the western and Arab worlds,"
said Fatmeh Charafeddine, a Jafet librarian who works on the project. "Resource
guides from other universities don't cover the Arab point of view."
Charafeddine added that the collection and archiving of documents on the Arab
uprisings, and many other topics, is nothing new for the library, but technology
today provides tools that allow users to access library resources in digital
form without leaving their homes or offices.
"This is the same information we used to keep in our drawers," Charafeddine said
as she gestured towards her filing cabinets and stacks of folders scattered
across her office. "Now the user doesn't have to come to us, they can go and
open the files themselves online."
The new research guide represents merely one of more than 100 academic research
guides that the AUB libraries began to introduce last spring. Visitors to the
site can find research guides on nearly every academic program offered at AUB
including history, business, psychology and computer science.
Charafeddine noted that librarians will keep adding new research guides that are
of current interests, such as Lebanese history, Palestinian refugees and the
Arab Gulf.
The library research guides are maintained and updated by a group of about five
Jafet librarians. Nabila Shehabeddine is the librarian responsible for
developing the Arab uprisings guide. She said the library is collaborating with
AUB's Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, which
recently launched a new project to examine the Arab uprisings, to update the
guide.
"Of course we can't cover everything-that would be impossible," she said. "But
we are definitely highlighting the most important conferences and events
happening at different universities and other forums."
Miscellaneous - Khoury: Spending on health sector estimates at 5.8% of national
income
Thu 15/03/2012 19:36
NNA - Environment Minister Nazem
Khoury disclosed that the volume of spending on health sector amounts to 5.8% of
Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He also pointed out that half of the Lebanese do
not enjoy health coverage except what is being provided by the Health Ministry
in terms of hospitalization and medicine assistance.
Minister Khoury was speaking on behalf of President of the Republic Michel
Sleiman, House Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Najib Miakti,
representing them at the inaugural ceremony of 7th annual Medical Conference at
Le Royal Hotel-Dbayeh on Thursday afternoon.
The Conference is taking place under the patronage of President of the Republic.
Khoury lauded Lebanon's health market, saying it enjoys a wide range of
remarkable and distinguished medical services, thanks to the good cooperation
among Public Health Ministry, private and public sectors, Social Affairs
Ministry and Municipalities.
Miscellaneous - Weather: rainy with thunderstorms, snowfall on 800 m high
Thu 15/03/2012 10:10
NNA - 15/3/2012- Weather in Lebanon, on Friday is cloudy and rainy with chance
of thunderstorms.
Snow is excepted to fall at 1200m high with a drop in temperatures, as
forecasted by Airport-based Meteorology Department.
However, the department forecasted that weather shall gradually get better by
Friday-Saturday night.
Weather report:
- General status: Cold air masses affect the Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin
till Friday night, as forecasted by Beirut Airport-based Meteorology Department.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 7 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 2 degree Celsius low to 7 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 2 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high
- Visibility: Medium
- Humidity on the coastline: between 60% and 75%
- Sea : Surface temperature range is 16 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - (CORRECTED) New office for Iranian News Agency in Beirut
Tue 13/03/2012 21:02
NNA - 13/03/2012 - Under the name of Qazem Ekhwan, one of the Iranian
journalists arrested at Zionist jails, a new office for Iran's News Agency (IRNA)
was opened Tuesday in Beirut.
The opening event was attended by Iran's Ambassador Ghazanfar Roknabadi,
Journalists Syndicate Chief Mohammad Baalbaki, National News Agency Director
Laure Sleiman, Hizbullah's Media senior Ibrahim Moussawi, Deputy Marwan Fares,
and others.
Roknabadi gave a word during the event, considering the office as a holy outcome
of the rigid distinguished relations between Lebanon and the Islamic Republic of
Iran. "The office deems the cornerstone of the rigid historical relations'
structure, which is based upon the mutual loving and cordiality and the
principles of right and justice."
A.M
Miscellaneous - New office for Iranian News Agency in Beirut
Tue 13/03/2012 20:55
NNA - 13/03/2012 - Under the name of Qazem Ekhwan, one of the Iranian
journalists arrested at Zionist jails, a new office for Iran's News Agency (IRNA)
was opened Tuesday in Beirut.
The opening event was attended by Iran's Ambassador Ghazanfar Roknabadi,
Journalists Syndicate Chief Mohammad Baalbaki, National News Agency Director
Laure Sleiman, Hizbullah's Media senior Ibrahim Moussawi, Deputy Marwan Fares,
and others.
Roknabadi gave a word during the event, considering the office as a holy outcome
of the rigid distinguished relations between Lebanon and the Islamic Republic of
Iran. "The office deems the cornerstone of the rigid historical relations'
structure, which is based upon the mutual loving and intimacy and the principles
of right and justice."
A.M
Miscellaneous - Mikati's representative from Tripoli: stability cornerstone for
development projects
Tue 13/03/2012 18:28
NNA - 13/3/2012 State Minister Ahmad Karami considered that stability
constitutes the cornerstone for development projects in the country.
Minister Karami was speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the
launching ceremony of government-run Tripoli Hospital's "Lyons' Eye Center",
attended by a number of concerned dignitaries.
"The current government is working on two parallel lines: preserving stability
and placing developmental projects to raise the level of state performance in
the service of its citizens," Karami said, stressing government's concern for
activating state institutions.
----------------L.Y
NNA - 13/3/2012 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be partly
cloudy during the day, changes to rainy with thunderstorms and
temperature drops at night. Snow is expected to fall on 1300 meters
high, according to Beirut meteorology department.
General Status: Low atmospheric pressure dominates over the Eastern
Mediterranean Sea Basin.
Coastal temperatures: 14 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: 9 to 11degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 8 to 13 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: Southern to Southern Western, gusting between 12 and 35
degrees Celsius.
Visibility: Medium to good.
Coastal humidity: 40% to 75%.
Sea: Moderate. Surface water temperature: 16 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Bhannes geophysical center denies earth tremors in south
Sun 11/03/2012 15:36
NNA - 11/03/2012 - The National Geophysical Center for Research in Bhannes
categorically denied reports of earth tremors on March the 11th of 2012 saying
tremor-detecting devices registered no movements on the Richter scale today.
The Geophysical statement said the last tremor has been registered on March 8,
2012 and that all talk about earth tremors in the south were mere rumors. The
Geophysical Center duly urged citizens to remain posted on further reliable
announcements by the Center.
G.G./P.BC.
Miscellaneous - Slight earth tremor in Tyr and Bint Jbeil
Sun 11/03/2012 13:40
NNA - 11/03/2012 - A slight earth tremor jolted a number of villages to the east
of Tyr. The tremor was felt as far as Bint Jbeil with no word on damage or
casualties. Today's tremor is thought to be an aftershock to last week's
earthquake in south Lebanon.
G.G./P.BC.
Miscellaneous - Bhannes geophysical center denies earth tremors in south
Sun 11/03/2012 15:36
NNA - 11/03/2012 - The National Geophysical Center for Research in Bhannes
categorically denied reports of earth tremors on March the 11th of 2012 saying
tremor-detecting devices registered no movements on the Richter scale today.
The Geophysical statement said the last tremor has been registered on March 8,
2012 and that all talk about earth tremors in the south were mere rumors. The
Geophysical Center duly urged citizens to remain posted on further reliable
announcements by the Center.
G.G./P.BC.
Miscellaneous - Slight earth tremor in Tyr and Bint Jbeil
Sun 11/03/2012 13:40
NNA - 11/03/2012 - A slight earth tremor jolted a number of villages to the east
of Tyr. The tremor was felt as far as Bint Jbeil with no word on damage or
casualties. Today's tremor is thought to be an aftershock to last week's
earthquake in south Lebanon.
G.G./P.BC.
Miscellaneous - High Relief: No Expired Foods for Displaced Syrians
Sat 10/03/2012 16:11
NNA - 10/03/2012 - The High Body of Relief categorically denied reports about
organization's passing of expired foods to displaced Syrians in Akkar and Wadi
Khaled. The high Relief and, in its press release today, accused Mahmoud Khaz'al
of the Syrian Relief Body and north Lebanon-based clinics and hospitals of
fabricating those lies.
The Lebanese High Relief Body added that those hospitals were helping the
Syrians at the expense of the Lebanese government. To make its point, the
Lebanese Body of Relief announced willingness for receiving independent media
representatives for further verification and that it honoured all
internationally-accepted norms and standards in distributing meat and milk
canisters. The high Relief Body duly beseeched all local and international
Medias concerned not to accept false stories concocted by the Syrian High Relief
as it said.
NNA - 10/3/2012 - Cloudy to dusty weather is forecasted for the upcoming
few days with a marked rise in temperature.
This, according to a Beirut International Airport-based Meteorology
department weather forecast of a low atmospheric pressure closing onto
the eastern Mediterranean basin prompting swirls of hot air and dust
with chances for intermittent drizzles by Sunday evening.
A high of 27 degrees Celsius along the coastline registers 14 degrees
for the low. On the mountain range, a high 25 degrees drops to a low of
10 degrees by nightfall. In the Beqaa and the Interior, a high of 28
degrees drops to a low of 7 degrees by nightfall.
Northerly-to-easterly surface winds gusting between 10 to 30 kilometers
per hour barely stir a calm Mediterranean sea whose surface water
temperature measures 15 degrees Celsius.
Humidity along the coastline, rates between 30 to 70% for this time of
the year.
G.G.
Fri 9/03/2012 17:06
NNA - 09/03/2012 - Students, faculty and notables from various scientific
disciplines recently gathered in AUB to participate in the University's 2nd
Annual Basic Biomedical Research Day, with topics ranging from genetic research
to stem cell and tumoricidal therapy.
Ayad Jaffa, assistant dean of interdisciplinary programs and chairperson of the
conference organizing committee, said the day aimed to unite the AUB research
community and provide an intellectual environment for scientific exchange.
In their introductory speeches, Dr. Mohamed H. Sayegh, dean of the Faculty of
Medicine and vice president of medical affairs, Provost Ahmed Dallal and AUB
Trustee Farouk Jabre expressed their support and faith in interdisciplinary
research partnerships and their impact at AUB.
Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary partnerships concentrate the critical
mass of resources and expertise needed to find innovative solutions to critical
real world problems, Dallal said.
Jabre, donor of the Farouk Jabre Award, said AUB had all the components for
multi-disciplinary research, important for the development of Lebanon and the
Arab region. He announced the doubling of his biomedical research endowment.
The Farouk Jabre Award is a one-year grant that brings together faculty from
different backgrounds to research a common interest and collaborate using
disparate areas of knowledge.
The 2012 recipients were Dr. Georges Nemer, from the Faculty of Medicine (FM);
Dr. Zakaria Kambris, from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS); Dr. Marwan
Sabban, from FM as well; and Dr. Hala Muhtasib, from FAS. All award winners
presented their research findings.
Dr. Georges Nemer, FM and Dr. Zakaria Kambris, FAS, are researching the nephrin
gene, implicated in cardiovascular disease. Recent evidence from mouse models
showed that the gene found in the kidneys, could lead to coronary artery
disease. Through screening patients with cardiac diseases at AUB-MC, and
studying the nephrin gene function in Drosophila at the Department of Biology at
AUB, they hope to prove that this gene could be an indicator of coronary artery
diseases.
The outcome of such findings could have a major impact on understanding
cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death among adults in Lebanon and
the world, says Nemer.
Dr. Marwan Sabban, FM and Dr. Hala Muhtasib, FAS, are working on targeted
therapy of breast cancer stem cells and metastasis.
Through last year's award and collaboration, Sabban and his partners generated
exciting preliminary data that served as a platform to apply for extramural
funding and set the foundations for long-term collaboration.
This year it is Dr. Muhtasib's interest in anti-cancer drugs and my interest in
cancer stem cells that won us the award. We plan to explore how some cancer
cells, may acquire stem cell properties, which may be the reason why some
cancers are resistant to therapy and may explain cancer recurrence, said Sabban.
The event's keynote speaker was Dr. Aida Ibrahim M. Al Aqeel, senior consultant
and head paediatric medical geneticist and consultant endocrinologist at the
Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital, and adjunct principal scientist at the King Faisal
Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Saudi Arabia.
In her presentation, Personalized Translation Genomics in the Middle East;
Challenges and Opportunities, Aqeel spoke of the influence of culture and
religion on regional medicine.
According to Aqeel, roughly 4,000 infants are born every year in Lebanon, many
of them with genetic disorders due to consanguinity - or inbreeding - a practice
not uncommon in the Middle East. In her clinic, 90 percent of her patients are
consanguineous. Aqeel said the best cures for defects caused by inbreeding were
prevention and education.
Aqeel detailed the challenges facing Middle Eastern medicine, such as costs of
testing, culture, religion and ethics, availability of technology and public and
professional education. She suggested integrating genomics into health care to
increase the efficiency and decrease the cost of medicine.
Once we know more genetic information about our patients, our abilities to help
will increase, Aqeel said.
A poster competition was held for students (post docs, fellows, trainees, and
residents), with awards of $500 each, given to the four best posters out of the
34 entries, based on the research and presentation.
Hayat Harati's poster summarized her post-doctoral studies on the juvenile
neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis disease, a neurological disease that strikes
children, causing blindness, seizures, progressive loss of cognitive and motor
skills, and premature death, and is testing a potential treatment called 'Galactosylceramide'
that seems to be effective at many levels.
Patricia Moghames, represented her research on H. pylori, a bacterium that has
been associated with ulcer and gastric cancer, and its effect on metabolic
syndrome and insulin resistance in the Lebanese adult population.
Given the fact that metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for coronary heart
disease, the number one cause of death in the world, studying if H. pylori is a
risk factor for metabolic syndrome is necessary, said Moghames. However, when
blood samples were analyzed, the results came back negative. So far, in Lebanon,
the H. pylori has not been shown to be associated with increased risk of
metabolic syndrome.
Kawthar Braysh's research yielded the evidence for understanding an important
function of mTOR, a mediator protein enzyme located in the kidney, that when
inhibited, could be a therapy to reduce urinary albumin excretion in type 1
Diabetes.
Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a rare and aggressive cancer of the
blood, and the protein called Tax which is only found in the cancerous T-cells
not the healthy ones-- is necessary and sufficient for the induction and
development of this type of leukemia.
Our laboratory has previously shown that a specific chemotherapeutic combination
of arsenic trioxide and interferon-alpha induces Tax degradation resulting in
destruction and eradication of ATL leukemia cells, said Zeina Dassouki.
Her poster showed for the first time the molecular mechanism of Tax degradation
during arsenic/interferon treatment.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy with temperature rise
Fri 9/03/2012 09:45
NNA - 9/3/2012 - The weather for Saturday is expected to be little cloudy with
additional temperature rise, according to Beirut meteorology department.
General Status: Stable weather dominates over the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Basin.
Coastal temperatures: 12 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: 8 to 19 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 5 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: Northern Western to Northern Eastern, gusting between 10 and 30
degrees Celsius.
Visibility: Medium to good.
Coastal humidity: 30% to 60%.
Sea: Calm. Surface water temperature: 16 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - New high-tech application for NNA!
Thu 8/03/2012 18:01
NNA - 08/03/2012 - The Lebanese Sync Company for electronics and
programming delved into serving the Lebanese media this time by finding
a new technological application for the National News Agency of the
Information Ministry.
This new program, known as NNA application, allows Lebanese citizens,
wherever they are, to freely follow up NNA's fresh news in the three
languages Arabic, French and English, in the field of politics, economy,
sports, education, regional, international, etc...
Say goodbye then to breaking news' monthly subscriptions that cost you
money or telecommunication units on mobile, and welcome the NNA
application from Sync!
Besides, in a pre-innovative step, such a free application allows any
citizen via the I-News programming to be in one way or another a
correspondent by sending NNA a piece of news gathered in terms of words
or photos.
A.M./R.K.
Policy - Habib: public opinion aware of illusive battles led by some
Thu 8/03/2012 15:16
NNA - 08/02/2012 - MP Khodr Habib said Thursday that House Speaker Nabih
Berri issued conflicting signals in the past few days on the question of
the compromises pertaining to the spending issue.
"The public opinion is aware of the illusive battles led by some poles,"
he said, clarifying that a large fraction of the $11 billion sum, spent
by the governments of former Prime Ministers Fouad Siniora and Saad
Hariri, was transferred to March 8 ministries.
"Even the Ministers affiliated to that camp which had boycotted the
cabinet sessions during the term of Siniora, had actually spent the
money in their ministries," he explained.
Habib also stated that Hezbollah could not break off relations with MP
Walid Jumblatt, even if he did not approve the positions taken by the
latter against the Syrian regime and within the Government.
"Hezbollah seeks, through its relations with Jumblatt, to prevent the
collapse of the government, while the PSP leader wants to maintain the
cabinet's persistence so as to avoid state vacuum", he assured.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - Ban Ki moon greets women on International Women's Day
Thu 8/03/2012 11:43
NNA - 8/3/2012 - Following is the message of UN Secretary General Ban Ki
moon on International Women's Day:
Gender equality and the empowerment of women are gaining ground
worldwide. There are more women Heads of State or Government than ever,
and the highest proportion of women serving as Government ministers.
Women are exercising ever greater influence in business. More girls are
going to school, and are growing up healthier and better equipped to
realize their potential.
Despite this momentum, there is a long way to go before women and girls
can be said to enjoy the fundamental rights, freedom and dignity that
are their birthright and that will guarantee their well-being. Nowhere
is this more apparent than in the world's rural areas. Rural women and
girls -- to whom this year's International Women's Day is devoted --
make up one quarter of the global population, yet routinely figure at
the bottom of every economic, social and political indicator, from
income and education to health to participation in decision-making.
Numbering almost half a billion smallholder farmers and landless
workers, rural women are a major part of the agricultural labour force.
They perform most of the unpaid care work in rural areas. Yet rural
women continue to be held back in fulfilling their potential. If rural
women had equal access to productive resources, agricultural yields
would rise by 4 per cent, strengthening food and nutrition security and
relieving as many as 150 million people from hunger. Rural women, if
given the chance, could also help end the hidden development tragedy of
stunting, which affects almost 200 million children worldwide.
Discriminatory laws and practices affect not just women but entire
communities and nations. Countries where women lack land ownership
rights or access to credit have significantly more malnourished
children. It makes no sense that women farmers receive only 5 per cent
of agricultural extension services. Investing in rural women is a smart
investment in a nation's development.
The plight of the world's rural women and girls mirrors that of women
and girls throughout society - from the persistence of the glass ceiling
to pervasive violence at home, at work and in conflict; from the
prioritization of sons for education to the hundreds of thousands of
women who die each year in the act of giving life for want of basic
obstetric care. Even those countries with the best records still
maintain disparity in what women and men are paid for the same work, and
see continuing under-representation of women in political and business
decision-making.
On this International Women's Day, I urge Governments, civil society and
the private sector to commit to gender equality and the empowerment of
women - as a fundamental human right and a force for the benefit of all.
The energy, talent and strength of women and girls represent humankind's
most valuable untapped natural resource.
Miscellaneous - Weather: clear with rise in temperature
Thu 8/03/2012 09:48
NNA - 8/3/2012- Weather in Lebanon on Friday is clear to partly cloudy with
limited rise in temperature, as forecasted by Beirut Airport-based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
General status: Stable weather dominates over the Eastern Mediterranean sea
basin.
-Temperature: On the coastline: 9 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 1 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 3 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
- Surface wind: Northern-western gusting between 8 and 20 Km/hr
- Visibility: Good.
- Humidity: between 45% and 70%.
- Sea : calm Surface temperature 16 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - 3.6 degrees earthquake strikes South Lebanon
Wed 7/03/2012 12:09
NNA - 7/3/2012 - The National Center for Geophysical Research recorded on
Wednesday a 3.6 degrees earthquake on Richter Scale striking South Lebanon at
10:20 am.
"Citizens have felt slight quivering but there's nothing to worry about", as
issued by the National Center for Scientific Research.
Miscellaneous - International Women's Day: helping women take matters into their
own hands
Wed 7/03/2012 11:28
NNA - 7/3/2012 - Although the vast majority of people who go missing in
connection with armed conflict are men, the mothers, wives and other family
members they leave behind also suffer enormously and often face severe hardship.
On the occasion of International Women's Day, the International Committee of the
Red Cross (ICRC) is calling for more action to help these women meet their
specific needs and regain dignity and hope, while emphasizing the responsibility
of parties to a conflict to search for the missing and provide information for
the families.
"Women all over the world have shown an extraordinary capacity to overcome
hardship and take their fate into their own hands," said Maria-Teresa Garrido
Otoya, the ICRC's adviser on issues relating to women and war. "Given half a
chance, they find novel and effective ways of providing for themselves and their
families."
Beyond the anguish of not knowing what happened to their husbands, sons or other
relatives, women and girls in these situations typically face daunting practical
difficulties. Because in many cases they have lost a breadwinner, they struggle
to provide such basic necessities as food for their families and education for
their children. "They also face legal and administrative challenges when it
comes to such things as claiming their husband's property or their eligibility
for public assistance to ease their families' economic hardship," said Ms
Garrido Otoya. "In addition, they are often stigmatized in their communities.
For example, not knowing whether their spouses are alive or dead, many do not
dress or behave like widows. Their communities are unable to understand their
behaviour, leaving them with no one to turn to for support."
The ICRC endeavours to provide a whole range of support to address the specific
needs of women with missing loved ones. In Libya, families are still approaching
the organization on a daily basis in the hope that it can help find out what
became of their loved ones. In Iraq, the ICRC helps women whose husbands have
gone missing by helping them set up small income-generating activities, like
running a shop or working as a hairdresser.
In Nepal, the ICRC makes counseling available and helps set up support groups to
relieve some of the distress and difficulty that the wives and mothers of
missing persons experience. In the support groups, women come together and are
able to share their suffering, sometimes even when they and their families were
formerly on opposite sides in the conflict.
Devisara and Laxmi are two Nepalese women ostensibly on opposite sides who are
now allies - they are united in pain. "For days, we walked alone," said Devisara.
"Now, we are walking in search of justice as victims from both sides of the
conflict. This is equally beautiful. We share grief with each other." Laxmi
agrees that they should not lose hope and that they must move ahead.
Under international humanitarian law, everyone has the right to know what
happened to missing relatives. It is the responsibility of parties to a conflict
to search for the missing and to provide the families with information. The
parties also have an obligation to see to it that the needs of the families of
missing persons are met. The most effective and appropriate way of doing so is
to provide women heading households with the tools to fend for themselves
without outside help.
Miscellaneous - House of Parliament smoking-free as of today
Tue 6/03/2012 13:02
NNA - 06/03/2012 - The House of Parliament started on Tuesday the implementation
of a law that bans smoking under the title of "Smoking-free House of
Parliament".
Health Ministry representatives brandished posters warning of the deadly
consequences of smoking all over the House of Parliament building.
This step comes as an implementation to law item 174 which the Parliament had
voted for back in August 2011.
Any infraction of the aforementioned law would result in a LL 135,000 fine.
R.H.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy with no temperature change
NNA - 6/3/2012 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be little cloudy
to partly cloudy without temperature change, according to Beirut
meteorology department.
General Status: Stable weather dominates over the Eastern Mediterranean
Sea.
Coastal temperatures: 9 to 19 degrees Celsius.
Mon 5/03/2012 09:58
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy with temperature rise
Tue 6/03/2012 10:18
NNA - 6/3/2012 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be little cloudy with
temperature rise, according to Beirut meteorology department.
General Status: Stable weather dominates over the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Coastal temperatures: 9 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: 6 to 12 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 3 to 16 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: Unstable and weak, gusting between 8 and 20 degrees Celsius.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 40% to 70%.
Sea: Moderate. Surface water temperature is at 16 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Lebanon bids Jean-Claude Boulos farewell, Daouk decorates him
with national citation
Mon 5/03/2012 22:26
NNA - 03/05/2012 - Representing President of the Republic, Michel Sleiman,
Speaker of the House Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Information
Minister, Walid Daouk, joined Lebanon on Monday as it said its final good-bye to
late Jean Claude Boulos at Saint George Cathedral in Down-Town Beirut.
"In appreciation of your efforts serving Lebanon, our precious one, the
President has decided to decorate you with a national cedars citation, of an
officer's rank. He gave me the honor to place it on your tomb as we bid you
farewell," Daouk said as offering Boulos's family his heartfelt condolences.
Minister Daouk was speaking before crowds of figures representing Lebanon's
media landscape, who also came to bid farewell the former president of the
International Advertising Association (IAA) and former Director of Tele Lebanon.
Dead at the age of 78, Jean Claude Boulos, began his engineering career in 1958
working on building CLT, the first Lebanese television station. This project was
his first and last as an engineer; he chose to join the station as Director of
Programs, where he remained until 1970.
His passion for the small screen drove him to produce and host several game
shows and talk shows, becoming as he often said of himself a face in the crowd.
In 1973, he decided to establish his own advertising and public relations
agency, Inter R�gies, which became a leading advertising agency in the Lebanese
market.
In September 1996 and until 1999, the Lebanese government appointed him CEO of
T�l� Liban.
In 2003, JCB helped establish the new Iraqi station, Al Sumaria TV, where he
occupied the post of managing director.
R.H.
NNA - 05/03/2012 - His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received on Monday
the renowned Spanish singer Julio Iglesias, currently on a visit to the kingdom
to hold two musical concerts, as part of the 7th Spring of Culture Festival
which started earlier this month and will run until mid-April. The King bestowed
the guest the Medal of Competency.
HM King Hamad welcomed the outstanding singer, praising his distinguished and
multi-lingual songs and successful artistic career which goes back to the 1960s.
HM the King also highlighted the role played by sublime art in upgrading the
artistic and cultural lives of people throughout history.
HM King Hamad also hailed the Spring of Culture Festival, held annually to
enrich the cultural momentum of the kingdom and boost cultural tourism, and
commended the role of the Culture Ministry, the Economic Development Board and
the Shaikh Ibrahim Centre for Culture and Research in this regard, wishing the
event, organized this year within the framework of "the Manama as Capital of
Arab Culture for 2012" every success.
HM the King also bestowed upon the Spanish singer the Medal of Competency in
recognition of his dedication and distinguished artistic contributions.
On his part, Julio Iglesias expressed his heartfelt thanks and gratitude to HM
the King for granting him such a prestigious medal, reflecting HM's appreciation
of artists and the crucial role they play in their societies.
He also expressed delight at visiting the kingdom and lauded its lively cultural
momentum, praising the spirits of peace, good and love prevailing among the
highly-cultivated Bahraini audience.
He also asserted that his mother's Andalusian origins make him feel at home when
he visits Arab countries, praising the Bahraini people's friendliness and
hospitality.
On the occasion, Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa expressed
her sincere appreciation and gratitude to HM the King for his interest in the
cultural sector and constant support for the cultural movement in the kingdom.
She also credited HM the King for the success of the efforts to consolidate the
cultural infrastructure in the kingdom, protect heritage sites and preserve
national identity.
"Those efforts could never have succeeded without HM the King's continuous
support," she noted, adding that during HM's prosperous era, the cultural sector
has its own independent ministry and Manama has become the capital of Arab
Culture.
Miscellaneous - (corrected) Layyoun: Art production in Lebanon genuine
Mon 5/03/2012 14:42
NNA - 03/05/2012 - Culture Minister Gaby Layyoun Monday described the art
production of Lebanon on the Arab level as credible and genuine.
Layyoun spoke during the ceremony marking the closure of the "Festival of
Lebanese Film and Television."
"The Ministry of Culture has no role in the production and creativity, being a
relatively modern ministry and not equipped compared to other departments," the
Minister said.
Layyoun added that "the department's role is limited solely to the promotion of
good production and sound development as to the sound critical thinking of
generations."
The Minister has finally wished that such festivals be held constantly, so that
Lebanon preserves its role and position within the Arab world.
L.W.
Miscellaneous - Layyoun: Art production in Lebanon genuine
Mon 5/03/2012 14:40
NNA - 03/05/2012 - Culture Minister Gaby Layyoun Monday described the art
production of Lebanon on the Arab level as candid and genuine.
Layyoun spoke during the ceremony marking the closure of the "Festival of
Lebanese Film and Television."
"The Ministry of Culture has no role in the production and creativity, being a
relatively modern ministry and not equipped compared to other departments," the
Minister said.
Layyoun added that "the department's role is limited solely to the promotion of
good production and sound development as to the sound critical thinking of
generations."
The Minister has finally wished that such festivals be held constantly, so that
Lebanon preserves its role and position within the Arab world.
L.W.
Miscellaneous - Tomorrow's weather few cloud with rise in temperature
Sun 4/03/2012 11:15
NNA - 4/03/2012 - The weather for Monday is expected to be partly cloudy with a
slight rise in temperature. Motorists must be aware of icy roads.
Weather report:
General Status: Low atmospheric pressure still dominates over Eastern
Mediterranean Sea Basin, with snow fall on 1000 meters high, accompanied with
rainfall and thunderstorms. The weather is expected to ameliorate on the
afternoon with a slight rise in temperature.
Temperature:
- On the coastline: 6 to 14 degrees Celsius.
- In the interior region: 2 to 10 degrees Celsius high.
- In the mountain range: 2 to 8 degrees Celsius high.
Surface wind: South-Easterly, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
Visibility on the coastline is good, but worsens on the mountains.
Humidity: 55% to 80%.
Sea: Agitated, surface water temperature is at 16 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: thunder, lightning and rain
Sat 3/03/2012 11:29
NNA - 03/03/2012 The meteorology department forecasted weather Sunday to be cold
and stormy, with snowfall starting at 900 meters. However, warmer temperatures
loom on the horizon as weather is expected to take a turn for the better
starting Sunday afternoon. Motorists must be wary of icy roads.
Coastal temperatures: 6 to 14 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: 0 to 5 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 1 to 6 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-westerly with speeds between 15 and 40 degrees Celsius.
Visibility: Good on the coast, worsens on higher terrain.
Coastal humidity: 55% to 80%.
Sea: Calm during the day, agitated at night with waves as high as 3 meters.
Surface water temperature is at 16 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - BRSLABS present 'Alsight' on March 5
Fri 2/03/2012 16:28
NNA - 02/03/2012 - BRSLABS chairman and CEO, Mr. Ray Davis, announced on Friday
the launch of "Alsight", an innovative reasoning based technology for analytical
surveillance camera that functions in a manner similar to the human brain (as
featured in the New York Times).
This first-of-a-kind event will be held at Phoenicia Hotel Beirut-Lebanon, on
March 5, 2012.
For more information about BRSLABS, please visit: www.brslabs.com
R.H.
Miscellaneous - Beirut river tests show red substance non-toxic
Thu 1/03/2012 16:40
NNA - 1/3/2012 - Minister of Environment, Nazem Khoury, on Thursday told a news
conference that the red substance found in Beirut River waterway few weeks ago
was neither hazardous nor toxic.
The Minister announced today the results of the lab tests carried out shortly
after the Beirut River mysteriously turned blood red after a stream of an
unidentified substance started pouring into the southern bank of the river in
Furn el-Chebbak, on February 15.
Tests showed that the substance was an "organic non-toxic and non-hazardous
compound."
"In facts, the Ministry of Environment was notified about the presence of a red
substance in Beirut River waterway at Quarantine on 15/2/2012; a work team from
the Ministry immediately mobilized to examine the field, evaluate the situation,
and take samples," the Minister explained.
Tests showed that the red substance sourced from a main sewage canal which pours
into Beirut river waterway under the bridge linking Chevrolet roundabout in
Sin-el-Fil towards Habtoor Grand Hotel.
The Minister indicated that work was underway to determine the location of the
sewages network in an effort to determine plants using this kind of color
material, assuming that tankers might have emptied their load in the sewage.
He revealed that the Ministry of Environment had sent two letters to the
Ministry of Energy and Water Resources as well as to the Council for Development
and Reconstruction, hereby questing to receive detailed maps for sewages
network.
Khoury vowed that the Ministry would refer the responsible party to the
competent judiciary, after determining the plants using the red substance.
NNA - 29/2/2012 - Central and mountain regions of the northern district of Akkar
lied Wednesday underneath a white coat, as snow fell at 400-meter altitude above
sea level, for the first time in years.
National News Agency correspondent reported that students and passengers got
stuck in their cars and buses, as ice formation due to a sudden drop in
temperature caused vehicles to slide and roads to hang about in traffic jam,
mainly in Kwashra, Bireh, Sendyaneh, Kobeyat, Endakt, and Shadra.
In Hermel, Qammouha, Fnaydek, Meshmesh, and Akroum, all over 800-meter altitude,
villagers urged the concerned authorities to rush to dispatch bulldozers as
roads were completely blocked.
Excavators affiliated to the Civil Defense and the Ministry of Public Works and
Transportation worked on reopening roads linking mountain villages to each
others.
In Kwashra, villagers were taken aback by a first-time view, as the whiteout
caused water to flood out of the [Kwashra] lake and covered its banks with snow.
Abda, Akkar's most contentious transportation knot, had the devil to pay, when
the blizzard bogged down the region's gateway with heavy rain showers, and water
and dirt floods penetrated into shops.
The windstorm, which struck the region Tuesday night, did not spare greenhouses
and citrus orchards. Wind speed exceeded 100km/hr and snow layers were as thick
as ever.
Miscellaneous - Baalbeck Festival relates to Abboud its financial situation
Wed 29/02/2012 19:55
NNA - 29/02/2012 - Tourism Minister Fady Abboud received on Wednesday at his
office a delegation of Baalbeck International Festivals Committee that related
to the host its weak financial condition.
The delegation said Abboud had assured that the financial contribution already
decided by the Tourism Ministry for the committee in 2010 would be paid soon.
The delegation thanked the host, wiping out any possibility for holding a
festival in this summer if the contribution failed to be received.
Miscellaneous - Haret Sakhr: An Investment in Lebanon's Public School System
Wed 29/02/2012 18:27
NNA - 29/2/2012 - U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly participated in a
ribbon cutting ceremony for the expansion of the Haret Sakhr School today.
Funded by the U.S. Embassy's Office of Defense Cooperation and in cooperation
with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Lebanese Armed
Forces, the $698,000 project began in June 2010 and provided construction of a
new three-story building that includes a conference hall, library, computer lab,
and multi-purpose room. Previously, the school had to restrict student
enrollment for Haret Sakhr children due to lack of space. The community now has
safe and adequate facilities to accommodate all its children that contribute to
a conducive learning environment.
The Office of Defense Cooperation previously funded over $500,000 in public
school construction and rehabilitation projects in Sin el-Fil and Al-Mat. This
initiative demonstrates the U.S. Government's overall commitment and support to
Lebanon's public school system that meets the needs of a new generation of
Lebanese as they contribute to a pluralistic, prosperous, stable, and
independent Lebanon.
It further complements the five-year, $75 million D-RASATI initiative, a joint
project between the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID) that targets Lebanon's public
schools to enhance student achievement through school rehabilitation, provision
of equipment, teacher and leadership training, extracurricular activities,
community engagement in local public schools, and establishes a monitoring and
evaluation system to ensure high-quality performance. Under the D-RASATI
initiative and in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Office of
Defense Cooperation is currently seeking funding to rehabilitate an addition
seven public schools.
The D-RASATI program was formally unveiled in a ceremony hosted by the Office of
the Prime Minister at the Grand Serail on February 27.
Miscellaneous - Anonymous vandalize Virgin Mary statue in Qaa
Wed 29/02/2012 16:02
NNA - 29/2/2012 - A number of anonymous people today vandalized a shrine of the
Virgin Mary in Qaa locality and destroyed parts of the statue, National News
Agency correspondent reported on Wednesday.
Parish Priest Father Elian Nasrallah refused to accuse any party, but called
upon competent authorities to uncover the identity of perpetrators and bring
them to justice.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Rainy with snow on 800 meters high
Wed 29/02/2012 09:58
NNA - 29/2/2012 - The weather for Thursday is expected to be cloudy,
rainy with thunderstorms. Snow falls on 800 meters high with continuous
temperature drop, according to Beirut airport Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
General status: Low atmospheric pressure accompanied with cold winds
dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
Temperature: On the coastline: 5 degree Celsius low to 12 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain range: 4 degree Celsius low to 7 degree Celsius high.
In the interior region: 0 degree Celsius low to 8 degree Celsius high.
Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 20 to 40 km/hr reaches
to 90 km/hr.
Visibility: Medium on the coastline while worsens on the mountain
heights.
Miscellaneous - Lebanon partakes in Doha symposium on media
Tue 28/02/2012 18:23
NNA - 28/2/2012 - Director General of the Information Ministry, Hassan Falha, on
Tuesday represented Lebanon in a symposium on media and disabled people in the
Qatari capital, Doha, within the frame of the joint work between the Higher
Council for Family Affairs and the National Human Rights Committee, under the
patronage of Sheikha Hossa Bent Hamad Ben Khalifa Al Thani.
The symposium resulted in the following recommendations:
-Working on spreading awareness concerning the rights of disabled people through
different media means in coordination with the governmental apparatuses and the
concerned civil society institutions;
-Urging media means to organize weekly radio and television shows which mirror
the real image of the causes relevant to disabled people;
-Calling innovators in the fields of letters and arts to change the negative
prototype image regarding the disabled people;
-Calling different media means to organize training programs to raise awareness
among mediamen about the rights of disable people;
-Earmarking an annual media prize on the Gulf and Arab level for the best media
work on disabled people's affairs and causes.
NNA - 28/2/2012 - A meeting was held on Tuesday at Dar-al-Fatwa in Sidon, at the
behest of Sidon Mufti Sheikh Salim Soussan, to condemn the killing of Mohammad
Natout, owner of a cell phones shop in Sidon.
MP Fouad Siniora, representatives of a number of communities, and a panel of
scholars and personalities participated in the meeting.
Security forces arrested today in Beirut a Syrian national accused of stabbing
Mohammad Natout, 66, owner of a cell phones shop in Elia square in Sidon.
In his word, Siniora hailed the efforts exerted by the security forces to round
up the criminal and underscored the importance of contacting State Prosecutor
Judge Saeed Mirza in order that the judicial bodies should adopt necessary
measures in that respect.
He also indicated that he had contacted Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, in an
effort to increase work so as justice takes it normal course.
Miscellaneous - Dialeb holds symposium on diabetes
Tue 28/02/2012 17:05
NNA - 28/2/2012 - The National Association for Diabetes, Dialeb, on Tuesday
organized a symposium on diabetes in Saint George Church in Halat, in presence
of Halat Municipality Head, Charles Bassil, and a panel of concerned
personalities.
Dialeb Head, Jacky Qassouf Maalouf, said the association is keenly concerned
with improving the life of diabetics through a healthy lifestyle and a
stepped-up awareness.
"The association aims to raise awareness on the level of fighting diabetes and
spread medical information and adequate teaching material," she noted.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Cloudy with winds and temperature drop
Mon 27/02/2012 10:35
NNA - 27/2/2012 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be partly cloudy in the
morning with winds, while the temperature drops and rain falls starting from the
afternoon, according to Beirut airport Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
General status: Low atmospheric pressure dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
Temperature: On the coastline: 16 degree Celsius low to 4 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain range: 14 degree Celsius low to 7 degree Celsius high.
In the interior region: 17 degree Celsius low to 5 degree Celsius high.
Surface wind: Southern Western changes to southern Eastern, gusting between 10
to 25 km\hr
Visibility: Medium.
Humidity: 35% to 65%.
Sea: Moderate, surface temperature 16 degrees Celsius.
Kanaan - Kanaan refuses any compromise on budget's account
Mon 27/02/2012 09:51
NNA - 27/2/2012 - Member of Parliament Ibrahim Kanaan reiterated that
the Change and Reform Parliamentary bloc will not accept any compromise
on the controversial $11 billion which were spent by the previous
governments without proper auditing and authenticated documents.
"Our bloc has no intention to alter its position concerning the $11
billion account and we insist on opening this file till the end. If we
forced to opt between accounts and compromise then we will choose
accountability," the MP stressed.
He added that if there is no accountability then "we won't have a real
state."
Kanaan also criticized the Christians groups in March 14 which withdrew
from the parliament in support of former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora
who has been charged with tampering with public funds accounts and
spending money above the ceiling of the last budget which was approved
by the Cabinet and parliament.
He added this action by some Christian groups was a mere cover up for
Siniora and his ministers who were involved in the alleged scheme to
hide the accounts from the public.
The MP said that the best solution for this controversial issue is to
send all the accounts since 2005 to the auditing department to verify
the authenticity of these accounts.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Scattered clouds, increase in temperature
Sun 26/02/2012 12:16
NNA - 26/02/2012 Monday is expected to begin on a warmer note than the weekend,
as meteorology report forecasted Sunday. Scattered clouds will taint the
otherwise blue skies of Lebanon. This, however, may change Tuesday evening as
rainfall is anticipated.
Coastal temperatures: 6 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: 0 to 14 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 5 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-westerly to westerly, gusting between 10 and 30 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 35% to 70%.
Sea: Mild waves with surface water temperature at 16 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Cloudy with rise in temperatures
Sat 25/02/2012 11:31
NNA - 25/02/2012 The meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International
Airport forecasted weather Sunday to be mostly cloudy, yet with warmer
temperatures than today.
Temperatures on the coast: 3 to 19 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures at the mountains: -1 to 13 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures on the inlands: 3 to 14 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North-westerly during the day, shifts to south-westerly at night
with speeds between 10 and 25 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 40% to 70%.
Sea: Mild waves with surface water temperature at 16 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Khalil solicits Ministers to enforce smoke banning law
Fri 24/02/2012 12:13
NNA - 24/2/2012 - Public Health Minister Ali Hassan Khalil sent a letter
to the Ministers of National Defense, Interior and Municipalities,
Justice, as well as Education and Higher Learning, calling on them to
enforc the law 174 which stipulates banning smoking in public places.
Ministers Fayez Ghosn, Marwan Charbel, Adnan Mansour, Shakib Cortbawi,
and Hassan Diab were requested to circulate this law in their Ministries
and all the institutions and bureaus affiliated to them, so as employees
and citizens are bound to respect the law.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - "On the Land of Gipsy" Play opens up at Casino Du Liban, in
presence of Sleiman
Thu 23/02/2012 23:34
NNA - 23/2/2012 Marwan and Ghadi Rahbani Brothers launched on Thursday their new
work "On the Land of Gipsy" musical play at Casino Du Liban Theatre, attended by
President of the Republic Michel Sleiman and First Lady in addition to
ministers, deputies and dignitaries.
The play talks about a crucial dilemma concerning land and a human being,
shedding light on a story of a Brazilian man of Lebanese origin who returns to
his country to build a villa for his fianc�e, on a land he inherited from his
grandfather.
Ghassan Saliba, Alline Lahoud and Paul Sleiman are the main actors of the said
play.
The Play is written by Ghadi Rahbani and produced by Marwan Rahbani. Music is by
Marwan, Oussama and Omar Rahbani.
---------------L.Y
Miscellaneous - Daouk: Photography profession safeguarded by Constitution
Thu 23/02/2012 20:39
NNA - 23/2/2012 Information Minister Walid Daouk underlined that photography
line of work falls within public liberties guaranteed by the Constitution,
stressing that this profession should be safeguarded and highly esteemed.
Minister Daouk's words came during his sponsorship of a ceremony held by "Press
Photographers' Syndicate" on Thursday afternoon, marking "Martyr Press
Photographer Day" and the launching of a competition on environment.
The event was attended by Iraqi Embassy's Charge D'Affaires, Ahmed Mahmoud
Ghaleb, Information Ministry Director General Hassan Falha, Photographers
Syndicate Dean, Karim Hajj, and a number of concerned dignitaries.
"A photographer should be able to assume his duties across all Lebanese
territories without exception and under best conditions," Daouk said, stressing
that press liberties guarantee journalists and photographers' work wherever they
exist.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of protecting photography cameras,
stressing that no one is allowed to attack a journalist or his apparatuses
whether by security forces or others.
"We shall not allow that journalists or photographers' dignity be tampered with,
regardless of justifications or pretexts," Daouk emphasized.
On another note, Daouk saluted fallen press photographers on their day, highly
appreciating photographers' efforts to obtain valuable pictures or images whose
profound and symbolic meanings reflect more than thousand words.
Saluting martyr photographers on their anniversary, Daouk pointed out that they
sacrifice their lives in favor of their profession.
"They work to convey the real picture to all the people... and most of the times
they act as unknown soldiers," Daouk said.
Turning to the issue of choosing environment as the topic for the Syndicate's
competition, Daouk considered that a press photographer is the most competent
side of unveiling all violations or trespasses on the Lebanese environment in
all its spheres.
"A press photographer is the most courageous and truthful in exposing all these
environment violations and trespasses," Daouk deemed.
On the other hand, the ceremony included a distribution of awards on competition
winners and appreciation certificates on a number of press photographers.
---------------L.Y
Miscellaneous - Greenocratic Organization launches its 'Let's Do It Lebanon'
Campaign
Wed 22/02/2012 23:04
NNA - 22/2/2012 - "Greenocratic Organization," a non-governmental group of
devoted Lebanese catering to spreading environmental awareness, has initiated
preparations for a massive "clean-up day" in all of Lebanon. Following its
participation last January in the "Let's Do It World 2012" Conference in
Tallinn, Estonia, in which it successfully represented Lebanon amongst 83 other
partaking countries from all over the world, "Greenocratic Organization"
launched its "Let's Do It Lebanon" Campaign. This Campaign aims at cleaning-up
Lebanon of all its garbage in one single day, in collaboration with the
Environment Ministry and other environmental organizations. The "Let's Do It
World 2012" Campaign, which is a massive global volunteer action to clean-up
illegal garbage dumps, is scheduled to instigate a series of clean-ups in
several partaking countries round the world between March 24th - September 25th,
2012. The "Let's Do It Lebanon" Campaign has plans for upcoming September 8th,
2012, for a huge clean-up day. Lebanese citizens are encouraged to join in this
unprecedented move, in a bid to contribute to cleaning-up their country; thus,
ensuring a more healthy and decent living environment for themselves, and the
future generations to come.
The Organization encourages each and everyone residing in any part of Lebanon to
contribute to mapping the waste across the country. Citizens are encouraged to
take photos of any spotted "waste area" on all Lebanese territories and
downloading an application on their IPhones (Let's Do It World) or Androids
(Waste map) indicating the exact location of such waste dump areas. For more
details, everyone is invited to visit the "Let's Do It Lebanon" FB Page (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lets-Do-It-Lebanon/146872635428659)
or www.letsdoitlebanon.org.
"We have to start somewhere. We believe we can change the mentality of people,
and thinking 'green' is refreshing to all of Lebanon. Our aim is to create an
innovative, environmentally conscientious generation," says Greenocratic
President, Mr. Roy Hanna. In its mission statement, Greenocratic Organization
summarizes its main goals of: "Motivating generations towards a greener future,
guiding them and drawing an example to love, protect and act responsibly while
creating a pure and green environment."
For more information, inquiries can be addressed to the Organization's email:
info@greenocratic.org or lebanon@letsdoitworld.org.
Miscellaneous - Greenocratic Organization launches its 'Let's Do It Lebanon'
Campaign
Wed 22/02/2012 23:04
NNA - 22/2/2012 - "Greenocratic Organization," a non-governmental group of
devoted Lebanese catering to spreading environmental awareness, has initiated
preparations for a massive "clean-up day" in all of Lebanon. Following its
participation last January in the "Let's Do It World 2012" Conference in
Tallinn, Estonia, in which it successfully represented Lebanon amongst 83 other
partaking countries from all over the world, "Greenocratic Organization"
launched its "Let's Do It Lebanon" Campaign. This Campaign aims at cleaning-up
Lebanon of all its garbage in one single day, in collaboration with the
Environment Ministry and other environmental organizations. The "Let's Do It
World 2012" Campaign, which is a massive global volunteer action to clean-up
illegal garbage dumps, is scheduled to instigate a series of clean-ups in
several partaking countries round the world between March 24th - September 25th,
2012. The "Let's Do It Lebanon" Campaign has plans for upcoming September 8th,
2012, for a huge clean-up day. Lebanese citizens are encouraged to join in this
unprecedented move, in a bid to contribute to cleaning-up their country; thus,
ensuring a more healthy and decent living environment for themselves, and the
future generations to come.
The Organization encourages each and everyone residing in any part of Lebanon to
contribute to mapping the waste across the country. Citizens are encouraged to
take photos of any spotted "waste area" on all Lebanese territories and
downloading an application on their IPhones (Let's Do It World) or Androids
(Waste map) indicating the exact location of such waste dump areas. For more
details, everyone is invited to visit the "Let's Do It Lebanon" FB Page (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lets-Do-It-Lebanon/146872635428659)
or www.letsdoitlebanon.org.
"We have to start somewhere. We believe we can change the mentality of people,
and thinking 'green' is refreshing to all of Lebanon. Our aim is to create an
innovative, environmentally conscientious generation," says Greenocratic
President, Mr. Roy Hanna. In its mission statement, Greenocratic Organization
summarizes its main goals of: "Motivating generations towards a greener future,
guiding them and drawing an example to love, protect and act responsibly while
creating a pure and green environment."
For more information, inquiries can be addressed to the Organization's email:
info@greenocratic.org or lebanon@letsdoitworld.org.
Miscellaneous - UNRWA announces U.S.D. 2 millions to Restoring Dignity Appeal
Wed 22/02/2012 18:35
NNA - 22/02/2012 - The UNRWA held on Wednesday a ceremony announcing an
important donation of U.S.D. 2 millions made by Norway to the Restoring Dignity
Appeal.
The Appeal aims to provide assistance and support for the Palestinian refugees
in Lebanon.
The ceremony was attended by the Norwegian Ambassador Swein Aass, head of the
Lebanese Palestinian Dialogue Committee Abdul Majid Al-Qassir, Palestinian
Ambassador to Lebanon Ashraf Dabbour and others.
Aass gave a word during the event, stressing upon the necessity of building
houses and schools for the refugees in Lebanon.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly cloudy with gradual temperature rise
Wed 22/02/2012 09:41
NNA - 22/2/2012 - The weather for Thursday is expected to be partly
cloudy with additional and limited temperature rise, according to Beirut
AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 8 degree Celsius low to 20 degree
Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 6 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -3 degree Celsius low to 6 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: -2 degree Celsius low to 9 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western to Northern Eastern, gusting between 10
to 30 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium to good.
Humidity: 25 % to 65%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 16 degree Celsius.
NNA - 21/2/2012 - Newly appointed Commander of the United Nations Interim Force
in Lebanon (UNIFIL), General Paolo Serra, on Tuesday visited Benoit Barakat
casern in Tyre, where he was received by General Sadeq Tleiss and a number of
officers.
Serra's meetings today are part of protocol visits the General is paying to
Lebanese officials and commanders following his fresh appointment as commander
in office of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, succeeding General
Alberto Asarta Cuevas of Spain.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly cloudy with gradual temperature rise
Tue 21/02/2012 10:18
NNA - 21/2/2012 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be partly cloudy to
cloudy with high clouds and gradual temperature rise, according to Beirut
AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable and cold weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 8 degree Celsius low to 20 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 4 degree Celsius low to 9 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: -2 degree Celsius low to 9 degree Celsius high.
In Cedars: -5 degree Celsius low to 6 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 30 % to 60%.
Sea: Low waves with surface water temperature at 16 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Mikati at UNDP Festival of Nature: Awareness starts at home
Mon 20/02/2012 14:22
NNA - 20/2/2012 Prime Minister Najib Mikati, represented by Environment Minister
Nazem Khoury, Monday said environmental awareness begins at homes with parents
and relatives.
"Along with parents, come schools and pedagogic institutions, with their wide
contribution to spreading awareness from a theoretical, moral, behavioral, and
practical angle," Khoury said representing Mikati at the UNDP theatrical piece
titled "The Festival of Nature" at UNESCO Palace.
The event took place in presence of Spanish Ambassador Juan Carlos Gafo, Papal
Nuncio Gabriel Caccia, Water and Energy representative, the UN Special
Representative for Lebanon Robert Watkins, as well as school students and
representatives of environment friendly associations.
Khoury said this gathering aims at spreading awareness among Lebanese elementary
school students of most important causes and environmental threats the country
is facing, through a theatrical event the BEE EVENT Company will be presenting.
"Everyone should learn that earth does not belong to them but it is a legacy
they ought to preserve safe and sound so that their children would inherit as
well," he noted.
The Spanish Ambassador, in turn, said Lebanon is now prioritizing environment
issue through international and domestic institutions toward a sustainable
environment.
Gafo heaped praise on the culture of awareness in all societies.
As for his part, Watkins said Lebanon has scored a progress during the past
years for the protection of its environment.
Stating most major challenges and threats hindering Lebanon's plan to preserve
the environment, Watkins conveyed the UN's support to Lebanon in order to help
the country realize set goals.
"The theatrical event was designed to lay environment causes and explain threats
of climate change and benefits of preserving water and energy to children," he
remarked.
After the conclusion of their speeches, the audience and participating members
headed to watch the play which will be presented starting next month in
different Lebanese regions.
NNA: 20/2/2012 - ESCWA will hold a workshop on capacity-building workshop on
mainstreaming the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity (TEEB) into national
planning and decision-making in the MENA region on February 21.
Experts involved in the study on The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)
will work with officials responsible for national biodiversity strategies and
action plans (NBSAPs) to increase capacity in the use of valuation studies on
the economic benefits of biodiversity in the decision-making process.
Launched in 2007 by the G8+5 ministers of environment under their the Potsdam
Initiative, and coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
TEEB has drawn attention to the global economic benefits provided by nature,
highlighting the growing costs of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation
and clarifying the link between nature, the ecosystem services it provides, and
the role these services play in our economies.
Governments in North Africa and the Middle East are aware of the problem of
biodiversity loss and ecosystem services and acknowledge TEEB's contribution in
providing guidance for balancing economic and environmental concerns.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Sunny with temperature drop
Mon 20/02/2012 09:05
NNA - 20/2/2012 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be sunny with
temperature drop at dawn while rises during the day, according to Beirut AirPort
Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 4 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: -6 degree Celsius low to 9 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: -1 degree Celsius low to 12 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern to Northern Western, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
NNA - 19/02/2012 The stormy weather which engulfed Lebanon with rain and snow is
bound to end starting Sunday afternoon, and continues to improve as temperatures
rise in the coming few days. However, ice continues to form on mountainous and
inland roads.
Coastal temperatures: 6 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: 1 to 6 degrees Celsius.
Bekaa temperatures: 1 to 5 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: Fluctuate between south-westerly to northerly, then
west-northerly with speeds between 10 and 55 km/hr.
Visibility: Average.
Coastal humidity: 50% to 75%.
Sea: Moderate waves with surface water temperature at 16 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Feminist sit-in to protest anti-familial violence law
Sat 18/02/2012 16:41
NNA - 18/02/2012 Three feminist Women's groups; The National Alliance for
Legalizing the Protection of Women against Familial Violence, Enough Violence
and Exploitation{Kafa} and the Gathering for the Protection of Women staged a
sit-in to protest the amendment of the law protecting women against domestic and
family violence by the parliament sub-commission.
Demonstrators in Downtown Samir Kassir garden, accuse conservative legislators
of emptying the law of its clauses of its anti-violence content such that
familial violence continues to be meted with impunity.
Zoya Rohana from Kafa, contend that the bill-amendment allows husbands forcing
wives to have sex with them to go with impunity and excludes at the same time
the protection of children and elderly people against violence. Rohana pledged
further escalatory moves if claims continue to fall on deaf ears.
The Gathering for the Protection of Women for its part, reiterated continued
victimization of women at the hands of a reactionary society accusing the police
of being accomplices to the perpetrators of violence by staying aloof and doing
nothing to stop familial violence.
NNA - 18/02/2012 - Lebanese expat to the Western African nation of Nigeria Habib
Hashem has been found knifed to death in his hotel room in the metropolitan city
of Lagos early today.
Relatives appealed to Villa Boustros and the Lebanese ambassador to investigate
the circumstances surrounding the murder and make arrangements for transferring
the body to his home-village of Hasbayya.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Partly rainy, improves at noon
Sat 18/02/2012 11:36
NNA - 18/02/2012 The stormy cold weather Lebanon has been experiencing for the
past few days is bound to get better tomorrow, according to meteorology report
Saturday.
Sporadic rain during the morning will stop around noon, as temperatures get
warmer and the skies get clearer. Snow is expected starting 700 meters above sea
level, and drivers on mountainous routes must be wary of icy roads, particularly
at night.
Coastal temperatures: 7 to 11 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: 0 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 1 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-westerly with speeds between 15 and 60 km/hr.
Visibility: Average, worsens on higher terrain.
Coastal humidity: 60% to 85%.
Sea: Rampant waters with surface temperature at 16 degrees Celsius.
NNA - 17/02/2012 - Culture Minister, Gaby Layyoun, met with Ukrainian
Ambassador, Vladimir Koval, over bilateral relations between both
countries on various levels especially pertaining to cultural affairs.
The meeting was held on Friday at Layyoun's ministerial office where
both men also discussed the importance of activating relations between
both countries after the Ukrainian Prime Minister's visit to Lebanon
last December.
Koval, who extended an invitation to the Minister to visit Ukraine,
highlighted to him the necessity of cultural exchange via the
organization of Lebanese cultural days in Ukraine and vice-versa.
Miscellaneous - Khalil winds up visit to Iran, discusses local medical
production
Fri 17/02/2012 15:59
NNA - 17/02/2012 - Public Health Minister Ali Hassan Khalil winded up
his visit to Iran after meeting with the Iranian President Assistant for
Economic Cooperation with the World Sayed Said Lou and discussing with
him the topic related to Lebanon's production of medicines.
Both agreed on duplicating efforts so that Lebanon would be among the
countries that produce medicines.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Rainy, stormy and snow on 1100 meters high
Thu 16/02/2012 08:56
NNA - 16/2/2012 - The weather for Friday is expected to be rainy with
thunderstorms and temperature drop. Snow falls on 1100 meters high, according to
Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure accompanied by cold winds dominates
over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 6 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 5 degree Celsius low to 10 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 6 degree Celsius low to 12 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 20 to 45 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - (updated) Charbel discloses final report on Fassouh
building's collapse reasons
Wed 15/02/2012 16:09
NNA - 15/2/2012 - Interior and Municipalities Minister Marwan Charbel on
Wednesday revealed the reasons behind the building collapse in Fassouh,
Achrafieh, saying the major factor is the construction's aged structure
as well as other direct and indirect causes such as the removal of a
sandy wall adjacent to the building, and the normal impact of the
construction next to it, as well as underground water reasons.
The Minister relied in his statement on the final report issued by the
committee assigned to study the reasons behind Fassouh building's fall
down.
Charbel indicated however that the report is sheer technical with no
legal investigations yet to determine the responsibilities, as part of
the general prosecution of appeal's competences.
Separately, Minister Charbel tackled developments at the local scene
with former Minister Youssef Saadeh, with talks mainly focusing on
municipal affairs.
He also discussed developmental issues with parliament member Qassem
Hashem.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - Charbel discloses final report on Fassouh building's
collapse reasons
Wed 15/02/2012 16:02
NNA - 15/2/2012 - Interior and Municipalities Minister Marwan Charbel on
Wednesday revealed the reasons behind the building collapse in Fassouh,
Achrafieh, saying the major factor is the construction's aged structure
as well as other direct and indirect causes such as the removal of a
sandy wall adjacent to the building, and the normal impact of the
construction next to it, as well as underground water reasons.
The Minister relied in his statement on the final report issued by the
committee assigned to study the reasons behind Fassouh building's fall
down.
Charbel indicated however that the report is sheer technical with no
legal investigations yet to determine the responsibilities, as part of
the general prosecution of appeal's competences.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - Connelly tackles with Sharafeddine disappearance of al-Ayasamy
Mon 13/02/2012 16:53
NNA - 13/02/2012 - The Embassy of the United States of America issued on Monday
the following communiqu� saying that the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura
Connelly met with Ms. Rajaa Sharafeddine, the daughter of former Syrian Vice
President Shibli al-Ayasamy. The Ambassador expressed her deep concern about the
disappearance of al-Ayasamy [Sharafeddine's father] and shared her support for
the family.
The United States is deeply troubled by reports of disappearances, arrests, and
intimidation of Syrians in Lebanon undertaken by the Syrian regime and its
supporters. Refugees, dissenters, and deserters who renounce violence should be
protected, and we urge the Lebanese government to work closely with the
international community to address the humanitarian needs of those who have fled
to Lebanon from the ongoing violence in Syria.
A.M.
Miscellaneous - Countries call for 'blue' economy to protect the Mediterranean
Mon 13/02/2012 10:49
NNA - Paris, 10 February 2012: Mediterranean countries and the European Union
meeting in Paris have called for a "blue" economy to be set up to safeguard and
promote a clean, healthy, productive Mediterranean environment.
The call came as the issued their closing communique - the Paris Declaration -
as the 17th Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP17) to the Barcelona
Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region
of the Mediterranean and its Protocols drew to an end after three days of talks
in Paris this week.
In his opening speech, France's Ambassador for the Environment, Jean-Pierre Th�bault,
who chaired the meeting, said: "In this very symbolic year for the environment,
I express the wish that the Mediterranean Action Plan remains ambitious and
leads by example, showing the way towards Rio+20".
The Paris Declaration reflects this ambition.
The 22 countries want a "blue" economy, a version of the Green Economy that is
applied to seas and oceans, and hope to see a strategic policy framework adopted
at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Brazil in June.
The world's marine ecosystems provide essential food and livelihoods to millions
of people. UNEP's research shows how a switch to the more sustainable Green
Economy model could unlock the vast potential of the marine-based economy and at
the same time significantly reduce ocean degradation while alleviating poverty.
UNEP defines the Green Economy as one that results in improved human well-being
and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and
ecological scarcities.
"The time has come for us to rethink how we manage our oceans," said Achim
Steiner, executive Director of UNEP and Under Secretary General of the UN. "They
are a key pillar for many countries of their economic and social development,
and are vital in the fight against poverty. But too many of these essential
natural resources are being degraded by unsustainable use, putting the
ecosystems services they provide, such as food security and climate regulations
for instance, at risk.
"Management decisions and investments that put the well-being of the oceans are
essential if we are to continue to profit from this rich natural resource. A
'blue' economy in the Mediterranean and elsewhere would be a big step on the
right path."
The meeting welcomed the progress that had been made in 2011 in reinforcing the
fight against deterioration of the Mediterranean sea with the entry into force
of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) protocol and the Protocol for
the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution resulting from
Exploration and Exploitation of the Continental Shelf and the Seabed and its
Subsoil (the "Offshore" Protocol).
These two-world first protocols recognize the Mediterranean environment as a
critical and shared resource, and promote and promote a co-operative and
holistic approach to its management.
In the Paris Declaration, the Contracting Parties also:
"Reaffirmed their political commitment to the sustainable development of the
Mediterranean Sea and its coastal zones through an ecosystem approach to the
management of human activities.
" Agreed to develop a coherent, well-managed network of marine protected areas
in the Mediterranean, aiming for a target of 10 per cent of marine protected
areas by 2020.
" Decided to intensify their efforts to curb marine pollution from land-based
sources, such as mercury, Persistent Organic Pollutants and marine litter, by
adopting legally binding measures, and reduce pollution from offshore and
marine-based activities though regional action plans.
" Adopted the action plan for the implementation of the Integrated Coastal Zone
Management Protocol, and encouraged all Contracting Parties to ratify it.
" Agreed to work to protect the conservation and sustainable use of marine
biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction through the implementation of
existing instruments and through the development of a multilateral agreement
under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
" Supported the preparation by 2014 of a report on the state of the marine
environment, including from a socioeconomic perspective.
The Barcelona Convention entered into force in 1978, after Mediterranean
countries and the European Community had, three years earlier, adopted the
Mediterranean Action Plan, the first-ever Regional Seas Programme under the
umbrella of the United Nations Environment Programme. The convention was amended
and renamed in 1995; and that version came into force in 2004.
The 22 Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention are: Albania, Algeria,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, the European Union, France,
Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco,
Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey.
Miscellaneous - Weather little cloudy with temperature drop
Mon 13/02/2012 10:32
NNA - 13/2/2012 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be little cloudy to
partly cloudy and temperature drop, according to Beirut AirPort Based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 7 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 1 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 3 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
In Arz: -1 degree Celsius low to 2 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
NNA - 13/02/2012 The new week begins in Lebanon on a slightly warmer note than
the weekend, as the meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International Airport
expected a slight increase in temperatures, while skies continue to hold on to
clouds, with some sunny spells. Rain may fall during Monday night.
Coastal temperatures: 9 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-ranger temperatures: 5 to 11 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 2 to 16 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: Northern winds during the day with speeds between 10 and 30
km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 25% to 65%.
Sea: Mild waves with surface water temperature at 17 degrees Celsius.
Sunrise: 6:27 a.m.
Sunset: 5:18 p.m.
Miscellaneous - Health Minister Khalil Marking International Day for
Combating Cancer!
Sat 11/02/2012 16:25
NNA - 11/02/2012 - Marking International Day for combating cancer at the
House of the Lebanese physician, Public Health minister Ali-Hassan
Khalil, pledged full support for cancer patients saying his ministry
would not hesitate for one second in extending any help to them. The
anti-cancer momentum would be kept up to ensure the attainment of full
sanity and a healthy environment the minister added.
He prescribed certain approaches deemed efficacious enough in combating
malignancies namely by adopting cancer pre-emption anti-smoking
measures.
A number of speakers including the dean of Physicians Sharaf Abou-Sharaf
took the word who ironically stated that the Spring of Cancer is at hand
ushering in the Fall of human health.
Abou-Sharaf proposed cancer-prevention by 30% by simply modifying our
erroneous life-style and eating habits.
A couple of working papers from the ministries of Information and
Education were duly submitted by N.N.A official Andre Qassas.
NNA - 11/02/2012 Sunday weather is expected to be clear with significant
increase in temperatures, met by a decrease in humidity. Winds will be active,
especially in south of the country, according to meteorology department at Rafik
Hariri International Airport.
Coastal temperatures: 9 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 4 to 12 degrees Celsius.
Zahle temperatures: 4 to 17 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North-westerly with speeds between 10 and 30 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 25% to 65%.
Sea: Calm waters with surface temperature at 17 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather changes to sunny with temperature rise
Fri 10/02/2012 10:14
NNA - 10/2/2012 - The weather for Saturday is expected to be little
cloudy then changes to sunny with temperature rise, according to Beirut
AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 9 degree Celsius low to 19 degree
Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 2 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 1 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 15 to 40 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium.
Humidity: 50 % to 75%.
Sea: Wavy changes to moderate, Surface temperature 17 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Al-Rai lifts the curtain off Saint Maroun's Statue in Bkirki
Thu 9/02/2012 21:31
NNA - 9/2/2012 - Marking the occasion of Saint Maroun's Day, Maronite Patriarch
Bshara Butros Al-Rai lifted Thursday the curtain off Saint Maroun's Statue
situated at the external entrance to Bkirki. The Statue is by Lebanese Artist
Nayef Alwan, sponsored by Lebanese expatriate Doumit Maroun. Cardinal Nasrallah
Butros Sfeir and a number of Maronite priests and prominent political and social
dignitaries were present during the event.
Following prayers of blessing by Cardinal Sfeir, Patriarch Al-Rai lifted the
curtain off the new Statue, giving a word of thanks to all participants in the
event. He also thanked the Lebanese expatriate Maroun for his sponsorship and
coming all the way from Australia to partake in the event; recalling herein the
beauty of Lebanon in both its residing and expatriate citizens who work
together, hand-in-hand, to preserve their heritage and build their dear country.
He prayed that the Lebanese expatriates would carry with them the true facets of
Lebanon and preserve their connection to their mother land despite being
thousands of miles away.
Miscellaneous - "Naturalize my family campaign" at Nahhass'
Thu 9/02/2012 14:09
NNA - 09/02/2012 - A delegation from the "naturalize my family is their right
campaign" praised Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas for his reciprocity in canceling
working sanctions for husbands and sons of Lebanese women.
Delegation members reportedly briefed the Minister over their activities. They
also presented him with a number of demands pertaining to difficulties visited
on them and their family members.
Minister Nahhas expressed full support for the Lebanese women and blamed
previous governments for dashing their requests for equitable working
opportunities.
Among agendas highlighting today's meeting between delegation members and the
Minister were working permits for Palestinians who are supposed to benefit from
this law like the rest. Visiting delegation of women also brought to his
attention the plight of foreign domestic workers in Lebanon.
Campaign members told Nahhas that they are prone to any suggestion and expressed
confidence in the Minister's efforts to ameliorate working conditions pertaining
to their families.
Miscellaneous - Mikati patronizes INJAZ Al-Arab, MasterCard launch of
entrepreneurial program for youth
Wed 8/02/2012 19:23
NNA - 8/02/2012 - During an event held under the High Patronage of Prime
Minister Najib Mikati, MasterCard Worldwide on Wednesday announced that the
Company is teaming up with INJAZ Al-Arab, a non-profit organization in the
Middle East.
INJAZ Al-Arab, member of Junior Achievement Worldwide collaborates with
corporate volunteers and Ministries of Education to provide experiential
education and training to Arab youth in work readiness, financial literacy and
entrepreneurship. MasterCard will support INJAZ Al-Arab's "It's My Business", a
leading entrepreneurial mentorship program developed for youth in Lebanon and
countries across Middle East and North Africa.
The announcement was made at an event, which MasterCard and INJAZ Al-Arab held
at the Intercontinental Phoenicia Hotel, Beirut, marked by the attendance of
H.E. Mr. Walid Daouk, Minister of Information, Lebanon, as well as, Soraya Salti,
INJAZ Al-Arab Regional Director and Junior Achievement Senior Vice President,
Middle East and North Africa, Michael Miebach, president, Middle East and
Africa, MasterCard Worldwide, Patricia Devereux, group head, Corporate
Philanthropy and Citizenship, MasterCard Worldwide, Basel El Tell, vice
president and regional manager, Levant, MasterCard Worldwide.
MasterCard's support to INJAZ Al Arab's entrepreneurship program is rooted in
the company's long standing commitment towards Lebanon and the Middle East and
Africa region. MasterCard is committed to furthering financial inclusion through
the power of entrepreneurship as this increases the prosperity of communities
and ensures that people have an opportunity to achieve their full potential.
The It's My Business program is centered around an entrepreneurship curriculum
for middle school students with a strong focus on social studies, reading and
writing skills. MasterCard's support towards INJAZ Al-Arab is closely connected
with the Company's global collaboration with Junior Achievement..
"I fully give credit to organizations such as INJAZ Al-Arab and MasterCard who
are committed to introducing programs that enhance the skills and capabilities
of Arab youth," said H.E., Walid Daouk, Minister of Information, Lebanon. "The
introduction of It's My Business program in Lebanon, will provide our youth with
a wealth of knowledge on financial literacy and business-related skills, which
will allow them to thrive when they enter the real world."
"Real change mostly starts with our youth. They represent an incredible
potential and a vast imagination that should never be taken lightly. Too often,
they cannot follow where their imagination and thoughts lead them because they
might think they are difficult to apply in the real world. As a result, their
marvelous ideas find no place to go, and get buried with other dreams. In light
of these challenges, I am confident that your initiative, the entrepreneurship
curriculum for middle school students "It's my Business", will sure find ways to
protract, brace, and spread out those potent and promising thoughts," the
Information Minister added.
Despite speaking of many Arab success stories at the entrepreneurship level, the
Minister warned that data show that the number of private businesses established
every year in the US or Europe exceeds by far the number in Arab countries, and
unemployment in the Arab world remains among the highest in the world. "This
underlines the need to further promote an entrepreneurship culture among Arab
youth," he said.
In turn, Salti said: "We at INJAZ Al-Arab are privileged to collaborate with
MasterCard to bring the It's My Business program to Arab youth. Youth
unemployment in the MENA region currently stands at 25%, which is double the
world average. Moreover, research from Booz & Company shows that on average,
youth are waiting five years after graduation to find their first job. Receiving
support from MasterCard allows us to address this youth unemployment crisis by
improving the workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy
skills of Arab youth."
"All young people deserve an opportunity to reach their full potential," said
Miebach. "MasterCard is proud to work with INJAZ Al-Arab to launch the It's My
Business program, which we believe is a great investment in youth in Lebanon and
across the Middle East and North Africa. Equipping the youth with
entrepreneurship skills will enable them to pursue their own business, thus
reducing unemployment rates and allowing them to build stronger futures for
themselves and their families while positively contributing to the economic
development of their countries."
"At MasterCard, we strongly believe in creating new opportunities for people to
thoughtfully and knowledgeably participate in the global economy," said
Devereux. "Extending our global agreement with Junior Achievement in
collaboration with INJAZ Al-Arab is close to our commitment to furthering
financial inclusion for everyone. By supporting educational and skill-building
initiatives, we aim to develop a generation of educated and motivated young
people who will positively contribute to their community."
INJAZ Al-Arab brought together regional experts in education, business, as well
as representatives from its Member Nations to develop content and produce a
regional edition of It's My Business. The pilot of this initiative will be
implemented in Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco and Saudi Arabia, after which the
curriculum will be made available throughout the INJAZ network of 14 countries.
INJAZ will also develop online extended learning opportunities for participants
to more deeply engage the program outside of the class room. These online
sessions would include additional edutainment features like games, video
interviews with entrepreneurs, and supplemental learning materials.
The pilot will aim to reach approximately 3,000 youth in the seventh grade.
INJAZ has agreements with the ministries of education where it operates to
implement the programs during the school day.
In line with the sponsorship, MasterCard will also support in the implementation
of the program with employees acting as volunteers .INJAZ will work closely to
utilize MasterCard volunteers, as well as its existing network of private sector
volunteers who will be trained to implement the program in schools across the
Middle East.
Miscellaneous - Khoury from France: Energy is of government's priorities
Wed 8/02/2012 14:34
NNA - 8/2/2012 Environment Minister Nazem Khoury Wednesday said Lebanese
government has prioritized energy sector considering the role energy plays in
economic, social, and cultural development.
"Annual consumption of energy is of 2800 MWs whereas production reaches only
1500 MWs," Khoury remarked and said that despite the spread of the new energy
strategy, no application mechanisms were set and problems of energy covering is
still the same.
Attending the inauguration session of the forum the Lebanese-French Commerce
Chamber is organizing in cooperation with the Association of Architects and
Scientists, Khoury said Lebanon supports the Mediterranean Solar Plan (MSP)
aiming at reinforcing investment of clean energies in the Mediterranean.
"We turn to our French associates to establish a new renewable energy technology
polar," he said.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly cloudy with temperature drop
Tue 7/02/2012 10:23
NNA - 7/2/2012 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be partly
cloudy with rain and temperature drop, according to Beirut AirPort Based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure dominates over Eastern
Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 9 degree Celsius low to 17 degree
Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: -1 degree Celsius low to 10 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 1 degree Celsius low to 10 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Eastern, gusting between 75 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium.
Humidity: 40 % to 75%.
Sea: Moderate to wavy, Surface temperature 17 degree Celsius.
NNA - 06/02/2012 - Tele Liban employees visited on Monday Information Minister
Walid Daouk with the hope of getting a listening ear and some help getting their
demands looked into.
In light of delays paying their monthly wages and financial dues, a delegation
comprising Tele Liban's employees syndicate also implored the Minister to help
get Tele Liban's revival plan on the track of implementation.
"Minister Daouk asserted the importance of pursuing dialogue with the syndicate
en route to achieving our rightful demands," a statement by the syndicate read.
R.H.
Christians in Kuwait: Effective presence, political absence
Mon 6/02/2012 19:52
Written by Mona Sukkariyeh
Translated by Rabab Housseiny
NNA - Kuwait - 6/2/2012 - In front of the Holy Family Church in Kuwait, so many
faces gather with their so many nationalities, mostly from Asia.
Inside the Church, Priest Adel Nasr preaches in Arabic, with the multinational
audience chanting and echoing hymns, in Arabic as well.
Right behind the altar, a mural for Jesus Christ and his disciples-among whom
men in Kaffieh, headband, and gowns-comes into sight.
It is Christianity emanating from the land of this very Arab East. It is the
religion spread worldwide and among the multinational Arab audience.
During our visit to Kuwait, upon the invitation of the Ministry of Information
to partake in covering the parliamentary elections on February 2, the National
News Agency shone light on the Christians of Kuwait.
We first met with the Holy Family Church Priest, Adel Nasr, of Lebanese origins,
expatriate in North Italy since 25 years now.
The number of Kuwaiti Christians exceeds 200, in addition to nearly 600 thousand
Christians of other nationalities, working in Kuwait.
Priest Nasr is still however new in Kuwait, but he says that the Christian
presence in this country is indeed dated since the last century.
"I have not learned the history of Christian families here yet, but there is a
mixture of Christian families from Iraqi and Palestinian roots. We feel that
Kuwait is a country much-accepting to pluralism," he said.
"Christians here are Catholics, Orthodox Coptic, and Protestants. The Church
provides social services and activities, but it does not offer health care,
since the state does. Whoever comes to Kuwait enjoys a pre-organized stay,
unlike the situation in Italy, on the level of illegal emigrants," he explains.
"In 1966, the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Al-Sobah, donated a prefecture of land
where the Holy Family Church was built later on," he added.
On the message he would like to convey to Kuwaitis following the results of the
parliamentary elections, the Priest says, "I say to them that they now bear an
enormous responsibility, they must love their country, for they embrace people
of different and various nationalities."
As to Sobhi Yaacoub Mansour, a Kuwaiti Christian working in free business, he
asserts that Christian families came massively to Kuwait from Iraq and Palestine
in particular. But he rakes up other families who came last century, as
Americans opened the American hospital in Kuwait in 1912.
"They are Iraqis of Turkish roots. It is Chammas and Gharib families I am
talking about. As to Shoheibar family, they came from Gaza Strip in the 1940s. I
must also mention Jabra and Khalil brothers. Khalil worked on founding the
Ministry of Defense. Jabra, in turn, founded the Ministry of Interior. They
served as officers at the British military in Palestine, before they came here,
when Kuwait was still under the British mandate," he said.
With his sheer Iraqi tongue, Mansour continues: "I came with my family from
Basra in Iraq. The Kuwaiti ruling family, Al-Sobah, owned lands in Basra, and we
used to administrate these properties. We came in the late 1940s."
"Apparently, there is no discrimination, but you start feeling it as you enter
the deep depth of the society; we don't like to talks about it," he noted.
He explained that [Christians] cannot assume high-level posts.
"We were only 91 Christians in Kuwait in 1948, according to the Ministry of
Interior back then; I think the number is dwindling (...) because most of the
births are females. I, myself, have five girls. They marry Lebanese, Egyptians,
and Syrians," he explains.
Besides the Catholic Church, there is also the Evangelical Church. Chammas and
Gharib families were Catholics, but they converted when they came with the
Americans.
On the elections results, Mansour said, "Islamists win very often, but we are
not afraid as long as Al-Sobah family is still here. This family protects us."
Miscellaneous - Weather: Cloudy to rainy with active winds
Mon 6/02/2012 10:56
NNA - 6/2/2012 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be partly cloudy to
cloudy with active winds without temperature change, according to Beirut AirPort
Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Unstable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 9 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 8 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: -4 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium.
Humidity: 20 % to 50%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 17 degree Celsius.
Environment - Khoury: 800 million USD cost of environmental deterioration in
2011!
Mon 6/02/2012 00:00
NNA - 5/2/2012 - Environment Minister, Nazem El-Khoury, declared that the cost
of environmental deterioration in Lebanon, in accordance with the World Bank's
recent report for the year 2011, is estimated at 800 million USD annually. As he
stressed the need for a healthier environment and a balanced life free of
diseases, El-Khoury questioned about what awareness efforts are being exerted,
in the wake of the huge crimes committed daily against the environment in
Lebanon?
El-Khoury highlighted the importance of cooperation and working together for the
sake of coming up with quick steps to solving the various environmental problems
at stake.
El-Khoury's words came during the "World Cancer Day" event organized at Monroe
Hotel in Beirut Sunday. The 'Environment, Cancer and Health: Prevention starts
today - Act Now!" event witnessed the launching of a competition for the best
advertising poster for a healthier environment and a balanced life free of
diseases, organized by "Chance Association" with the participation of the
Environment Ministry. The first three winning posters will be receiving money
prizes.
NNA - 05/02/2012 The meteorology department at civil aviation airport forecasted
weather in Lebanon for the new week as cloudy but with warmer temperatures than
the weekend. Dry skies on Monday, however, last only till nightfall, with
scattered rains expected in the evening.
Coastal temperatures: 4 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: -1 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: -1 to 16 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: -3 to 9 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North-westerly to north-easterly with speeds between 8 and 25
km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Sea: Mild waves, with surface water temperature at 15 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy with temperature drop
Wed 1/02/2012 09:23
NNA - 1/2/2012 - The weather for Thursday is expected to be little
cloudy to partly cloudy with northern winds and temperature drop,
according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure accompanied by cold winds
dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 7 degree Celsius low to 12 degree
Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 6 degree Celsius low to 9 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 5 degree Celsius low to 9 degree Celsius high.
In the Arz region: -1 degree Celsius low to 2 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 15 to 35 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium worsens sometimes due to rain.
Miscellaneous - Educational Research Center (ERC), first and only representative
of Arab educational development at BETT, London
Tue 31/01/2012 15:09
NNA - 31/1/2012 - For the second year in a row, Educational Research Center (ERC)
was the only Arab educational institution to participate in the BETT show,
London's annual and leading international educational technology trade event.
The BETT show is designed to deliver practical guidance on the latest education
technology and resources available to educational institutions around the globe
and received more than 30,000 visitors. ERC also took part in the Education
World Forum, which introduced the BETT show and hosted more than 60
international speakers to share perspectives on innovation in education,
including UNESCO and the World Bank.
This year, ERC participated in BETT alongside its sister organization Librairie
du Liban Publishers (LDLP) under the umbrella of the Sayegh Company. In addition
to collecting information about international groundbreaking educational
products and services that could benefit the region, ERC also showcased its own
e-learning tools and the new pedagogy that it has introduced to the Middle East,
known as the International Arab Baccalaureate (IAB). The mission of ERC is to
advance education in the Arab world and its recent successes in the region have
earned it the solid support of many Arab ministries of education.
The IAB unifies curriculums and assessment across the Middle East with a common
diploma program that encourages experiential learning and prepares students to
enter the world's most prestigious universities within a framework that respects
Arab culture and the scientific and educational aspirations valued by various
Arab countries. At present, more than 25 schools across Lebanon, Saudi Arabia,
Jordan, and Egypt are participating in programs for the IAB, with the first
graduations set for 2013. The IAB model can be adapted to other cultures and
countries, making the IAB a significant focus to foreign visitors at BETT.
ERC e-learning materials include various electronic tools that promote
meaningful learning and the development of major thought processes that are
critical to specific fields of instruction. E-learning materials featured at
BETT included e-marking for digital exam correction, free online English and
Arabic language dictionaries, interactive CDs, whiteboard materials, websites,
and the Active Book - an enhanced digital version of a typical school textbook
with additional learning features such as audiovisual content. Many
state-of-the-art education and educational technology resources that were
subject of interest for several foreign ministries of education present at BETT.
"We are leading regional education through the use of revolutionary technologies
that are changing educational methods around the world," said ERC CEO Habib
Sayegh. "From this standpoint, we are participating in international dialogue to
contribute to the development of new educational methods that can meet the
growing demands of our rapidly changing and globalized societies."
In keeping with this commitment to dialogue, ERC will host an international
conference under the theme of Education for Innovation in Beirut, Lebanon on
March 24 and 25, 2012.
Educational Research Center (ERC)
ERC, a Sayegh Company, is dedicated to continuously improving the state of
education in the Arab World. It conducts various types of educational research,
produces field-tested learning materials at all grade levels, and assists
governments in curriculum reform and development, and the design and deployment
of national exams and professional development programs. To this end, ERC works
closely with various stakeholders and collaborates with many local and
international partners. The ERC team includes over 150 international and Arab
experts in the latest, state-of-the-art technologies across various academic and
technical disciplines in the field of education.
ERC is a Sayegh Company, as well as Librairie du Liban Publishers which is
present in UK with Balberry Publishing and York Press. The latter is the
publisher, together with Pearson, of the famous York Notes, the UK's number 1
English literature guides. The Sayegh group is also partner with Pearson in a
number of education projects in the Arab world.
NNA - 31/1/2012 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be cloudy and rainy
with thunderstorms. Snow falls on 1000 meters high, according to Beirut AirPort
Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure accompanied by cold winds dominates
over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 6 degree Celsius low to 12 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 6 degree Celsius low to 10 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 5 degree Celsius low to 9 degree Celsius high.
In the Arz region: 1 degree Celsius low to 4 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 15 to 35 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium.
Humidity: 65 % to 85%.
Sea: Wavy, Surface temperature 17 and 18 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Rainy with low atmospheric pressure
Mon 30/01/2012 11:18
NNA - 30/1/2012 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be cloudy and rainy
with active winds, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 6 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: -1 degree Celsius low to 10 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 0 degree Celsius low to 1 degree Celsius high.
In the Arz region: -4 degree Celsius low to 1 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern to Eastern, gusting between 20 to 40 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium.
Humidity: 60 % to 85%.
Sea: Moderate to wavy, Surface temperature 17 and 18 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Winter here to stay!
Sun 29/01/2012 12:10
NNA - 29/01/2012 The new week begins in Lebanon on a cloudy note on Monday
morning. However, this quickly changes into thunder storms, active winds and
heavy rains in the afternoon, according to meteorology department at Rafik
Hariri International Airport.
Coastal temperatures: 6 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 4 to 9 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 2 to 13 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: -6 to 1 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South to south-westerly, with speeds between 15 and 45 km/hr.
Visibility: Bad in mountainous regions, average on coast.
Humidity: 60% to 85%.
Sea: Violent and high waves, with surface water temperature at 17 degrees
Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Partly cloudy, increase in temperatures
Sat 28/01/2012 11:34
NNA - 28/01/2012 The weekend weather continues to improve across Lebanon, as
skies will be partly cloudy and temperatures are expected to rise on Sunday.
However, the meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International Airport warned
of ice formations on mountain routes.
Coastal temperatures: 11 to 16 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: 1 to 5 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 3 to 13 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-westerly to north-westerly with speeds between 10 and 30
km/hr.
Humidity at the coast: 55% to 80%.
Sea: Mild waves with surface water temperature at 17 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Power blackout protesters block Aley roads
Fri 27/01/2012 20:07
NNA - 27/01/2012 - A group of young men on Friday stormed the streets of Aley
and set tyres ablaze in protest against the non-stop power outage in their area,
National News Agency correspondent said.
Protesters rebuked the Reform and Change bloc leader Michel Aoun's most recent
stances, defending Water and Energy Minister Jibran Bassil.
"Electricity is the responsibility of the Energy Minister. He [Bassil] should
adopt prompt measures to solve this problem and quit all acts of virulence,"
protesters said.
R.H.
Miscellaneous (Update)- Dahr Baidar road opens to traffic
Fri 27/01/2012 19:45
NNA - 27/1/2012 Dahr Baidar was opened to traffic this evening exclusively for
cars equipped with snow chains, after concerned apparatuses managed to remove
accumulated snow.
Earlier during the day, the accumulation of snow led to the blocking of Dahr
Baidar road, whereby security forces urged citizens to avoid taking this road
out of concern about their safety.
--------------L.Y
NNA - 27/1/2012 The accumulation of snow led to the blocking of Dahr Baidar
road.
Security Forces urged citizens to avoid taking this road out of concern about
their safety.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Cloudy with sporadic rain
Fri 27/01/2012 10:01
NNA - 27/1/2012 - The weather for Saturday is expected to be partly
cloudy to cloudy with sporadic rain in the morning. Snow falls on 900
meters high, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure accompanied by cold winds
dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 7 degree Celsius low to 12 degree
Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 4 degree Celsius low to 9 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 5 degree Celsius low to 10 degree Celsius high.
In the Arz region: 0 degree Celsius low to 4 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 20 to 45 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium.
Humidity: 60 % to 85%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 17 and 18 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Khalil opens new departments at Baabda Hospital
Thu 26/01/2012 15:27
NNA - 26/01/2012 - Public Health Minister Ali Hassan Khalil opened on
Thursday a medical department at Baabda Governmental Hospital. He also
laid the cornerstone for restoring and rehabilitating additional
departments at said hospital so as to be able to include 120 beds.
Khalil gave a word during the event, saying he would work for launching
a more rigid plan for a comprehensive sanitary coverage.
Miscellaneous - Baalbek International Festivals Committee briefs Abboud
on 2012 revels
Thu 26/01/2012 14:48
NNA - 26/01/2012 - Preparations underway for Baalbek's 2012 summer
festivals featured high Thursday on talks between Tourism Minister Fadi
Abboud and a visiting delegation from Baalbek International Festivals
Committee.
The delegation, headed by Mrs. Nella De Freige, briefed Abboud on the
accomplishments of the newly elected committee, and thanked him for his
unremitting support.
R.H.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Stormy, snow on 800 meters high
Thu 26/01/2012 10:52
NNA - 26/1/2012 - The weather for Friday is expected to be rainy with
thunderstorms and active winds. Snow falls on 800 meters high, according to
Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 11 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 3 degree Celsius low to 6 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 4 degree Celsius low to 10 degree Celsius high.
In the Arz region: -3 degree Celsius low to 1 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern to Southern Western, gusting between 15 to 40 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium.
Humidity: 60 % to 85%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 17 and 18 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - EU launches 2012 Samir Kassir Prize for Freedom of Press
Wed 25/01/2012 19:43
NNA - 25/1/2012 - EU ambassador to Lebanon, Angelina Eichhorst, on Wednesday
launched 2012 Samir Kassir Prize for the Freedom of Press, during a press
conference at the EU commission headquarters.
Eichhorst said the memory and values of Samir Kassir were more vivid than any
other time amid the current transitional stage in the region.
"His memory continues to be an inspiration for all of us so that we help
generate democracy and human rights and pave the way for positive change,
freedom, dignity, and social justice," she said.
She maintained that each society requires well-established structures of good
governance, so that media means can work freely.
She added that journalists should enjoy adequate space and opportunity to
transmit humanitarian stories and real facts in a professional way.
"By doing this, journalists become a bridge linking citizens to their leaders,"
she stressed.
"Covering uprisings in the region had shown the power of the wide group of tools
nowadays available for journalists in order to have immediate access to
information and exchange them via new media means. But unfortunately, restraints
imposed on journalists and workers in the media field started to fetter the data
stream and access to information as well as to stop workers from working, expel
international journalists, refuse to give them visas, and even abduct or kill
them. 2011 was sadly not a good year for the freedom of media means, not in the
region, nor elsewhere in the world, according to the annual report of
Journalists without borders' organization," she said.
Eichhorst mentioned that in 2011, 66 journalists had been killed, among which 20
in the Middle East, i.e. twice the number scored in 2010. She added that 252
journalists had been arrested, 553 threatened or attacked, and 30 kidnapped.
"These inadmissible figures show that the right to the freedom of expression
also necessitates orchestrated defense and protection. The freedom of press is
the cornerstone for the freedom of expression. It is indeed a fundamental right
for every human being and an integral part of human dignity," she underlined,
highlighting EU continuous commitment to these freedoms.
"This year, Samir Kassir Prize hails, once again, those who struggle for a free
press, for democracy in the region, and for a more informed society," she said.
"In many regions of the world, freedoms of expression and press are still
undermined or violated; journalists are still exposed to oppression or simply
deprived of the means to practice their profession," she concluded.
Miscellaneous - New Arab Woman Forum concludes with "Sawa Sawa" March
Wed 25/01/2012 15:23
NNA - 25/01/2012 - The first Arab Woman March under the slogan Sawa Sawa
(together) is to take place in Beirut on Thursday, February 2nd. The march will
start at the Four Seasons Hotel, heading towards the Serail in downtown Beirut,
where participants will hand over a list of their demands to Lebanese Prime
Minister, Najib Mikati.
This march comes in the framework of the New Arab Woman Forum (NAWF), organised
yearly by Al Hasnaa Magazine and Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group. NAWF in its fifth
edition will be held on the 1st and 2nd of February 2012, under the patronage of
the Minister of Social Affairs Wael Abou Faour, in collaboration with MBC Media
Group and the French Institute in Lebanon.
Representatives of woman's associations, youth organisations, and university
students are to participate in the march, in addition to the forum's prominent
Arab and international participants, artists, writers, and women activists.
Arab women activists also confirmed their attendance and participation in the
march, while others are organising marches in their own cities in solidarity
with the event.
A sit-in will be organised in front of the premises of the Arab World Institute
in Paris in solidarity with the event, raising Sawa Sawa slogans at the same
hour on Thursday, February 2nd at 13:30, Paris local time.
Founder and Executive Director of the Forum and Editor-in-Chief of Al Hasnaa
Magazine, Nadine Abou Zaki, stressed that the march will be a peaceful one in
solidarity with the Arab Woman.
The invitation stated: Let's walk Sawa Sawa, Men and Women, to proclaim: "No
Spring without Women".
Miscellaneous - Public departments close on 4th and 9th of this month
Wed 25/01/2012 10:59
NNA - 25/1/2012 - Prime Minister Najib Mikati issued two memos on Wednesday
calling on all government institutions to close on the 4th and 9th of this month
on the occasion of Profit Mohamad's birthday and St. Maroun's Day.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Rainy and snow on 1200 meters high
Wed 25/01/2012 10:52
NNA - 25/1/2012 - The weather for Thursday is expected to be cloudy and
rainy. Heavy rain is expected to fall on Thursday Friday night with
thunderstorms while snow falls on 1200 meters high, according to Beirut
AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Unstable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 8 degree Celsius low to 16 degree
Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 5 degree Celsius low to 10 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 4 degree Celsius low to 10 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern to Southern Western, gusting between 15 to 40
km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium worsens on mountain heights.
Humidity: 60 % to 85%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 17 degree Celsius.
NNA - 24/01/2012 - The most recent affairs of a number of municipalities as well
as issues related to queries and crushers, topped talks Tuesday between
Environment Minister Nazem Khouri and a visiting delegation of West Bekaa
Municipality heads led by MP Joseph Maalouf.
"Conferees requested crushers and queries' guidance plan be reviewed," Maalouf
said, in the hope that all the owners of crushers and queries would be treated
equally.
R.H.
Delegation from Beirut and Tripoli Bar associations to visit STL
NNA -23/1/2012- Leidschendam: A delegation of 29 Lebanese lawyers from the
Beirut and Tripoli Bar associations has begun a working visit in The Hague
today.
In addition to the STL, the group will visit the International Criminal Tribunal
for the former Yugoslavia, the International Court of Justice, and the
International Criminal Court.
Judge Sir David Baragwanath, the President of the STL, will welcome the
delegation, along with top representatives from the Tribunal's four organs.
The lawyers will be briefed by senior officials at the STL as well as other
tribunals based in The Hague. Representatives from the four organs of the
Tribunal will discuss criminal proceedings before the STL, such as the
investigation and pre-trial stage, trials in absentia and how certain features
of the STL compare with the Lebanese legal system.
The seminar, which runs from 23 to 25 January, is part of the efforts of the
Outreach and Legacy Section of the STL to promote international justice and
expand awareness of the Tribunal's procedures and rules.
For media-related queries, contact STL Press Office
Beirut press office number: 00961 4 538100
NL press office number: Tel: 0031 70 800 3560
(English/French)
Tel: 0031 70 800 3828
(Arabic/English)
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly cloudy with limited temperature rise
Mon 23/01/2012 09:48
NNA - 23/1/2012 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be partly cloudy with
limited temperature rise, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Unstable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 10 degree Celsius low to 5 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 8 degree Celsius low to 0 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 7 degree Celsius low to 1 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good, worsens sometimes due to rain.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly Cloudy to Rainy Forecast
Sun 22/01/2012 12:04
NNA - 22/01/2012 - Partly cloudy to rainy weather is forecasted for the upcoming
24 hrs with scattered drizzles expected to taper off during the day.
This, according to Beirut International Airport-based Meteorological Department
forecast of a further seasonal high atmospheric pressure build-up in the eastern
Mediterranean-basin.
Surface winds gusting between 40 to 90 Kilometers per hour prompt frequent rain
and snowfall at altitudes ranging between 1400-1200 meters above sea level.
Fishermen are advised for their safety not to take to sea in view of rough
sea-swells ranging between 5-6 meters.
Temperature along the coastline registers between 12 degrees Celsius for the
high and 12 degrees for the low. On the western mountain range, a high of 10
degrees Celsius drops to a low of 8 degrees by nightfall. In the Bekaa and the
interior, a maximum of 9 degrees registers 5 degrees Celsius for the low.
Southerly/westerly gusts of wind raise a boisterously agitated sea with surface
water temperature measuring 17 degrees Celsius. Poor visibility during the day
would couple with a seasonal 70-80% humidity rate.
NNA - 21/1/2012- Weather in Lebanon on Sunday is cloudy with rain gradually
intensifying during day-time accompanied with thunderstorms and wind, as
forecasted by Beirut Airport -based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
General status: Unstable weather dominates over the Mediterranean Eastern basin
accompanied by cold air-masses beginning Saturday/Sunday night till Monday
morning.
-Temperature:
On the coastline: 10 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 1 degree Celsius low to 9 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 1 degree Celsius low to 10 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Southern winds gusting between 12 and 30 Km/hr. intensifying at
night to 70km/hr
- Visibility: Good
- Humidity: between 45% and 75%.
- Sea : Moderate, Surface temperature at 16 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Major production achievement for Airbus� modern, single-aisle
aircraft family
Fri 20/01/2012 21:09
NNA - 20/01/2012 (MEA) Airbus delivered the A320 with manufacturer serial number
(MSN) 5000 to Lebanon�s national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA). The
aircraft was delivered from Airbus in Hamburg, Germany and is powered by
International Aero Engines V2500 engines.
MSN5000 completes the deliveries of MEA�s total order for seven A320s. It marks
a significant milestone for Airbus and the A320 Family going into 2012, as
production rises from 38 to 40 per month during the first quarter of the year,
and orders for the new A320neo reaffirm Airbus� single-aisle Family as the most
modern, fuel efficient in their category. MEA operates one of the most modern
fleets in the region with four A330-200s, six A321 and including MSN5000, now
seven A320 aircraft.
"We are honoured to become the operator of this brand new A320 with its
distinctive serial number 5000 during the 25th anniversary year of the first
flight of the A320," said MEA Chairman- Director General, Mohamad El Hout.
"Since we first acquired an A320 Family aircraft in 2003, we have not only
benefited from the outstanding operational efficiency of the aircraft but were
also the first airline in the Middle East to introduce our wide-body cabin
product on a single-aisle aircraft, thus offering our customers state of the art
on-board entertainment with Audio/Video On Demand as well as a superbly
comfortable and spacious cabin experience that has greatly contributed to MEA�s
success."
"Handing MSN5000 over to MEA is a real pleasure for Airbus. The Lebanese flag
carrier has shown great courage maintaining its operations in the face of
difficulty," said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. "It�s only natural that
we pay tribute to MEA�s outstanding determination and recognise their unfailing
loyalty with this landmark delivery. We look forward to seeing MEA continue to
thrive and grow their network with our modern, fuel efficient Airbus family."
Close to 8,300 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than
4,900 delivered to more than 350 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming
its position as the world�s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. The
A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality with the current A320, making
it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950
kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.
Miscellaneous - Blues singer Etta James dies at 73
Fri 20/01/2012 20:22
NNA - 20/01/2012 (Reuters) - Three-time Grammy winner singer Etta James, a
pioneer of 1950s rhythm-and-blues and rock music known for her show-stopping hit
"At Last," died on Friday from complications of leukemia, age 73.
James died at a hospital in Riverside, California, east of Los Angeles, said her
manager and friend of some 30 years, Lupe De Leon. She would have turned 74 on
Wednesday.
"She passed away this morning. She was with her husband and her sons," said De
Leon.
James was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago and had been in failing health
for a number of years. Her live-in doctor said in December she was terminally
ill with leukemia. James also suffered from diabetes, kidney problems and
dementia and was hospitalized late in 2011 because she was struggling to
breathe.
The RB singer saw numerous ups-and-downs in her career and personal life. She
struggled with obesity and heroin addiction, ran a hot-check scheme and had
troubled relationships with men, including some gangsters. Her weight ballooned,
and in 2003 she underwent gastric bypass surgery and lost more than 200 pounds.
Yet in the music industry, among fellow RB artists and rock icons, James' own
reputation grew into legend. With songs like "The Wallflower" and "Good Rockin'
Daddy," the three-time Grammy winner was a key figure in the early days of rock
'n' roll, and her signature song, the 1961 ballad "At Last," proved her mastery
of the blues.
She sang with a mixture of power and pain that led veteran musical producer
Jerry Wexler to call her "the greatest of all modern blues singers ... the
undisputed Earth Mother."
Miscellaneous - Qaloush to NNA: Fassouh restoration works kick off after
Cabinet decision Monday
Fri 20/01/2012 17:56
NNA - 20/1/2012 Beirut Commissioner Nassif Qaloush said that restoration
works at the adjacent building to the collapsed Fassouh building shall
start after a decision to be taken by the Cabinet next Monday.
Qaloush was speaking in an interview he accorded to National News Agency
(NNA) on Friday.
"Restoration works at the adjacent building to Fassouh have not yet
started," Qaloush told NNA, as it is awaiting a mechanism and measures
to be adopted in this regards.
Qaloush disclosed to NNA that a meeting has been held at the Interior
and Municipalities Ministry to put a mechanism for starting restoration
works.
---------------L.Y
Miscellaneous - Charbel patronizes conference on engineers' role in
municipal work
Fri 20/01/2012 16:25
NNA - 20/1/2012 - The municipal affairs commission of the Engineers
Syndicate held Friday its first conference on the role of engineers in
municipal work, under the patronage of Interior Minister Marwan Charbel,
at Habtoor Grand Hotel.
"Local development is at the core of the Syndicate's interests through
municipal councils, deemed the cornerstone for administrative
decentralization," Minister Charbel said.
"Many citizens believe that any municipality which does not include
engineers is doomed to failure," he noted.
He hence called the Syndicate to activate and bolster the role of
Engineers on the level of municipal work, despite impediments caused by
"narrow personal interests and tensions."
Besides, he shone light on problems as yet untreated properly pertaining
to the implication of engineers and municipalities in sustainable
development and alternative energy.
"The Syndicate of Engineers is not restrained to carrying out research.
It rather attempts, via the municipal affairs commission, to uphold
engineers within municipalities," he added.
On the deadly collapse of Ashrafieh building, Minister Charbel said such
disaster could have been shunned, had it not been for the lack of
coordination and cooperation between the Engineers Syndicate and the
general department of Urbanism.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Cloudy with temperature rise
Fri 20/01/2012 10:47
NNA - 20/1/2012 - The weather for Saturday is expected to be partly cloudy to
cloudy with temperature rise, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Cold winds and unstable weather dominate over Eastern
Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 9 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 1 degree Celsius low to 5 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -11 degree Celsius low to 0 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: -4 degree Celsius low to 5 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western to Northern, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 55 % to 75%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 16 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - FPM offers 4 apartments for Fassouh's family victims
Thu 19/01/2012 16:07
NNA - 19/01/2012 - The Free Patriotic Movement offered on Thursday four
apartments at Itar Residence in Alieh region for the family victims of
Fassouh's building that collapsed on Sunday. For contact in this
concern, the FPM put the following mobile number in service: 03 494 020.
The FPM deeply condemned the collapse catastrophe, asking the Almighty
to be on the side of the families.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little Cloudy with cold northern winds
Thu 19/01/2012 09:47
NNA - 19/1/2012 - The weather for Friday is expected to be little cloudy with
cold northern winds while the temperature drops, according to Beirut AirPort
Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Cold winds and unstable weather dominate over Eastern
Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 5 degree Celsius low to 12 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 8 degree Celsius low to 2 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -7 degree Celsius low to -1 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 5 degree Celsius low to 10 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern-Western to Northern, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium worsens on mountain heights.
Humidity: 60 % to 80%.
Sea: medium waves high, Surface temperature 16 degree Celsius.
NNA - 18/1/2012 - The weather for Thursday is expected to be cloudy and rainy in
the morning and snow falls on 800 meters high, according to Beirut AirPort Based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure recedes over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 9 degree Celsius low to 11 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 2 degree Celsius low to 4 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -8 degree Celsius low to -3 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: -2 degree Celsius low to 5 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium worsens on the mountain heights.
Humidity: 60 % to 80%.
Sea: Wavy, Surface temperature 17 and 18 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Funeral of victim Anne Mary starts in Ashrafieh
Wed 18/01/2012 09:52
NNA - 18/1/2012 - Funeral procession of the young victim Anne Mary headed from
Saint George Hospital in Ashrafieh towards her school "Zahrit el Ihsan" where
the coffin was received by her friends.
The funeral convoy will move to "Our Lady" Church in Ashrafieh to pray on her
corpse at 12:30 noon.
Miscellaneous - (UPDATED) Ashrafieh receives coffins of Naim family victims
Wed 18/01/2012 09:37
NNA - 18/1/2012 - Sassine Square in Ahrafieh witnessed on Wednesday morning a
traffic jam while receiving the coffins of the victims of Naim family, who
passed away on Sunday under the rubble of the collapsed building in
Ashrafieh-Fassouh.
Deputy Nadim Gemayel attended the scene, in addition to a crowd and headed all
to Sacre Coeur Church in Badaro.
ISF and army patrols are accompanying the funeral.
A.A.M
Miscellaneous - Ashrafieh receives coffins of Naim family victims
Wed 18/01/2012 09:28
NNA - 18/1/2012 - Ahrafieh received on Wednesday morning the coffins of the
victims of Naim family, who passed away on Sunday under the rubble of the
collapsed building in Ashrafieh-Fassouh.
A crowd participated in the farewell of the 4 victims.
Miscellaneous - Engineer Helou: We are thoroughly following up on Jal-Dib bridge
situation
Tue 17/01/2012 18:48
NNA - 17/01/2012 - Engineer Elie Helou, and after inspecting Jal-Dib bridge,
said that the bridge condition is stable and acceptable and the issue is being
thoroughly followed up.
Helou, dispatching from the Construction and Development Council to examine the
bridge, said that this file was transferred to the cabinet last October to have
the bridge removed fast.
R.K.
Miscellaneous - Charbel announces end of rescue mission, praises everyone's
efforts
Tue 17/01/2012 15:46
NNA - 17/1/2012 - Upon the end of the rescue mission, Interior and
Municipalities Minister Marwan Charbel on Tuesday uttered regret for those
innocent people who fell victims of the building collapse in Achrafieh.
The Minister wished speedy recovery for the wounded, praising the endeavors of
the rescue units (Army, Internal Security Forces, Civil Defense, Red Cross...)
in doing the best they could so as to save the people trapped under the
building's rubble, despite the bad weather and the lack of essential resources.
He called, in this regard, on concerned authorities to control construction
permits and conduct a comprehensive survey on old buildings based on public
safety standards, in order to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidents.
Following the cabinet's decision to study the reasons behind the building's
tumbling and adopt the adequate legal measures aimed at defining those behind
it, the Interior Minister called on the Civil Defense Directorate to study its
necessary requirements for dealing with such disasters.
Charbel finally thanked each Lebanese citizen who contributed in the rescue
operations and provided tools to facilitate the work, particularly Araco Company
owned by Jihad Khalil Al-Arab.
The statement issued by the Civil Defense General Directorate, within the
Interior and Municipalities Ministry, announced that the rescue mission had come
to an end.
"The final death toll of this catastrophe is 27 bodies among whom 11 Lebanese
and 16 individuals from different nationalities. The injured, however, are 12,
among whom 5 Lebanese and 7 foreigners," announced the Ministry.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - # Abou Jaoude: No fracture in Jal El-dib Bridge
Tue 17/01/2012 14:03
NNA - 17/1/2012 - Jal El-dib municipality head, Edward abou Jaoude, sternly
denied rumors on fractures in Jal El-dib Bridge.
Abou Jaoude talked by phone with the National News Agency (NNA), reassuring the
Lebanese that the municipality had never warned the citizens not to cross the
bridge.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly cloudy with sporadic rain
Tue 17/01/2012 11:37
NNA - 17/1/2012 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be partly cloudy with
sporadic rain and snow falls on 1000 meters high, according to Beirut AirPort
Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Cold winds dominate over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 9 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: -1 degree Celsius low to 3 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -3 degree Celsius low to 0 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: -3 degree Celsius low to 2 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 15 to 35 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium worsens on the mountain heights.
NNA - 16/01/2012 - Resume of the new Bishop of Latakia Maronite Diocese,
Monsignor Elias Sleiman:
- Born on August 16, 1951
- Received his priest ordination in August 9, 1987
Education
Before 1961 : Intermediate level at Hokr Semaan School
1961-1973 : Intermediate and Secondary levels at Maronite Ecclesia of Ghazir/Lebanon
1975-1976 : Social Sciences year at Lebanese University
1981-1982 : Degree in Theology at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik
1982-1988 : University lessons at the Catholic University of Paris
Old Languages Diplomat: three-year major in Hebrew, Syriac, Greek and Latin
Languages: Arabic, French, English, German, Latin, old Greek, Syriac, Old Syriac,
little Italian and Spanish.
Legal Right degree: 1987
1988-1994: Head of Minor Ecclesia in Dahr Safra/Syria
1994-1997: Doctorate degree in Legal Right from Jean Monet Faculty. Discussed in
July 6, 1997
1994-1997: Vice Adjutant of Saint Pierre De Gro Kayo in Paris
1997: Priest at Latakia Parish
1998: Worked at Patriarchal Parish in Sarba, Saint Charbel Parishes, Beirut
Maronite Paris of Chiah
1998-1999: Worked at the Maronite Court
Academic Responsibilities
1998-2003: Spiritual Guide for La Sagesse University
Publications
Wrote Arabic and French scientific articles, essays, poems for the magazine of
Beirut Parish. Also he wrote religious TV programs for a number of parishes.
Miscellaneous - Resume of Mgr. Mounir Khayrallah, newly appointed Bishop of
Batroun Diocese
Mon 16/01/2012 18:58
NNA - 16/1/2012 - As follows is the resume of Mgr. Mounir Khayrallah, newly
appointed Bishop of Batroun Diocese:
Born on January 2, 1953, in Mrah El Zayat, Batroun, Lebanon, in the patriarchal
diocese.
-His parents (Tanios Boutros Khayrallah and Katbe Estefan Nader) were murdered
in their house on September 13, 1958, on the eve of the Holy Cross Day.
-His grandfather, Father Boutros Khalil El Khoury, had a major influence on his
Episcopal vocation.
-He has three aunts of three consecutive generations, nuns at the Maronite Saint
Joseph Nunnery of Jrabta, seat of Saint Rafka's tomb.
-He started elementary studies at Father Elias Bassil School in Smar-Jbeil, but
achieved them at Capuchin Fathers Orphanage in Abey (Aley), after the death of
his parents, 1958-1964.
-He finished his intermediate and secondary studies at Saint Maron Ecclesia,
Ghazir, 1964-1972, and founded with his chaplain Father Anis Abi Aad, the group
Saint Maroun Scouts of Lebanon.
-On September 1972, His Beatitude Patriarch Paul Meoushi sent him to Propanda
Fide College in Rome, to study philosophy and theology at Pontificale Urbaniana
University, 1972-1077.
-He returned to Lebanon in July 1977, and was inaugurated as priest by His
Beatitude Mgr. Nasrallah Sfeir on September 13.
-On August 25, 1978, Patriarch Antoine Khoreish sent him to Paris to specialize
in the Catholic Institute and Sorbonne University, 1978-1984.
He obtained a higher diploma in pastoral catechism (June 1980) and a doctorate
in theology from the Catholic Institute of Paris, as well as a doctorate in
Religions Sciences from Sorbonne-Paris IV (October 1984).
Languages:
-Skilled at the following modern languages: Arabic, French, English, Italian,
and German, and old languages: Syriac, Latin, Hebrew, and Greek.
Services and Responsibilities:
-In Teaching:
1985-1989: Instructor at the Maronite Patriarchal Ecclesia, Ghazir.
1985-2002: Instructor at the Pontifical Faculty of Theology, USEK.
1996-2007: Instructor of theology at Saint Antonios Ecclesia, Karmsaddeh.
Servant at Batroun Parish since 1991.
Services and Celebrations:
In Paris: He served as vicar at the Lebanese Maronite Notre Dame Parish
(1978-1979) and as vicar at the French Medard Parish (1979-1984).
In Batroun Parish: Since July 13, 1986, he assisted Bishop Boulos Emile Saade,
after his election as Batroun Patriarchal Vicar, in founding the parish
apostolic team (1986), the vocation committee (1988), the university league of
Batroun Parish (1989), the Episcopal council (1991), the pastoral parish council
(1994), the youth committee (1995), the twinning committee with Saint Etienne in
France (1998) and with Foligno Parish in Italy (2000), the economic affairs
council (2000), and the family committee (2000).
Bishop Saade tasked him with the negotiations with John Stevens, expatriate in
the US, and with Foligno Bishop (1996-1999). He also charged him with
negotiations over the twinning with Saint Etienne Parish Bishop (1997-1998) as
well as with Sister Bridgitte May.
He served as priest in Kfarhay, Boxmaya, and Jebla parishes (1989-1991).
Since October 1991, he served at Batroun Parish where he founded the first
pastoral council (1994), then the committees of education, family, youth, love,
and first communion. In 1994, he started issuing "Sunday Message," the parish's
weekly bulletin which became later a website at the disposal of Batroun sons
worldwide.
Since October 13, 1999, he assumed the post of Batroun Parish's General Vicar.
In the Maronite Church:
Maronite Patriarchal Congregation:
1985-1987: Secretary General of the preparation committee for the Second
Lebanese Congregation later called the Maronite Patriarchal Congregation.
1987-2003: Secretary General in the Maronite Congregation Committee and
Assistant of Father Youwakim Mubarak (1987-1995) and for Bishop Youssef Bechara
(1996-2003).
2006-2011: Secretary General of the congregation's follow-up committee and
Assistant Secretary General for Bishop Youssef Bechara.
-Lebanese and world Association of Priests:
1986: He joined the Association.
July 1990: He was elected the Association's Secretary General.
July 1993: He was elected Head of the Association for five years.
March 22, 2001: He was elected at World President of the Priests Association for
three years.
General responsibilities:
1986-1995: Secretary General of the Maronite Ecclesiastic Veteran's Union.
January 1989-January 1993: Assistant Secretary General of Father Youwakim
Mubarak at the Catholic Patriarchs and Archbishops in Lebanon.
1999-2004: Bishop Hector Doueihi charged him with Saint Maron Parish's Episcopal
vocation.
July 22, 2000: Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir appointed him as Secretary
General and clerk at the investigation committee into the case of Patriarch
Estefan Doueihi's beatification.
November 14, 2009: Patriarch Sfeir appointed him as Secretary General of the
patriarchal committee for 1600 years' Jubilee of Saint Maron death.
He partook in several conferences in Lebanon, France, Italy, and the US, on
priestly education the Maronite Congregation's work. He also participated in the
conferences of the Middle East Council of Churches between 1986 and 1993.
He wrote many books, articles, and lectures in Arabic, French, Italian, and
English on priestly education, the history of the Maronite Church and
congregations, the Maronite spirituality, and youth.
NNA - 16/1/2012 - Resume of the new Bishop of Jbeil Maronite diocese, Monsignor
Michel Aoun:
- Born in Damour in 2/6/1959.
- Received his priest ordination in 9/6/1984 at Beirut Maronite diocese.
- Holds a degree in theology from the Faculty of Theology - Holy Spirit
University - Kaslik in 1983, a masters degree in dogmatic theology from the
Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (October 1989) and a PhD degree in
dogmatic theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (January
1995).
Education:
- 1995 to 1998: professor in sacramental theology at the Faculty of Theology and
the Institute of liturgy - Holy Spirit University - Kaslik.
- 1993 to 1999: professor of the Fathers of the Church course at the diocese
institute for Christian education at "Our Lady of Gifts" - Beirut.
- 2007: permanent diaconal lessons at Saint Joseph University - Beirut.
Theological responsibilities:
- Priest in Kahaleh, Damour, and Shayah between 1984 and 1999.
- 1992 to 1995: responsible for the preparatory year at the Maronite
Patriarchate, Ghazir - Lebanon.
- 1995 to 1998: Dean at Maronite Patriarchate School, Ghazir.
- 1998 to 1999: Head of "Omm Al-Fadi" curricula in Cairo.
- 1999 to 2001: Dean at Saint Benedict School in Rome.
- 2001 to 2009: Vice archbishop of Maronite Archdiocese of Beirut.
- 2001 to 2006: Vice head of Sagesse University, Beirut.
- 2001 to 2006: Archbishop of St. Georges Maronite cathedral, Beirut.
- 2002 to 2012: Personal bishop representative at St. Augustine, in Kafra -
Lebanon.
- 2006 to 2012: Priest of St. Joseph parish, Beirut.
- 2009 to 2012: Vice archbishop at Beirut Maronite diocese.
- 2008 to 2012: National head of the clerics league in Lebanon.
- 2002 to 2006: Expert in the Maronite Patriarchal Synod.
- 2010: Auditor in the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Christians
in the Middle East.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Cloudy and rainy with temperature drop
Mon 16/01/2012 09:42
NNA - 16/1/2012 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be cloudy and rainy
with temperature drop. Snowfalls on 1200 meters high, according to Beirut
AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 12 degree Celsius low to 8 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 7 degree Celsius low to 5 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 0 degree Celsius low to -3 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 7 degree Celsius low to 5 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern to Southern Western, gusting between 15 to 35 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good, worsens on mountain heights.
Humidity: 60 % to 80%.
Sea: Moderate to wavy, Surface temperature 17 degree Celsius.
NNA - 15/01/2012 The storm which has taken over the country for the past few
days continues through Monday, as thunder, rain and snow engulf cities and
mountains.
Coastal temperatures: 9 to 16 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 2 to 8 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: -2 to 2 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 3 to 8 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-easterly to south-westerly with speeds between 15 and 55
km/hr.
Visibility: Average on the coastline, worsens on higher terrain due to fog.
Coastal humidity: 60% to 85%.
Sea: Agitated waters with surface temperature at 17 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Women demand law against violence, sexual harassment
Sat 14/01/2012 14:49
NNA - 14/01/2012 A protest gathered Saturday in front of Interior Ministry in
Beirut calling for legislation of a law protecting women against violence in all
its forms, including marital rape.
Feminist activist group Nasawiya has been pioneering the call for a law that
protects Lebanese women from violence, sexual harassment, and all forms of rape,
including marital rape. Nasawiya explains its work on its website (www.nasawiya.org)
as an attempt to apply feminist analysis to social justice work, meaning that it
always has an eye on gender dynamics and oppression within social and political
struggle, addresses systematic structural problems rather than the symptoms, and
places women's experiences and voices as central to any solutions and activist
work.
The rally was chaperoned by security forces as it passed by Parliament and made
its way to the Ministry of Interior. "We have nothing to lose but our chains,"
read one of the many signs demanding a law that acknowledges verbal and physical
sexual harassment in the work-place and at home.
Nasawiya offers hotline support and guidance for sexual harassment to all women
on 76-676862.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Storm recedes Friday night
Fri 13/01/2012 11:35
NNA - 13/1/2012 - The weather for Saturday is expected to be partly cloudy with
sporadic rain, thunderstorms are expected at night and snow falls on 1000 meters
high, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Unstable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 5 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 0 degree Celsius low to 6 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -6 degree Celsius low to 0 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: -2 degree Celsius low to 6 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 15 to 40 km/hr.
NNA - 12/1/2012 A number of youths cut off on Thursday evening Airport Highway
by burning tires, in protest against the continuation of electricity cut off in
their area, National News Agency Correspondent reported.
-------------L.Y
Miscellaneous - Red Cross transports Lebanese corpse from occupied Palestine
Thu 12/01/2012 11:52
NNA - 12/1/2012 - International Committee for Red Cross transported on Thursday
from occupied Palestine through Naqoura gate the corpse of the Lebanese Rose
Aline Gebran (50 years) to Rashaya el Fekhar who died from a terminal disease.
NNA - 12/1/2012 - The weather for Friday is expected to be cloudy, stormy with
sporadic thunderstorms and active winds, according to Beirut AirPort Based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure accompanied by cold winds dominates
over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 6 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 0 degree Celsius low to 6 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -4 degree Celsius low to -1 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: -1 degree Celsius low to 5 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 15 to 45 km/hr.
NNA - 11/1/2012 - Minister of Environment, Nazem Khoury, on Wednesday met with
his Catalonian counterpart over the means to boost joint cooperation between
Lebanon and Spain in the field of environment.
The meeting also featured high on common projects especially pertaining to the
funding of the third stage of a Spanish-backed project of fighting fire and
solid waste management in Marjeioun in the South.
Minister Khoury later met with Egyptian ambassador, Mohammad Tawfiq, over the
current general situation in Lebanon and the broader Arab region.
The pair also engaged in the Lebanese-Egyptian bilateral ties.
NNA - 11/1/2012 - The weather for Thursday is expected to be stormy, rainy and
cold while snow falls on 1300 meters high, according to Beirut AirPort Based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure accompanied by cold winds dominates
over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 7 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: -2 degree Celsius low to 7 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -3 degree Celsius low to 2 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: -2 degree Celsius low to 7 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 15 to 45 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium, worsens during rainfall.
Humidity: 60 % to 85%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 18 degree Celsius.
Economy
- Abboud, Kavlakian discuss bilateral ties
Wed 11/01/2012 13:04
NNA - 11/1/2012 Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud Wednesday engaged in talks
concerning Lebanese-Kazakhstani ties during meeting with Lebanese Ambassador to
Kazakhstan, Vasken Kavlakian.
Both men also tackled Lebanon's participation in the upcoming exhibition to be
held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, next April, in presence of Minister
Abboud.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Stormy and snow on 800 meters high
Tue 10/01/2012 11:08
NNA - 9/1/2012 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be cloudy and rainy
with thunderstorms and active winds, according to Beirut AirPort Based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure accompanied with cold winds dominate
over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 8 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 3 degree Celsius low to 8 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -3 degree Celsius low to 1 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 3degree Celsius low to 8 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 15 to 45 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 40 % to 70%.
Sea: Between low and moderate, Surface temperature 18 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy with temperature rise
Mon 9/01/2012 12:27
NNA - 9/1/2012 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be little cloudy with
temperature rise, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Unstable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 9 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 0 degree Celsius low to 6 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -1 degree Celsius low to 2 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 5 degree Celsius low to 9 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 15 to 40 km/hr.
NNA - 08/01/2012 The week begins in Lebanon on a stormy note, as thunder and
active winds engulf the country. Snowfall is expected to start at 1300 meters.
However, the storm begins to subside by night time.
Coastal temperatures: 12 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 1 to 14 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-westerly with speeds between 10 and 35 km/hr and may
escalate up to 70 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 60% to 80%,
Sea condition: Mild waves, surface water temperature at 18 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - UNIFIL environmental campaign in the South
Sat 7/01/2012 20:33
NNA - 7/1/2012 - The Italian Contingent operating within the UNIFIL
peace-keeping forces in South Lebanon carried out Saturday a cleaning campaign
in protection of the environment in a number of Southern villages and towns. The
campaign centered on the region lying within its various location points between
the towns of Al-Mansouri and Shamaa-South of Tyre, in coordination with the
Lebanese Army.
UNIFIL Western Sector Commander, Italian Contingent Head, General Carlo Lamana,
and senior Italian officers took part in the cleaning campaign, alongside
municipality members from the town of Shamaa and Lebanese Army soldiers.
"The campaign comes within the framework of our efforts to preserve the
environment," said General Lamana. He hoped for ameliorating the living
conditions of Southern citizens, in compliance with measures of respecting the
environment and ensuring a healthy living atmosphere for upcoming generations.
He also stressed on the good relations between the Italian Contingent and towns'
men and women within its area of operation, in cooperation with the Lebanese
Army.
In turn, Shamaa Municipality Head, Abdel-Kader Safieddine, expressed gratitude
to the UNIFIL, particularly the Italian Contingent, for all the valued
initiatives towards the people of the South. He voiced attachment to the UNIFIL
and its role in the South; denouncing herein any attack against such
peacekeeping forces which have been present in South Lebanon ever since the year
1978.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Stormy weather, snow at 1200 meters
Sat 7/01/2012 11:16
NNA - 07/01/2012 Weather in Lebanon Sunday is expected to witness active winds
and snow fall starting at 1200 meters, as the meteorology department at Beirut
International Airport forecasted a rainy and stormy end for the week.
Temperatures at the coast: 9 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures at the mountains: -1 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures on the inlands: 1 to 11 degrees Celsius.
Surface Winds: South-westerly with speeds between 10 and 50 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Humidity at the coast: 40% to 70%.
Sea condition: Mild waves, with surface water temperature at 19 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous- Abou Faour condemning the indictment of Helou
Fri 6/01/2012 16:32
NNA - 06/01/2012 - Minister of Social Affairs, Wael Abou Faour, condemned the
indictment of Roula Helou saying she has been wronged by the Court.
Abou Faour said in a public statement that the indictment contradicted rulings
over traffic law bringing to attention the fact that Roula is a disabled person.
He accused the Lebanese Court System of total ignorance when it comes to
humanitarian matters.
He duly contacted Interior and Justice Ministers to take what is necessary for
redressing the matter. He seemed determined to defend the rights of the disabled
particularly that a disabled person like Roula suffered twice at the hands of
the Law and the police.
Abou Faour vowed to take measures to prevent the recurrence of similar future
incidents.
NNA - 06/01/2012 The Spanish peacekeeping forces in South Lebanon held a
farewell celebration Friday for Major General Alberto Asarta as he wraps up his
mission in Lebanon.
Asarta served as Force Commander of UNIFIL since January 28, 2010 till the end
of his mission today.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Partly cloudy, gradual rise in temperatures
Fri 6/01/2012 11:54
NNA - 06/01/2012 The meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International
Airport forecasted weather Saturday to witness a rise in temperatures during the
day, as skies are expected to be partly cloudy. However, strong winds take over
Saturday night, accompanied by scattered rains.
Coastal temperatures: 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: -1 to 14 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: -1 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: 2 to 7 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-westerly with speeds up to 30 km/hr during the day, and 50
km/hr at night.
Visibility: Generally good.
Coastal humidity: 40% to 80%.
Sea condition: Wavy waters with surface temperature at 19 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Rainy with temperature drop
Thu 5/01/2012 09:59
NNA - 5/1/2012 - The weather for Friday is expected to be cloudy and rainy with
temperature drop, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Cold winds dominate over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 6 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: -1 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 2 degree Celsius low to 6 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 5 degree Celsius low to 12 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - U.S. Embassy Announces Hamline University 'Education to
Employment Fellows' Program
Wed 4/01/2012 15:41
NNA - 04/01/2012 - "The U.S. Embassy in Beirut is pleased to announce the
Hamline University 'Education to Employment Fellows' Program, which provides
opportunities for young leaders from the Middle East to prepare for the work
place and is organized by Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. The program
will take place between May 14 and June 16, 2012.
Fellows will have the chance to participate in a series of interactive
experiences and internships to learn how schools and organizations can best
develop curricula and training programs to prepare students for the competitive
marketplace. The program is designed to demonstrate how partnerships between
communities and businesses can be developed to create jobs, and how local
government leaders can create a better business climate for new work and
business opportunities. The program is open to young leaders who are Lebanese
citizens or long-term Palestinian residents, between 22 and 35 years, and hold
at least a bachelor's degree."
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy with slight temperature rise and
thunderstorms
Wed 4/01/2012 12:16
NNA - 4/1/2012 - The weather for Thursday is expected to be little cloudy to
partly cloudy with slight temperature rise, changes gradually to rainy with
thunderstorms Thursday night, to according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 8 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: -1 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -3 degree Celsius low to 5 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: -1 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy with slight temperature rise
Tue 3/01/2012 12:12
NNA - 3/1/2012 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be little cloudy with
slight temperature rise, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 8 degree Celsius low to 20 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: -1 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -4 degree Celsius low to 4 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 3 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 10 to 25 km/hr.
NNA - 01/01/2012 The first week of the new year begins on a chilled note in
Lebanon, as the meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International Airport
forecasted weather to be rainy, with snowfall starting at 1200 meters. The
department also warned of high-rising waves.
Coastal temperatures: 7 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: -1 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Bekaa temperatures: -3 to 11 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: -3 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South to south-westerly with speeds between 20 and 45 km/hr.
Visibility: average on the coast, worsens on higher terrain.
Humidity at the coast: 45% to 75%.
Sea condition: Agitated waves with surface water temperature at 19 degrees
Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Lebanese Consul in Sydney meets with Sheikh Shaar
Fri 30/12/2011 15:20
NNA - 30/12/2011 Consul General of Lebanon in Sydney, Mr Robert Naoum, visited
Dar-El-Fatwa and met with the Mufti of Tripoli and North Lebanon, Sheikh Malek
Shaar, in presence of the chairman of the business and economic committee in the
World Lebanese Cultural Union, Mr Antoine Menassa and attorney Elias Franjieh.
Menassa held a lunch banquet in honor of Mr. Naoum in participation of the
Lebanese President Representative in the Francophone Organization, Khalil Karam,
Prime Minister Advisor Abdul Majid Qassir, mayor of El Mina Ambassador Mohamad
Issa, the representative of the PIRC in Lebanon George Nassif Faddoul.
Attendees exchanged ideas about the mechanism of uniting Lebanese expatriates,
considering the importance of Diaspora's role in developing national economy and
partaking in the political life.
Miscellaneous - Lebanese Consul in Sydney meets with Sheikh Shaar
Fri 30/12/2011 15:20
NNA - 30/12/2011 Consul General of Lebanon in Sydney, Mr Robert Naoum, visited
Dar-El-Fatwa and met with the Mufti of Tripoli and North Lebanon, Sheikh Malek
Shaar, in presence of the chairman of the business and economic committee in the
World Lebanese Cultural Union, Mr Antoine Menassa and attorney Elias Franjieh.
Menassa held a lunch banquet in honor of Mr. Naoum in participation of the
Lebanese President Representative in the Francophone Organization, Khalil Karam,
Prime Minister Advisor Abdul Majid Qassir, mayor of El Mina Ambassador Mohamad
Issa, the representative of the PIRC in Lebanon George Nassif Faddoul.
Attendees exchanged ideas about the mechanism of uniting Lebanese expatriates,
considering the importance of Diaspora's role in developing national economy and
partaking in the political life.
Miscellaneous - The Digital Future of Education and Business
Fri 30/12/2011 12:28
NNA - 30/12/2011 - Supporting leading educational technology and
corporate business innovation, the British Ambassador to Lebanon Tom
Fletcher hosted, the British company 'Promethean' and its Local partner
in Lebanon, Education Technology Manager, IET, at his residence for a
reception to present and launch 'Promethean' - the Interactive board to
the private sector.
The event was attended by Eugene Viskovic "President Promethean
International and Rabih Baalbaki Education Technology Manager, IET, Head
of the Catholic schools, father Marwan Tabet, Director General of the
ministry of Education Fady Yarak, in addition to representatives from
the IT sectors, the military, private businesses and heads of private
and public schools.
In his address, Fletcher welcomed the great advancements in technology
led by British innovation in the field of education. He added: ''some
guests now wish they were back to school, having seen this magnificent
interactive tool. I am also very pleased to find the English language
leading the way for the future of education and changing the way we go
about doing business and education''.
For his part, Eugene Viskovic pointed to the great success achieved by
Promethean technology in the management of tasks and missions, as well
as its ability to work with any device or system of technology. He
advised the corporate sector to Lebanon in taking the time to meet up
with the company's representative, Rabih Baalbaky, in order to come up
with business solutions complementing their objectives. The guests also
had the chance to experience working with the system - on display in the
Ambassador's office - through a live presentation.
NNA - 30/12/2011 - The weather for Saturday is expected to be cloudy with active
winds, sporadic rain and possible thunderstorms with temperature drop, according
to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure accompanied by cold winds dominates
over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 12 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: -1 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -2 degree Celsius low to 5 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: -2 degree Celsius low to 11 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern to Northern Western, gusting between 10 to 40 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Social Ministry personnel to get pay within two days
Thu 29/12/2011 12:12
NNA - 29/12/2011 - Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou Faour confirmed on Thursday
that staff working for the Social Affairs Ministry will be getting their monthly
pay within the coming two days.
R.H.
Miscellaneous - Weather changes to rainy with thunderstorms
Thu 29/12/2011 10:59
NNA - 29/12/2011 - The weather for Friday is expected to be little cloudy with
northern winds, changes to partly cloudy, then cloudy in the afternoon with
noticeable temperature rise, rain is expected to fall with thunderstorms,
according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Law atmospheric pressure accompanied with cold winds dominates
over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 13 degree Celsius low to 23 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 5 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -3 degree Celsius low to 9 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: -2 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern to Western to Northern Eastern, gusting between 10 to 25
km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 30 % to 65%.
Sea: Calm to low, Surface temperature 19 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Government institutions close on 6th of January
Wed 28/12/2011 12:57
NNA - 28/12/2011 - Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati issued a memo stating
that all government institutions will close on the 6th of January on the
occasion of Armenian Christmas Day.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Sunny to little cloudy with temperature rise
Wed 28/12/2011 09:30
NNA - 28/12/2011 - The weather for Thursday is expected to be sunny to little
cloudy with additional temperature rise, according to Beirut AirPort Based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 11 degree Celsius low to 23 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 1 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -4 degree Celsius low to 6 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 1 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern to Northern Western, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Clear with temperature rise
Tue 27/12/2011 09:32
NNA - 27/12/2011 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be clear to little
cloudy with gradual temperature rise, according to Beirut AirPort Based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 8 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 1 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 1 degree Celsius low to 6 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 1 degree Celsius low to 4 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Hassan contacts Sleiman, Al-Rai and Kahwaji on the occasion of
the festive season
Mon 26/12/2011 19:56
NNA - 26/12/2011 - Druze "Aql Sheikh," Naim Hassan, contacted Monday President
of the Republic, General Michel Sleiman, expressing his warm greetings on the
occasion of Christmas and the festive season. He hoped that the holy season
would bless Lebanon and the Lebanese with further tranquility, stability and
peace-of-mind.
Sheikh Hassan held similar well-wishing calls to Maronite Patriarch Beshara
Butros Al-Rai; Greek Catholic Patriarch, Gregorious III Lahham, and Greek
Orthodox Metropolitan Bishop, Elias Aoudeh; as well as Lebanese Army Commander,
General Jean Kahwaji.
R.Sh.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Cloudy and rainy
Sun 25/12/2011 12:17
NNA - 25/12/2011 The new week begins on a cold note Monday as the meteorology
department at Rafik Hariri International airport forecasted the weather to be
mostly cloudy with some scattered rains. Snow will continue to fall at 1200
meters.
Coastal temperatures: 11 to 17 degrees Celsius.
Zahle temperatures: 0 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: 0 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-westerly with speeds up to 80 km/hr.
Visibility: Bad.
Humidity at the coast: 40% to 85%.
Sea condition: Very high waves and agitated waters, with surface water
temperature at 20 degrees Celsius.
NNA - 23/12/2011 - The weather for Saturday is expected to be cloudy with heavy
rain, thunderstorms and temperature drop, according to Beirut AirPort Based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure accompanied by cold winds dominates
over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 10 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 6 degree Celsius low to 11 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 3 degree Celsius low to 4 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 5 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern to Southern Western, gusting between 10 to 35 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Christmas tree illuminated in Jounieh Bay
Thu 22/12/2011 22:04
NNA - 21/12/2011 Marking Christmas and New Year, a unit of Civil Defense Divers
decorated and illuminated a Christmas tree on Thursday on board "Alyssb" Boat
anchoring at the depth of 37 meters and 3 km away from Jounieh Bay, Interior and
Municipalities Ministry-Civil Defense Directorate General said in a statement.
The illumination came in cooperation with Portemelio Compound Diving Club and
Octopus Club, statement added.
---------------L.Y
Miscellaneous - Geagea: We should think of Lebanon and Syria's children
Thu 22/12/2011 10:54
NNA - 22/12/2011 - Head of the Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea underlined
the importance of reflecting on the children in Lebanon and Syria as the
world is set to celebrate Christmas and New Year eve.
Geagea made these remarks during his meeting with Lebanese Forces'
veterans who were injured during the civil war and to mark Christmas.
"There are children in neighboring countries such as Syria who are
living in great tragedy and some of them are prosecuted, imprisoned and
even killed. For this reason we should think about these children in
these countries because Christmas means that we should remember the
suffering of all people and most notably children," Geagea said.
Geagea later handed out Christmas presents to the children of Lebanese
Forces' wounded members.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly cloudy with active winds
Thu 22/12/2011 09:32
NNA - 22/12/2011 - The weather for Friday is expected to be partly cloudy with
active winds and light rain, changes to cloudy, rainy with thunderstorms at
night, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Unstable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 10 degree Celsius low to 20 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 8 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 1 degree Celsius low to 8 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 6 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western during day time changes to Southern Western
during night, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 45 % to 80%.
Sea: Low to moderate, Surface temperature 19 degree Celsius.
10:30 Parliamentary Commission sessions at the House of Parliament
11:00 Deputy Prime Minister Samir Mokbel to head meeting for ministerial
commissions tasked to study environmental projects, at his office in Rabieh
11:00-13:00 Mufti of Lebanon Sheikh Muhammad Rachid Qabbani to receive at his
office number of dignitaries
11:30 State Minister for Administrative Development Affairs Muhammad Fneish to
receive at his office a delegation of religious figures
12:00 National Media Council senior Isabelle Mariani to conduct seminar on the
council's experience in following up the performance of audiovisual media in
France, at Information Ministry headquarters, 7th floor
13:00 Environment Minister Nazem Khoury to chair at his office a meeting for the
National Council for Crushers and Sand Quarries
16:00 Opening photo expo "Pictures from the Past," under the auspices of
Dispaced Persons Minister Aladdine Terro, at the Social Cultural Club of Barja
19:00 Christmas hymns organized by La Sagesse School of Jdeideh, at the theater
of said school
Miscellaneous - Watkins visits Scientific Research Authority
Wed 21/12/2011 19:23
NNA - 21/12/2011 United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Head Robert Watkins
visited on Wednesday Agricultural Scientific Research Authority Center in Tal
Imara, where he met with Authority Head and team work.
Watkins elaborated on emerging that the purpose of his visit is to have a closer
look at the activities undertaken jointly between UNDP and the Center, and means
of enhancing bilateral relations.
-------------L.Y
NNA - 21/12/2011 Internal Security Forces (ISF) Chief Ashraf Rifi paid on
Wednesday an official visit to Dubai, at the invitation of Dubai Police
Commander Dahi Khalfan Tamim.
Upon arrival, General Rifi held a work meeting with Major General Tamim where
they tackled police work features in light of adopted quality standards, to
reach a better performance.
In this framework, Rifi visited Dubai Police Operation Room, having a closer
look at the ongoing of work there, in light of the administration of emergency
incidents, traffic control and criminal situation.
Dubai Police Room is considered one of the most important operation rooms
worldwide.
Winding up the visit, agreement was made on the exchange of visits by ISF and
Dubai Police Operation Room to have a look at the ongoing of work in this
regards in both countries.
--------------L.Y
Miscellaneous - Abou Faour launches awareness campaign on sterility
Wed 21/12/2011 15:28
NNA - 21/12/2011 - Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou Faour and the Director of
the RASIT nongovernmental organization, Nisrine Al-Hashimi, launched during a
press conference held Wednesday the national campaign to raise awareness over
sterility: causes, treatment and prevention.
A cooperation accord was signed between the Social Affairs Ministry and the NGO
in order to reduce the ratio of sterility and genetic diseases among Lebanese.
On another note, Minister Abou Faour discussed different developmental affairs
with Deputy Fadi Al-Habr.
D.K.
NNA - 21/12/2011- Weather in Lebanon on Thursday is little cloudy with no change
in temperature, as forecasted by Beirut Airport based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
General status: Unstable weather dominates over the Mediterranean Eastern basin.
-Temperature: On the coastline: 8 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range:3 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range:1 degree Celsius low to 17 degree Celsius high
Al-Arz: 3 degree Celsius low to 11 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Southern- western to northern-western gusting between 10 and 25
Km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium worsens over the mountain range
- Humidity: between 50% and 85%.
- Sea : almost calm to moderate, Surface temperature 19 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Joseph Bejjany releases his first book "What's On Your Mind?"
Tue 20/12/2011 15:17
NNA - 20/12/2011 Young writer, Joseph Bejjany released his first book, "What's
On Your Mind?" in an official releasing ceremony held on December 17th 2011, at
Dunkin' Donuts - Hamra. The book signing ceremony was attended by a big crowd of
Joseph's friends, family, and other interested stakeholders.
"What's on Your Mind?" is an upbeat book, representing a collection of more than
500 funny and wise quotes and sayings which Joseph has been compiling for over a
year.
"My interest in publishing this book was inspired by the big number of likes I
have been receiving on the thoughts and statuses I post on social media
channels. I thought why not sharing those fun and quick thoughts with a bigger
number of people around to add fun to their days," Joseph commented on his book
release. "What makes this book special is the fact that it can make the person
reading it smile� It's just part of my personality to make people happy," Joseph
added.
"What's On Your Mind?" which had Alfa, under the management of Orascom Telecom,
and Dunkin' Donuts - Lebanon as its main sponsors, would be sold in main
libraries in Lebanon starting January 2012. "A special thank you to Alfa,
Dunkin' Donuts, and everyone who has supported me to bring this project into
fruition.
This support has been very important and encouraging to me� I think it's just
the start," concluded Joseph.
Miscellaneous - Weather: cloudy with drop in temperature
Tue 20/12/2011 11:42
NNA - 20/12/2011- Weather in Lebanon on Wednesday is generally cloudy with fog
on the mountain range and obvious drop in temperature, as forecasted by Beirut
Airport -based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
General status: Unstable weather dominates over the Mediterranean Eastern basin.
-Temperature: On the coastline: 12 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range:9 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range:-1 degree Celsius low to 17 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Northern- western changes to southern-western at night gusting
between 10 and 30 Km/hr.
- Visibility: Generally good
- Humidity: between 20% and 85%.
- Sea : Moderate, Surface temperature 20 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Mkheibr takes part in corruption combating conference
Mon 19/12/2011 10:51
NNA - 19/12/2011 - Deputy Ghassan Mkheibr headed on Monday to Morocco to take
part in the third conference for Arab Network to boost integrity and combat
corruption entitled "Mechanism to boost society participation in fighting
corruption and prospects to develop it in Arab countries".
It is worth noting that the conference starts on Monday and ends in the 21st of
this month.
Miscellaneous - Weather partly cloudy with rise in temperature
Mon 19/12/2011 10:10
NNA - 19/12/2011- Weather in Lebanon on Tuesday is partly cloudy with slight
rise in temperature, as forecasted by Beirut Airport -based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
General status: Stable weather dominates over the Mediterranean Eastern basin.
-Temperature: On the coastline:12 degree Celsius low to 25 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range:11 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range:3 degree Celsius low to 20 degree Celsius high
Al-Arz: 3 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Northern to northern-western gusting between 8 and 20 Km/hr.
- Visibility: Good
- Humidity: between 35% and 55%.
- Sea : almost calm, Surface temperature 20 degree Celsius.
NNA - 18/12/2011 - Tele-communications' minister Nikola Sahnawi, pledged
restoration of the underwater marine cable Pieritard linking Tripoli to Beirut
by upcoming Sunday at the most!
The minister's confirmation came in the wake of his inspection of the French
surface vessel Raymond Cruz anchored offshore Tripoli in order to carry out
underwater repairs.
Sahnawi informed newsmen to the effect that the underwater cable connecting
Beirut to Tripoli had been possibly damaged by a ship's dropping anchor on
November 27 resulting in the disruption of the internet service for a few hours.
While commending French and Lebanese teams of experts for their efficiency in
carrying out repairs, he concluded that Pieritard would go back to work as usual
pretty soon.
NNA - 18/12/2011 Beirut airport based meteorology department reported weather
Monday to be warm with clear blue skies and a drop in humidity.
Coastal temperatures: 10 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 3 to 19 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 0 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North-westerly to northerly, with speeds between 8 and 20 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 40% to 70%.
Sea status: Active waves with surface water temperature at 20 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Kataeb rally demands equity, lawful state
Fri 16/12/2011 21:19
NNA - 16/12/2011 A demonstration organized by Kataeb Party Student Body
commenced Friday evening in Beirut demanding equality and a state that respects
the law.
Miscellaneous - Spanish Decoration to Professor Joseph Yeghia Ichkhanian, Guitar
Teacher at the National Conservatory of Music in Lebanon
Fri 16/12/2011 20:01
NNA - 16/12/2011 - The Embassy of Spain informs that on Friday December 16th
2011 at 18h00, the Spanish government, through the Spanish Ambassador, H. E. MR.
Juan Carlos Gafo, handed over the cross officer of Isabel the Catholic Order, to
Mr. Joseph Yeghia Achkhanian, in appreciation for the services rendered to
Spain.
In his speech delivered on this occasion, the Ambassador of Spain stated that
"this decoration was created by King Fernando VII, on March 14th 1815, in order
to reward extraordinary behaviors, of civil nature, made by Spanish people and
foreigners, thus contributing, in a particular way, to develop relations of
friendship and cooperation of the Spanish Nation with the rest of the
International Community ".
He added, "Mr. Ichkhanian had the privilege, thanks to his determination and
passion for the guitar, to learn from the giants Masters of Spanish classical
guitar, (Regino Sainz de la Maza, Andr�s Segovia, Narciso Yepes, etc...), an
opportunity that many Spaniards could not have ".
He also noted that "in its desire to share his passion for Spanish culture, he
brought to Lebanon the greatest guitar specialists in order to present them to
the Lebanese public. Thanks to his efforts, the teaching of the guitar was
introduced, in 1970, to the official program of the National Conservatory of
Music in Lebanon. It is noteworthy that the Former Director of the Conservatory,
late Dr. Walid Gholmieh, described him as one of the leading figures in Lebanese
music, creator of the guitar current, with the credit for generalizing this
instrument on a methodical, academic and creative basis".
Miscellaneous - Gebran Tueni garden opens in Down Town Beirut
Fri 16/12/2011 19:37
NNA - 16/12/2011 A new garden and monument commemorating martyr Gebran Tueni was
inaugurated Friday in Down Town Beirut in attendance of MP Marwan Hmadeh, Tueni
family, and members of Annahar newspaper.
An active anti-Syrian regime parliamentarian, Tueni was assassinated by a car
bomb on December 12, 2005 in Mkalles, an industrial suburb of Beirut, while on
his way to work.
Ghassan Tueni, the martyr's father, suggested the project of the garden shortly
after the assassination of his son. Solidere funded and carried out the plan
with the help of Vladimir Landscape Architecture.
Miscellaneous - NDU President announces silver jubilee program
Fri 16/12/2011 18:50
NNA - 16/12/2011 Notre Dame University (NDU) President Walid Moussa announced
the University's silver jubilee program, marking its 25th anniversary of its
foundation.
The announcement came during a media gathering held at the University "Pierre
Abu Khater" Hall, attended by Maronite Monastic Order General Head Boutros
Tarabay, Press Syndicate Head Mohamed Baalbaki, National News Agency (NNA)
Director Laure Sleiman Saab, and a number of media, cultural and academic
dignitaries.
Father Moussa said in his word that he seeks the renewal of academic life and
addressing all problems and flaws facing the work of the University.
University Vice President for Cultural Affairs and Public Relations Suheil Matar
congratulated NNA Director Mrs. Sleiman on the Agency's golden jubilee, lauding
the Agency's role at the media level.
Matar also pointed out that NDU jubilee is a landmark to make assessment of the
previous stage and to plan for the coming one, outlining an array of jubilee
program related headlines.
---------------L.Y
Law - # Shura Council approves government's wage decree, stipulating amendments
of salary increases
NNA - 16/12/2011 - The Shura Council on Friday approved the government's
decision to increase wage of government and private sector employees but
stipulated amendments to the salary brackets.
According to the council's non binding ruling, employees earning less than LL1
million will be entitled for 30 percent increase provided that this increase do
not exceed LL200,000 while those who make more than LL1 million will be entitled
for 20 percent increase but on condition that this will not exceed LL75,000 in
addition to the LL200,000 from the first LL1 million.
This means that employees making more than LL1 million will have a salary
increase of LL275,000 maximum.
The council has ruled that the cabinet has no right to increase the education
allowance to the employees.
It added that the government should not intervene in setting the salary increase
and any wage increase should be based on the cost of living index which is
determined the Central Statistics department.
"The government's intervention in this filed (salary increase) should not
disrupt the manner in which the salaries are determined. This means that the
salary increase is usually decided in accordance to collective negotiations
between the employer and employees which are stipulated by the International
Labor Organization," the council said.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Cloudy with fog on hills and active winds
Fri 16/12/2011 09:48
NNA - 16/12/2011 - The weather for Saturday is expected to be cloudy with fog on
the hills and active winds, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Autumn weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 7 degree Celsius low to 19 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 6 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 2 degree Celsius low to 11 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 1 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Order of Nurses in Lebanon launches its Pensions' Fund
Thu 15/12/2011 16:04
NNA - 15/12/2011 - The Order of Nurses in Lebanon has launched a pensions' fund
and financial aids, during an extraordinary session of the General Meeting at
the campus of Medical Sciences at the St Joseph University in Beirut. The
meeting was attended by a large number of nursing professionals, from various
regions in Lebanon.
The discussion pertaining to the launch of a pensions' fund at the start of 2012
occurred after the presentation of the 2012 budget and agreement on it. The
discussion focused on the specifics pertaining to the regulations of the fund
and the content of the research conducted by an expert, which related to the
setting of registration fees and to the forecast of financial flux in the coming
years.
After thoroughly studying the issue - and taking into consideration the
importance of the subject at hand and the financial revenue it brings and the
moral support it gives to those who serve the profession for many years and come
to their retirement age - the registration fees were set, as agreed almost
unanimously.
Afterwards, President of the Order Claire Zablit gave a speech, in which she
reaffirmed the attention to be given to the protection and the management of the
financial assets, as well as adequate care and interest to be put towards the
management of the fund's investments, for the best interest of its members.
She insisted on the commitment to the culture of transparency, through adopting
the highest levels of honesty and openness permitted within the law, while
conserving "our responsibility as guardians of the funds' finances".
She noted that the Order will help Nurses who have permanent disability.
It is planned that the Order's council, and the committee for the pensions'
fund, will take the adequate steps leading to the execution of the decisions of
the General Meeting at the start of 2012.
It is to note that the Order of Nurses in Lebanon was created in 2002. Today, it
counts more than 9460 nurses in Lebanon (81% female, 19% male) as members 82% of
them works in Lebanon, and is growing strong.
As a representative of the rights and interests of Lebanese nurses, the Order
aims to advance the profession of nursing through academic, legal, and practical
measures, in the interest of providing the highest quality of patient care while
raising awareness of the importance of nurses, to increase the dignity and
respect associated with this life-saving profession.
To achieve this, the Order focuses on progress in education, practice,
administration, and research, with a special emphasis on continuing education
for nurses to enhance their skills and develop opportunities for further
research.
The work distribution of nurses is as follows: 87.67% in hospitals; 1.48% in
hospitals with long stay; 4.31% in primary health care centers; 3.26% nursing
schools and universities; 1.19% in high schools and nurseries; 1.31% in
pharmaceutical Companies; 0.43% in Insurance Companies; 0.21% in Home Care;
0.15% in other places.
Miscellaneous - Weather cloudy with possibility of rainfall
Thu 15/12/2011 10:30
NNA - 15/12/2011- Weather in Lebanon on Friday is little cloudy with
insignificant drop in temperature during day-time , changes gradually during
night to cloudy with possibility of rainfall, as forecasted by Beirut Airport
-based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
General status: Stable cold weather currently dominates over the Mediterranean
Eastern basin changes to unstable at night.
-Temperature: On the coastline: 12 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 7 degree Celsius low to 12 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: -1 degree Celsius low to 10 degree Celsius high
Al-Arz: Zero degree Celsius low to 7 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Northern to northern-western during day-time changes to unstable
and weak at night gusting between 8 and 25 Km/hr.
- Visibility: Good
- Humidity: between 30% and 60%.
- Sea : almost calm, Surface temperature 20 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Canadian Senates, EU's Eichhorst felicitate new Lawyers'
Syndicate head
Wed 14/12/2011 19:33
NNA - 14/12/2011 - A delegation of Canadian Senates offered felicitations on
Tuesday to the newly appointed Lawyers' Syndicate Head Mr. Nouhad Jaber.
The delegation highly valued the syndicate's leading role defending human rights
and liberties in Lebanon and the Middle East.
"The importance of boosting-up Lebanese Canadian relations at all levels and the
importance of bolstering Lebanese-Canadian bilateral rights topped talks between
the Canadian delegation and the syndicate," a statement issued by the Beirut
Lawyers' Syndicate said following the meeting.
The visiting delegation also sought the Syndicate's support to facilitate
Canadian-Lebanese judicial cooperation and means of developing export laws.
Mr. Jaber separately met with head of the European Union Commission in Lebanon
Angelina Eichhorst who congratulated him with his newly assumed position. Both
sides also tackled means of judicial cooperation between Lebanon and the
European Union.
R.H.
Miscellaneous - Two decomposed bodies found in Shebaa
Wed 14/12/2011 14:58
NNA - 14/12/2011 - Two decomposed bodies were found today as excavation works
were being conducted nearby Naqqar pond in Shebaa, National News Agency
correspondent reported on Wednesday.
Security forces, forensic units, and coroner Ghaleb Saleh rushed to the scene to
inspect the corpses.
Miscellaneous - All government departments close on 26th December and 2nd
January
Wed 14/12/2011 11:07
NNA - Prime Minister
Najib Mikati issued a memo stating that 26th of December and 2nd
of January 2012 all government departments will close on the
occasion of Christmas and New Year.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly cloudy with temperature drop
Wed 14/12/2011 09:42
NNA - 14/12/2011 - The weather for Thursday is expected to be partly cloudy with
limited temperature drop, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable and cold weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 7 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 2 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 1 degree Celsius low to 11 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 1 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western, gusting between 8 to 20 km/hr.
NNA - 13/12/2011- Civil Defense General Directorate at the Ministry of Interior
and Municipalities, mentioned in a communiqu� " that its members executed
yesterday (Monday) 32 extinguishing fire and 69 aiding and rescuing operations
across different Lebanese territories."
Miscellaneous - Weather: partly cloudy with no change in temperature
Tue 13/12/2011 09:47
NNA - 13/12/2011- Weather in Lebanon on Wednesday is partly cloudy to cloudy
with no change in temperature, as forecasted by Beirut Airport -based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
General status: Stable cold weather dominates over the Mediterranean Eastern
basin.
-Temperature: On the coastline: 11 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range:1 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range:1 degree Celsius low to 17 degree Celsius high
Al-Arz: Zero degree Celsius low to 11 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Northern- western to northern-eastern gusting between 10 and 30
Km/hr.
- Visibility: Good
- Humidity: between 25% and 55%.
- Sea : almost calm, Surface temperature 20 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Civil Defense missions during week-end
Mon 12/12/2011 13:54
NNA - 12/12/2011- Civil Defense General Directorate at the Ministry of Interior
and Municipalities, mentioned in a communiqu� " that its members executed during
the two last days ( Saturday and Sunday) 34 extinguishing fire and 112 aiding
and rescuing operations across different Lebanese territories."
Miscellaneous - Weather partly cloudy with rise in temperature
Mon 12/12/2011 09:51
NNA - 12/12/2011- Weather in Lebanon on Tuesday is partly cloudy with rise in
temperature, as forecasted by Beirut Airport -based Meteorology Department.
However, the department has warned of ice formation during night and early
morning on mountain and interior roads.
Weather report:
General status: Stable weather dominates over the Mediterranean Eastern basin.
-Temperature: On the coastline: 6 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 7 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 1 degree Celsius low to 17 degree Celsius high
Al-Arz: Zero degree Celsius low to 11 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Northern to northern-eastern gusting between 10 and 30 Km/hr.
- Visibility: Good
- Humidity: between 25% and 55%.
- Sea : almost calm, Surface temperature 20 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Daouk attends graduation ceremony of Muslim League students
Mon 12/12/2011 09:40
NNA - 12/12/2011 - Information Minister Walid Daouk represented Prime Minister
Najib Mikati in the graduation ceremony for Muslim League University students at
the UNESCO Palace in the presence of MPs and representatives of Mufti of the
Republic.
After conveying the greetings of Mikati to the students, Daouk said that the
government intends to put education among its top priorities despite the
numerous problems and pending issues.
Addressing the students, the minister said: "the graduates are the future of
Lebanon and one of the pillars of this country.
Following the speeches, Daouk handed out the certificates to the graduates.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Partly cloudy, increase in temperatures
Sat 10/12/2011 11:33
NNA - 10/12/2011 Weather Sunday is expected to witness warmer temperatures with
skies predominantly blue, according to meteorology department at Rafik Hariri
International Airport.
Coastal temperatures: 12 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Mountain-range temperatures: 4 to 13 degrees Celsius.
Bekaa temperatures: 6 to 13 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: 4 to 7 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North-westerly with speeds between 10 and 25 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 45% to 70%.
Sea: Mild waves with surface water temperature at 20 degrees Celsius.
NNA - 10/12/2011 Beirut and Mount Lebanon Water Company announced Saturday
cutting off water supply in several regions due to high percentage of turbidity
in Ibrahim River brought about by heavy rains.
Areas affected by these cut offs are Ibrahim River region, Jbeil (Byblos), Halat,
and Aamchite. Water supply is pending a decrease in turbidity.
Miscellaneous - MESSAGE OF UN SECRETARY GENERAL ON HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
Fri 9/12/2011 14:44
NNA - 09/12/2011 - The United Nations Information Center issued on Firday the
message of UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon on Human Rights Day which was the
following:
Human rights belong to every one of us without exception. But unless we know
them, unless we demand they be respected, and unless we defend our right -- and
the right of others -- to exercise them, they will be just words in a
decades-old document.
That is why, on Human Rights Day, we do more than celebrate the adoption of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 - we acknowledge its enduring
relevance for our own times.
The importance of human rights has been underlined over and over again this
year. Across the globe, people mobilized to demand justice, dignity, equality,
participation -- the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration.
Many of these peaceful demonstrators persevered despite being met with violence
and further repression. In some countries, the struggle continues; in others,
important concessions were gained or dictators were toppled as the will of the
people prevailed.
Many of the people seeking their legitimate aspirations were linked through
social media. Gone are the days when repressive governments could totally
control the flow of information. Today, within their existing obligation to
respect the rights of freedom of assembly and expression, governments must not
block access to the internet and various forms of social media as a way to
prevent criticism and public debate.
We know there is still too much repression in our world, still too much
impunity, still too many people for whom rights are not yet a reality.
Yet at the end of an extraordinary year for human rights, let us take strength
from the achievements of 2011: new democratic transitions set in motion, new
steps to ensure accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity, new
and ever-spreading awareness of rights themselves.
As we look to the challenges ahead, let us take inspiration from the example of
human rights activists and the timeless power of the Universal Declaration, and
do our utmost to uphold the ideals and aspirations that speak for every culture
and every person.
Miscellaneous - Civil Defense missions on Thursday
Fri 9/12/2011 11:38
NNA - 9/12/2011- Civil Defense General Directorate at the Ministry of Interior
and Municipalities, mentioned in a communiqu� " that its members executed
yesterday (Thursday) 13 extinguishing fire and 73 aiding and rescuing operations
across different Lebanese territories."
Miscellaneous - Weather gets better with low temperature
Fri 9/12/2011 10:46
NNA - 9/12/2011- Weather in Lebanon on Saturday gets better and changes
gradually during day-time to partly cloudy, as forecasted by Beirut Airport
-based Meteorology Department.
The department also forecasted weather to get little cloudy in the afternoon
with rise in temperature.
Weather report:
General status: Low atmospheric pressure accompanied with cold air-masses
dominates over the Mediterranean Eastern basin.
-Temperature: On the coastline: 11 degree Celsius low to 17 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 5 degree Celsius low to 10 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 6 degree Celsius low to 10 degree Celsius high
Al-Arz: Zero degree Celsius low to 8 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Southern-western ; gusting between 20 and 50 Km/hr intensifies
sometimes to reach 80 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium, worsens during rainfall
- Humidity: between 65% and 85%.
- Sea : Wavy to agitated, Surface temperature 20 degree Celsius.
NNA - 8/12/2011- Weather in Lebanon on Friday is cloudy with heavy rains, strong
winds and thunderstorms every now and then, as forecasted by Beirut Airport
-based Meteorology Department.
The department forecasted snow fall over 1500 m.
Weather report:
General status: Low atmospheric pressure dominates over the Mediterranean
Eastern basin with thunderstorms and heavy rains.
-Temperature: On the coastline: 10 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 7 degree Celsius low to 12 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 2 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high
Al-Arz: -2 degree Celsius low to 6 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Southern to southern-western ; gusting between 20 and 50 Km/hr
intensifies sometimes to reach 75km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium, worsens during rainfall
- Humidity: between 35% and 85%.
- Sea : Moderate, changes gradually to agitated Surface temperature 20 degree
Celsius.
Miscellaneous - The European Union signs four
contracts with Lebanese municipalities
NNA - 8/12/2011 Ambassador Angelina
Eichhorst, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon, has signed
grant agreements with four municipalities, Andaket (Akkar), Deir Qannoun, Douier
(South Lebanon) and Assia (Jbeil) for a total of � 310,340 benefitting a total
population of 12,000 people. The projects of these municipalities were selected
following a call for proposals launched by the Delegation of the European Union
and cover socio-economic activities in the fields of environment and
eco-tourism.
On this occasion, Ambassador Eichhorst said that "by their proximity to
citizens, local authorities are true agents of change. The support of the
European Union is part of their capacity building so that they can exercise
their responsibilities, particularly in the areas of governance, planning or
service delivery".
As part/In the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan signed
between Lebanon and the European Union, the EU is committed to supporting a
balanced and sustainable socio-economic development in Lebanon. In addition, the
EU has pledged to support Lebanon in its efforts in terms of decentralization,
local government reform and the reduction of regional disparities. In recent
years, the Lebanese authorities have become important partners of cooperation
between the European Union and Lebanon with more than 69 projects funded for a
total of more than � 52 million.
The European Union wishes to continue its support to local authorities. It has
just launched a new call for proposals for local authorities in Lebanon. The
guidelines for this call are available on the website of the EU Delegation in
Lebanon:
http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/lebanon/index_en.htm
Miscellaneous - Abou Faour: Penal code amendment in favor of Children
Wed 7/12/2011 14:06
NNA - 7/12/2011 Higher Council for Childhood and World Vision in Lebanon
Wednesday organized a workshop entitled "Safe internet use for Children:
National Initiatives," under the patronage of Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou
faour and in presence of the HCC head Elie Mekhayel.
Minister Abou Faour deemed the decision of protecting childhood and youth as
being more than a slogan but a plan which, in turn, ought to be translated into
actions.
"Penal code lacked any protective measures from the internet and technology
means' perils thus, we sought amendment of this law by adding up articles to
criminalize any act that might harm children's health, psychological, and social
development," he said.
Miscellaneous - The closure of the tenth anniversary of the International Year
of Volunteers
Wed 7/12/2011 12:37
NNA - 7/12/2011 - On the occasion of the International Volunteer Day, which
coincides on the 5th of December of each year, and the closure of the tenth
anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers, the "First State of the
World's Volunteerism" (SWVR) report was launched on Monday, December 5th, at the
United National General Assembly in New York.
The report captures the value of volunteerism on a global scale, the value of
solidarity, commitment and respect, and deepens the understanding of the impact
that volunteerism can have on our lives. It is also the first time that an
organization is attempting to acknowledge and recognize the work of volunteers
all over the globe.
The report illustrates the universal value of volunteering: the desire to
contribute. It examines the impact of volunteer action on societies and
individuals. Through many examples, the report illustrates why volunteerism, in
its many and diverse forms, is crucial to sustainable human development.
The efforts of governments and international actors to face the global
challenges, and to meet and sustain internationally agreed development targets
including the Millennium Development Goals, need the voluntary engagement and
support of the people. "Beginning with the words 'We the peoples', the United
Nations Charter reminds us that crafting solutions to global challenges is a job
not only for Governments, but for people, communities and civil society", said
UN Secretary General BAN Ki-moon in his message for the International Volunteer
Day this year.
The report challenges some dominant misperceptions including that volunteering
is associated exclusively with altruistic acts of helping others, which
underestimate the range and impact of volunteer action. The report locates
volunteerism at the heart of an emerging development agenda. It shows the link
between volunteerism's contribution in sustainable human development, in
disaster relief, in environmental stewardship, in poverty reduction, health,
education and beyond.
One of the most relevant aspects of this report is the focus on well-being. The
view that gross domestic product (GDP) provides an adequate picture of a society
is increasingly being challenged. The report argues that volunteerism can
promote and contribute to the well-being at a community level as well as at the
individual level. Studies have shown that people who volunteer are much happier
and they live longer lives.
"At critical moments in recent years, the people of Lebanon, its civil society
and its youth, have spoken out for development and stability. The UNV Program
has been working in Lebanon for nearly two decades now. The UN is committed to
the spirit and practice of volunteerism in Lebanon, and will continue to
support, through its various agencies, the efforts of volunteers to improve the
socio-economic situation in Lebanon" said Robert Watkins, UN Resident
Coordinator and Representative of the UNV Program.
The SWVR illustrates how three major trends are changing the face of
volunteerism in the wake of globalization and the digital age: migration and
travel are transforming the way people volunteer; the private sector is
increasingly involved in volunteerism; and information and communications
technologies (ICT) are opening up new means of voluntary participation.
Volunteering is joining the modern age.
Miscellaneous - EU Parliament members discuss Christians' situation in Mideast
Wed 7/12/2011 12:13
NNA - 7/12/2011 Members of the European Parliament organized a conference
entitled "The Future of Christians in the Middle East: A step forward to
religious freedom," in presence of Maronite Patriarch Marbeshara Al-Rahi along
with other religious and diplomatic figures.
The conference mainly aimed at tackling the situation of Christians in the
Mideast, the citizenship, democracy, coexistence and human rights' issues in
Mideast countries.
Attendees pledged the reinforcement of establishing a state to ensure rights and
democracy for all and called herein to invest in scholastic education en route
for rehabilitating individuals and increase their opportunities to get adequate
job opportunities.
According to some speakers, religious authorities might play a pivotal role in
that respect to anchor dialogue between various segments of the society.
The event was co-organized by members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Council of Europe, members of Parliament from Lebanon and the Middle East, with
the support of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union
(COMECE).
The opening ceremony took place on Friday, November 18, 2011 at the John Paul II
Amphitheater - USEK Main Campus.
The conference delegation visited later each of the Maronite Patriarch, Lebanese
Republic Mufti, and the representative of the Islamic Shiite Supreme Council
vice head.
Miscellaneous - Weather rainy with thunderstorms and drop temperature
Wed 7/12/2011 10:56
NNA - 7/12/2011- Weather in Lebanon on Thursday is partly cloudy to cloudy with
active winds. However, it would gradually change to rainy accompanied with
thunderstorms and limited drop in temperature, as forecasted by Beirut Airport
-based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
General status: Stable weather dominates over the Eastern Mediterranean sea
basin until Thursday dawn where Lebanon would gradually be affected by a low
atmospheric pressure accompanied with thunderstorms and heavy rains.
-Temperature: On the coastline: 13 degree Celsius low to 19 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 2 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range:Zero degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high
Al-Arz: -1 degree Celsius low to 8 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Northern-western during day-time changes to southern eastern at
night ; gusting between 8 and 30 Km/hr
- Visibility: Good.
- Humidity: between 40% and 65%.
- Sea : Almost calm Surface temperature 20 degree Celsius.
NNA - 6/12/2011- Partly cloudy weather with further drop in temperature is
forecasted for the 24 hours by Beirut International Airport - based meteorology
department .
Relatively cold weather for this time of the year is forecasted along the
eastern Mediterranean basin.
More of the same is forecasted on Wednesday with further drop in temperature
amid chances for local drizzles . Unstable weather conditions would turn stormy
by Thursday with surface winds gusting at 60 km/hr.
A maximum of 24 degrees Celsius registers 5 degrees for the minimum along the
coastline, On the mountain range, a high of 16 degrees Celsius registers 6
degrees by nightfall, In the Bekaa and the Interior, a high of 19 degrees
Celsius drops to 4 degrees by nightfall, On the Cedar top a high of 11 degrees
Celsius drops to freezing Zero temperature by nightfall .
Surface northerly-westerly winds change into easterly- southerly winds gusting
at 20 km/hr.
Calm to choppy see turning into wavy by Thursday measures 20 degrees for surface
water temperature .
NNA - 6/12/2011- Achoura highlight in South Lebanon took place in down- town /
Nabatiyeh in presence of ranking Hizbullah and Amal clerics and officials.
Thousands of dagger and Mashetti - wielding men of all walks of life paraded
among seems of self -flagellation and lamentation.
Men and little children wearing shrouds as an expression of grief at the death
of Hussein soon had attire all covered with blood. The Achoura parade reportedly
proceded smoothly amid tight security by Army and Police.
Traffic was duly not allowed in and out of town .
Marchers in the Achoura parade came as far as the Eastern and Western sectors of
South Lebanon to watch or partake in the reenactment of the Karbala episode 1200
years ago.
Grief-stricken women with black flags took to the street and balconies
overlooking the parade. The reenactment of the death of Hussein at the hand of
Omayyads reached a highpoint with the so called Haidar self flagellation with
daggers and swords .
An estimated thirty people lost consciousness and had to be hospitalized at
local dispensaries and clinics. Some of them were reported in pretty serious
condition.
Miscellaneous - Woman killed in car accident in Byblos
Mon 5/12/2011 12:09
NNA - 5/12/2011 - A woman, identified as Deebah Joseph Thomy, was instantly
killed when her car rammed into an electricity pole on Mar Jerjes road in
Byblos.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly cloudy with drop in temperature
Mon 5/12/2011 10:47
NNA - 5/12/2011- Weather in Lebanon on Tuesday is partly cloudy with limited
drop in temperature , as forecasted by Beirut Airport -based Meteorology
Department.
The department also warned of ice formation on roads at night in interior
regions.
Weather report:
General status: Dry and cold weather dominates over the Eastern Mediterranean
sea basin.
-Temperature : On the coastline: 5 degree Celsius low to 20 degree Celsius high.
On the mountain range: 1 degree Celsius low to 11 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior range: 3 degree Celsius low to 19 degree Celsius high
Al-Arz: 1 degree Celsius low to 11 degree Celsius high
- Surface wind: Northern to northern-western gusting between 10 and 30 Km/hr
- Visibility: Generally good.
- Humidity: between 20% and 55%.
- Sea : Almost calm ,Surface temperature 20 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Three Thousand Seven Hundred Syrian
Asylum-Seekers to North
Sun 4/12/2011 14:49
NNA - 04/12/2011 Three thousand seven hundred and eighty nine
Syrian asylum-seekers have now registered with the UN-High
Commission for Refugees in North Lebanon alone.
The disclosure came in an official report by the UN-high
Commission for Refugees Sunday. 3861 displaced by the current
unrest benefited from food rations, sanitary ware and heavy
winter clothing with nearly 300 pupils attending classes with
Lebanese kids with special needs or learning disabilities. 300
Syrian teachers received special instruction about children's
rights while World Health Organization officials donated medical
equipment to local hospitals catering to needs of displaced
Syrians. More is expected down the pipeline, UN officials said.
Danish NGO social workers also helped with infrastructure-laying
in Wadi Khaled with nearly 16 Syrian families benefiting from a
public library, movie theatre and power-generators.
The UN Commission for Refugees voiced deep concern by Syrian
displaced emanating from cross-border Asad army activity in
Tal-Kalakh, heavy firing, shelling and the planting of dreadful
anti-personnel mines.
NNA - 04/12/2011 Environment Minister represented President Michel Sleiman
Sunday in inauguration of national campaign to increase the green patch in
Lebanon 2012, organized by the Association for Green New Lebanon in Amsheet,
North Lebanon.
Nazim Khoury invited all Lebanese to take a personal initiative to aid the
government in preserving the natural beauty of Lebanon.
Miscellaneous - Layyoun heads to Dubai and Aridi to Abu Dhabi
Sat 3/12/2011 19:39
NNA - 3/12/2011 - Culture Minister, Gabi Layoun, left Beirut Saturday heading to
Dubai.
Public Works and Transport Minister, Ghazi Aridi, also headed to the United Arab
Emirates' Capital, Abu Dhabi.
Miscellaneous - Lebanon electricity to install 20 megawatt facility in Zahrani
Sat 3/12/2011 13:45
NNA - 3/12/2011 - Lebanon Electricity Company disclosed the installment of a 20
megawatt electricity generator at Zahrani to boost power coverage of the entire
south.
The Electricity Company listed a series of power-generating capacity
installments as of 1999 till the present with generating facilities being
constantly moved from one area to another in the south.
It indicated that the 20 megawatt facility in Zahrani has the capacity of
covering the needs of the south and promised to provide further details in the
near future.
Miscellaneous - Biggest Chocolate Christmas Tree at City Mall!
Fri 2/12/2011 22:24
NNA - 02/12/2011 - Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud has sponsored an original event
at City Mall on Friday, celebrating what might be the world's biggest chocolate
Christmas tree.
The tree which is made of 123,000 pieces of chocolate is expected to make it to
the Guinness Book of Records.
In his delivered word, Minister Abboud hoped that this holiday season will be a
special one for all the Lebanese alike.
R.H.
Miscellaneous - Daouk patronizes environmental competition at
Information Ministry
Fri 2/12/2011 16:37
NNA - 02/12/2011 - The Press Photographers Syndicate launched on Friday
at the Information Ministry a photograph competition specific to the
environment in Lebanon, under the patronage of Information Minister
Walid Daouk.
The competition's purpose is to enhance the presence of an environmental
photo for Lebanon, knowing that the competition's results will be set in
the context of a photo exhibition on February 22 at the Unesco Palace in
Beirut.
Daouk delivered a word on the occasion, stressing on the advantageous
side of this kind of competition project, which lets the environmental
photo mirror Lebanon's future vision.
Daouk indicated that the Bank of Lebanon would support local projects
that respect environment.
A.M>
Miscellaneous - Weather: Clear without temperature change
Fri 2/12/2011 09:19
NNA - 2/12/2011 - The weather for Saturday is expected to be clear without
temperature change, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Cold weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 7 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 1 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 3 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Solidere launches the Christmas and New Year Celebrations at the
BCD
Fri 2/12/2011 09:15
NNA - 2/12/2011 - Once again this year, Solidere is celebrating Christmas and
New Year, with the festivities of Beirut Celebrates, organized every year at the
Beirut Central District. The celebrations will kick start with a Christmas
Parade that will see the Star Nancy Ajram illuminating the Christmas tree. Other
distinguished events will also take place, including the "Christmas Village" and
the Sacred Music Festival (Beirut Chants) according to the following schedule:
- Saturday 3 December 2011:
6 p.m : The Christmas Parade and the inauguration of Santa's village.
7:45 p.m : The tree illumination by renowned artist Nancy Ajram
8 p.m : The opening of Beirut Chants Choral Festival
The Christmas celebrations will kick off on Saturday at 6 p.m, with Santa Claus
moving with his trail from zawiyat Ibn Iraq in Beirut Souks surrounded by a
large number of dancers, music bands and Christmas characters. Also, the 1200
square-meter "Christmas Village" will be opened at Arwam Souk to the public.
At 7:45 p.m. The Christmas tree will be illuminated by renowned artist Nancy
Ajram. While at 8 p.m. the Beirut Chants Festival will be inaugurated with the
French Choral "Concerto Soave" at the ST. Maroun's Church in Gemayzeh.
Beirut's streets will be lit, its spaces decorated with trees crowned by the
central Christmas tree at the Souks.
The festive events will continue to entertain the Souks' visitors as per the
following:
From 3 to 8 January 2012 from 4 to 8 p.m.:
The Christmas Village: A 1200 square meter space at the Venue in Souk El Awram
will be dedicated for the Christmas Village, which will include Santa Claus's
home. Santa and his elves will welcome children and take pictures with them, as
they will enjoy various festive activities including workshops, craft works and
meeting Christmas characters.
Christmas Shows: with special Ukrainian dancers.
The Beirut Chants Festival is held every day from 3 to 25 December at 8 p.m :
A number of chorals will take part in different churches at the BCD according to
the attached schedule. Solidere has launched this festival in 2008, and
establish it as a tradition stressing the BCD's role as a center of religious
tolerance and diversity.
Miscellaneous - Daouk: Beirut distinguished city embracing culture and artists
Thu 1/12/2011 20:25
NNA - 1/12/2011 Information Minister Walid Daouk highlighted the importance of
the city of Beirut that embraces civilization, culture and distinguished
artists.
Minister Daouk was speaking during his inauguration of the exhibition of Artist
Lotti Fawzi Odeimi at Galerie Chahine-Verdun, in presence of Spanish Ambassador
to Lebanon Juan Carlos Gavo and concerned dignitaries.
The Exhibition lasts till Dec 22, 2011, and includes around 70 paintings by
Artist Odeimi, depicting an assortment of pictures on nature under the title of
"In Search of Infinity".
---------------L.Y
Policy - Fatfat: financing of STL, any duty to Mikati
Thu 1/12/2011 15:27
NNA - 01/12/2011 MP Ahmad Fatfat said Thursday that the STL funding
decision Prime Minister Najib Mikati had made is of the least of his
duties.
Future bloc member called on Hezbollah and General Michel Aoun to resign
if they still think that this proceeding is unconstitutional.
He recalled, in an interview with OTV channel, that his political group
has always encouraged Mikati to this approach, noting that "the" Future
and the March 14 forces did believe that funding was a victory for them
and that this decision stemmed from a Syrian request.
"The prime minister approved our demands, despite how the funding
process was made," he said, describing the funding approval of a failure
for all those who opposed to it.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy without temperature change
Thu 1/12/2011 09:33
NNA - 1/12/2011 - The weather for Friday is expected to be little cloudy without
temperature change, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Cold weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 12 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 1 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 4 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Abboud follows up Baalbek international festivals preparations
Wed 30/11/2011 13:26
NNA - 30/11/2011 - Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud, met Friday with the head of
Baalbek international festivals committee, May Arida, who thanked him for his
support to these festivals and informed him of the preparations for the year
2012 which will definitely meet the international standards and boost the flow
of tourists to Lebanon.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - Abboud follows up Baalbek international festivals preparations
Wed 30/11/2011 13:26
NNA - 30/11/2011 - Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud, met Friday with the head of
Baalbek international festivals committee, May Arida, who thanked him for his
support to these festivals and informed him of the preparations for the year
2012 which will definitely meet the international standards and boost the flow
of tourists to Lebanon.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy with slight temperature rise
Wed 30/11/2011 10:16
NNA - 30/11/2011 - The weather for Thursday is expected to be little cloudy with
slight temperature rise, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Cold weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 13 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 6 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 1 degree Celsius low to 17 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western to Northern Eastern, gusting between 10 to 30
km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Jackson's doctor gets 4 years, no probation
Tue 29/11/2011 21:38
NNA - 29/11/2011 (Reuters): Michael Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad
Murray, on Tuesday was sentenced to four years in jail and denied probation for
his conviction on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the pop star's death.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor gave Murray the maximum sentence
and said Murray engaged in "money for medicine madness that is simply not
acceptable to me."
Murray, 58, dressed in a gray suit and purple paisley tie, sat emotionless
throughout much of his sentencing in the trial that captured the world's
attention. Just before he was led out of the courtroom, he blew kisses at a
woman who shouted "we love you" to the convicted killer.
"Thriller" singer Jackson, who rose to fame in the late 1960s and '70s as a
member of the Jackson Five and had a stellar solo career in the 1980s, died of a
drug overdose in June 2009, principally from the use of the surgical anesthetic
propofol as a sleep aid. That drug had been obtained and administered to Jackson
by Murray at the singer's rented home.
Fneish
from the Grand Serail: Cabinet to settle STL funding issue
Tue 29/11/2011 14:53
NNA - 29/11/2011 Prime Minister Najib Mikati met Tuesday with Minister of State
for Administrative Development Mohammad Fneish, business relating to his
ministry.
Asked about a possible postponement of the Cabinet session Wednesday (tomorrow),
the Minister said "meeting has been set and agenda has been distributed. And
frankly, I do not know what will happen tomorrow."
He also said that the prime minister holds on to its position regarding the
financing of the STL and his resignation, similarly to Hezbollah, who holds on
to its own position as well.
"We do not wish the government to resign but we want funding decision to be
taken inside Cabinet in order to respect the role of institutions," he said.
Miscellaneous - Rahi meets Sacred Heart School students
Tue 29/11/2011 14:09
NNA - 29/11/2011 - Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rahi met Tuesday with 650
students of the Sacred Hearts schools coming from different branches.
Deputies Jean Ogassapian, Ghassan Mokhayber, Neemtallah Abi Nasr and Sami
Gemayel attended this gathering entitled "Lebanon, land a faces."
Patriarch Rahi confirmed before these students that "as long as moral values and
liberty exist in schools and universities, fear for Lebanon will remain silent."
D.K.
Miscellaneous - Security General receives German equipment to detect fake
documents
Tue 29/11/2011 13:02
NNA - 29/11/2011 - The German security team operating at the embassy in Beirut
handed over modern equipment to detect false and faked passports and documents
to the Lebanese Security General.
This equipment will be used in all border crossing points.
The hand out ceremony was attended by the German ambassador to Lebanon and other
senior officials.
Rocket fire into Israel from southern Lebanon
NNA - 29/11/2011 UNIFIL radars detected firing of at least one rocket into
Israel shortly after midnight last night from the general area of Rumaysh in
south Lebanon. Israeli authorities indicated to UNIFIL that a number of rockets
impacted in northern Israel.
The IDF returned artillery fire directed at the location from where the rocket
fire originated.
At this time, no casualties have been reported from either side. There has been
no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
UNIFIL, in cooperation with the parties, is currently investigating on the
ground to determine the facts and circumstances of the incident as well as to
locate the launching site of the rocket fire.
UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas is maintaining close
contact with the parties and has called for maximum restraint in order to
prevent any escalation of the situation.
The Force Commander said: "This is a serious incident in violation of UN
Security Council resolution 1701 and is clearly directed at undermining
stability in the area. It is imperative to identify and apprehend the
perpetrators of this attack and we will spare no efforts to this end working in
cooperation with the LAF. Additional troops have been deployed on the ground and
patrols have been intensified across our area of operations to prevent any
further incidents."
He added: "At the same time, there is a need to act with restraint and the
parties have reassured me of their continued commitment to maintain the
cessation of hostilities in accordance with resolution 1701."
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly cloudy with slight temperature rise
Tue 29/11/2011 10:38
NNA - 23/5/2011 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be partly cloudy to
cloudy with high clouds and slight temperature rise, according to Beirut AirPort
Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Cold and dry weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 13 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 5 degree Celsius low to 11 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -3 degree Celsius low to 7 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: -1 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern to Northern Eastern, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Mikati patronizes inauguration of second edition of 2011 SMES
conference
Mon 28/11/2011 18:25
NNA - 28/11/2011 - Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, represented by State Minister
Panos Manjian, on Monday patronized the inauguration of the second edition of
2011 SMES conference, organized by the Institution for Near Eastern and Gulf
Military Analysis (INEGMA), with the support of the Lebanese Army and ISF
General Directorate, at BIEL, Beirut.
Speaking on Mikati's behalf, Minister Manjian said SMES conference shed light,
in 2009, on Lebanon's pioneering role in hosting similar conferences and events.
"SMES 2011, in its second edition, values Lebanon's civilized aspect," he
stressed.
He avowed that the government was adamant to endeavor so as to restore security
for both the people and the society.
SMES is a regional exhibition on internal security as well as on the conference
which takes place every two years, with the support of the Lebanese Armed Forces
(LAF) and the Internal Security Forces (ISF).
SMES covers internal security, the security of borders, infrastructures, and the
combat of terrorism.
Miacellaneous - Jibran Tweini's award delivering at Press Club
Mon 28/11/2011 17:34
NNA - 28/11/2011 - The Press Club celebrated on Monday Jibran Tweini's
Award Delivering on media and press students of various faculties of the
Lebanese University.
The event was attended by Information Minister Walid Daouk, Deputy
Michel Pheraon, Deputy Ammar Houry representing former Prime Ministers
Saad Hariri and Fouad Siniora, deputy Boutros Harb, Deputy Nayla Tweini,
head of the Press Club Youssof Hwayek and others.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy to partly cloudy without temperature
change
Mon 28/11/2011 09:15
NNA - 28/11/2011 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be little cloudy to
partly cloudy without temperature change, according to Beirut AirPort Based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather and cold dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 21 degree Celsius low to 9 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 14 degree Celsius low to 1 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 8 degree Celsius low to 2 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 15 degree Celsius low to 1 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Sporadic clouds, rise in temperatures
Sun 27/11/2011 11:00
NNA - 27/11/2011 A new week begins in Lebanon on a warm note. A report by
meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International Airport forecasted Monday's
weather to witness clear blue skies with some clouds and a slight increase in
temperatures.
Coastal temperatures: 7 to 19 degrees Celsius.
Mountain temperatures: 5 to 13 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 2 to 14 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: 4 to 8 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North-westerly during the day, shift to easterly at night with
speeds between 8 and 25 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 35% to 60%.
Sea: Mild waves with surface water temperature at 20 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Partly cloudy, icy on highlands
Sat 26/11/2011 10:29
NNA - 26/11/2011 Sunday weather is expected to be partly cloudy with ice
formations on mountain roads, according to meteorology department at Rafik
Hariri International Airport.
Coastal temperatures: 7 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: 5 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 1 to 13 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North-westerly to south-westerly with speeds between 10 and 30
km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 30% to 60%.
Sea condition: Mild waves with surface water temperature at 21 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Barja and Daraya citizens protest power shortage, cut off road
Fri 25/11/2011 21:15
NNA - 25/11/2011 Months of minimal electricity feed in towns of Iklim Kharroub
infuriated citizens into blocking high way with burning tires in Barja and
Daraya villages on Friday.
A unit from the Internal Security Forces (ISF) attended the scene and negotiated
with the villagers to reopen the main road to no avail.
Miscellaneous - Dr. Traboulsi for adopting alternative energy policy
Fri 25/11/2011 17:56
NNA - 25/11/2011 - Artificial Intelligence specialist, Dr. Haitham
Traboulsi, called upon the Lebanese state to adopt the alternative
energy policy as it was the most appropriate solution on the
materialistic and environmental levels.
Traboulsi's demand came Friday in the context of a seminar on the
alternative energy theme which he conducted at the Canadian Lebanese
School in Rashaya Al-Wadi.
Traboulsi explained that said policy would decrease Lebanon's debts,
indicating that many energy resources, like fuel and charcoal, were
becoming exhausted. He, accordingly, called for resorting to alternative
sources that best fit the local economy and environment.
A.M.
Miscellaneous - Murr 'patronizes' meeting on Jal-el-Dib Bridge quandary
Fri 25/11/2011 16:02
NNA - 25/11/2011 - Deputy Michel Murr on Friday held a meeting in an
effort to resolve a jamming quandary between the Council for Development
and Reconstruction and Jal-el-Dib municipality over this locality's
bridge.
Deputy Prime Minister Samir Moqbel, CDR Head Nabil Jisr, the
municipality's head Edward Abu Jaoudeh, and representatives of the
company tasked with executing a bridge-related project attended the
meeting at Murr's office in Amarat Shalhoub, Zalka.
A second meeting was scheduled within the forthcoming week, in presence
of Antelias municipality head, Elie Farhat.
NNA - 25/11/2011 - Civil Defense members executed on 23 and 24 of this month 30
extinguishing operations and 129 rescue operations in different Lebanese
regions, according to the Interior and Municipalities Ministry.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Clear without temperature change
Fri 25/11/2011 09:13
NNA - 25/11/2011 - The weather for Saturday is expected to be clear to little
cloudy without temperature change, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 8 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 1 degree Celsius low to 12 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 3 degree Celsius low to 7 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 1 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern to Northern Western, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Charbel says he works for administrative decentralization
Thu 24/11/2011 15:01
NNA - 24/11/2011 - Interior and Municipalities Minister Marwan Charbel said he
started efforts to advance in the administrative decentralization project since
his assuming the ministerial post. He explained this project could be through
enhancing the role of municipalities at the materialistic, logistic and
directional levels. "This [administrative decentralization project] is
democratic, civilized and developmental."
Charbel's word came on Thursday in the context of his opening at Metropolitan
Hotel in Beirut the international conference for decentralization cooperation,
in presence of the Beirut Mayor Bilal Hamad, the Spanish Ambassador Juan Carlos
Gafo and others.
Charbel reminded of Lebanese President Michel Sleiman's aim at implementing said
project under the wings of a united country upholding a strong central
authority.
A.M>
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly cloudy with temperature drop
Thu 24/11/2011 09:13
NNA - 24/11/2011 - The weather for Friday is expected to be partly cloudy with
temperature drop, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 9 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 1 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 2 degree Celsius low to 8 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 0 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Western to Northern-Western, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly cloudy without temperature change
Wed 23/11/2011 10:25
NNA - 23/11/2011 - The weather for Thursday is expected to be partly cloudy
without temperature change, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 14 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 7 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: -3 degree Celsius low to 7 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: -1 degree Celsius low to 7 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Western to Southern Western, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Baalbeck sit-in to protest electricity shut down
Tue 22/11/2011 12:51
NNA - 22/11/2011 - Baalbeck staged a sit-in to protest frequent electricity
cuts. They demanded among other things, the installment of a new electricity
transformer to avoid further shut downs in the actual generator in view of
mounting demand for energy supply.
Protesters indicated that the town has been deprived of power since three weeks
now while the local branch of Electricity Company blamed cuts on strikebound
contractual workers. Protesters who took to the street kept the highway closed
to traffic for over than an hour before being cleared by army and security.
G.G./P.BC.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy with slight temperature rise
Mon 21/11/2011 09:29
NNA - 21/11/2011 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be clear to little
cloudy with slight temperature rise, according to Beirut AirPort Based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates gradually over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 21 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 14 degree Celsius low to 8 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 5 degree Celsius low to 4 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 16 degree Celsius low to 4 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Eastern, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
NNA - 20/11/2011 The new week begins on a stable note in Lebanon, as no change
in temperatures is expected and skies will be partly cloudy, according to
meteorology department at Rafik Hariri Airport. However, the department
cautioned citizens of icy roads in mountainous regions.
Coastal temperatures: 13 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Mountain temperatures: 6 to 12 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 8 to 14 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: 1 to 4 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North-westerly with speeds between 10 and 25 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Humidity at the coast: 40% to 70%.
Sea status: Mild waves with surface water temperature at 21 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Mansour: to separate politics from expatriate
institutions
Fri 18/11/2011 15:52
NNA - 18/11/2011 - Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister Adnan
Mansour stressed upon the necessity of separating politics from
expatriate institutions, like the World Lebanese Cultural Union, in
order for such institutions not to turn a fertile ground for political
divergences and susceptibilities among the Lebanese.
Mansour's word came in the context of his sponsoring opening the WLCU's
14th world conference at the Unesco Palace in Beirut. The event was
attended by the head of said union, Ahmad Nasser, Maronite Patriarch
Bechara Rahi, and a number of deputies and dignitaries.
Mansour said the nation was pinning great hopes on the cooperation
between the Lebanese expatriates and residents for the sake of
safeguarding the country and its culture.
A.M./P.BC.
Miscellaneous - Khalil: MOH's ultimate goal is to reduce maternal mortality
ratio
Fri 18/11/2011 14:52
NNA - 18/11/2011 - Public Health Minister, Ali Hassan Khalil, represented Prime
Minister Najib Mikati in the international Annual Conference on Obstetrics and
Gynecology held Thursday night at M?venpick hotel.
"Our ultimate goal is to reduce the ratio of maternal mortality," Khalil
announced in a word delivered on this occasion.
He indicated that patronizing this conference proves the government's keenness
to supporting all scientific activities in the country in a bid to encourage
specialized people to give the best they could for the Lebanon's progress.
Khalil praised the hard work of the Lebanese association for obstetrics and
gynecology aimed at preserving women's health conditions and providing constant
medical services for women.
"Their exceptional role in our society holds us responsible for protecting them,
not only at the health level. It urges the government and the civil society to
push women forward in the field of culture, education and health," he announced.
The Minister assured in this regard that the Health Ministry will deploy huge
endeavors to follow up women's affairs despite all the challenges.
Amongst the Ministry's goals is raising awareness over breast cancer issue as to
highlight the importance of this illness' early detection.
"Achieving these goals requires positive cooperation between our medical body,
the Ministry of Public Health and all concerned associations," Khalil noted,
adding that the Health Ministry is currently executing a national program for
safeguarding the health of pregnant women and their babies.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Rainy with thunderstorms, heavy winds
Fri 18/11/2011 11:52
NNA - 18/11/2011 The meteorology department at Beirut International Airport
forecasted weather Monday to be rainy during the day and stormy at night.
Snows are expected to fall at 1500 meters.
Coastal temperatures: 13 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: 6 to 9 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 5 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: 0 to 4 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-Westerly with speeds between 10 and 35 km/hr and may reach
up to 50 km/hr at night.
Visibility: Average during the day, and may worsen at night.
Coastal humidity: 80% to 50%.
Sea condition: Mild waves, with surface water temperature at 21 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Abu Faour announces activities upon Childhood World Day
Thu 17/11/2011 18:40
NNA - 17/11/2011 - Minister of Social Affairs, Wael Abu Faour, on Thursday
broached the activities of his Ministry and the Higher Council for Childhood,
during a news conference he held at the Ministry upon the occasion of the
Childhood World Day.
As noting that many international and local organizations have blamed the
current and former governments for shrugging off the childhood cause in their
policy statements, Abu Faour avowed that the government and the state must be
indeed present herein.
He said a vision of development was necessary and that Lebanon confirmed its
commitment to the principle of human and children rights.
As follows, the activities scheduled to take place on this special
childhood-related event, as listed by the Minister:
- A meeting at the Parliament next Sunday, gathering House Speaker Nabih Berri,
Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and First Lady Wafaa Sleiman.
- The submission by the Speaker of two project laws on the amendment of the
penal code, and that of law number 422 relevant to the protection of
delinquents.
- Launching ceremony of the national strategy on protecting children from
violence, at UNESCO Palace, on forthcoming November 21.
- A workshop on internet security on November 6 and 7, at Rotana Hotel, Hazmieh.
Separately, Abu Faour respectively met with Deputies Elie Aoun and Nidal Tohme.
He later received a delegation of Saint Theresa nuns and Maronite Archbishop in
Brazil, Edgard Madi.
A delegation of the International Monetary Fund also visited Abu Faour today.
Miscellaneous - Health Ministry: Denniyeh water is unpolluted
Thu 17/11/2011 15:49
NNA - 17/11/2011 - The Public Health Ministry announced Thursday that the
examination of water samples taken from Denniyeh proved that water in that
region is basically unpolluted
Five water sources have been put to test by extracting samples from the area
which witnessed several hepatitis cases in the past few days.
The three samples taken from official sources of water were proved
uncontaminated and healthy for daily human use. The other two samples extracted
from unofficial water springs included certain bacteria that have no dangerous
side effects on the human body.
Based on the above, the Health department of North Lebanon called on the
region's inhabitants to boil water and sterilize it to avoid the spread of the
disease.
D.K./A.B.
Miscellaneous - Charbel, Pietton inspect civil aviation security center
Thu 17/11/2011 15:22
NNA - 17/11/2011 - Interior and Municipalities Minister Marwan Charbel,
accompanied with French Ambassador Denis Pietton, inspected on Thursday
a training center for the civil aviation security at Rafic Hariri
International Airport in Beirut.
Charbel liked the center, saying it helped boost Lebanon's role in
consolidating security and peace so as to attract tourists into Lebanon.
Charbel eventually thanked France for its permanent support for Lebanon
and its financing the center.
Separately, Charbel received at his office the Estonian ambassador and
ESCWA's executive secretary Rima Khalaf.
A.M>
NNA - 16/11/2011 - Student elections at the American University of Beirut were
held all day on November 16, 2011 and were marked by rainy weather and a
competitive yet calm spirit.
Some 233 students ran for spots on the 109-member Student Representative Council
(SRC), with students campaigning for one of two main coalitions--the
red-and-white "Students at Work" and the "ICAN" grouping against the
green-and-yellow "Active Students" and "Order of Engineers" grouping. A motley
group of independents also ran in the elections, including some who called for
blank balloting and keeping politics out of student elections.
From 10 am to 5 pm, students voted in their respective faculties, before
gathering outside West Hall in the late evening to find out whether their
favorite candidate had one or not.
Student Affairs Dean Talal Nizameddin described the election process as
"competitive, yet calm and organized."
"Student elections and campaigning are part of the educational process,
especially if conducted under transparent and professional guidelines," said
Nizameddin. "Here, at AUB, we pride ourselves for upholding this decades-old
tradition of democratic expression and participation."
For the second year in a row, results were tweeted within a few minutes of their
being released, and they were also published on AUB's official Facebook page.
AUB has 3900 followers on Twitter as well as 8700 fans on Facebook. For the
first time, AUB also posted results on Google+ with its 265 fans. The University
also posted photos from Election Day on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Google+.
Just like last year, observers from the Lebanese Association for Democratic
Elections oversaw Election Day on campus with their 19 observers weaving in and
out of faculties and ballot counting areas. LADE Coordinator at AUB Tamim
BouKarroum lauded AUB's organization process, describing it as "stellar."
As usual, access to campus was confined to students and staff with valid AUB
IDs, in addition to the drove of print, radio, and TV reporters covering the
event.
By 5:30 pm, shortly after voting had ended, two large computer-linked screens
were set up on West Hall's colonnaded porch. The screens beamed election results
to spirited students over a three-hour period. All results were out by 8 pm.
In the coming weeks, a rematch will be held for all tied candidates. Once that
is done, newly-elected SRC representatives will vote for SRC cabinets as well as
the 17 representatives on the 24-member University Student-Faculty Council (USFC).
Student elections at AUB have a long history that dates back to 1949, when the
first general elections took place. This annual event was interrupted in 1982
because of the Lebanese war of 1975-1990, only to resume in 1994.
Miscellaneous - Eichhorst presents 18th European Film Festival
Wed 16/11/2011 19:25
NNA - 16/11/2011 - During a press conference on 16 November, the Head of the
Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon, Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst,
presented the 18th European Film Festival, which will be held from 24 November
to 4 December in the two theaters of Cinema Metropolis Empire Sofil (Ashrafieh).
The European Film Festival will open on Thursday 24 November with the Polish
film The Winner by Wies?aw Saniewski (on invitation).
The Festival's programme includes:
" 33 recent feature films from the European Union, allowing the audience to view
prize-winning films screened at major international festivals as well as the
first or second production of promising directors.
" 1 recent Lebanese feature film from the Lebanese director Rania Attieh (Black
Pearl Award, 2010 Abu Dhabi Film Festival) will be presented as the Festival's
closing film.
" 1 feature film from Switzerland and from Norway respectively, the Festival's
guest countries this year.
" 20 short films produced by students of ten Lebanese audiovisual schools.
In order to encourage young talents, the Festival will, for the eleventh
consecutive year, award three prizes for the Lebanese short films. The Festival
will offer each of the winners the opportunity to attend one of three leading
international short film festivals in Europe: the "Premiers plans" Angers
Festival (France), the Oberhausen International Short Film Festival (Germany)
and the Krakow Film Festival (Poland). The jury includes cultural attach�s of EU
Member States' Embassies and cultural centres in Lebanon as well as Lebanese
cinema critics. On Sunday 4 December, the Head of the Delegation of the European
Union, Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, will award the prizes.
In a continuous effort to promote and showcase European culture to the widest
possible audience throughout the country, the European Film Festival will also
take place in Tripoli (1-4 December), Jounieh (2-8 December), Saida (8-10
December) and Zahle (13-17 December) with
a number of films being screened in the four cities.
Several special guests will introduce and discuss their films in the cinema: Mr.
Wieslaw Saniewski and Mrs Grazyna Molska, respectively director and producer of
the opening Polish film The Winner, Mr. Anders F. August, scriptwriter of the
Danish film Applause, Mr. Ludovic Bource, composer of the original soundtrack of
the French silent film The Artist, Mr. Alexandru Maftei, director of the
Romanian film Hello, How Are You?, as well as Mrs Rania Attieh and Mr. Daniel
Garcia, directors of the Lebanese film OK, Enough, Goodbye. Other guests may
also confirm their presence later. The guests will hold workshops with Lebanese
audiovisual schools' students.
As a special event, the Festival will be screening the German silent film
Nosferatu. The film was shot in 1921 and released in 1922, and is considered to
be a masterpiece of Germany's expressionistic cinema. The screening of the film
will be accompanied with live music performed by the group More Dust Under The
Carpet.
On Sunday 4 December, the Festival will pay a tribute to the late famous
Lebanese actor Mahmoud Mabsout, known as Fahmen. Extracts of some of his films
will be screened, followed by the short film in which Fahmen played a leading
role, Beyrouth apr�s rasage (After Shave) of the Lebanese director Hany Tamba
(C�sar for the Best short film in 2006).
Among the long feature films, the European Film Festival proposes two films for
children. The European Film Festival also makes the screenings available to
children from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
The European Film Festival is organised by the Delegation of the European Union
to Lebanon in collaboration with the Embassies and Cultural Institutes of the
European Union Member States, under the patronage of H.E. the Minister of
Culture and with the contribution of LBCI TV.
Tickets will be on sale for 4,000 LL (2,000 for students' short films) from
Monday 21st November 2011 at Cinema Metropolis Empire Sofil (Ashrafieh).
Miscellaneous - Health Ministry: water samples tested after several hepatitis
cases in Denniyeh
Wed 16/11/2011 17:19
NNA - 16/11/2011 - The Public Health Ministry issued on Wednesday a communique
that warned of the contamination of Denniyeh waters.
The Health Ministry which detected some hepatitis cases at Denniyeh region
immediately called upon the concerned authorities to take action and examine
water samples from different water sources in the region where the hepatitis
appeared.
The tests' results to be issued in the next few hours will be compared to the
international standards to make sure this water is healthy for daily human use.
D.K.
NNA - 16/11/2011 - The weather for Thursday is expected to be cloudy in the
morning with sporadic rain changes at noon to rainy, stromy and active winds,
according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 14 degree Celsius low to 19 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 1 degree Celsius low to 11 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 0 degree Celsius low to 5 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 4 degree Celsius low to 12 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 20 to 45 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Country celebrates football victory!
Tue 15/11/2011 18:56
NNA - 15/11/2011 Celebrations took to the streets of Beirut and other Lebanese
cities and regions after Lebanon won 2-1 over South Korea in 2014 FIFA World Cup
qualifiers.
Convoys of cars toured the streets despite heavy rain in a show of support to
their national team. Cheers and fireworks overshadowed all other sounds, as
Lebanese enjoy a much needed win in light of current socio-political situation.
The cabinet announced it would award each player on the national team 10 million
Lebanese Liras for their success.
Miscellaneous - Khoury elaborates on Ministry's working program
Tue 15/11/2011 13:58
NNA - 15/11/2011 Environment Minister explained Tuesday the Ministry's working
program before the Cosmopolitan Rotary Club meeting held at the Vendome hotel,
Beirut.
"Political environment in service of the environmental policy," is the
Ministry's slogan whose program mainly aims at reinforcing human, financial,
material, and potential capabilities, Minister Nazem Khoury said.
Preserving Lebanon's natural reserves, activating national strategy for managing
forests' fires and combating deforestation, implementing solid waste policies,
developing a complementary program to limit central pollution, and numerous
other projects and plans were among the program's items, Khoury said.
The Minister laid afterwards most eminent accomplishments the Ministry has
achieved including the signed agreement with the united nations environment
programme (UNEP).
NNA - 15/11/2011 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be cloudy and rainy
with thunderstorms and heavy rain, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 10 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 1 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 1 degree Celsius low to 6 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 4 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern to Southern Western, gusting between 25 to 50 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Kyrill: the visit to Lebanon has special significance
Mon 14/11/2011 17:02
NNA - 14/11/2011 - The Russian Greek Orthodox Patriarch Kyrill I said his visit
to Lebanon had its special significance in his heart, as Lebanon was part of the
holy lands receiving prophets.
Kyrill started his tour in Lebanon on Monday by chairing a mass service at Greek
Orthodox Saint Georges Cathedral in Beirut. The mass was attended by a number of
senior religious figures and politicians.
A.M>
NNA - 14/11/2011 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be rainy and stormy
with temperature drop, snow falls starting from 1600 meters, according to Beirut
AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric presssure dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 10 degree Celsius low to 19 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 7 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 1 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 5 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Eastern to Southern Western, gusting between 10 to 30
km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 35 % to 75%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 24 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Abou Faour for the empowerment of the Disabled
Sun 13/11/2011 16:19
NNA - 13/11/2011 - Social Affairs' Minister Wael Abou Faour pledged full support
for the Disabled through their empowerment in the private sector.
Abou Faour's pledge came during his marking of the 30th anniversary of the
launching of the Union for the Disabled at UNESCO Palace today. Leading Union
representatives from all walks of life and from all over the country attended
the event.
Minister Abou Faour revealed plans designed for the improvement of the lot of
the Disabled in conjunction with the Labor Ministry. He suggested immediate
implementation of special mechanisms already agreed upon by their respective
ministries.
Also taking the word at the behest of the Disabled, Hasan Mrouwwah retorted
angrily that societal and governmental premeditated marginalization of the
Disabled is impermissible and that all Disabled people would fight back and
would stop at anything in pursuit of their legitimate rights.
NNA - 12/11/2011 Oprah Winfrey received an honorary Oscar for her charity work
Saturday, an event which she termed "unimaginable."
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences annually bestows its Governors
Awards on people who have made an impact on the industry. This year, the
honorary Oscars went to Winfrey, actor James Earl Jones and makeup artist Dick
Smith.
Oprah, most famous for her talk show, was moved by the award and said that this
was an unimaginable moment for a black woman who grew up poor in Mississippi and
rose to the top of Hollywood stardom.
"All of us can make a difference through the life we lead," Winfrey said. "We're
all here to help each other."
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Cloudy and rainy
Sun 13/11/2011 10:17
NNA - 13/11/2011 The meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International
Airport forecasted weather Monday to be cloudy during the day and rainy at
night. However, a slight increase in temperatures is expected.
Coastal temperatures: 12 to 26 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: 5 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 3 to 23 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: 3 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North-westerly during the day, shifts to north-easterly at night
with speeds between 8 and 30 km/hr and may reach up to 60 km/hr in coastal
areas.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 30% to 70%.
Sea condition: Mild waves, with surface water temperature at 23 degrees Celsius.
NNA - 12/11/2011 Premier Najib Mikati felicitated Saturday national Lebanese
soccer team for succeeding in moving to next phase of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers,
hailing the team work as an example to be followed by politicians.
A soccer game was held yesterday between Lebanese and Kuwaiti national teams.
Lebanon won when Mahmud Ali scored the only goal in the match.
Lebanon is scheduled to play against Korean team next Tuesday.
NNA - 12/11/2011 A brawl involving Abbasiyyeh olive-croppers and Spanish
peace-keepers serving with UNIFIL, was soon contained by the Lebanese military
who escorted farmers into their respective groves. UNIFIL demanded special
permits allowing farmers to work their land. Misunderstanding between villagers
and the Spaniards triggered off the brawl. Intense contacts between army and
UNIFIL succeeded in defusing tension with business resuming as usual in the
frontline village.
Miscellaneous - Weather more of the same but stormy, in 24 hours
Sat 12/11/2011 12:22
NNA - 12/11/2011 - Partly cloudy skies are forecast for Sunday. The weather for
Sunday with no substantial change in temperature, according to Beirut
AirPort-based Meteorology Department.
Stormy weather is however expected Sunday evening due to low atmospheric
pressure moving into the Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
Temperature: On the coastline: 10 degrees Celsius low, to 24 degrees for the
high.
On the mountain-range: 4 degrees Celsius for the low to 19 degrees Celsius for
the high.
On the Cedar-top a high of 12 Degrees Celsius, drops to 2 degrees by nightfall
In the Interior and the Bekaa: 3 degrees Celsius for the low to 22 degrees for
the high.
A northerly Westerly surface wind, gusting between 8 to 30 km/hr reaches 60
km/hr in North Lebanon.
Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 35 % to 75%.
A relatively choppy sea measures 25 degrees Celsius for surface water
temperature.
Beirut International Airport-based meteorology department, warned against flash
floods Monday with possible snowfalls on mountain tops.
The department also prodded sugar beet and onion croppers to take precautions
against hail winds.
Olive croppers were also advised to take appropriate precautions before the
storm hits.
Potato croppers were advised to reap their output before Sunday evening.
Meteorology department demanded that anti-freeze equipment be installed in
trucks and cars to prevent mishaps.
Miscellaneous - Daouk: Jeita Grotto remains a wonder in our view
Fri 11/11/2011 21:27
NNA - 11/11/2011 The karstic limestone caves of Jeita Grotto sustained their
post as a miracle of nature although failed to win a spot among the new 7
wonders of nature, according to Information Minister Walid Daouk Friday.
A statement by head of MAPAS, the company that manages the touristic site, said
that the winning locations were South America's Amazon and Iguazu Falls,
Vietnam's Halong Bay, South Korea's Jeju Island, Indonesia's Komodo Island, The
Philippines' Puerto Princesa Underground River, and South Africa's Table
Mountain.
"The unity of Lebanese...is the winner today," said Daouk who contended that the
poll for Jeita Grotto was truly a survey for patriotism. The Minister thanked
the President and PM for their support as well as all the artists who took part
of the Jeita Telethon.
NNA - 11/11/2011 In the world race for the 7 natural wonders, Lebanon's Jeita
Grotto has secured a place among the 14 finalists, a statement by Organization
of the New Seven Wonders of the World said Friday evening.
The final result will be announced tonight at 9 p.m. local time.
Miscellaneous - "Healing the wounds of history": conference at LAU in
presence of Diab
Fri 11/11/2011 14:40
NNA - 11/11/2011 - The Lebanese-American University (LAU), Jbeil,
launched on Friday its three days conference entitled "healing the
wounds of history" under the patronage of Prime Minister Najib Mikati
represented by Education and Higher Learning Minister Hassan Diab.
Diab reminded of the Lebanese constants on top of which the concept of
coexistence: "our country's wealth which engendered a socio-political
pact and helped facing threats and dangers."
"We would've been able to establish a secular state if the international
interests had not turned Lebanon into a scene of conflicts," he said.
The Minister added that the strategic objective of the government is to
ensure stability which is the only factor that contributes in
development. He added that civil peace is impossible to establish in the
absence of infrastructure.
Diab indicated that economic development and social stability are
essential for healing the wounds of history and putting terms to
violence.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - Mokheiber partakes in APT conference
Fri 11/11/2011 13:46
NNA - 11/11/2011 MP Ghassan Mokheiber partook Friday in the International
Conference on Combating and Preventing Torture, organized by the Association of
Prevention of Torture (APT) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The conference aimed at exchanging expertise in combating and preventing torture
especially in Arab region.
Mokheiber said we have to recognize, at first, torture and other inhuman
practices in Lebanon so as to develop, later on, a political will before
competent authorities to ultimately eliminate such horrid practices.
Mokheiber hailed cooperation between Lebanese Parliament, concerned Ministries,
and human rights associations in that respect.
"This cooperation lead to a law proposal aiming at establishing a specialized
commission for torture prevention," he said.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Cloudy while next week stormy, rainy
Fri 11/11/2011 10:08
NNA - 11/11/2011 - The weather for Saturday is expected to be partly cloudy with
temperature drop, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Unstable autumn weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 15 degree Celsius low to 24 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 11 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 1 degree Celsius low to 11 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 1 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western to Northern Eastern, gusting between 8 to 25
km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Nadim Gemayel: We uphold the torch of Lebanon first resistance
Thu 10/11/2011 18:46
NNA - 10/11/2011 Deputy Nadim Gemayel stressed that they shall continue to
uphold the torch of "Lebanon First" resistance till the realization of a strong
state, long aspired by Bachir Gemayel.
MP Gemayel was speaking during a ceremony marking the anniversary of late
President Bachir Gemayel at "Conference Palace" in Dbayeh, attended by Deputy
Antoine Zahra representing "Lebanese Forces" Head Samir Geagea, and a number of
political, party, economic, media and social dignitaries.
"We shall continue to resist for the sake of Lebanon first... We shall proceed
till we realize the state of law... a strong state by its army and judiciary...
a democratic state that protects liberties", Gemayel said.
---------------L.Y
NNA - 10/11/2011 - 47 sheep died today of an unidentified disease in a farm in
Sarhin village, National News Agency correspondent reported on Thursday.
The disease, as yet unknown, causes two to three sheep everyday to undergo
tremor and then to die after less than one hour.
Mohammad Abu Jamil, the farm's owner, called the Ministry of Agriculture and the
Higher Relief Committee for indemnity.
Miscellaneous - Ministerial committee holds meeting to tackle Rio +20 summit
preparations
Thu 10/11/2011 15:35
NNA - 10/11/2011 - Environment Minister Nazem Al-Khoury held a meeting with both
the Foreign and Economy Ministers Adnan Mansour and Nicolas Nahas to prepare for
the Rio +20 Summit on sustainable development to be held in Brazil on June 12,
2012.
Khoury clarified that this meeting aims at setting the foundations and the work
methodology to prepare the March 2012 report which will be the result of
cooperation between Ministries, civil society, academics and concerned
environmental associations.
As for the visit of President Michel Sleiman to Tripoli next Sunday, Khoury said
"it is mainly a visit of environmental aspects to declare Tripoli as a cars free
city."
Khoury later met with the Swiss Ambassador to Lebanon Ruth Flint with talks
featuring high on means to boost bilateral cooperation at the environmental
level.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy with temperature rise
Thu 10/11/2011 09:17
NNA - 10/11/2011 - The weather for Friday is expected to be little cloudy with
limited temperature rise, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Unstable autumn weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 10 degree Celsius low to 23 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 10 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 2 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 5 degree Celsius low to 20 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern-Western, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 20 % to 60%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 25, 5 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Abu Faour inaugurates conference on Children Rights-based
Programming
Wed 9/11/2011 19:14
NNA - 9/11/2011 - Minister of Social Affairs, Wael Abu Faour, on Wednesday
inaugurated a conference on the role of children rights-based programming in
MENA zone falling under crises dispute, at Crown Plaza Hotel, Hamra.
The Minister underscored that protecting children and securing their rights were
a national obligation and an essential condition to achieve a sustainable and
balanced social development.
"Planning and programming which fail to meet children's needs, their growth
condition, and their welfare is deemed flawed," he said.
Today's conference tackled the results of a regional study conducted by the
Sweden Organization for Children Care, and funded by the World Bank. The study
aims to expound the aforementioned programming, building on the United Nations
treaty on children's rights, which all the states had signed, except for the
United States of America and Somali.
Miscellaneous - New number for voting for Jeita from Africa
Wed 9/11/2011 17:03
NNA - 09/11/2011 - The Jeita Voting National Campaign coordinator, Dr.
Nabil Haddad, said on Wednesday that after much communications, in the
context of the Natural Seven Wonders Competition, he reached to agree on
a special number +2489 8888 for voting for Jeita Grotto from the African
Continent, by sending the word Jeita via SMS on the mentioned number,
with a five-cent cost only.
A.M.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Clear with limited temperature rise
Wed 9/11/2011 09:49
NNA - 9/11/2011 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be clear, changes to
cloudy with high clouds and limited temperature rise, according to Beirut
AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 16 degree Celsius low to 25 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 11 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 2 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 2 degree Celsius low to 20 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern-Northern Western, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Rahi urges prayers for the canonization of the patriarch Doueihi
Mon 7/11/2011 19:53
NNA - 7/11/2011 Maronite Patriarch MarBechara Rahi on Monday called on the
Lebanese to pray for the canonization of the Patriarch Estephan Doueihi, the
Pope declared as Blessed in 2008, following his meeting with members of the
Court that was to investigate the miracles attributed to him.
The Patriarch also met with several religious committees with whom he tackled
Episcopal activities and projects.
Rahi also held a conference on Christian education, at the church of the
Resurrection in Bkerki and received an invitation from Mrs. Patricia Gemayel to
celebrate the annual Mass held November 21 in the memory of the martyr Pierre
Gemayel.
NNA - 07/11/2011 - North Beirut suburb road junctions witnessed their worst
bottle-necks and traffic jams on the second day of the Eid of the Sacrifice.
Worst-affected, were the road junctions of Dawra and Beirut Dog River (Naher el-Kaleb)
with the eastern path of the international highway reported completely traffic
jammed as of the afternoon. All roads leading to the Dog River tunnel and up to
Jeita had their share of traffic inconvenience.
G.G./P.BC.
Miscellaneous - Tourist buses to carry domestic workers to vote for Jeita!
Sun 6/11/2011 17:03
NNA - 06/11/2011 - The Ministry of Tourism, decreed today that special buses be
allocated to carry domestic workers to the Grotto of Jeita in order to beef up
the pro-Jeita vote. The intention is to help shortlist Jeita for the 7 Wonders
of the World contest.
Domestic workers would be duly transported back and forth, for free and that
voting would be scheduled as of as 10 a.m. daily in conjunction with the Mapas
firm. The purpose of using domestic workers is to give Lebanon a positive
cultural image, the ministry public statement concluded.
Israel strike to shut airports, economy on Monday
JERUSALEM, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Israel's main labour union plans a strike that
would shut airports, ports, banks and the stock market starting on Monday after
talks with the government failed to produce an agreement over the status of
workers employed through labour contractors.
The Histadrut Labour Federation, the umbrella organisation for hundreds of
thousands of public sector workers, said the strike would begin at 0600 (0400
GMT) on Monday and would also include trains, buses, universities, government
ministries and municipalities.
Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv will close at 0800 local
time.
"The strike will be unlimited and only a court injunction will prevent it," Ofer
Eini, the head of the Histadrut, told Israel's Army Radio on Sunday.
The Histadrut wants the government to hire some 250,000 contract workers, who
have inferior working conditions than civil workers directly on government
payrolls.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the Histadrut to cancel the
planned strike, which would wreak havoc on travellers and commuters.
"I believe it is possible to find a responsible and just solution for the issue
of temporary laborers (supplied by employment agencies)," Netanyahu said on Army
Radio.
"We must bring a solution that will not harm the Israeli economy at a time when
there is a global shake-up in all the world's economies," he said. "There is no
need to disrupt the lives of Israelis. We must not risk what we have achieved
with much work."
Talks over the weekend failed to find an agreement, although Finance Ministry
officials agreed that employment terms of contract workers need to improve.
Israel's labour court is expected to decide whether to issue an injunction
against a strike later on Sunday.
A strike would cause hundreds of millions of shekels of damage a day to the
economy.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Increase in temperatures
Sun 6/11/2011 12:17
NNA - 06/11/2011 The meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International
Airport forecasted weather Monday to be partly cloudy with gradual increase in
temperatures.
Coastal temperatures: 12 to 23 degrees Celsius.
Mountain temperatures: 2 to 16 degrees Celsius.
Bekaa temperatures: 8 to 19 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: 0 to 7 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-westerly in the morning, shifts to north-westerly in the
afternoon with speeds between 8 and 20 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Coastal humidity: 40% to 70%.
Sea condition: Mild waves with surface water temperature at 24 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Jeita Grotto among top ten wonders of nature
Sun 6/11/2011 11:14
NNA - 06/11/2011 Jeita Grotto made it to the top ten wonders of nature, with the
race still on till Nov. 11 according to Coordinator of the National Campaign for
the Seven Wonders of the World, Nabil Haddad.
The Grotto joined a host of natural marvels such as the Grand Canyon (US), Great
Barrier Reef (Australia), Halong Bay (Vietnam), Jeju Island (South Korea),
Komodo Island (Indonesia), Puerto Princessa river (Philippines), Sundarbans
river (India and Bangladesh), and Mount Vesuvius (Italy).
Haddad predicted major changes to take place within upcoming five days. He asked
all Lebanese and Arab brethren to persist on voting until the very last day.
R.Z.
Miscellaneous - Spanish contingent funds lighting project in Qleiya
Sun 6/11/2011 10:37
NNA 11/06/2011 Head of the Spanish brigade, working within United Nations
Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), inaugurated Sunday a lighting project in
Qleiya south Lebanon.
The project, which cost 26 thousand US dollars, consisted of a donation of 16
lamps running on solar energy. An official statement by said contingent stated
that the objective of the project was to improve the lives of the people of the
locality.
Miscellaneous - Animals Lebanon rescues smuggled Lion Cub, sends it to sanctuary
in Africa
Sat 5/11/2011 14:29
NNA - 05/11/2011 A two month old lion cub that was kept on a Beirut balcony is
now on his way to the Drakenstein Lion Park in South Africa. The cub, now named
Leo, was smuggled into Lebanon and kept as a pet before being rescued by Animals
Lebanon.
Founded in 2008, Animals Lebanon (www.animalslebanon.org) works to protect
animals through legislation, education, campaigns and rescues. As one of the
most effective organizations in the Middle East, Animals Lebanon has rescued
thousands of animals while closing down unregulated zoos, campaigning against
abusive circuses and investigating the smuggling of endangered species.
"Leo was part of a shipment of six lions smuggled from Syria," said Lana El-Khalil,
President of Animals Lebanon. "We have only been able to locate two of the other
lions, the fate of the remaining three lions is unknown. People wrongly think
that these animals can become house pets, but within the first months of life
they become too large and end up sold to private collections or locked in a
backyard cage."
Lebanon has not yet joined the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES) and the illegal trade of endangered species continues with few
if any penalties. In recent years lions, bears, chimpanzees and cheetahs have
all been smuggled in and sold at pet shops or kept in private collections.
"The Lebanese government has expressed its intention to have Lebanon join CITES,
and we understand that this process is moving forward," said El-Khalil. "There
is currently no legal process to confiscate these types of animals once they
enter Lebanon. Animals are trapped in horrific conditions and no government body
has the ability to act as the laws do not exist."
The Drakenstein Lion Park cares for dozens of rescued lions and agreed to
provide lifetime care for Leo. He will be integrated with other rescued lions
his age to form a new group at the sanctuary.
"We greatly appreciate the sponsorship of DHL Express in making sure Leo arrives
to the sanctuary safely," said El-Khalil. "Lion cubs are being sold to private
collectors for $350, and the financial penalties to smugglers are zero, but the
rescue and care of Leo costs thousands of dollars.
Miscellaneous - Weather: partly cloudy, frosty on elevations
Sat 5/11/2011 13:17
NNA - 05/11/2011 - Partly cloudy skies with further rise in temperature and
frost-forming on elevations are forecast by Beirut Airport-based Meteorology
Department for the upcoming 24 hours.
-On the coastline: a low of 13 degrees Celsius registers 23 degrees for the high
-On the mountain range: a low of 2 degrees Celsius registers 14 degrees for the
high
-In the Interior and the Bekaa: a high of 17 degrees Celsius drops to 6 degrees
by nightfall
Southerly-westerly to northerly-westerly surface winds gusting between 10 and 30
Km/hr, stir a relatively choppy sea with surface temperature measuring 24
degrees Celsius
Visibility: good in general
Humidity on the coastline stands between 60% and 80%
NNA - 5/11/2011 - Anticipating the arrival of al-Adha, feast of the Sacrifice,
Lebanese pilgrims thronged to Mt. Arafa prior to circumambulating the Kaaba as
the high point of their pilgrimage.
In twenty-first century pilgrimages however, worshippers are transported on
board air-conditioned buses or trains provided for free by the authorities.
Their circumambulation rituals at the holy sanctuary must be on foot as ordered
by the Prophet of Islam. Lebanese and other pilgrims need to pray at Arafa from
dawn to dusk after which they move onto Muzdalifa and then they cast the Devil's
Stele with seven stones before reaching the height of the Eid tomorrow Sunday
where they offer sacrifices as ordered by religion. Lebanese pilgrims are in
several groups in and around Arafa NNA field reporters said.
G.G.
Miscellaneous - Abu Faour: State's duty to classify social care institutions
Fri 4/11/2011 18:04
NNA - 4/11/2011 Social Affairs Minister Wael Abu Faour stressed the State's duty
to classify social care organizations, labeling them as either "competent" and
"proficient" or failing to meet social services criteria.
Abu Faour was speaking during the inauguration of "Village Center" affiliated to
"Al-Kafaat" Foundation, on Friday noon, representing President of the Republic
General Michel Sleiman. The ceremony was attended by Ambassadors of Britain,
Belgium and Holland.
Al-Kafaat Foundation Village Center presents social care and specialized
education to children and adults with autism.
Abu Faour also pledged that the State shall entirely carry out its duties
towards all partner institutions.
---------------L.Y
Miscellaneous - Daouk patronizes AUST campaign to support voting for Jeita
Grotto
Fri 4/11/2011 15:55
NNA - 4/11/2011 - The American University of Science and Technology (AUST)
organized on Friday, under the patronage of Information Minister Walid Daouk, a
campaign for supporting Jeita Grotto and boosting its chance to be one of the
seven new natural wonders.
Minister Daouk confirmed in this regard the importance of this event which
promises to put Lebanon on the international tourism map.
Accordingly, Daouk called on other universities to follow the steps of AUST
which is always keen to drawing a civilized picture of Lebanon.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - Haroun: Hospitalization sector has reached cul-de-sac
Fri 4/11/2011 15:18
NNA - 4/11/2011 - Hospitals' syndicate head, Sleiman Haroun, said Friday that
the health sector in Lebanon has reached a dead end, in a press conference held
at the syndicate's headquarters to put in plain words the conditions of the
hospitalization sector and voice his stance regarding the wages increase and its
effect on hospitals' work.
"Hospitals are suffering a major financial crisis," he warned, adding that their
ability to provide medical services to everyone and pay the employees' salaries
has become even tougher.
"There's a huge difference between the promises given to the citizens and what
hospitals can truly offer," Haroun regretted.
"The financial crisis hit at all levels. We received demands and requests from
employers and employees all pointing to a dreadful crisis that cannot be treated
with simple superficial measures, spontaneous decisions or political
compromises," said Haroun.
"The repercussions of this impasse are mostly reflected over the health sector
as any failure to assume responsibility and provide medical services leads to
dire consequences on public health", he added.
Haroun explained that based on the aforementioned, hospitals have become, more
than ever, keen to approaching this file with total wisdom and caution,
especially that, in light of the political polarizations in Lebanon, making a
clear-cut decision is a hard task.
The head of syndicate said dealing with hospitals based on superiority concept
solves no problem. It can never be a substitute for drawing inclusive health
policies which fulfill everyone's rights.
"Parallel to the health services they provide, hospitals also play a major
economic role at the national level, therefore it is our duty to protect them,"
Haroun pointed out, noting that hospitals' fees must be adjusted appropriately.
"Hospitals will never be able to bear any increase on salaries, not even for one
month if there were no amendments to their tariffs," he added.
Finally, Haroun announced that based on the decision of shrinking medical
services, hospitalization will only be provided to those who are in real danger
and to patients who are admitted to the hospital in emergency situation and
cannot be transferred to another hospital.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - MOE announces November 14 "Car free day in Tripoli"
Fri 4/11/2011 14:48
NNA - 4/11/2011 Ministry of Environment declared Friday the 14 of November as a
"Car Free Day in Tripoli" during a conference Minister Nazem Khoury held in
presence of Deputy Robert Fadel, Lebanese Singer Ragheb Alameh, and Tripoli
Youth Network.
The movement comes in the context of promoting the culture of preserving
environment and encouraging citizens to use alternative transportation means.
Khoury said in his word that air pollution has most dangerous effect on human
health and in Lebanon it has become severely threatening to citizens' safety and
health conditions.
Hence, Khoury urged for reinforcing efforts to limit negative repercussions and
devastating effects of air pollution.
"Lebanese Cities, mainly Beirut and Tripoli, mark high levels of pollution which
lead to suffocation and poisoning," he said and deemed cars as being major
factor of air pollution.
By so, the Minister counseled the use of environmentally friendly cars, the use
of bicycles for transportations within the City, and stressed the need for
citizens to get back to practicing the sports of "walking" that is beneficial
for both environment and human health.
At another level, Khoury chaired a meeting for Donor States' representatives
aiming at discussing the environmental joint cooperation projects in
participation of the Danish Ambassador Jan Top Christensen as well as
representatives of the UNDP, EU, USAID, FAO, Italian Embassy, World Bank, and
UNIFIL civil affairs.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Cloudy with glaze on mountain roads
Fri 4/11/2011 09:30
NNA - 4/11/2011 - The weather for Saturday is expected to be partly cloudy with
possible sporadic rain without temperature change, in addition to glaze on the
mountain roads, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure accompanied by cold winds and
thunderstorms dominate over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 13 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 1 degree Celsius low to 12 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 2 degree Celsius low to 5 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 7 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 15 to 35 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium.
Humidity: 55 % to 85%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 24 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Lebanon 71st on 2011 Human Development Report, social justice
exclaimed
Thu 3/11/2011 18:14
NNA - 3/11/2011 - "Sustainability and Equity, A Better Future for All," featured
high in UNDP 2011 Human Development report's discussion Thursday at Gefinor
Hotel, with the participation of Environment Minister, Nazem Khoury, UNDP office
director in Lebanon Seifeddine Abaro, and a panel of eco experts.
"The 2011 development index scored 0.739, hence ranking Lebanon 71st amongst
other 187 countries," Abaro stated.
Minister Khoury, for his part, linked development to democracy, that is to say
the result of the aforementioned report to unbalanced distribution of power on
the national level, gender imparity, difficult access to clean water and sewage
services, continuous lands deterioration, diseases spread, disparity of
revenues, and death toll increase down to pollution.
Accordingly, he called upon each and everyone to bear responsibility vis-a-vis
eco damages as well as to have a better behavior so as to save [natural]
resources and leave coming generations to a better future.
The Minister did not fail to hail all social segments, prompting those
marginalized to claim their needs.
Experts explained that countries' classification depended on three dimensions,
i.e. health, education, and daily living standard, as well as on three
indicators: poverty, women empowerment, and reducing eco risks.
UNDP submitted the 2011 Human Development report in Copenhagen yesterday,
correlating therein sustainability to basic social justice.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Heavy rain with snow on 1700 meter altitude
Thu 3/11/2011 11:33
NNA - 3/11/2011 - The weather for Friday is expected to be rainy with
thunderstorms, active winds, additional temperature drop and snow falls on 1700
meter altitude, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure accompanied by cold winds dominate
over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 15 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 8 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 0 degree Celsius low to 8 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 6 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 15 to 35 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 60 % to 85%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 25 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - U.S. Embassy Announces Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study
(YES) Scholarship
Wed 2/11/2011 11:46
NNA - 2/11/2011 - The U.S. Embassy in Beirut is pleased to announce the 2012
Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program. This scholarship offers
Lebanese high school students between 14 and 16 years old the opportunity to
spend one academic year in the United States. The selected students live with
American host families, attend U.S. high school, and engage in activities to
learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help
educate Americans about Lebanese culture. This scholarship covers roundtrip
airfare, tuition, health insurance, accommodation, and a monthly stipend to
cover incidental expenses.
Since the program began in 2003, more than 249 Lebanese youth have spent an
academic year in the homes of American families, studying in high schools
throughout the United States.
To be eligible to participate in the YES program, students must:
" Be currently enrolled in the Brevet or 1st secondary class of the Lebanese
baccalaureate program or in the 9th or 10th grade of the high school program
" Born between September 1, 1995 and August 1, 1997
" Demonstrate maturity, good character, scholastic aptitude, flexibility and
adaptability
" Have a minimum grade of "B" or 12/20 in all subjects for the past three years
" Have strong English language ability: Minimum "B" average or 12/20 in English
for the past three years
" Agree to attend classes in the U.S. as full-time students and maintain at
least a "C" average in a U.S. high school
" Demonstrate willingness to participate in the American host family's daily
life
" Not have previously attended high school for a semester or academic year in
the United States
To apply for this program, interested candidates must complete an online
application
Complete program and application information is available at:
Candidates may access the on-line application on AMIDEAST website:
http://www.amideast.org/lebanon/academic-and-cultural-exchange/kennedy-lugar-youth-exchange-and-study-program-lebanon
NNA - 1/11/2011 - Army units with the collaboration of Civil Defense members
extinguished fires on Monday in Kfarhim-Mount Lebanon and Blouza-North,
according to the army directorate.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy changes to rainy
Tue 1/11/2011 09:44
NNA - 1/11/2011 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be little cloudy
during day time without temperature change, then changes gradually during the
night to cloudy with possible sporadic rain, according to Beirut AirPort Based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 18 degree Celsius low to 26 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 10 degree Celsius low to 19 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 3 degree Celsius low to 11 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 3 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern changes to Northen Eastern, gusting between 8 to 25
km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Red Cross opens blood bank in Tyre
Mon 31/10/2011 21:06
NNA - 31/10/2011 - The Lebanese Red Cross opened on Monday the 12th blood bank
in south, at its headquarters in Tyre. The event took place under the patronage
of House Speaker Nabih Berri who was represented by Public Health Minister Ali
Hassan Khalil.
Khalil gave a word during the opening ceremony, affirming the government's
commitment to increase the 2012 Red Cross's budget so that the organization
would be more able to provide the required services.
Miscellaneous - Medical breakthrough at AUMC: bone marrow transplant from
unrelated donor
Mon 31/10/2011 14:47
NNA - 31/10/2011 - The American University Medical Center AUMC broke new grounds
in medicine as doctors successfully transplanted a bone marrow for a patient who
is not related to the donor.
This one-of-a-kind operation was considered as a breakthrough as it represents a
starting point for other operations which give further hope to patients who
suffer from bone marrow disorders with no available related donor matching their
genetic sequence.
The AUMC clarified that the transplant was performed on a female patient after
diagnosing her "leukemia in pregnancy" case on March 11.
Dr. Muhammad Abdel Karim Kharfan-Dabaja who performed the surgery thanks to his
wide experience in this domain had immediately contacted the team of Bone Marrow
National Program in the USA to find a donor that matches the women's genetic
sequence.
The doctor's efforts were fortunate leading to a 100% successful surgery.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy with slight temperature rise
Mon 31/10/2011 09:56
NNA - 31/10/2011 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be little cloudy with
slight temperature rise, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 18 degree Celsius low to 27 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 11 degree Celsius low to 19 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 3 degree Celsius low to 12 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 3 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern to Northern Western, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Dignitaries continue to visit Jeita
Sun 30/10/2011 18:33
NNA - 30/10/2011 - Political and social figures, artists and representatives of
civil associations from all Lebanese regions continued to pour into Jeita Grotto
all Sunday afternoon till the evening hours. Dignitaries came in support of the
long media day organized by the Information Ministry for intensifying voting for
Jeita Grotto to become one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Information Minister, Walid Daouk, followed-up on the long day, whereby he
arrived in Jeita at 9:00 a.m. and stayed there throughout the day, receiving
updates on the "telethon" that is expected to continue till a late night hour.
R.Sh.
NNA - 28/10/2011 - Information Minister Walid Daouk is currently
preparing for Jeita telethon day to be held on Sunday October 30 and
broadcasted live on Tele Liban in a bid to support Jeita Grotto which
entered the final stage of the natural seven wonders contest.
This telethon will be attended by a number of singers, poets, and media
figures.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Clear with slight temperature drop
Fri 28/10/2011 10:03
NNA - 28/10/2011 - The weather for Saturday is expected to be clear with slight
temperature drop, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 19 degree Celsius low to 26 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 12 degree Celsius low to 19 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 4 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 7 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern to Northern Western, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 45 % to 65%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 26 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Expatriates Conference for Greek Catholic ends in Venezuela
Thu 27/10/2011 19:07
NNA - 27/10/2011 - The Greek Catholic Church ended on Thursday its expatriates
conference in Puerto Lacruz in Venezuela. The ending session was held under the
chairmanship of Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and Alexandria, Gregorius
III and a number of bishops from different countries of North and South America.
The conference called upon Lebanese emigrants across the world to work for
spreading peace worldwide. It deplored and condemned the killings in Middle East
countries, urging Muslims to foil all cruel attempts aiming at evacuating the
east from Christians.
Miscellaneous - Abu Faour: Social Affairs Ministry deals with Syrian
migrants file without command
Thu 27/10/2011 16:25
NNA - 27/10/2011 - Social Affairs Minister Wael Abu Faour said his
ministry works without any command in dealing with the Syrians migrating
to the north of Lebanon after the crisis in their country.
An agreement was signed on Thursday between Social Affairs Ministry and
the International Organization for Migration in Lebanon. The agreement
pertains to a program for supporting psycho-socially the migrants in
Akkar and the north.
Abu Faour explained the active command's decision that has been adopted
in the previous government was assigned to the High Relief Committee to
behave according to it.
Thus, he added, the Social Affairs Ministry's role is just restricted to
provide a psychic and social support for migrants and help said
committee in this concern.
As for Abu Faour's activities, he received in the course of the day at
his office Deputy Qassem Hashem and discussed with him developmental
affairs.
He also received former Deputy Talal Moraabi. Both engaged in
developmental matters relevant to Akkar region.
NNA - 27/10/2011 Retired Brigadier General Fayez Karam, accused of collaborating
with the Israeli enemy, was taken Thursday, in intense security surveillance at
the military hospital following a seizure, National News Agency correspondent
reported.
Miscellaneous - Foreign Affairs Ministry incites Lebanese expatriates to vote
for Jeita
Thu 27/10/2011 14:54
NNA - 27/10/2011 - The Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ministry issued a
circular targeting the diplomatic and consular delegations in the world calling
upon them to deploy huge efforts for inciting the Lebanese expatriates to vote
for Jeita grotto to become one of the world natural 7 wonders.
Jeita winning this contest is of major importance as it puts Lebanon's natural
resources under the spotlight what helps reactivating the tourism sector and
pushing forward the economic wheel.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - Khoury: To tax pollution volume and not production volume
Thu 27/10/2011 14:30
NNA - 27/10/2011 Environment Minister urged Thursday collecting taxes on the
basis of pollution volume and not production volume.
Representing Lebanese President, House Speaker, and Premier, Minister Nazem
Khoury partook in the Annual Conference of the Arab Forum for Environment and
Development (AFED) entitled "Green Economy" scheduled for 27-28 October 2011 at
the Habtoor hotel, Sin-el-Fil.
"Our conference aims at reinforcing the role of Green Economy in our Arab
world," Khoury said and explained the link between the economy and the
environment's natural resources, which in turn, are the source of every
agricultural development and the primary resources of all industry types.
Environment, the Minister said, in its integrated concept, forms the main pillar
of sustainable tourism.
To such a degree Arab resources' sustainability is endangered and this makes the
whole Arab region in face of an environmental, economic, and social
deterioration, he added.
"This ought to incite us to set a diversified and integrated mechanism in the
region to reinforce environment situation," he said reminding of the Green
Economy role to embody a solution via Environmental Fiscal Reform.
He thus explained the "taxing the bad and not the good" principle and said we
should start reducing taxation rates on human resources (labor force, and social
security taxes), and elevate them on polluters such as solid waste and Carbone
Dioxide Emissions.
NNA - 27/10/2011 Lebanese Forces head Samir Geagea left Beirut Wednesday and
headed to the Saudi Arabia to present condolences on the demise of Crown prince
Sultan bin Abdul Aziz.
Former Minister Elias Murr also headed to the KSA to offer his condolences, on a
private jet.
Miscellaneous - Khoury: To tax pollution volume and not production
volume
Thu 27/10/2011 14:18
NNA - 27/10/2011 Environment Minister urged Wednesday collecting taxes
on the basis of pollution volume and not production volume.
Representing Lebanese President, House Speaker, and Premier, Minister
Nazem Khoury partook in the Annual Conference of the Arab Forum for
Environment and Development (AFED) entitled "Green Economy" scheduled
for 27-28 October 2011 at the Habtoor hotel, Sin-el-Fil.
"Our conference aims at reinforcing the role of Green Economy in our
Arab world," Khoury said and explained the link between the economy and
the environment's natural resources, which in turn, are the source of
every agricultural development and the primary resources of all industry
types.
Environment, the Minister said, in its integrated concept, forms the
main pillar of sustainable tourism.
To such a degree Arab resources' sustainability is endangered and this
makes the whole Arab region in face of an environmental, economic, and
social deterioration, he added.
"This ought to incite us to set a diversified and integrated mechanism
in the region to reinforce environment situation," he said reminding of
the Green Economy role to embody a solution via Environmental Fiscal
Reform.
He thus explained the "taxing the bad and not the good" principle and
said we should start reducing taxation rates on human resources (labor
force, and social security taxes), and elevate them on polluters such as
solid waste and Carbone Dioxide Emissions.
Miscellanous - Khalil : Our concern is to preserve the high-quality services
offered by our health market
Thu 27/10/2011 10:51
NNA - 27/10/2011 - President Michel Sleiman awarded Professor Hagop Akiskal, who
is of Lebanese origin and one of the leading psychiatrists worldwide, the Medal
of Health Merit of the first (golden) degree today. Health Minister Ali Hassan
Khalil awarded Akiskal the medal during the opening ceremony of the congress on
"Burning Issues in Psychiatry", which is being held over two days at Beirut's
Phoenicia Hotel. During this congress, world experts, including Lebanese figures
of international fame, will address the issue of bipolar disorders and
temperament.
Minister Khalil declared: "President Michel Sleiman wanted, on the occasion of
this congress, to honor a great physician, namely Professor Hagop Akiskal, in
recognition of his contribution to supporting the health sector over the course
of his long career, which was rich in science, knowledge, experience and ethical
practice. In recognition of Professor Hagop Akiskal's contributions for
Lebanon's sake, President Michel Sleiman decided to award him the Medal of
Health Merit of the first (golden) degree. It is an honor for me to award Prof.
Akiskal this medal on this occasion and to offer him my heartfelt
congratulations."
Minister Khalil said: "Throughout its long and ancient history, Lebanon was
never a simple number in demographic, economic or financial terms; rather, it
has always been a cultural message not only as a geographical location but also
everywhere where Lebanon reached out across the world, where it spread the
alphabet, founded cities and contributed to the renaissance of many societies in
the region, Africa and worldwide. In health-related issues in particular, the
labor market opened up to it in most countries of the Middle East, Europe, North
America, Australia, etc."
He went on saying: "The greatest concern for everyone is to preserve the
specificity of the various high-quality services offered by our health market
and to keep health fields across the world open to our physicians and their
assistants. Moreover, we give the scientific congresses organized by
professional unions and scientific associations the importance they deserve
because they represent the best way to preserve scientific communication with
health communities in the region and across the world."
The congress, which is being held for the first time in the Middle East, is part
of a series of biennial conferences, which address current issues in psychiatry
at the time of the conference. It is organized by Cortex (a UK based company) in
collaboration with IDRAAC (Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and
Applied Care), the Lebanese Psychiatric Society, the Lebanese Psychological
Association and the Arab Federation of Psychiatrists.
World experts on the bipolar spectrum and temperament disorders are taking part
in the congress, including - in addition to Akiskal - Dr Elie Hantouche,
Director of CTAH (Anxiety and Mood Center- France) and a top expert in bipolar
disorders and OCD and Dr Elie Karam, founder of IDRAAC and chairman of the
department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology at St Georges Hospital
University Medical Center / Balamand University.
Other prominent figures are Prof. William Corryell, director of Inpatient
Services in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Iowa Carver
College of Medicine; Dr. Eric Youngstrom, professor of Psychology and Psychiatry
at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and acting director of the
Center for Excellence in Research and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder; Dr Giulio
Perugi, professor of clinical psychology and psychopharmacology at the
University of Pisa (Italy) and director of the Institute of Behavioral Sciences
"G De Lisio"; Prof. Andreas Erfurth, head of Clinical Psychopharmacology and the
Bipolar Spectrum Disorders Program, Division of General Psychiatry, Medical
University of Vienna (Austria); and Prof Zoltan Rihmer.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Sunny with stable temperature
Thu 27/10/2011 10:23
NNA - 27/10/2011 - The weather for Friday is expected to be sunny with stable
weather and decrease in humidity, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 20 degree Celsius low to 27 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 12 degree Celsius low to 17 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 5 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 9 degree Celsius low to 25 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Information Minister calls for massive vote for Jeita Grotto
Wed 26/10/2011 17:50
NNA - 26/10/2011 - Minister of Information, Walid Daouq, on Wednesday called the
Lebanese expatriates and Arab peoples to vote massively for Jeita Grotto, at the
behest of Lebanese President, Michel Sleiman.
The Telethon event day will be broadcast on Tele Liban TV channel as of 8:00 am
Sunday till midnight.
Lebanese residents are asked to send the word "Jeita" via sms to 1070.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly cloudy without temperature change
Wed 26/10/2011 09:52
NNA - 26/10/2011 - The weather for Thursday is expected to be partly cloudy with
possible slight rain and without temperature change, according to Beirut AirPort
Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Unstable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 19 degree Celsius low to 27 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 12 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 6 degree Celsius low to 12 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 10 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Western to Northern, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - Mufti Qabbani admitted to hospital
Tue 25/10/2011 18:03
NNA - 25/10/2011 Mufti of the Republic Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani was
admitted Tuesday to "Clemenceau" Hospital for medical treatment, in the wake of
an urgent health problem, National News Agency Correspondent reported.
Miscellaneous - Abou Faour tackles developmental affairs with his visitors
Tue 25/10/2011 13:02
NNA - 25/10/2011 - Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou Faour tackled developmental
and social affairs with his visitors MPs Nawar Al-Sahili, Ali Meqdad, and
Antoine Zahra on Tuesday.
Abou Faour also received Deputy Samir Al-Jisr, former parliament member Naser
Nasrallah, as well as delegations of Metn ladies and municipal heads.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Rainy without temperature change
Tue 25/10/2011 08:59
NNA - 25/10/2011 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be cloudy with
sporadic rain and without temperature change, according to Beirut AirPort Based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Unstable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 18 degree Celsius low to 27 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 15 degree Celsius low to 20 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 6 degree Celsius low to 13 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 13 degree Celsius low to 23 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Western to Southern-Western, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 50 % to 80%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 27 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - (corrected) General Khattar tackles cooperation with French
civil defense
Mon 24/10/2011 14:58
NNA - 24/10/2011 General Director of the Lebanese Civil Defense Brigadier
Raymond Khattar hashed out Monday about cooperation means with the French Civil
Defense directorate.
During his visit to Paris, as part of the Interior Minister's accompanying
delegation, General Khattar took up the possibility of exchange of expertise
between France and Lebanon's units in cooperation with the UNDP, the funder of
studies and civil defense centers management programs.
Miscellaneous - General Khattar tackle cooperation with French civil defense
Mon 24/10/2011 13:51
NNA - 24/10/2011 General Director of the Lebanese Civil Defense Brigadier
Raymond Khattar hashed out Monday about cooperation means with the French Civil
Defense directorate.
During his visit to Paris, as part of the Interior Minister's accompanying
delegation, General Khattar took up the possibility of exchange of expertise
between France and Lebanon's units in cooperation with the UNDP, the funder of
studies and civil defense centers management programs.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Cloudy with possible sporadic rain
Mon 24/10/2011 09:50
NNA - 24/10/2011 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be partly cloudy to
cloudy with possible sporadic rain and temperature drop, according to Beirut
AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Cold winds dominate over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 21 degree Celsius low to 28 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 8 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 6 degree Celsius low to 14 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 8 degree Celsius low to 23 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western during day changes to Northern Eastern during
night, gusting between 10 to 25 km/hr.
Miscellaneous - A festival in support of Jeitta Grotto
Sun 23/10/2011 20:48
NNA - 23/10/2011 - A festival ceremony took place Sunday at Jeitta Grotto under
the auspices of Tourism Minister, Fadi Abboud, represented by Mr. Michel Habis.
The festival came in support of the voting campaign for Jeitta's becoming one of
the 7 natural wonders of the world, organized by the Jeitta Municipality and
"For Lebanon" Gathering. The event took place amidst wide official and popular
presence.
In his word on behalf of the Tourism Minister, Habis called on every Lebanese
citizen to play an important role at the national level by supporting the Jeitta
voting campaign by all means, so that a comprehensive network of voters can
emerge and spread all across the world. He indicated herein that in Lebanon,
citizens can send the text message "JEITA" to #1070 while in the United Arab
Emirates to #3888. He encouraged all to vote via the internet or text messages
to ensure the widest number possible of voters. He also highlighted the need for
cooperation and individual initiatives on part of all media resources at this
juncture, in order to boost the voting campaign for Jeitta Grotto.
Habis concluded by hoping that a gathering like today's will take place in the
near future to celebrate Jeitta as one of the natural wonders of the world!
It is to note that at the end of the festival, an honorary shield was presented
to former Minister Ziad Baroud and MP Elie Marouni, who were present during the
event, as a token of appreciation for their efforts and contributions.
NNA - 23/10/2011 Minister of the Environment Nazem Khouri, designated natural
reserves as the best means for preserving Lebanese natural resources.
Touring the natural reserve of Binta'il/Jbeil today, he was accompanied by a
number of diplomats and local officials. He informed them that the ministry has
been investing heavily in maintaining the bio-diversity of the multiple-arced
reserve. The minister disclosed regular ministry subsidizing of ad-hoc
committees whose job is to see the implementation of these maintenance and
development plans through.
He was duly briefed on a looming environmental threat posed by plans to
construct a highway in the proximity of the reserve.
Miscellaneous - Weather forecast: Drop in temperature
Sun 23/10/2011 10:05
NNA - 23/10/2011 The meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International
Airport forecasted weather Monday to witness a drop in temperature, increase in
humidity, and cloudy skies.
Coastal temperatures: 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: 7 to 23 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 6 to 27 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: 7 to 17 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North-westerly to north-easterly.
Visibility: Good.
Humidity at the coast: 30% to 60%.
Sea condition: Mild waves, with surface water temperature at 27 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Gathering at Jeita Grotto square tomorrow
Sat 22/10/2011 19:33
NNA - 22/10/2011 In support of Jeita Grotto, Jeita Municipality called for the
widest gathering at Grotto's square on Sunday at 4.00p.m., under the patronage
of Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud.
Jeita Municipality announced that a great number of politicians and artists
shall partake in this gathering, "to unite position" in support of Jeita Grotto.
--------------L.
Miscellaneous - Belgian Ambassador visits Bkessine
Sat 22/10/2011 19:00
NNA - 22/10/2011 Belgian Ambassador to Lebanon Collete Takieh visited on
Saturday the town of Bkassine, Jezzine, at the invitation of Bkessine
Municipality and "Humans and Environment Development Association."
Ambassador Takieh toured Pine Forest House, improvised by Jezzine Municipalities
Union to encourage environment tourism.
Takieh then visited Mashmoushi Monastery where she partook in a meeting attended
by Maronite League Rehabilitation Fund Head Amal Abu Zeid and Jezzine
Municipalities Union Head Khalil Harfouch. Talks reportedly dwelt on the selling
of lands in the area of Jezzine and future developmental and residential
projects in the area.
Winding up her visit, Takieh visited Heritage Dam Market in Jezzine, which is
rehabilitated by a donation from the European Union.
--------------L.Y
Miscellaneous - Daouk: Air-show puts Lebanon back on the map
Sat 22/10/2011 15:57
NNA - 22/10/2011 - Commenting on Beirut International Airport air-show, Minister
of Information, Walid Daouk, said the event puts Lebanon back on the world of
touristic map.
Taking part in the air-show attended by a number of cabinet ministers and a
special presidential and army representatives, seven Swiss pilots performed
dangerous aerial acrobatics. The air-show was organized by Swiss-based Company
BREITLING in conjunction with "Tamer brothers" firm taking place in Lebanon for
the first time.
Acrobatics performed by BREITLING pilots, lasted for about 40 minutes.
Minister Daouk noted that the air-show temporarily closed Beirut International
Airport for a few minutes with no precedent recorded by history. He also
commended Tamer brothers' firm for organizing this activity jointly with
BRIETLING. He also commended army and security for making the event a logistical
success.
NNA - 22/10/2011 Autumn weather takes over Lebanon with cloudy skies and chilly
weather expected Sunday, as reported by the meteorology department at Rafik
Hariri International Airport.
Coastal temperatures: 14 to 29 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: 9 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Bekaa temperatures: 6 to 27 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: 6 to 16 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-westerly in the morning, shifts to north-westerly and
north-easterly during the day, with speeds between 8 and 25 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Humidity at the coast: 20% to 50%.
Sea: Mild waves, with surface water temperature at 27 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - March in support of Syrian people takes place in Qubba
Fri 21/10/2011 19:30
NNA - 21/10/2011 A march in support of Syrian people kicked off in the wake of
Friday's prayers at Hamza Mosque in Qubba, Tripoli, on Friday, National News
Agency Correspondent in the North reported.
People partaking in the march hoisted banners in solidarity with the Syrian
people.
Hariri:
Gadhafi's fate is the inevitable fate of all tyrants
Thu 20/10/2011 19:13
NNA - 20/10/2011 In a press release by former Prime Minister Saad Hariri's
office, it said "Hariri considered that the fate of Muammar Gadhafi is the
inevitable fate of all tyrants facing their people's will for freedom and
democracy, with death, oppression and blood."
Commenting on the news from Libya, Premier Hariri said "The Libyan people turned
a dark page of its political history, and achieved during the last few hours a
new and advanced step towards the establishment of a democratic state, free from
the chains of tyranny and oppression. The fate of Colonel Muammar Gadhafi puts
an end to a long and bitter phase, which led Libya to ambiguous and suspicious
roles and put the Libyan people in a sort of state of house arrest for decades."
Release added "This fate paves the way for a promising period for Libya and its
people, which we hope will lead to the establishment of a new system dominated
by the logic of justice, law and institutions, and based on the capabilities of
the state to meet its people's expectations. This fate is also a clear lesson to
the regimes that have adopted oppression as a method to dominate their people."
Release went on to say "Any Arab citizen, watching the course of events in
Libya, cannot but think of the popular revolutionary movement that is taking
place in Syria.
The Syrians, like any other Arab people, deserve to win freedom and democracy,
after decades of oppression."
Hariri said "We hope that the Syrian people will defeat the "oppressive machine"
that targets its people. We also praise the great sacrifices of the Libyan
people during the last months to free Libya from the domination of the Gadhafi
regime over the last four decades. These sacrifices have finally led to the
triumph of right over wrong, and of the will of the people over tyrants."
Hariri concluded "Lebanon, which has long been an Arab pioneer of freedom,
democracy, and human rights in general, stands by all those who confront
injustice, oppression, tyranny, and killing, especially in Syria, regardless of
the counterfeit positions taken by the government regarding the will of the free
people, which demonstrated today in Lybia that it always prevails in the end."
-----------------L.Y
Miscellaneous - Khoury tackles spectrum of matters with itinerants
Thu 20/10/2011 18:25
NNA - Minister of Environment, Nazem Khoury, met with EU head in
Lebanon, Angelina Eichhorst, who reiterated support for joint
coordination with environment Ministry and activating permanent
developments in addition to the creation of job opportunities, boosting
the green strategically initiatives and issuing environmental
legislations.
The minister also discussed with Ambassador of UNIDO Organization Khaled
Al-Moukad future projects, and the implementation of Montreal Protocol
for the Protection of Ozone Layer, as well as ways to resolve fuel stain
resulting from 2006 war.
Among the Minister itinerant visitors for today has been International
Red Cross Committee head, Yurg Montani, who discussed with the host
means of unveiling the truth behind those disappearing in different
countries.
Separately, Khoury met with Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi and Reform
and Change bloc MP Michel Helou. Discussions reportedly touched on the
general situation.
R.K
Miscellaneous - (corrected) Abboud: for coordination between media,
tourism ministries
Thu 20/10/2011 15:55
NNA - 20/10/2011 - Tourism Minister Fady Abboud called for permanent
coordination between the Tourism and Information Ministries via programs
that facilitate the path for cooperation.
The minister's word was given Wednesday evening by his representative,
Mona Fares, acting director general of Tourism Ministry, during opening
the first media tourism conference at Monroe hotel in Beirut.
The conference was attended by the Egyptian Ambassador, Muhammad Mustafa
Tawfiq, head of the Arab Center for Tourism Media, Ahmad Khamis,
National News Agency director, Laure Sleiman, and other dignitaries.
Media can play a beneficial role, according to Abboud, in serving
tourism within a clear strategy aiming to ameliorate and develop the
tourism sector in Lebanon. He thereby called for media plans in this
concern.
Miscellaneous - Abboud: for coordination between media, tourism
ministries
Thu 20/10/2011 15:44
NNA - 20/10/2011 - Tourism Minister Fady Abboud called for permanent
coordination between the Tourism and Information Ministries via programs
that facilitate the path for cooperation.
The minister's word was given Friday by his representative, Mona Fares,
acting director general of Tourism Ministry, during opening the first
media tourism conference at Monroe hotel in Beirut.
The conference was attended by the Egyptian Ambassador, Muhammad Toufic
Mustafa, head of the Arab Center for Tourism Media, Ahmad Khamis,
National News Agency director, Laure Sleiman, and other dignitaries.
Media can play a beneficial role, according to Abboud, in serving
tourism within a clear strategy aiming to ameliorate and develop the
tourism sector in Lebanon. He thereby called for media plans in this
concern.
A.M.
Miscellaneous - Georges Wassouf's health condition stable
Thu 20/10/2011 13:50
NNA - 20/10/2011 - The health condition of singer Georges Wassouf is getting
better and more stable by the hours, as reported by our NNA correspondent.
It is to note that Wassouf is being treated at the AUH hospital, and his
condition seems to be steady.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - U.S. Assists Lebanon's WTO Accession Bid
Wed 19/10/2011 17:10
NNA - 19/10/2011 - The US embassy in Beirut on Wednesday issued the following
press release:
"On October 19, 2011, the U.S. Embassy and the Lebanese Standards Institution (LIBNOR)
celebrated the opening of the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Enquiry Point
for Lebanon at the Metropolitan Hotel in Sin-el-Fil. The Enquiry Point, a
prerequisite for World Trade Organization (WTO) accession, increases
transparency and global accessibility to Lebanese trade regulations and
facilitates trade operations.
The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID), provided assistance to LIBNOR, a public entity under the
Ministry of Industry, to support the establishment of the Enquiry Point, its
adoption of procedures, and training of key personnel. This enables LIBNOR to
maintain and publish up-to-date TBT requirements, answer inquiries from Lebanese
and international traders, and provide information on technical regulations,
standards, and conformity assessment procedures for products sold in the
country.
This project is part of USAID's $3 million Support for Lebanon's Accession to
the World Trade Organization program to help expand commercial opportunities for
Lebanese businesses and strengthen their links to the global economy. USAID/Lebanon
Mission Director Dr. Jim Barnhart highlighted that LIBNOR's designation as
Lebanon's TBT Enquiry Point is an important milestone in Lebanon's accession to
WTO and "with the establishment of the Lebanese National Enquiry Point, traders
in Lebanon and abroad will have access to simplified trade information."
Miscellaneous - Army: "C.130" aircraft arrives at Hamat Air Base
Tue 18/10/2011 18:56
NNA - 18/10/2011 An American "C.130" plane arrived on Tuesday at Hamat Air Base,
within the framework of US Aids Program to the Lebanese Army, a communiqu� by
Army Command Guidance Directorate said.
US aid is amongst annual commitments with regards to cooperation between the
Lebanese and American Armies, in the fields of ensuring military ammunition,
executing joint training and developing technical and fighting skills.
"C.130" aircraft landed at Hamat Air Base with a specialized training team on
its board, loaded with military equipment including special tools for training
on combating terrorism, communiqu� said.
--------------L.Y
Miscellaneous - Daouk stresses information sector in preserving women health
Tue 18/10/2011 17:05
NNA - 18/10/2011 Information Minister put emphasis Tuesday on media sector's
role in preserving women health, bearing in mind the latter's imperative
function in society.
Daouk patronized the "Lebanese Media Institutions Approach of Women Health
Causes" round table the Lebanese Association for Obstetricians and Gynecologists
organized in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) at the
Movenpick hotel.
In his speech, the Minister hoped that media would take an advocacy role
regarding health issues affirming the Ministry's support in that respect.
"The Fourth Congress of Women held in Beijing in 1995, stressed the need to
guarantee the right of women so they enjoy the highest level of medical care
throughout their life, in equality with men.
The desire for justice and sustainable development is at the core of the vision
for a better world, where living in good health would be provided for all,
through a national strategy founded on respect for women's rights," Daouk said.
"It is essential we be engaged with international laws to ban all forms of
discrimination imposed on women whether political, economic or social," he
added.
Daouk also urged Lebanese women to propose health-related issues, in a
scientific way, especially on audio-visual media considering these institutions'
role and impact on our daily life.
Lastly, Daouk announced that the Ministry of Information, in cooperation with
the Ministries of Health and Social Affairs, is primed to make its resources "on
hand" to the associations concerned with women's health, as it will also
propagate all that contributes to awareness, so as to achieve a common culture
which protects women's physical health.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Cloudy with temperature drop
Tue 18/10/2011 10:18
NNA - 18/10/2011 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be partly cloudy
changes to little cloudy with temperature drop, according to Beirut AirPort
Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Unstable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 20 degree Celsius low to 28 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 14 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 8 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 14 degree Celsius low to 25 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western to Northern Western, gusting between 10 to 35
km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 30 % to 80%.
Sea: Calm, Surface temperature 27 and 28 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - NNA Director says truth, freedom, service mainstays to media
message
Mon 17/10/2011 17:30
NNA - 17/10/2011 - National News Agency Director, Laure Sleiman, on Monday said
truth, freedom, and service resume an everyday work in media sector, despite
difficulties and hard times.
Speaking during the 55th commemoration of Haigazian University foundation, NNA
Director explained that the long-aged experience at the National News Agency
taught her to delve truth from its source, for any misinformation would harm the
agency's reputation and credibility. "This is why we prefer to be patient and
make sure of the information's veracity rather than to rush for what we call a
scoop," she said.
"This is our commitment towards ourselves first and towards those we represent;
we only treat news with professionalism, with no prejudgment or preconceptions,"
she added.
Touching on the freedom of press, Mrs. Sleiman said the culture of truth,
inquiry, and censorship were the mainstays to this liberty. She expounded that a
highly professional press indeed serves public freedoms and raises the ceiling
of press liberty. "Journalists are only immunized if holding the truth and the
capability to defend it with tangible proofs and evidences," she corroborated.
As stressing that knowing the truth is liberating, she underscored that
'service' is a binding message within a complementary partnership. "Real service
cannot be measured with what we can gain in counterpart," she highlighted.
Rev. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University, later decorated Mrs.
Sleiman with an appreciation shield.
In his word, he said "If each one of us focuses on his or her role and the good
benefit they can bring, the world, and Lebanon, will become a much better place.
Institutions and establishments such as HU have the gift of reaching out to many
at the same time and for long years. We have done 56 years of it."
"Our attention today, however, also turns info another establishment that has
been serving our society for 50 years already just one block away for our
campus, the National News Agency," he added.
"Today Haigazian University chose to highlight the role this Agency plays in
disseminating mush information about what goes on in our world. Just imagine
what would have been missed without their coordinated and centralized work. The
media plays such a central role in our modern world that we should only
appreciate and encourage those who dedicate their life and time to making the
daily realities of our society accessible, trustworthy, and clear. A huge ideal,
a challenge. There is much therefore a university shares with a news agency, and
the Haigazian motto of Truth, Freedom and service is a reality and a challenge
to both the university and the News
Agency," he said.
"It is my honor therefore, to welcome Mrs. Laure Sleiman Saab to Haigazian
University, who brings young enthusiasm, and a will to develop and modernize the
NNA's work into her office," he stressed.
NNA - 17/10/2011 - The guidance directorate of the Lebanese army issued the
following:
"Army units with the collaboration of the Civil Defense members extinguished on
Sunday several fires which erupted in different villages of Mount Lebanon and
the north.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Cloudy, rainy with temperature drop
Mon 17/10/2011 09:04
NNA - 17/10/2011 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be partly cloudy
changes gradually to cloudy, rainy, active winds, in addition to temperature
drop, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Unstable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 18 degree Celsius low to 28 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 14 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 10 degree Celsius low to 26 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Western to Northern Western, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 50 % to 75%.
Sea: Calm changes gradually to wavy, Surface temperature 27 degree Celsius.
NNA - 16/10/2011 The new week in Lebanon begins on a cloudy note. At best, skies
are expected to be partly cloudy with no change in temperatures, according to
the meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International Airport.
Coastal Temperatures: 18 to 27 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: 9 to 19 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 9 to 26 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: South-westerly with speeds between 8 and 25 km/hr.
Visibility: Good on the coast, but worsens on higher terrain due to fog.
Humidity at the coast: 50% to 75%.
Sea: Mild waves with surface water temperature at 27 degrees Celsius.
NNA - 15/10/2011 Meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International Airport
forecasted weather Sunday to be chilly with cloudy skies and scattered rain.
Coastal temperatures: 17 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: 9 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Arz temperatures: 6 to 17 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 8 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: Westerly in the morning, turns south-westerly in the afternoon
with speeds between 8 and 20 km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Humidity at the coast: 45% to 65%.
Sea: Mild waves with surface water temperature at 28 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Khoury: we are committed to preserving natural reserves
Fri 14/10/2011 19:20
NNA - 14/10/2011 Environment Minister Nazem Khoury stressed Ministry's
commitment to protecting natural reserves of Lebanon, highlighting the role of
civil society and bodies in preserving historical sites and environmental
conditions in the Country.
Khoury conducted a tour on Friday in the locality of Batroun, to inspect local
religious, environmental and natural sites and developmental projects, at the
invitation of Batroun Development Council.
Khoury, accompanied by a delegation of Ministry officials, representatives of
environmental associations and concerned dignitaries, called for coordination
between Ministry, municipalities and local bodies to find solutions to garbage
wastes.
"We [Ministry] are working round the clock to address the problem of garbage
wastes since it is a crucial matter", he stressed, disclosing the presence of a
proposal to link wastes and garbage dumps with energy production.
Welcoming Khoury in Batroun have been MPs Boutros Harb and Antoine Zahra as well
as a number of municipal and mayoral dignitaries.
MP Harb, Batroun Development Council Head, said they inked with the Minister an
agreement of cooperation designed to address environmental problems and preserve
natural and historic sites.
MP Zahra, for his part, expressed appreciation of Khoury's permanent concern and
attention devoted to Batroun affairs, notably preserving its natural reserves,
water resources and environment.
--------------L.Y
NNA - 14/10/2011 The family of Jaafar in the City of Baalbeck bid farewell on
Friday Ali Rajeh Jaafar who passed away yesterday in Sharawneh incident that
occurred at the northern Baalbeck gateway.
Jaafar was laid to rest in his hometown cemetery, amidst climates of sorrow and
grief.
Consolers coming from Baalbeck and its neighborhood poured into the late
Jaafar's residence, paying condolences to his family.
-------------L.Y
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy changes to cloudy
Fri 14/10/2011 09:43
NNA - 14/10/2011 - The weather for Saturday is expected to be little cloudy in
the morning, changes during the day to partly cloudy on the coastline and cloudy
with fog on the mountain heights, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Autumn weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 19 degree Celsius low to 29 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 8 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 7 degree Celsius low to 19 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 8 degree Celsius low to 27 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western, gusting between 8 to 20 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 45 % to 70%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 27 and 28 degree Celsius.
Politics - Aoun: we pledge our martyrs to proceed in march
Thu 13/10/2011 23:04
NNA - 13/10/2011 Free Patriotic Movement Head Michel Aoun pledged to proceed
till the end with the march of fallen "martyrs of October 13", stressing that
his Trend shall not succumb to any compromise.
Aoun, "Change and Reform" Bloc, was speaking during a mass service at
"Resurrection Church' in Rabieh, marking the annual commemoration of October 13.
The mass service was attended by Change and Reform Bloc ministers and deputies
as well martyrs' families and dignitaries.
"We were never at any time aggressors but rather defenders of ourselves and our
rights to existence", Aoun stressed in his word, highlighting meaningful virtues
of faith, hope and loving.
Aoun also underlined the importance of the building of the state, which should
be based on two main criteria: moral and ethical that organizes good relations
amongst people and legal criteria that ensure rights.
---------------L.Y
Miscellaneous - Round table on Palestinians work in Lebanon
Thu 13/10/2011 16:41
NNA - 13/10/2011 - The work of young Palestinians in Lebanon was in crosshairs
on a round table patronized by Social Affairs Minister, Wael Abu Faour, at
Riviera Hotel, Thursday.
The meeting ventured into a study put forth by Leila Zakkaria, sociologist, on
the work of young Palestinians in Lebanon.
Palestinian ambassador, Abdullah Abdullah, along with a number of
representatives of civil associations and Palestinian camps participated in the
discussion panel.
"Palestinian youth had proven to be able to fight and resist so as to reach
their right to return [to Palestine]," Minister Abu Faour said.
He explained that giving Palestinian refugees their right to work in Lebanon was
in the interest of our country on the economic level.
However, he regretted that the Palestinians are paying the price of political
contradictions in Lebanon, reiterating rejection of naturalization.
Miscellaneous - Health Minister asks cabinet to form national council
for fighting drugs
Thu 13/10/2011 15:56
NNA - 13/10/2011 - Minister of Public Health, Ali Hassan Khalil,
duly asked the cabinet to form the national council for fighting
drugs, in a letter he addressed to the cabinet presidency
Thursday.
He hereby urged to bring into effect the proposal to form said
council as per law number 673, dated 16/3/1998.
"Drugs issue is nowadays a world vice threatening individuals
and their future (...) statistics in Lebanon show an
accelerating hike in the ratios of drugs, alcohol, and
narcotics' use, especially among youth," the letter read.
NNA - 13/10/2011 - Environment Minister Nazem Al-Khoury headed on
Thursday the meeting for quarries and rock crushers national council to
discuss the work of this sector, particularly regarding the investment
permits.
Khoury tackled in his meetings with the Ambassadors Giuseppe Morabito
(Italy) and Illango Karuppanan (Malaysia) different means to solve the
solid waste issue and the assistance granted to the Environment Ministry
at this level.
Finally, Minister Khoury met with the newly appointed Lebanese
University's head Adnan Sayyed Huseein.
D.K.
Miscellaneous - Abboud, Daouk fix 30 October a Jeita telethon day
Thu 13/10/2011 15:00
NNA - 13/10/2011 Ministers of Tourism and Information, Fadi Abboud and
Walid Daouk, fixed the 30 of October to be the "telethon" day dedicated
to voting for Jeita Grotto to become one of the new seven wonders of
nature.
The day was declared during a joint conference Ministers held in
presence of Tourism and Information Ministries' general directors, the
National News Agency Director Laure Sleiman Saab, as well as other
concerned officials and media figures.
Hailing media institutions' positive role in supporting the Jeita voting
campaign, Abboud said the conference mainly aims at tackling adopted
steps to support the voting process and mobilize Lebanese people, media
institutions, and civil society, to vote for countdown has begun and the
process ends in 11/11/2011.
"In the seven wonders of nature, Jeita has 28 other competitors," Abboud
said noting the importance of this contest in promoting Lebanon
worldwide and boosting the tourism and economic sectors.
"The Ministry, in cooperation with Impact BBDO regional communications
marketing group, has prepared a complementary advertisement campaign to
support Jeita which will be launched in the upcoming two days," Abboud
affirmed.
Also, the Minister declared the activation of the voting via SMS (short
messenger services) where every Lebanese citizen is now able to vote by
sending the word Jeita to the number 1070, for a 10 cents cost only.
In that respect Abboud thanked Telecommunications Minister Nicolas
Sehnaoui for his cooperation.
Concluding his word, Abboud solicited Lebanese people, media
institutions, civil bodies and associations, public and private sectors,
to vote.
Daouk, in turn, deemed this conference as an embodiment of cooperation
between different Ministries in service of citizens' interest.
"Jeita grotto is an excellent tourism site and a spot which attracts
Arab and international tourists.
Jeita motivates us all to work in solidarity and vote," he said.
Also, Daouk shed light on the positive upshot of this whole process on
the economic and tourism sectors in Lebanon.
"Our meeting today is dedicated to set a Jeita telethon day and ensure
the largest participation possible, inside and outside Lebanon,
especially in all Diaspora zones," he added.
A telethon is a fundraising event broadcast on television that lasts
many hours or even days, the purpose of which is to raise money for a
charitable or other worthy causes.
Most telethons feature heavy solicitations for pledges (promises to
donate funds at a later time) combined with variety show style
entertainment. Correspondingly, the term is a portmanteau of
"television" and "marathon".
Miscellaneous - Abboud, Daouk fix 30 October a Jeita telethon day
Thu 13/10/2011 15:00
NNA - 13/10/2011 Ministers of Tourism and Information, Fadi Abboud and
Walid Daouk, fixed the 30 of October to be the "telethon" day dedicated
to voting for Jeita Grotto to become one of the new seven wonders of
nature.
The day was declared during a joint conference Ministers held in
presence of Tourism and Information Ministries' general directors, the
National News Agency Director Laure Sleiman Saab, as well as other
concerned officials and media figures.
Hailing media institutions' positive role in supporting the Jeita voting
campaign, Abboud said the conference mainly aims at tackling adopted
steps to support the voting process and mobilize Lebanese people, media
institutions, and civil society, to vote for countdown has begun and the
process ends in 11/11/2011.
"In the seven wonders of nature, Jeita has 28 other competitors," Abboud
said noting the importance of this contest in promoting Lebanon
worldwide and boosting the tourism and economic sectors.
"The Ministry, in cooperation with Impact BBDO regional communications
marketing group, has prepared a complementary advertisement campaign to
support Jeita which will be launched in the upcoming two days," Abboud
affirmed.
Also, the Minister declared the activation of the voting via SMS (short
messenger services) where every Lebanese citizen is now able to vote by
sending the word Jeita to the number 1070, for a 10 cents cost only.
In that respect Abboud thanked Telecommunications Minister Nicolas
Sehnaoui for his cooperation.
Concluding his word, Abboud solicited Lebanese people, media
institutions, civil bodies and associations, public and private sectors,
to vote.
Daouk, in turn, deemed this conference as an embodiment of cooperation
between different Ministries in service of citizens' interest.
"Jeita grotto is an excellent tourism site and a spot which attracts
Arab and international tourists.
Jeita motivates us all to work in solidarity and vote," he said.
Also, Daouk shed light on the positive upshot of this whole process on
the economic and tourism sectors in Lebanon.
"Our meeting today is dedicated to set a Jeita telethon day and ensure
the largest participation possible, inside and outside Lebanon,
especially in all Diaspora zones," he added.
A telethon is a fundraising event broadcast on television that lasts
many hours or even days, the purpose of which is to raise money for a
charitable or other worthy causes.
Most telethons feature heavy solicitations for pledges (promises to
donate funds at a later time) combined with variety show style
entertainment. Correspondingly, the term is a portmanteau of
"television" and "marathon".
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little Cloudy with temperature rise
Thu 13/10/2011 09:20
NNA - 13/10/2011 - The weather for Friday is expected to be little cloudy with
slight temperature rise, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates gradually over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 19 degree Celsius low to 28 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 14 degree Celsius low to 20 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 8 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 15 degree Celsius low to 24 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Western to Northern-Western, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 45 % to 70%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 28 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Arab Civil societies tackle preparations for Rio +20 Summit on
sustainable development
Wed 12/10/2011 12:41
NNA - 12/10/2011 - Ghassan Sayah, representing the Environment Minister Nazem
Al-Khoury drew the world's attention to the depletion of nature resources
accompanied with radical climate change, biological diversity and deforestation.
Sayah delivered his word on behalf of the Environment Minister during the
regional workshop for Arab civil societies held Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. at the
Holiday Inn hotel, Verdun in the frame of the ongoing preparations for the Rio
+20 summit on sustainable development.
The workshop was attended by the ESCWA Executive Director Rima Khalaf and the
Arab NGO's Network Director Ziad Abdel Samad.
Sayah wondered what are the challenges and the hindrances standing in the face
of implementing the Rio summit's outcomes to improve environmental conditions
and adopt sustainable development.
"The social, environmental and economic performances in Lebanon are
inacceptable, especially that the country is rich in natural resources," he
said, warning from the economic development which might be at the expense of the
social and environmental safety.
He also noted that the human development index, the environmental performance
index and the gross domestic product (GDP) are the three basic factors for
evaluating the sustainable development's reality in Lebanon.
Sayah also regretted the fact that Lebanon's total wealth index has been
decreasing since the 90s and up till now.
"Most of the strategies and plans we set were not finally ratified yet," he
mentioned, blaming it on three important factors: security and political
stability as well as administrative slack.
Eventually, he assured that the Lebanese Environment Ministry has a number of
suggestions at this level, promising to raise all these ideas and propositions
before the cabinet as soon as possible.
D.K.
NNA - 12/10/2011 - The weather for Thursday is expected to be partly cloudy with
sporadic rain in the morning without temperature change, according to Beirut
AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Cold and humid winds dominate over Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 21 degree Celsius low to 28 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 12 degree Celsius low to 25 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 12 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 13 degree Celsius low to 30 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 10 to 45 km/hr.
- Visibility: Medium on the coastline, worsens on the mountain heights due to
fog.
Humidity: 60 % to 85%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 27 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Civil Defense operations for Monday
Wed 12/10/2011 09:12
NNA - 12/10/2011 - General Directorate for Civil Defense executed on 10 of this
month 176 extinguishing operations and 78 rescue operations in different
regions.
NNA - 11/10/2011 - Italian embassy in Lebanon issued Tuesday the following press
release: "In the framework of a series of institutional visits paid to the
different Lebanese regions, H.E. the Ambassador of Italy in Lebanon, Giuseppe
Morabito, and some of the Embassy staff, visited today the Municipality of Zahle.
The Ambassador met with the Governor of Bekaa Region, the Judge Antoine Sleiman,
the President of the Municipality of Zahle, Mr. Joseph Diab Maalouf and the
President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of the Bekaa
Region and Zahle, Mr. Edmond Jreissati.
Ambassador Morabito thanked the authorities for their warm welcome and explained
that the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Franco Frattini, has given a clear
mandate to reinforce Italy's relations with Lebanon, not only political ones,
but also commercial, economic and cultural ties.
Ambassador Morabito said: "We want to work with all Lebanese regions
particularly with well organized realities such as the city of Zahle".
Furthermore, the Italian language courses, organized by the Chamber of Commerce,
have been highly appreciated. The Ambassador met the students and wished them
good luck.
The Italian Delegation has also visited the Lebanese Institute of Agriculture
Research (IRAL) in Tal Amara, directed by Mr. Michel Afarm. They visited the
Research laboratories and met with the researchers, many of which have carried
out doctoral studies in Italy.
The visit has been followed by a lunch offered by Jean and Valine Makhlouf
(exclusive agents of an important Italian clothes brand)."
Miscellaneous - MOI participates in Teheran media exhibition
Tue 11/10/2011 13:27
NNA - 11/10/2011 - The Ministry of Information (MOI) participated in the new
media exhibition held on Tuesday in Teheran.
The Ministry was represented by the Director of Lebanese studies and
publications, Khodr Majed.
A special wing consecrated for exposing some paintings which illustrate the
Lebanese information aspect as well as the ministry's electronic website which
includes a Farsi section was devoted for the MOI.
D.K.
Politics- Araji supports economic plan to avoid inflation
Tue 11/10/2011 09:33
NNA - 11/10/2011 - Future Parliamentary bloc member deputy Asem Araji told Voice
of Lebanon that he supports the demands of labors but on condition that any
salary increase would not lead to more unemployment in the country.
He stressed the importance of adopting a comprehensive economic plan in order to
avoid any kind of inflation that could reflect negatively on the country.
"We are in favor of monitoring prices in case salaries increased and we want
this control be very efficient so that these prices do not rise dramatically,"
the MP said.
Araji added that the resignation of the president of the Special Tribunal for
Lebanon Antonio Cassese will not change anything in the course of the court as
long as this resignation was for health reasons.
"Cassese will not totally abandon the tribunal but will remain within the team."
Miscellaneous - Weather: Cloudy with temperature drop
Tue 11/10/2011 09:19
NNA - 11/10/2011 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be partly cloudy
with fog on the mountain heights, sporadic rain accompanied by thunderstorms and
additional temperature drop, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Cold and humid winds dominate over Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 16 degree Celsius low to 27 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 10 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 7 degree Celsius low to 15 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 8 degree Celsius low to 25 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern-Eastern in the morning changes to Southern-Western in
the afternoon, gusting between 10 to 45 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good worsens at night due to fog.
Humidity: 35 % to 80%.
Sea: Low to moderate, Surface temperature 27 and 28 degree Celsius.
NNA - 10/11/2011 - Commenting on the regrettable events that took place
yesterday in Egypt, Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri issued the following
statement:
"Any Arab citizen or official cannot but perceive with sorrow and pain the
incidents that took place in Cairo and other Egyptian regions yesterday,
especially as they claimed the lives of tens of citizens and security men,
causing great anxiety among those who are awaiting to see Egypt move to a new
democratic phase, which the enemies of Egypt and the Arabs are seeking to
impede.
Islamic-Christian coexistence should be one of the rules of common life between
all Arab citizens, and not only among Egyptians. It goes without saying that the
Egyptian people, Muslims and Copts, gave throughout history a noble and lively
model of this coexistence among all spiritual, political and cultural groups, in
order to protect the Islamic-Christian coexistence and to consolidate the
genuine dialogue between the two major religions. This represents a shining
example of the solid coexistence in our Arab countries.
We are confident that the latest events, despite their cruelty, will not shake
the firm will of the Egyptians to complete the path towards a democratic system,
which guarantees a dignified life to all the Egyptians and ensures them freedom
of expression, contrary to what some claim. The process of democratic change is
difficult and punctuated by attempts to prevent it, from the part of those
affected by it.
We call on our dear brothers in Al-Azhar and the Coptic Church to work on
healing wounds, promoting dialogue and preventing aggressors from manipulating
the stability and unity of the Egyptian people. We look forward to new measures
from the political and military leaderships in Egypt to stop any repercussions
that could arise from these events. In this respect, the Arabs have a
responsibility in helping Egypt and its leadership to rise up and play its
pioneering and historic role in supporting the Arab causes."
Miscellaneous - NNA withdraws from Media Conference in Brussels
Mon 10/10/2011 16:15
NNA - 10/10/2011 - The National News Agency withdrew its delegation to
the Conference on the Future of Information in Brussels, the state-run
agency announced on Monday.
It explained that the withdrawal came in objection to the participation
of an Israeli media delegation in the conference.
The event, labeled "Future of Information: Policy, Perspective, and
Power," is organized by the European Neighborhood Journalists, with the
participation of Thomson Foundation.
It is to note that the NNA delegation to Brussels was comprised of Bahaa
Ramli and Marie Khoury.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy changes to rainy
Mon 10/10/2011 10:31
NNA - 10/10/2011 - The weather for Tuesday is expected to be little cloudy to
partly cloudy with high clouds, rain is expected to fall at Tuesday night
accompanied by thunderstorms, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology
Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Low atmospheric pressure dominates over Eastern Mediterranean
Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 21 degree Celsius low to 35 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 14 degree Celsius low to 24 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 14 degree Celsius low to 24 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 11 degree Celsius low to 34 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Eastern to Northern Western, gusting between 10 to 30
km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 30 % to 50%.
Sea: Low, Surface temperature 27 and 28 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Minister Khalil launching anti-narcotics awareness campaign
Sun 9/10/2011 13:43
NNA - 09/10/2011 - Public Health Minister, Ali Hasan Khalil, launched an
anti-drug awareness campaign at Nabih Berri's Cultural Center in Msayleh.
Addressing leading Amal figures in south Lebanon, and a number of top brass
anti-narcotics police officers, the Minister urged caution in cracking down on
the social threat posed by narcotics through immunizing the Lebanese public
against its harms.
He called for an anti-narcotics strategy in which all efforts are channeled in
the drive against drug trafficking and abuse. The Minister noted need for an
emergency plan drafted by the government. He stressed need for implementing the
anti-narcotics code.
He disclosed that Daher Bachek and Beirut University Hospital would witness the
establishment of two rehabilitation centers for drug addicts and that there were
plans to build further centers all over the country.
NNA - 09/10/2011 The new week begins on a hot note in Lebanon, as temperatures
are expected to rise, while partly cloudy skies veil the country, according to
meteorology department at Rafik Hariri International Airport.
In more details:
Coastal temperatures: 23 to 33 degrees Celsius.
Mountainous temperatures: 13 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Inland temperatures: 16 to 36 degrees Celsius.
Surface winds: North-westerly to north-easterly with speeds between 10 and 30
km/hr.
Visibility: Good.
Humidity at the coast: 40% to 60%.
Sea condition: Mild waves, with surface water temperature at 29 degrees Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Beirut marches for World Animal Day
Sun 9/10/2011 10:54
NNA - 09/10/2011 World Animal Day was celebrated Sunday by Beirut for the
Ethical Treatment of Animals (BETA) with a march starting from Martyrs Square in
Down Town Beirut and heading towards Ayn Mreisseh, under Mahatma Gandhi's
slogan: The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the
way its animals are treated.
Animal lovers with their dogs and cats participated in the march, in recognition
that Earth did not belong to humans alone, and animals have as much right to a
dignified and free life on their planet as humans did.
Lebanon witnessed in recent years more awareness towards animals rights. Private
initiative took over the shameful absence of any public laws or regulations for
animal affairs, including the smuggling of rare species and wild animals across
Lebanese borders.
Animals Lebanon rescued last week a lion cub which was kept as a pet on a
balcony in Beirut. The five week old cub was smuggled to Lebanon across the
Syrian border. This cub, unlike so many others Animals Lebanon receives pictures
and emails about, was safe now and will soon have a new home in South Africa
with other rescued lions that have come from similar conditions.
Miscellaneous - Rashaya dignitaries plead with minister to stop
stone-quarrying
Sat 8/10/2011 15:58
NNA - 08/10/2011 - Rashaya municipal heads and mukhtars pleaded with
Environment Minister, Nazem Khoury, to intervene and stop what they
termed as systematic destruction of the environment by intensive
stone-quarrying in their area.
They brought to his attention the heavy pollution caused by
stone-quarrying activities deemed harmful to agriculture and public
health.
They also indicated that stone quarrying wreaked-havoc on asphalt roads
running through towns and villages as well. Mukhtars and civil society
activists threatened to escalate if their demands are not met.
NNA - 08/10/2011 - Rising temperature is forecasted Sunday with heavy
atmospheric pressure moving into the East Mediterranean-basin. Partly cloudy
skies would be clearing off during the day with rise in temperature. More of the
same is expected Monday by Beirut International Airport-based Meteorology
Department.
Temperature:
-On the coastline: 31 degrees Celsius dropping to a low of 22 degrees by
nightfall
-On the mountain range: a maximum of 24 degrees registers 11 degrees by
nightfall
-In the Bekaa and the Interior: a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius drops to 14
degrees
Southerly-westerly winds gusting between 8 -25 Km/hr
Barely stir a calm Sea who's surface water temperature measures 29 to 30 degrees
Celsius for this time of the year
NNA - 08/10/2011 - Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Ghazi
Aridi, inspected new roads under construction in the Alay area and Shouf
Mountain. He was accompanied on his tour by a number of local municipal
heads and ministry officials.
During his tour, he met with local religious leaders who presented him
with a number of demands which he promised to meet within short notice.
Miscellaneous - Charbel to take precautions against harsh weather
conditions
Sat 8/10/2011 15:06
NNA - 08/10/2011 - Minister of the Interior and Municipal Affairs,
Marwan Charbel, instructed internal security, Civil Defense, municipal
councils and all civil bodies concerned to take extra precautions in
view of the weather forecast during the upcoming few days. He brought to
public attention the expected heat wave on the week-end and what it
might entail in terms of brush fires fanned by strong desert wind.
The Minister also warned against a sudden drop in temperature
accompanied by expected heavy rain falls. He duly instructed that water
ducts and sewage system be cleared off plastic bags and similar debris.
Charbel also cautioned fishermen not to take to the sea on Wednesday due
to forecasted choppiness.
Traffic also needs to be organized in elevated areas in view of the
forecasted thunder storm and heavy snowfall.
NNA - 08/10/2011 - Army units deployed all over the country aided Civil Defense
workers in bringing raging fires in south central Lebanon and the Bekaa under
control. This according to a Yarzeh-based Army Guidance Department announcement
today which confirmed casualties. Unfortunately however, 173 dounams of wild
shrubs and dried grass were consumed by fire.
Miscellaneous - Former Beatle to wed for third time
Sat 8/10/2011 11:32
NNA - 08/10/2011 Paul McCartney, former Beatle member, is planning his third
wedding Sunday in London, according to reports by British newspapers.
McCartney's bride is New York heiress Nancy Shevell. The couple is to be married
in a civil ceremony at London's Marylebone Register Office before 30 invited
guests.
Miscellaneous - Khalaf congratulates Tawakkul Karman for Nobel Prize
Fri 7/10/2011 19:50
NNA - 7/10/2011 ESCWA Executive Secretary Rima Khalaf regarded in a statement
Tawakkul Karman of Yemen's winning of Nobel Prize for the year 2011 as not only
a victory to Arab women and the region but rather the "natural position" that
Arab women deserve in light of their capacities.
Three women are awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for their work in the
promotion of women's rights, including Activist Tawakkul Karman of Yemen.
Khalaf pointed out "Karman is one of the models who advocate peaceful struggles
lastingly called forth by the United Nations".
Khalaf also considered that this victory manifests once again the
accomplishments realized by the Arab youth since the start of change movements
in the region.
Khalaf contacted Tawakkul and congratulated her on "this distinctive moment that
stands as an incentive for Arab and Yemeni women... and a vast gateway for the
people of the region to proceed with their peaceful struggle to attain free and
decent life".
---------------L.Y
Miscellaneous - March in Tripoli in solidarity with Syrian people
Fri 7/10/2011 18:59
NNA - 7/10/2011 Upon the invitation of "Seculars Gathering" in Lebanon, a number
of citizens partook on Friday in a march in the northern City of Tripoli in
solidarity with Syrian people, National News Agency Correspondent in the North
reported.
The march took place at Tripoli's "Abdel Nasser Square", dubbed as "Tal Square",
amidst strict security measures by Army and Internal Security Forces, with
demonstrators raising banners deploring Russian and Chinese stance at the
Security Council and hoisting the Syrian and Lebanese flags.
Delivered words denounced what is currently taking place in Syria, stressing
that "crisis in Syria is not amongst minorities and majorities".
Fri 7/10/2011 12:58
NNA - 7/10/2011 MP Ammar Houry said Friday that Hezbollah is carrying out its
hindrances of the STL funding issue.
In his talk with Al-Fajer radio station, Houry alleged that the problem lies not
in funding STL but in the presence of a political camp refusing to punish
criminals and realize justice.
Future bloc member also said "we are waiting for Premier Mikati's respect to his
STL pledges."
Pertaining to the teachers and laborers strike, Houry avowed support herein
pointing out the necessary that demands be logical and objective.
In that respect, he warned of attempts to politicizing these demands so as to
cut back attention from Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
In his response to a question concerning Syrian borders' violation criticism,
Houry expressed astonishment over the other party's classification of Syrian
brothers with Israeli enemy.
Miscellaneous - Civil Defense missions for Thursday
Fri 7/10/2011 11:48
NNA - 7/10/2011 - Civil Defense General Directorate at Interior and
Municipalities ministry reported that its members executed on Thursday 51
extinguishing operations and 66 rescue operations in several Lebanese regions.
Press
Release: The Children Cancer Center of Lebanon
Fri 7/10/2011 11:20
On the 19th day of April 2000, a Tripartite Agreement was entered among three
Partners: The American University of Beirut (AUB), The Children Cancer Center of
Lebanon and St. Jude Children Research Hospital in Memphis Tennessee U.S.A (SJCRH)
for an in-patient / out-patient unit for the treatment of Cancer to be The
Children Cancer Clinic (CCC).
The Tripartite Agreement was updated consequent to about a decade of experience
in the field of strategic cooperation in addressing such a major challenge, the
treatment of children with cancer diseases.
The Tripartite Agreement has now become a Quadripartite Agreement, as ALSAC, the
Funding arm of St. Jude Children Research Hospital has joined, fulfilling the
pledge of Dany Thomas, the Founder of St. Jude, to have an affiliation in his
home country Lebanon.
On this very day, Monday, September 12, 2011 the signature of the new Agreement,
a renewed step towards excellence in providing services to the community in
Lebanon and the region, had lieu between AUB represented by Dr. Peter Dorman,
President and Dr. Mohamed H. Sayegh, VP for Medical Affairs and Dean of the
Faculty of Medicine, and Mr. Paul Edd� Chairman of the Children Cancer Center of
Lebanon in the presence of the leadership of AUB as well the Board of Directors
of the CCCL.
The ceremony witnessed the rededication of all parties to this agreement, as
well as their continued commitment to the pursuit of this noble mission,
stressing on the priority role of AUBMC in medical operations and research; and
the important task of CCCL in raising funds.
St. Jude Children Research Hospital (SJCRH) and the American University of
Beirut Medical Center will closely monitor the medical operations at the CCCL,
promoting the medical facilities to the highest standards, aligned to those of
AUBMC and St. Jude.
The Children Cancer Center of Lebanon Foundation shall develop a fundraising
strategy, to ensure the attainment of additional funds, responding to the ever
increasing cost of treatment and the increased number of patients.
From a budget of $2.5 million in year 2002 to a budget of $12 million in year
2011, the partners are closely following the development of the center and their
collaboration and involvement is giving the center's staff the will and
determination to give their best and elevate CCCL to even higher standards.
In addition, a tremendous amount of effort is being placed on identifying the
key areas for improvement to evolve CCCL's strategy forward to take it to the
heights identified for the future most efficiently and effectively.
Knowing that the treated number of children has increased from 70 cancer
patients in 2002 to 766 till date, in addition to more than 800 for sickle cells
and hematology and more than 1,500 consultations, the Foundation was setting
various steps to cope with this demand for treatment and had obtained the ISO
certification in 2008 and it is in preparation for its Endowment fund to be
launched in tandem with the AUBMC 2020 vision which will position AUBMC as the
leading academic medical center in Lebanon and the region by delivering
excellence in patient-centered care, outstanding education and innovation in
research.
As one of the Centers of Excellence at AUBMC, the CCCL will play a pivotal role
in bringing AUBMC closer to its vision. AUBMC and CCCL are focusing on the
values necessary to motivate their team, preparing strategic partnerships to
reach excellence and continuous improvement in the quality of medical and
financial services offered to the children and to fulfill their vision of
maintaining CCCL as a state of art center for cancer treatment and reference hub
for Lebanon and the region.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Partly cloudy with slight temperature rise
Fri 7/10/2011 09:50
NNA - 7/10/2011 - The weather for Saturday is expected to be
partly cloudy with slight temperature rise, according to Beirut
AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern
Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 23 degree Celsius low to 29
degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 16 degree Celsius low to 24 degree
Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 13 degree Celsius low to 27 degree
Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 40 % to 75%.
Miscellaneous - BETA organizes march in support of weak animals
Thu 6/10/2011 16:38
NNA - 06/10/2011 - October days record two important events concerned
about the world of animals; October 4 records the World Animal Day (WAD)
and October 8 records the World Event to End Animal Cruelty (WEEAC).
International organizations celebrate these two days for the purpose of
enhancing awareness of ways to care for animals.
As for Lebanon, it will participate in these two events on Saturday,
October 8, from 15:30 till 20:30, through a march organized by Beirut
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals organization (BETA), as groups of
people will walk along with the dogs that have been saved by BETA
Association.
The march activity will start in the Martyrs Square of Beirut - facing
Virgin Megastore shops - and will reach the Korniche region.
The BETA organization calls upon citizens to join this activity to
support weak animals instead of harming them.
A.M.
Miscellaneous - Friday's weather little cloudy with stable temperature
Thu 6/10/2011 14:51
NNA - 6/10/2011 - The weather on Friday is expected to be
partly cloudy with no change in temperature, as forecasted by
Beirut Airport-Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern
Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 21 degree Celsius low to 30
degree Celsius high.
In the mountain-range: 9 degree Celsius low to 28 degree Celsius
high.
At Al-Arz: 9 degree Celsius low to 18 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 12 degree Celsius low to 27 degree
Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Southern Western, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 40 % to 75%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 28 degree Celsius.
NNA - 5/10/2011 - Minister of Youth and Sports, Faysal Karami, lauded
Director Nadine Labaki's "originality," while addressing a panel of
mediamen from north Lebanon Wednesday.
Commending Labaki's individual effort to put Lebanon in the crosshairs
of international arts' forums, the Minister saw she merited to be
officially honored.
Labaki's latest movie "And Now Where Do We Go" earned Karami's
appraisal, "as it approached bickering and civil war from a
ground-breaking artistic perspective."
He suggested that an official prize be granted annually by the Youth and
Sports Ministry to creative people in various domains.
Miscellaneous - International experts observe northern borders
Wed 5/10/2011 16:20
NNA - 5/10/2011 - A German-Danish observers' team toured today a number of joint
security outposts on northern borders with Syria, National News Agency
correspondent reported on Wednesday.
Officers from the Lebanese Armed Forces, ISF and General Security accompanied
the team on its inspection.
Miscellaneous - Electricity law amendment reigns over Abour Faour's
meetings
Wed 5/10/2011 14:42
NNA - 5/10/2011 - Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou Faour tackled on
Wednesday the electricity law amendment issue as he is member of the
ministerial committee assigned to regulate the electricity sector.
Abou Faour received for this purpose a delegation of the Electricite Du
Liban employees headed by Charbel Saleh with talks featuring high on
their rights and demands.
Discussions also touched on the decree for amending EDL employees'
salary grid conditioned by their shifting into full timers at the
institution.
Moreover, Abou Faour received a delegation of West Bekaa municipalities'
heads with talks featuring high on developmental affairs as well as
future social projects to be executed by the Ministry.
The Minister later met Amal Movement official Bassem Lamaa with whom he
discussed a number of topics on top of which the Ministry's role in
addressing the country's social issues.
Reactivating civil associations role in different field, especially in
fighting against drug abuse were also on Abou Faour's agenda.
D.K./A.B.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy with slight temperature drop
Wed 5/10/2011 09:11
NNA - 4/10/2011 - The weather for Thursday is expected to be little cloudy
changes to partly cloudy with fog on the mountain heights and slight temperature
drop, according to Beirut AirPort Based Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 19 degree Celsius low to 29 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 14 degree Celsius low to 21 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 8 degree Celsius low to 16 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 13 degree Celsius low to 27 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western, gusting between 10 to 30 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 50 % to 75%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 29 degree Celsius.
NNA - 4/10/2011 Lebanese Forces MP Antoine Zahra said his political group had a
single project, that of the state, and believed in a single and unique
trinomial: the State, the people and the institutions.
"Any other formula is unacceptable, temporary and doomed to extinction. Nothing
can replace the state, institutions, army, and the legitimate will of the
Lebanese people," Zahra proclaimed at the annual dinner of the "Lebanese Center
for information "in the United States.
Zahra said that "the future promises stability" but we ought to get rid of
illegitimate weapons and refuse any foreign interference and opposition to the
state's authority.
He also stressed that "the vast majority of the Lebanese people shall be able to
elect a true sovereign majority in the upcoming legislatives," and urged the
other political camp to stop taking control of the state, its institutions and
the will of the Lebanese people.
NNA - 4/10/2011 Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi asserted Tuesday in a press
conference that the 2012 Budget proposal diminishes cost of living for
low-income families for it consists of a shift from loaf subsidy and other
policies to a direct financial support for needy families.
"The project ensures an LBP 300 billion as a first step for health coverage," he
said.
Safadi also told that the "increase in taxation the project included, was mostly
eminent in the VAT, elevating from 10% to 12%, also in the 3% increase in real
estate purchasing, as well as in the increase in interest taxes."
In counterpart, Safadi said these rises shall be met by a reduction of tariffs
and fees as well as amelioration in infrastructure and services' through
doubling investment spending and activating social services.
"The Ministry had begun working on practicing safe spending norms," Safadi said
and shed light to the project's respect to the Lebanese government's world and
local engagements.
He hence denied the truth in any rumors about Syrian funds' transfer to Lebanon
and said that "no procedures prevent the entrance of Syrian deposits."
"Finance Ministry accomplished 2012 budget project within constitutional due
dates and referred it to the Cabinet duly." Safadi said.
On the political scene, and in his response to a question regarding Lebanese
international engagements, Safadi said Lebanon's interest comes first and that
all parties shall soon figure out that it can solely be achieved by Lebanon's
loyalty to these pledges.
Miscellaneous - Weather: Little cloudy without temperature change
Tue 4/10/2011 09:07
NNA - 4/10/2011 - The weather for Wednesday is expected to be little cloudy to
partly cloudy without temperature change, according to Beirut AirPort Based
Meteorology Department.
Weather report:
- General status: Stable weather dominates over Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
- Temperature: On the coastline: 20 degree Celsius low to 30 degree Celsius
high.
In the mountain-range: 14 degree Celsius low to 22 degree Celsius high.
At Al-Arz: 8 degree Celsius low to 17 degree Celsius high.
In the Interior region: 10 degree Celsius low to 27 degree Celsius high.
-Surface wind: Northern Western during the day changes to Northern Eastern
during the night, gusting between 8 to 25 km/hr.
- Visibility: Good.
Humidity: 35 % to 65%.
Sea: Moderate, Surface temperature 28 degree Celsius.
Miscellaneous - Masour patronizes Belgian-Lebanese medical center opening
Mon 3/10/2011 21:36
NNA - 03/10/2011 - Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister Adnan Mansour
patronized on Monday the opening ceremony of the Belgian-Lebanese Medical Center
at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Ashrafieh, in presence of the Belgian Ambassador to
Lebanon Johan Verkammen.
The Minister toured the medical center's departments along with center head Dr.
Riad Shmeis. A dinner banquet was later held celebrating the occasion in
presence of Minister Mansour.
R.H.
Miscellaneous - Afou Faour's itinerant visitors for Monday
Mon 3/10/2011 18:26
NNA - 03/10/2011 - Social Affairs Minister, Wael Abou Faour, met on Monday with
UNHCR Representative, Ninette Kelly. Discussions reportedly featured high on the
joint projects between the Commission and the Ministry, especially the emergency
plan to help Syrians seeking refuge in Lebanon.
Furthermore, Abou Faour respectively received MPs Ziad Qaderi and Estephan
Doueihi, as well as former Minister Mansour el-Bone, with talks focusing on the
developmental and services issues.
Lastly, the Minister met with two delegations of retired and full-time
professors at the Lebanese University. Both delegations presented him with
demands mainly touching on the salaries series. For his part, Abou Faour assured
the National Struggle Front's support to these requirements.
