Politics - Kanaan: coexistence compatible with fair representation
Sat 17/12/2011 17:52
NNA - 17/12/2011 - Secretary-General of the Aounist Trend, MP Ibrahim
Kanaan, perceived in peaceful coexistence and stability a situation
compatible with and not contradictory with fair representation for all.
Kanaan and, in an interview to a local newspaper, stressed that security
and stability in the country do not contradict representation, but he
seemed disgruntled over the Christian present state of affairs ever
since the signing of the Taef agreement up till the present.
He exclaimed that the Christian predicament must not continue
indefinitely. He added that Maronites have full right in expressing
opinion over the electoral law without having to impose anything on
others.
He added that general Aoun's partaking in the Maronite Gathering is
indicative of his agreeing to the resumption of national dialogue. He
however, stressed need for implementing Taef before reaching a fair
representation for all.
Kanaan described Aoun's attitude as being characterized by transparency
without having to impose an electoral law on anyone. He spoke about what
he termed as "electoral money" saying money and "power-politics" went
hand-in-hand for a long time and during many electoral campaigns.
Kanaan criticized Hariri Trend's attitude towards the Bkerki gathering
saying they were blowing rubrics out of proportion and that Aounists
preserved the right in making their opinion public over any future
electoral law.
G.G./P.BC.
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Politics - Ain-Tineh itinerants today
Sat 17/12/2011 15:54
NNA - 17/12/2011 - Iraqi President Jalal Talbani cabled House Speaker Nabih
Berri. On the other hand, Kuwaiti counterpart, Jasem el-Khourafi, contacted
Berri; albeit, the contents of both phone call and cable were not disclosed.
G.G./P.BC.
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Politics - Hariri felicitates newly elected Tunisian President
Sat 17/12/2011 15:17
NNA - 17/12/2011 Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri sent a cable today to
the Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki, congratulating him on his
election.
PM Hariri considered this election by the National Constituent Assembly
in Tunisia, where the first spark of the Arab spring started, as the
best proof that his country is pursuing the path of reforms in order to
achieve the aspirations of the Tunisian people
Separately, Hariri also sent a cable to the new Kuwaiti Prime Minister
Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, in which he congratulated him on the
formation of the government. He noted the importance of this step in
achieving the hopes of the Kuwaiti people in matters linked to
development, progress and reform.
R.Z.
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Politics - Aoun speaks ethics to Antonine University delegation
Sat 17/12/2011 15:13
NNA - 17/12/2011 MP Michel Aoun met Saturday a delegation of students from
Antonine University who came to dedicate their elections' victory to him, and
advised them to respect the Other and always adhere to the truth.
Head of Change and Reform asserted from his Rabieh residence that common living
thrived on understanding and valuing the Other without distinguishing between
sects and faiths.
"We must also respect freedom of expression, and I do not mean by that the
curses and accusations that deputies throw at each other," explained the retired
General, "but freedom of expression under the umbrella of truth."
R.Z.
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Politics - Amal Movement stands by Assad
Sat 17/12/2011 14:58
NNA - 17/12/2011 MP Hany Qobeissy declared Saturday during a funeral ceremony in
Nabatiyeh Amal Movement's unwavering allegiance to regime of Bashar Assad,
asserting that the arms of Hezbollah exist to protect Lebanon.
The Syrian uprising which began nine months ago whisked opposing reactions among
Lebanese factions, with March 14 fully supporting the Syrian people's demand for
freedom, and March 8 camp standing by Assad's regime.
"We regret that the stance of many Lebanese conforms to an international demand
to defeat the resistance and resilience project in the Middle East," said the
Amal Movement parliamentarian.
He asserted Lebanon's full support for Syria which in turn has consistently
supported Hezbollah. "Any weapon that got to the hands of the Resistance was
intended to defend Lebanon's unity and common living."
R.Z.
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Politics (corrected) - Mikati advocates personal freedoms while visiting
traffic, telephone control centers
Sat 17/12/2011 14:46
NNA - 17/12/2011 PM Najib Mikati visited Saturday Telecommunication Ministry's
control center for interception of phone calls and Interior Ministry's joint
operations room for traffic control, and urged all concerned to follow the law
and preserve personal liberties of citizens.
The Premiere was accompanied by Interior Minister Marwan Charbel and
Telecommunications Minister Nicholas Sehnaoui.
"The purpose of today's tour is to closely examine measures taken to limit
traffic jams during the holidays in Beirut," said Mikati, "but the true radical
solution to the problem needs a futuristic vision of widening roads,
particularly at the entrance and exit points of the capital."
Mikati revealed that he held a meeting with head of Council for Development and
Reconstruction to study plans to expand the road network.
Separately, the PM convened at the Grand Serail with Minister of Information,
Walid Daouk.
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Baabda itinerant visitors and activities today
Sat 17/12/2011 14:38
NNA - 17/12/2011 - Former Army General and head of the Reform and Change
Bloc, General Michel Aoun, conducted a political horizons' review with
Lebanese President Michel Sleiman during a visit to Baabda Presidential
Palace today. Discussions reportedly dwelt on standing files under
discussion at the cabinet.
Among itinerant Baabda visitors have been former deputy Samir Azar,
Mohammad Majzoub of the Bekaa municipal councils who separately
discussed with the President matters of concern. They also presented him
with a number of demands pertaining to their respective areas.
Leading Lebanese business magnet Robert Jreisaty, thanked the President
for patronizing a recent business function and briefed him about
preparations for the upcoming business event. He also brought to the
President's attention need for soliciting assistance from expatriated
new generation Lebanese businessmen.
Nabil Ghosh of the Lebanese Veterinary Syndicate reportedly requested
further government attention required to boost his Syndicate's
functions.
G.G./P.BC.
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Politics - Zahra: Orthodox proposal spares country sectarian tensions
Sat 17/12/2011 14:28
NNA - 17/12/2011 - Lebanese Forces MP Antoine Zahra said Saturday to
Radio Free Lebanon that the proposed electoral law submitted at Bkirky
Summit is the best way out of sectarian strife.
Maronite leaders were unanimous on Friday in agreeing on the Orthodox
proposal which called for each sect to elect its own candidate based on
proportional representation during parliamentary elections, while
stressing the need to hold dialogue with the rest of Lebanese factions
on the matter.
Zahra explained that, "This law allows a better representation of each
religious community while strengthening plurality and national
partnership." He described those who attack attempts to correct
parliamentary representation as "hypocrites."
On another level, the Lebanese Forces MP criticized the methods of
Hezbollah, the "current Aounist" Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), and the
government in general, noting that it is the role of the opposition to
rectify the performance of the cabinet. He added that the FPM believed
that its slogan of reform allowed it to act at will in its ministries,
just as Hezbollah believed its weapons permitted it to do whatever it
wanted.
Zahra finally addressed the issue of funding of the Special Tribunal for
Lebanon probing the 2005 assassination of Rafik Hariri, stressing that
"it is the government that funded it" and that "the story of the source
of this funding was fabricated to avoid cabinet's resignation."
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Makari accuses Hizbullah of arrogance
Sat 17/12/2011 14:25
NNA - 17/12/2011 - Deputy Speaker of the House, Farid Makari, criticized
Hizbullah MPs' public appearances and attitude as arrogant and
unbecoming.
Interviewed by the Hariri-owned Paris-based As-Sharq Orient radio
station today, the deputy said recent attitude of Hizbullah officials
has been marred by haughty arrogance. He added that Party of God MPs
simply wish to remain unaccountable for their actions and that they
developed the bad habit of leveling accusations of treachery against
their critics.
Makari referred particularly to the verbal quarrel between Nawaf Mousawi
and Sami Gemayel with the first resorting to abusive near-obscene
language. The Deputy Speaker defended Gemayel saying he expressed
sentiments of many Lebanese and that he remained pretty much composed
through his address.
He concluded that recent Hizbullah utterances have become increasingly
intolerable and unprecedented in dealings between parliamentarians. He
however, commended House Speaker Berri's efforts to contain the
situation.
Makari challenged Hizbullah's ability to muster the Lebanese political
game for a long time following the Syrian unrest. He dismissed the CGT
as being an extension of March 8 and construed in Labor Minister Charbel
Nahas's Law-suit against cabinet colleagues as a further testimony to
the bad shape in which Mikati cabinet actually finds itself.
He however, commended the Prime Minister for his decision to fund the
STL without government consent and had nice words for President Sleiman,
who in his words gives the state and judicial system a positive facet.
He exonerated the Lebanese Canadian Banks saying it never engaged in any
misconduct compared to other banks and ruled out Hizbullah's eventual
handing over its four suspects and concluded that the Mikati government
is here to stay because Asad deemed it so.
G.G./P.BC.
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Politics - Mikati advocates personal freedoms while visiting traffic,
telephone control centers
Sat 17/12/2011 14:13
NNA - 17/12/2011 MP Najib Mikati visited Saturday Telecommunication
Ministry's control center for interception of phone calls and Interior
Ministry's joint operations room for traffic control, and urged all
concerned to follow the law and preserve personal liberties of citizens.
The Premiere was accompanied by Interior Minister Marwan Charbel and
Telecommunications Minister Nicholas Sehnaoui.
"The purpose of today's tour is to closely examine measures taken to
limit traffic jams during the holidays in Beirut," said Mikati, "but the
true radical solution to the problem needs a futuristic vision of
widening roads, particularly at the entrance and exit points of the
capital."
Mikati revealed that he held a meeting with head of Council for
Development and Reconstruction to study plans to expand the road
network.
Separately, the PM convened at the Grand Serail with Minister of
Information, Walid Daouk.
R.Z.
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Politics - Siniora commenting on STL-funding, Mousawi's slander.
Sat 17/12/2011 13:59
NNA - 17/12/2011 - Commenting on STL-funding, deputy Mousawi's slandering of
Gemayel and Syrian accusations leveled at the Hariri Bloc through Syrian
government-run media, head of the Future parliamentarian Bloc, Fouad Siniora
told interlocutors coming to see him at his Hilaliyeh office today that PM
Mikati's decision to carry out the STL funding via a number of banks was
tantamount to a correct step in the right direction.
He regarded Mikati's decision another point added to his credit. With reference
to Hizbullah deputy Nawwaf Mousawi's slandering of Sami Gemayel at a parliament
hearing, he regarded Mousawi's misbehavior as a big slap in the face of the
parliament as a whole. Mousawi has in fact insulted the Lebanese democratic
system, he exclaimed.
Referring to official Syrian news media reporting Future bloc fabrication of an
alleged group of Iranians being trained and sent to Syria as a gross lie and
that the whole story was merely a figment of Syrian regime's imagination.
Siniora added that this latest Syrian lie reminded him of Walid Mouallem's film
calling it a typical Syrian serial. He denied any Future bloc meddling in
domestic Syrian affairs but reiterated moral support for the Syrian revolution.
G.G./P.BC.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Hobeish fearful of sectarian rift with new electoral law
Sat 17/12/2011 13:40
NNA - 17/12/2011 MP Hady Hobeish said Saturday to Voice of Lebanon radio that
Bkirky summit's adoption of the Orthodox project for a new parliamentary
electoral law may lead to sectarian aperture.
Maronite leaders were unanimous on Friday in agreeing on the Orthodox proposal
which called for each sect to elect its own candidate based on proportional
representation during parliamentary elections, while stressing the need to hold
dialogue with the rest of Lebanese factions on the matter.
"Lebanese constitution gave equal representation for the Christian and Muslim
sects," said the Future Bloc Deputy, adding that the Orthodox project proposed
the election of 64 Christian MPs. "One of the disadvantages of the project is
that...a battle may take place between sects to lure votes."
Hobeish explained that Future Bloc ruled it unlikely for Maronite summit to
accept the Orthodox proposal. He added that the action plan of the Opposition
was to continue to work on toppling the government, which he dubbed as "a
failure on the Arab and popular levels."
R.Z.
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Politics - Khreiss for a true get-together
Sat 17/12/2011 13:17
NNA - 17/12/2011 Amal deputy of the House Ali Khreiss stated his Movement's full
approval of a true meeting between Lebanese politicians at the round table of
national dialogue.
The MP's appeal came at Rmadiyyeh Husayniyya mosque marking of 1 week following
the passing away of an Amal militant today. Khreiss wanted a sovereign-potent
Lebanon serving as an umbrella for all. This would preserve minor interests of
various protagonists provided they never contradict the tenets of national
unity, domestic peace and peaceful coexistence.
The deputy attributed the rise of the Arab Spring to "anti-occupation resistance
in South Lebanon." He quoted the vanished Imam to make a point with regards to
the imperative of observing national unity by all in order to face up to crucial
times ahead.
G.G
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Politics - Geagea: Future is ours
Sat 17/12/2011 11:30
NNA - 17/12/2011 A Christmas celebration in Mehrab hosted by Lebanese Forces
(LF) Head Samir Geagea Saturday shed an optimistic light on a future that would
be birght despite current obstacles.
Children of LF public sector workers enjoyed plays, music and gifts from Santa
Clause.
"The LF is a big family," said Geagea, "all our present work is for you to have
a better future than the one we inherited from our parents, and for you to live
in a Lebanon filled with beautiful happy days."
R.Z.
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Politics - Lebanon files complaint against Israel to Security Council
Sat 17/12/2011 11:19
NNA - 17/12/2011 Ministry of Exterior and Expatriates filed a complaint Saturday
against Israeli violations of UN resolution 1701 to UN Security Council.
The grievance came on the backdrop of recently discovered espionage device
planted in South Lebanon. Israel detonated the device shortly after it was
compromised by the Lebanese side.
The Ministry asked Lebanon's permanent delegation to the UN in New York to
submit the complaint to UN Secretary General and head of Security Council to be
distributed upon member countries and filed as an official document under the
title "Situation in Middle East."
R.Z.
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Politics - Anti-Assad rally underway in Tripoli
Sat 17/12/2011 11:03
NNA - 17/12/2011 A demonstration demanding the toppling of Bashar Assad's regime
took to the streets of Tripoli Saturday morning.
Demonstrators walked through Abi Samra streets with banners demanding an end to
the Syrian regime.
R.Z.
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Politics - Houry demands disarmed Beirut
Sat 17/12/2011 11:00
NNA - 17/12/2011 MP Aamar Houry issued a statement Saturday demanding, once
again, removing all weapons from the country's capital, asserting it is a claim
he will not tire from stipulating.
A member of AMAL Movement was wounded last night when a personal dispute
escalated into gunfire in the Beirut district of Zaidaniyeh. Army troops
deployed to the area in a bid to contain the clash.
"We will not tire out from demanding an unarmed Beirut...a Lebanon free of
illegal weapons," said the Future Bloc parliamentarian, who called upon citizens
to be patient.
R.Z.
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Politics - Gemayel warns of Christian marginalizing catastrophe
Fri 16/12/2011 21:39
NNA - 16/12/2011 Head of Kataeb Party Amine Gemayel said Friday during Bkirky
summit that Christian presence on the political scene has been trivialized to
cataclysmic proportions.
Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rahi chaired a meeting between Amine Gemayel, Free
Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun, head of the Lebanese Forces Samir
Geagea, and Marada Movement chief MP Sleiman Franjieh on Friday. Maronite
deputies and a number of bishops also attended the talks that were held at the
seat of the church.
The veteran politician asserted that an adequate electoral law could determine
the future role of Christians in Lebanon.
Gemayel also focused on escalating selling of lands of Christians, an issue
which called for a prompt responsible stance.
On a regional level, the former President advised to keep Lebanon out of trouble
in neighboring countries for the sake of internal stability.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Qassem: Hezbollah not involved with Lebanon's security
Fri 16/12/2011 21:13
NNA - 16/12/2011 Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem denounced
Friday any attack on integrity of the Islamic Resistance, threatening to sue
anyone who accuses his Party of perpetrating attack on a French UNIFIL
contingent, contending that Hezbollah has nothing to do with the security of
Lebanon.
On December 9, a roadside bomb targeting a patrol by French peacekeeping forces
exploded in east of Tyre injuring five soldiers and two civilians.
Parliamentarians and political figures from March 14 camp and French Foreign
Minister Alain Juppe alluded that Hezbollah was behind the attack upon Syria's
orders.
"We decided to file a lawsuit against those who made such allegations against
us," said Qassem. He added that only the Lebanese state and its security forces
were responsible for the country's stability and safety.
"Those who believe that our presence in the South means that we are responsible
for its security are mistaken." He stated that if that were true, Israel would
not have succeeded in planting espionage equipment in the South.
On that note, the Sheikh announced that Hezbollah's Loyalty to the Resistance
bloc MPs will demand answers from Cabinet over measures taken to deal with the
CIA espionage network that was recently discovered by the Party in Lebanon.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Sleiman again lambasts attack on French UN contingent
Fri 16/12/2011 19:34
NNA - 16/12/2011 - President of the Republic, Michel Sleiman, renewed stern
condemnation of an attack on a French UN peacekeeping contingent in the South,
in a cable he conveyed to President Sarkozi Friday.
He lambasted hereof "the terrorist act which targeted a friendly country."
"Such aggressions not only target France but also international peacekeeping
forces as well as the security and stability of the Lebanese," the telegram
read.
A bomb went off last Friday near a UNIFIL patrol in Naba'a area located between
Housh and Burj al Shamali towns east of Tyre, causing light injuries to five
peacekeeping.
Sleiman confirmed to the French President keen determination to delve the attack
and uncover perpetrators.
He reminded that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), in tandem with the UNIFIL, had
ventured into stepped-up coordination to curb any escalation, hoping the
strategic review between the force and LAF would help re-stir mechanisms to
fully implement resolution 1701.
Sleiman had met earlier today at Baabda palace with MPs Nawaf Moussawi and Sami
Gemayel, over the current political situation and most recent developments.
The meeting also featured high on the necessity to salve sharp political
rhetoric, mainly at the backdrop of a verbal dispute between both Kataeb and
Hezbollah Deputies, during a Q&A session at the Parliament Wednesday.
The President later met with State Security Chief, Major General George Qaraa.
Separately, Sleiman duly received today the credentials of newly appointed
ambassadors to Lebanon of Albania and Equatorial Guinea.
R.A.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Mikati engages in Lebanese-Albanian relations, other affairs
Fri 16/12/2011 19:26
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Means of bolstering Lebanese-Albanian bilateral relations
topped talks on Friday between Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the Albanian
Ambassador to Lebanon who paid him a protocol visit at the Grand Serail.
Albanian Ambassador, Nouri Doumi, said on emerging that his meeting falls within
the frame of talks he held throughout the day with senior Lebanese officials
including President Michel Sleiman.
"I handed President Sleiman my credentials and expressed our desire to cement
bilateral relations between both of our countries," Doumi said. He also pointed
to the close view points between him and the President over means of activating
political visits and formal cooperation frameworks.
Mikati separately met with Tele-Communications Minister, Nicolas Sehnawi, who
handed him a copy of the final report of the 3G technical committee. Education
Minister Hassan Diab later joined the meeting. All sides explored the school
students' e-panel project.
UNRWA commissioner, Ninet Kelley, also had her share of talks with Mikati over
latest UN projects in Lebanon. The visit was an occasion to offer Mikati New
Year and Christmas well-wishes.
R.H.
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Politics - H. Moussawi felicitates Iraqis
Fri 16/12/2011 19:02
NNA - 16/12/2011 MP Hussein Moussawi congratulated Friday Iraqi people for
evacuation of U.S. "occupation," attributing this success for the Resistance.
A political meeting in Baalbek today brought together members of Loyalty to the
Resistance Bloc who focused on President Barrack Obama's decision to withdraw
all American troops from Iraq and end their mission permanently.
"This withdrawal of defeat paves the way for a new phase of regional balance
made possible by the choice of Resistance," said Moussawi who added the American
plan to attack the entire Arab and Islamic nation has been unsuccessful.
R.Z.
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Politics - Connelly, Rahi tackle developments
Fri 16/12/2011 18:51
NNA - 16/12/2011 - U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly visited on Friday
Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Rahi at his office in Bkerki and exchanged views
about developments in Lebanon and the region.
Ambassador Connelly explored the Patriarch's vision about the best means to
protect the rights of Christian and minority communities in the Middle East. She
welcomed efforts by all faith communities in Lebanon to "build bridges of
greater understanding among religious groups."
Ambassador Connelly underscored the United States' belief that violence in Syria
is not a result of sectarian strife, but rather an outcome of the Syrian regime.
As such, she shared the United States' support for the principle that universal
human rights of all communities and people of all faiths must be protected by
their governments. She also urged the Patriarch to support international and
regional efforts to bring the Syrian regime to its closing stages.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Arslan sees resolution 1559 meted out current hardship
Fri 16/12/2011 18:36
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Member of Parliament Talal Arslan on Friday reckoned current
political predicament in Lebanon stems from UN Resolution 1559, calling to
bolster national dialogue so as to salve nowadays' crippled hardship.
Speaking during the inauguration of a Lebanese Democratic Party office in
Rashaya, the Deputy said Lebanon was currently facing a difficult and
exceptional stage, that of consecrating sovereignty and independent national
decision.
"Unfortunately, our country is today the stepping-stone of international
polarizations, as its [Lebanon's] cause was internationalized with the issuing
of Resolution 1559 in 2004, a resolution aimed at sowing strife in Lebanon and
lifting any legitimate cover off the Resistance,' he maintained.
"What is happening in Lebanon is meted out by this resolution, only serving the
interests of the Israeli enemy," he corroborated.
The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1559 on September 2, 2004, upon a
joint initiative by France and the US, hereby calling for the respect of
Lebanon's sovereignty and political independence, the withdrawal of foreign
troops, i.e. the Syrian military, and Israeli forces, as well as the dissolution
of militias.
"A divided people can only beget a corrupted, weak, deteriorated state," he
said.
He finally voiced support for Syria and rekindled cleaving to a united Syria
with all its political and social components.
R.A.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - (UPDATE)Bkirki Maronite broad meeting: Muslim-Christian equity above
all considerations
Fri 16/12/2011 18:29
NNA - 16/12/2011 - The Maronite broad meeting held earlier on Friday at Bkirki
Patriarchate dwelled on the electoral law suggestion submitted by the Orthodox
Gathering, describing it as an "equitable formula for just representation."
"Equity between Muslims and Christians is a constitutional matter that goes
beyond all considerations," as per the statement issued by the Maronite broad
gathering.
Attendees spoke in the wake of the meeting among whom Deputy Strida Geagea who
said "we reached no final formula regarding the electoral law," assuring that
the Lebanese Forces Party supports the project of the Orthodox Gathering.
MP Antoine Zahra, for his part, confirmed that the atmosphere was very positive
and serious, noting that the meeting's final statement will summarize all the
agreed upon topics.
The Kataeb bloc member, Deputy Nadim Gemayel added that no matter what the next
electoral law would be, it will remain vain as long as the illegitimate arms
persist and keep exerting pressure on citizens.
"It is necessary to solve the arms issue before settling the electoral law," he
argued.
Separately, the Marada movement head, MP Sleiman Frangieh is basically
supportive to the Orthodox Gathering's electoral law suggestion as it gives not
only Christians but all confessions their full rights.
"It provides true equity, yet it requires more studying to avoid tampering with
conviviality and civil peace in the country," Frangieh said.
The meeting's final statement was delivered by the patriarchate's media
department director, lawyer Walid Ghayad, who assured that discussions were
discerned with seriousness and responsibility leading to the following:
"The Orthodox Gathering's electoral law proposition reflects a just
representation for all confessions. A serious and responsible dialogue among
Maronite leaders led to assigning a follow-up committee to negotiate this
suggestion with different national factions."
Conferees agreed on holding regular meetings of the sort to discuss the
electoral law and the situation at the local scene.
In turn, MP Michel Aoun ruled out any sort of disagreement over means of
handling the new electoral law "in partnership with all the other national
components."
Touching on the verbal clash between MPs Boutros Harb and Michel Aoun, Harb
regreted the fact that political debate was instatntly taken to be a political
fight. "If one of us gives an opposing opinion to the other, we are inststnly
mistaken to be fighting with them!" he said, asserting that said meeting had
ended on good terms.
For his part, MP Alian Aoun opted for expanded dialogue reaching a unified
electoral law. "There will sure be a conclusive outcome, common concepts, and a
practical proposal on which discussion over the matter will resume en route to
the final law draft."
Responding to a question Lebanese Forces Executive Body Head Samir Geagea said
that all have reached an unified agreement over the endresult. "It is good and
clear, but what is mostly important is for us to statrt working seriously in
this direction."
Moreover, Geagea did not forget the other sects in Lebanon involved in the
electoral law. "We did not think about the matter in a purely Christian manner,
but in a way which further consolidates coexixtance... for required political
stability."
R.H.
D.K.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - ISF: Promotion of colonels in conformity with law
Fri 16/12/2011 17:39
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Promotions lately given to Internal Security Forces' (ISF)
colonels have been decided in compliance with the law, a statement issued by
Interior and Municipalities Minister Marwan Charbel's information bureau said on
Friday.
"24 officers have been promoted to a colonel's rank as per two decrees lawfully
signed by the Interior and Finance Minister, the Prime Minister and Lebanese
President," the statement read.
The statement also made clear that Colonel Wissam Hassan will be promoted to a
Brigadier's rank on 1/1/2011, and that is when he completes his 6-year service
as Colonel.
R.H.
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Politics - Majdalani deprecates inequality of rights, duties among citizens
Fri 16/12/2011 16:51
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Member of Parliament Atef Majdalani on Friday deprecated the
inequality among the Lebanese citizens in matter of rights and obligations.
Speaking to reporters following his meeting with Beirut Greek Orthodox
Archbishop Elias Audi, Majdalani said this imparity was due to the presence of
weapons in hands of one single party, in an indirect reference to Hezbollah.
He added that the Lebanese must derive lessons from the past and realize that no
one can alone monopolize power.
R.A.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Bkirki Maronite broad meeting: Muslims-Christians equity above all
considerations
Fri 16/12/2011 16:26
NNA - 16/12/2011 - The Maronite broad meeting held earlier today at Bkirki
Patriarchate dwelled on the electoral law suggestion submitted by the Orthodox
Gathering describing it as an "equitable formula for just representation."
"Equity between Muslims and Christians is a constitutional matter that goes
beyond all considerations," as per the statement issued by the Maronite broad
gathering.
Attendees spoke in the wake of the meeting among whom Deputy Strida Geagea who
said "we reached no final formula regarding the electoral law," assuring that
the Lebanese Forces Party supports the project of the Orthodox Gathering.
MP Antoine Zahra, for his part, confirmed that the atmosphere was very positive
and serious, noting that the meeting's final statement will summarize all the
agreed upon topics.
The Kataeb bloc member, Deputy Nadim Gemayel added that no matter what the next
electoral law would be, it will remain vain as long as the illegitimate arms
persist and keep exerting pressure on citizens.
"It is necessary to solve the arms issue before settling the electoral law," he
argued.
Separately, the Marada movement head, MP Sleiman Frangieh is basically
supportive to the Orthodox Gathering's electoral law suggestion as it gives not
only Christians but all confessions their full rights.
"It provides true equity, yet it requires more studying to avoid tampering with
conviviality and civil peace in the country," Frangieh said.
The meeting's final statement was delivered by the patriarchate's media
department director, lawyer Walid Ghayad, who assured that discussions were
discerned with seriousness and responsibility leading to the following:
"The Orthodox Gathering's electoral law proposition reflects a just
representation for all confessions. A serious and responsible dialogue among
Maronite leaders led to assigning a follow-up committee to negotiate this
suggestion with different national factions."
Conferees agreed on holding regular meetings of the sort to discuss the
electoral law and the situation at the local scene.
D.K.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - De Freij sees no green light for government to resign
Fri 16/12/2011 16:24
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Member of Parliament Nabil De Freij on Friday said
the Mikati-led government was not given yet the green light to resign.
Interviewed on Future News today, the Deputy reckoned that the Lebanese
state, represented by the government and upon the consent of Hezbollah
and FPM, officially paid Lebanon's portion earmarked to the Special
Tribunal for Lebanon.
In another development, De Freij underlined that the presence of the
UNIFIL was a guarantee for Hezbollah.
He did not fail to lambast the attack on a French peacekeeping patrol
last Friday in Tyre.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Return of Hariri not linked to Syrian regime flop - Future MP
Fri 16/12/2011 16:05
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Future's Deputy Amine Wehbe on Friday told New TV that the
return of Saad Hariri to Lebanon is not linked to the collapse of the Syrian
regime.
On a different note, the MP uttered respect for the sacrifices of Hezbollah made
in the past to liberate the land. But he did not fail to lash out at what he
termed "Hezbollah's clinging to weapons."
"We do not believe that this choice is prone to defend Lebanon," he maintained.
He called to find a clear-cut formula to place the party and its arms under the
state's legitimacy via a calm and open dialogue.
On the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, probing the 2005 assassination of statesman
Rafik Hariri, Wehbe said this court was transparent and comprising the world's
most respectable judges.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Mufti heaps praise on Qatar's role in anchoring stability
Fri 16/12/2011 15:44
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Mohammad
Rashid Qabbani, on Friday highly estimated the role of Qatar in
bolstering Lebanon's stability and security as well as the keenness on
the unity of the Lebanese.
The Mufti partook today in the inauguration of the State's Grand Mosque
of Imam Mohammad Ben Abdul Wahab in Qatar, along with Prince Sheikh
Hamad Ben Khalifa Al Thani and a crowd of spiritual dignitaries.
He later held a series of meetings with Lebanese and Qatari officials
and businessmen.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Nahhas meets French, Belarusian diplomats
Fri 16/12/2011 15:35
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Minister of Economy and Trade, Nicolas Nahhas, on
Friday met with French ambassador, Denis Pietton, over the current
general situation in Lebanon, in light of most recent developments.
Talks also featured high on bilateral ties and the means to boost trade
exchange between Lebanon and France.
Nahhas later met with Belarusian ambassador, Oligue Yarmalovitch.
Discussions reportedly tackled bilateral economic relations.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Berri meets Syrian, Albanian envoys
Fri 16/12/2011 15:21
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Speaker of the House, Nabih Berri, on Friday met with
Syrian ambassador Ali Abdul Karim Ali over most recent developments in
the Mideast region and the headway of the current situation in Syria.
Newly appointed Albanian ambassador to Lebanon had also been to
Ain-el-Tineh today on a protocol visit.
Berri had met earlier with former Minister Farid Haykal Khazen. Talks
touched on the general situation on the local domestic arena and an
array of development-related affairs of Keserwan region.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Sehnawi meets French, Belarusian diplomats
Fri 16/12/2011 15:15
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Minister of Telecommunications, Nicolas Sehnawi, on Friday
met with French ambassador, Denis Pietton, over the current general situation in
Lebanon, in light of most recent developments.
Talks also featured high on bilateral ties and the means to boost trade exchange
between Lebanon and France.
Sehnawi later met with Belarusian ambassador, Oligue Yarmalovitch. Discussions
reportedly tackled bilateral economic relations.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Maronite broad meeting comes to an end
Fri 16/12/2011 13:39
NNA - 16/12/2011 - The Maronite broad meeting held at Bkirki
patriarchate in presence of Maronite leaders under the patronage of
Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rahi ended at 13:10 p.m.
A statement will later be issued in this regard.
D.K.
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Politics - Abi Ramya meets EU delegation
Fri 16/12/2011 12:41
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Deputy Simon Abi met on Thursday with EU delegation and
discussed the necessary mechanism to boost parliamentary Committee work at the
Lebanese parliament, particularly Sports and Youth Committee.
A.A.M
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Politics - Dweihi: Bkirki's meeting establishes unity of position
Fri 16/12/2011 10:54
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Deputy Istfan Dweihi stressed that Bkirki's meeting
establishes unity of position because continuous dispute among Christian parties
affects the national unity which we are in need of in this stage.
"Bkirki's gathering is essential under these critical circumstances which the
region is undergoing", the MP stressed.
Dweihi added on Friday to "Voice of Lebanon" radio that continuous consultations
among Christian components in Lebanon are essential to prevent negative
repercussions of the ongoing incidents in the region against Christians and
Lebanon.
Dweihi stressed the necessity for Christian representation in the election law
to achieve true national unity in Lebanon.
A.A.M
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Politics - Saad hopes Bkirki's meeting to be fruitful
Fri 16/12/2011 10:37
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Deputy Fouad Saad hoped that Friday's meeting at Bkirki will
be positive.
The MP added that the agenda of this meeting would not only discuss the
elections law, but also the issue of expatriates vote and the existence of
Christians in administrations.
"Rapprochement chances are few among parties concerning the election law", Saad
added on Friday to "Voice of Lebanon" radio.
He added that this case would take time and this is the preliminary meeting
which would be followed by other meetings to narrow views in different issues
with common Christian concern.
A.A.M
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Politics - Maronite broad meeting starts in Bkirki
Fri 16/12/2011 10:23
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Maronite broad meeting started at 10:15 am at Bkirki chaired
by Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai.
It is to note that Deputies Sami and Nadim Gemayel were the last who arrived.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Gemayel from Bkirki: Advanced efforts towards solution
Fri 16/12/2011 10:20
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Kataeb Party head and former President Amine Gemayel ,
stressed that there are advanced efforts towards reaching solutions.
Gemayel hoped after arriving to Bkirki who took part in the Maronite meeting
said that this meeting would be fruitful in finding solutions.
On the other hand, Deputies Youssef Khalil, Gilberte Zwein, Nabil Nicolas, Hadi
Hbeish, Naamtallah Abi Naser, Walid Khoury, Istfan Dweihi and Strida Geagea
arrived to Bkirki.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Maronite figures start arriving to Bkirki
Fri 16/12/2011 10:10
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Maronite figures started arriving to Bkirki to take part in
the meeting that Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai called for.
Among the figures who arrived: "Change and Reform bloc" head Deputy Michel Aoun,
"Marada bloc" head Sleiman Frenjieh, "Lebanese Forces" Head Samir Geagea, and
deputies: Antoine Zahra, Robert Ghanem, Fouad Saad, Salim Salhab, Alan Aoun,
Simon Abi Ramya, Ibrahim Kanaan, Elie Marouni, Ziad Aswad, Elie Keyrouz, Naji
Gharious, George Adwan, Hikmat Deeb, Emile Rahmeh, Farid Khazen, Samer Saadeh,
Michel Helou, in addition to former Ministers Youssef Saadeh and Ziad Baroud.
A.A.M
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Politics - Araji: Hariri announces his return at appropriate circumstances
Fri 16/12/2011 09:44
NNA - 16/12/2011 - "Future" bloc member Deputy Asem Araji said that former Prime
Minister Saad Hariri is the one who decides the timing of his return to Lebanon
at the appropriate circumstances.
The MP added that all persons know that Hariri is staying outside Lebanon for
security reasons and his return subjects his life to danger.
On the other hand, Araji said on Friday to "Voice of Lebanon"-Freedom and
Dignity that "the other team tries to restore the cabinet's situation, but this
issue is temporary".
A.A.M
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Politics - Raad: We will first to be affected if stability deteriorated
Fri 16/12/2011 08:56
NNA - 16/12/2011 - Head of Loyalty to Resistance parliamentary bloc MP Mohammed
Raad said Hezbollah has no interest in destabilizing the situation in Lebanon
because the party will be the first to be affected if this happens.
"We will be the first to be affected if stability in the country is endangered.
But it seems that some groups and under the false illusion that making
accusations and stirring commotion will force us to make concessions," the MP
said during a memorial ceremony in the south.
He added that the resistance does not need the help of those who want to wage
illusionary battles and make rampant accusations.
"The resistance has an interest in preserving stability especially in the
advanced confrontation fronts."
The MP called for a rational dialogue among all the Lebanese to cement stability
amid difficult economic and social problems in the country.
Raad underlined the need to secure the needs of the poor and middle classes in
Lebanon.
"At the end of the day, the government is responsible for overseeing the welfare
of the Lebanese and we will support any legitimate demand to guarantee this task
under the ceiling of preserving stability in the country."
O.H
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Politics - Sleiman signs a decree to promote officers from Colonel Rank to
General
Thu 15/12/2011 20:37
NNA - 15/12/2011 Lebanese President Michel Sleiman signed on Thursday evening a
decree to promote officers from the rank of "Colonel" to "General", National
News Agency Correspondent at Baabda Palace reported.
---------------L.Y
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Politics - Rahi, Sfeir illuminate Christmas tree in Bkerki
Thu 15/12/2011 20:03
NNA - 15/12/2011 - Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi and Cardinal
Nasrallah Sfeir on Thursday illuminated the Christmas tree of twenty-one-meter
height in Bkerki, amid Christmas hymns and canticles, in presence of a panel of
bishops and a crowd of citizens.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Patriarch Rahi decorated Bank of Beirut
chairman, Selim Sfeir, with the Maronite Patriarchate Medal, for his
contributions and humanitarian and social aid.
Attendees later headed to the church to recite Christmas novena.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Rai for Arab Spring built on plurality, equality
Thu 15/12/2011 19:52
NNA - 15/12/2011 - Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi said he looked
forward to the birth of a real Arab Spring based on the plurality of religions,
cultures and ethnicities as well as equality in democracy and nationality.
Rahi's words came in the context of his Christmas message delivered to all the
Lebanese.
Addressing the Lebanese, Rahi called on them to unite for a new national pact
that would preserve stability and peace between the Christians and Muslims, so
as to overcome any crisis facing Lebanon and to let the country glitter with its
national role on the east Mediterranean, in the Arab surrounding and at the
international community.
A.M>
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Politics - Hazim, Aywas, Lahham reject foreign intervention in Syria
Thu 15/12/2011 19:18
NNA - 15/12/2011 Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and all the East Agnatius
IV Hazim, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and the East Mar Agnatius Zakka I
Aywas, and Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch, all the East, Alexandria and
Jerusalem Gregorius III Lahham categorically rejected any form of foreign
intervention in Syria from whoever, and called for lifting sanctions imposed on
it.
The Patriarchs' words came in a statement issued in the wake of their meeting
Thursday at Syriac Saint Ifram Monastery- Maarat Sayd Naya, where they tackled
the current incidents taking place in Syria.
The Patriarchs also rejected any sort of violence in Syria, calling for peace
and reconciliation amongst all in a way that preserves Syria and takes it to the
shore of safety, peace and prosperity.
The Patriarchs also called on all Syrians to close ranks in the name of loving,
tolerance and insight, placing the nation's supreme interest above any other
consideration.
---------------L.Y
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Politics - UNIFIL, LAF to step up security measures in South
Thu 15/12/2011 18:51
NNA - 15/12/2011 - General Alberto Asarta, on Thursday said the UNIFIL and the
Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) were stepping up security measures in the South, at
the backdrop of the incidents which jolted peacekeepers' operations zone
recently.
Two rockets were fired from southern Lebanon into northern Israel late November,
prompting the enemy army to warn Beirut the day after to work to prevent similar
attacks in the future. Israel retaliated by firing four rockets on Ayta Shaab
village.
In another development, a bomb went off last week near a UNIFIL patrol in Naba'a
area located between Housh and Burj al Shamali towns east of Tyre, causing light
injuries to five peacekeeping soldiers.
Besides, a Katyusha rocket fell Sunday evening over a civilian's house in the
town of Houla in the South. The rocket was launched from Wadi Al-Qaissieh in the
outskirts of the town of Majdal Silm.
Asarta chaired today a tripartite UNIFIL-Lebanese-Israeli meeting at a UN post
in Naqoura.
He said these incidents were tantamount dangerous violation of UNSC Resolution
1701.
"I confirm that all parties bear the responsibility of curbing violations of
1701, including the maritime and land breaches, as well as the presence of
unlicensed armed members in the operations area," he added.
"We are taking substantial measures, in tandem with the LAF, so as to reinforce
security throughout our operations zone, while efforts are still underway to
identify and round up assailants," he corroborated.
"Both [Israeli and Lebanese] parties voiced full support and commitment to work
the UNIFIL to implement clauses related to Resolution 1701 and curb any likely
escalation," he concluded.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Wahhab sees Orthodox electoral proposal unlikely to pass
Thu 15/12/2011 18:14
NNA - 15/12/2011 - Head of Tawhid Party, Wiam Wahhab, on Thursday avowed the
Orthodox Gathering's proposal law on legislative elections would not pass.
The Gathering had proposed an electoral law based upon one single [electoral]
district, whereas each community elects its representatives nationwide.
Wahhab today visited Head of the Change and Reform Bloc, MP Michel Aoun, at his
residence in Rabieh, and said, following the meeting, that neither the Sunnites
nor the Shiites would accept this proposal.
"This law is unfair especially to Christians, who would be entitled to choose
merely 25 representatives," Wahhab explained.
"Proportionality remains the best choice," he corroborated.
Besides, Wahhab revealed that the relation between Deputy Aoun and Hezbollah was
on track and unswerving, adding that Aoun protected national unity in Lebanon.
Separately, Aoun received former Deputy House Speaker, Elie Ferzli.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Daouk from Rahi's: government's approval on nationality
restitution is important
Thu 15/12/2011 18:03
NNA - 15/12/2011 - Information Minister Walid Daouk said the
government's approval on the decision pertaining to the restitution of
the Lebanese nationality for emigrants was so important that it would
prompt them [emigrants] to preserve their nationality.
Daouk's praise for such a decision came on Thursday in the wake of his
visit to Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rahi in Bkirki.
As for the Patriarch's visitors: Deputy Ziad Qaderi; Secretary General
of the Islamic Christian Gathering for Businessmen, Remon Sfeir; former
Minister Ibrahim Daher; and others.
A.M>
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Politics - Demonstration in front of Grand Serail protesting salary decision
Thu 15/12/2011 17:05
NNA - The Union Coordination Committee set on Thursday a crowded central
demonstration protesting the decision pertaining to salary adjustment.
The demonstration ended in the location facing the Grand Serail where several
speeches were delivered by concerned officials in demand for correcting the
decision upon fair basis.
The protesters, who came from various Lebanese regions, hoisted mottos
condemning the decision and asking the government about the transportation fees
-rated to be 2% of the overall monthly salary - that had no effect by the
decision. "We want our total right in adjusting salaries�those who spent decades
in raising generations for building the nation do deserve an honorable way of
living," the motto read.
A.M>
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Politics - Reinvigorated diplomatic meetings highlight Siniora's activity
Thu 15/12/2011 16:59
NNA - 15/12/2011 - Head of Future parliamentary bloc, MP Fouad Siniora, on
Thursday met with Egyptian ambassador, Mohammad Mustafa Tawfiq, over the current
general situation and latest developments in Lebanon and the broader Arab
region.
The Deputy later met with Kuwaiti ambassador, Abdul'Al Qinai, over the general
situation on the local domestic scene.
Saudi ambassador, Ali Asseiri, had also been to Sadat Tower today, for a meeting
with Siniora over most recent political and security developments on both local
and regional arenas.
Siniora later received Nawaf Dabous from the Kuwaiti Fund for Economic
Development.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Safadi meets Egyptian diplomat
Thu 15/12/2011 16:47
NNA - 15/12/2011 - Minister of Finance, Mohammad Safadi, on Thursday met with
Egyptian ambassador, Mohammad Tawfiq, over the current general situation in
Lebanon.
The diplomat visited Safadi today at his ministerial office and tackled with him
the Lebanese-Egyptian ties.
Talks also featured high on the perspectives of the upcoming stage in Egypt,
based on the outcomes of the underway legislative elections.
R.A.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Berri tackles latest developments with itinerant visitors
Thu 15/12/2011 16:43
NNA - 15/12/2011 - Speaker of the House, Nabih Berri, on
Thursday met with Head of the National Audio-Visual Media
Council, Abdul Hadi Mahfouz, over the necessity to enhance the
concept of the State and the obligation to nip sectarian
tensions.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the meeting in Ain-el-Tineh,
Mahfouz conveyed Berri's keenness on following up closely on the
dossier of those indicted and wanted for justice, as well as his
readiness to contribute to finding solutions to family disputes.
"Pertaining to the development-related demands, the Speaker
believes that there is a serious concern within the incumbent
government about development, namely in northern Bekaa region,"
he added.
Besides, the pair reportedly dwelt on the mission of the
National Audio-Visual Media Council. Accordingly, Mahfouz quoted
Berri as saying that media must be endowed with a constructive
role.
Separately, Speaker Berri met today in Ain-el-Tinehy with Bassel
Aqil.
He later broached most recent developments with Minister of
Telecommunications, Nicolas Sehnawi.
On the other hand, Berri cabled newly elected Tunisia President,
Al-Munsef Marzouqi.
R.A.H.
© NNA 2011 All rights reserved
Politics - Hezbollah deprecates March 14 stances
Thu 15/12/2011 15:56
NNA - 15/12/2011 - Hezbollah vehemently condemned on Thursday what it described
as March 14 "treacherous and deplorable" declarations, following the attack
which targeted five UN peace Keepers in South Lebanon last Friday.
"Those delivering such stances are acting as if they are an integral part of a
plan aiming at striking the Resistance," a statement by Hezbollah read.
Moreover, Hezbollah saw in March 14 stances a similar symphony to that
previously heard in many situations.
"What they have said falls within the frame direct accusations against Hezbollah
without bearing in mind the consequences," the statement added.
R.H.
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Politics - Qassem Hashem calls to pave space for understanding
Thu 15/12/2011 15:17
NNA - 15/12/2011 - Member of Parliament Qassem Hashem on Thursday called
the Lebanese to return to the dialogue table under the auspices of
President Michel Sleiman and to pave a space for understanding so as to
find solutions to political, social, and economic hardships.
Hashem, Member of Liberation and Development Bloc and Shebaa Deputy,
today visited Minister of Youth and Sports, Faysal Karame.
The pair reportedly agreed over the necessity to keep Lebanon safe from
repercussions to stem from neighboring unrest.
Separately, Minister Karame met with Qatari ambassador to Lebanon, Saad
Muhannadi.
R.A.H.
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Politics - (Correction) Hobeish: Lebanon beaten due to Hezbollah's arms
Thu 15/12/2011 15:11
NNA - 15/12/2011- Deputy Hadi Hobeish said Lebanon was struck due to
Hezbollah's weapons, pointing out that said party has risen before the
eyes of Syrians in Lebanon.
The Future bloc MP's stance came Thursday in an interview on ANB T.V.
Hobeish said that the army-people-resistance equation was a mere lie, as
those arms were exploited by Hizbullah to impose their heavy influence
on the Lebanese political life. "Hizbullah doesn't share authority but
grabs hold of it by force."
While recognizing Israel's greed in Lebanon, Hobeish refused to frame
the party's weapons under any sort of legitimacy.
A.M/N.AF
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Politics - Hobeish: Lebanon beaten due to Hezbollah's arms
Thu 15/12/2011 14:59
NNA - 15/12/2011- Deputy Hadi Hobeish said Lebanon was struck due to
Hezbollah's weapons, pointing out that said party has risen before the
eyes of Syrians in Lebanon.
The Future bloc MP's stance came Thursday in an interview on ANB T.V.
Hobeish said that the Army-people-resistance equation was a mere lie, as
those arms were exploited by Hizbullah to impose their heavy influence
the Lebanse political life. "Hizbullah doesn't share authority but grabs
hold of it by force."
While recognizing Israel's greed in Lebanon, Hobeish refused to frame
the party's weapons under any sort of legitimacy.
A.M/N.AF
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Politics - Adams from Mikati's: Canada reconsidering 2100 citizenships
Thu 15/12/2011 14:38
NNA - 15/12/2011 - The Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon affirmed on
Thursday that Canadian authorities were investigating the cases of 2100
citizens who had been naturalized despite not having been residing on
Canadian territories prior to that period.
Ambassador Hillary Childs Adams visited Prime Minister Najib Mikati at
the Grand Serail, saying her visit came in the wake of Lebanon's
decision to fund the Special Tribunal for Lebanon STL and for a briefing
by Mikati on the Lebanese cabinet's priorities.
"Not all those being investigated are Lebanese. They belong to more than
100 countries," Adams said.
She explained that investigations have proven that many people who
acquired the Canadian citizenship did not reside in Canada, as
previously claimed.
"Canadian authorities are following up the matter to make sure that
investigations take a transparent course and to make sure no one will
receive an unjust verdict."
Mikati separately held talks with Foreign Affairs and Expatriates
Minister Adnan Mansour over diplomatic formations.
R.H.
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Politics - Sleiman for balanced development, administrative
decentralization
Thu 15/12/2011 14:14
NNA - 15/12/2011 - Lebanese President Michel Sleiman accentuated on
Thursday the importance of achieving balanced development and mitigating
burdens troubling the Lebanese people's lives, on daily basis.
The President who met at Baabda Palace with a number of visitors told
them that the only means to achieve aspired goals at the developmental
level in Lebanon was via the adoption of administrative
decentralization.
"The Presidential General Directorate is devotedly following up Interior
Ministry progress en route to the accomplishment of this project law
which will rank first on the cabinet's works agenda, in the first half
of 2012," the President promised, saying this step will directly follow
the accomplishment of the Parliamentary electoral law and the budget
law.
On another level, means of boosting the cellular phone network and
internet services topped talks between the Lebanese President and Tele
Communications Minister Nicolas Sehnawi.
Sleiman later tackled most recent local and regional political
developments with MP Tamam Salam.
On emerging, Salam relayed Sleiman's call on the Lebanese to rise above
petty squabbles, reminding that "all should join ranks to face
challenges threatening the nation with disintegration."
R.H.
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Politics - Thanks for Berri on his efforts , Sami Gemayel
Thu 15/12/2011 13:15
NNA - 15/12/2011- Member of Parliament (MP) Sami Gemayel thanked Speaker of the
Parliament Nabih Berri on the efforts that he had exerted since yesterday
(Thursday), wishing things will be back to normal and discussions at the
Parliament would be made without going to such a low verbal level.
Speaking in a context of a press conference that he held today noon in the
Parliament , Gemayel said," it is an initiative (Berri's efforts) which all the
Lebanese have to grape for reaching a democratic life."
It is to note that a heated verbal debate took place yesterday between Deputies
Sami Gemayel and Nawaf Al-Moussawi over the excavations and installations in
Tarchich.
L.Y.R/N.AF
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Politics - Abi Nasr praises removing VAT on gasoil
Thu 15/12/2011 13:14
NNA - 15/12/2011- Member of Parliament Neemtallah Abi Nasr praised the cabinet's
decision to remove Value Added Tax on red gasoil.
Abi Nasr said that this procedure is necessary for production sectors continuity
and for providing services to citizens by lower prices of the current ones,
pointing out that removing the VAT would decrease the price of 20 liters of
gasoil by 5,000 LL.
He explained that the VAT was enforced according to a law, thus the cabinet had
to ask the Parliament to issue a decree to amend that law.
Abi Nasr concluded, "removing the VAT on gasoil would surely lead to decreasing
subsides on some materials; accordingly, any law that removes this tax and
facilities' profits is vital and provides more tax justice."
L.Y.R/N.AF
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Politic
- Charbel officers' promotion decree to be issued today
Thu 15/12/2011 13:10
NNA - 15/12/2011 - Interior Minister Marwan Charbel told Voice of Lebanon on
Thursday that the decree for promoting the generals will be issued on Thursday
with the signatures of the President of the Republic, Prime Minister and Finance
Minister and will include 25 colonels with exception of Colonel Wissam Hassan
who will be promoted on 1/1/2012.
The minister also commented on the recent security incidents in the south.
"Those who are behind the rocket and explosives messages in the south are not
keen to see Lebanon enjoy security and stability. The attacks are dual message
to both the Lebanese security forces and UNIFIL forces. We should close ranks to
uncover those are staging these attacks," Charbel said.
Asked about allegations that Syria and Hezbollah were behind the attacks, the
minister said he cannot accuse anyone and can't respond to these accusations.
"This issue is in the hand of the judicial authorities which we hope will be
able to apprehend the culprits as soon as possible. I, as a minister will issue
an arrest warrant against anyone who has been incremented by the law," Charbel
said.
The minister brushed off charges that the security forces are not capable of
carrying out their duties.
"We never hesitated in performing our duty and no one stopped us from fulfilling
our tasks."
Charbel dismissed the possibility that the UNIFIL forces will withdraw due to
the attacks against their patrols because this would be a setback to the United
Nations resolutions and most notably resolution 1701.
He also did not expect the rules of engagement to change following the shooting
of missiles from the south to Israel.
O.H
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Politics - Jumblatt cables Tunisian President
Thu 15/12/2011 13:04
NNA - 15/12/2011 - PSP head Deputy Walid Jumblatt cabled Tunisian President
Mohamad Marzouki and congratulated him for his election.
A.A.M
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Politics - Mansour receives credential cards of Albanian and Guinean Ambassadors
Thu 15/12/2011 12:59
NNA - 15/12/2011 - Foreign and Expatriates Minister Adnan Mansour received
credential cards of Albanian Ambassador Nuri Domi and Guinean Ambassador Padre
Pienino paving the way to present them to president Michel Sleiman.
A.A.M
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Politics - Syria internationally segregated: Pietton
Thu 15/12/2011 12:02
NNA - 15/12/2011 - The French Ambassador to Lebanon said on Thursday that Syria
was globally isolated, ruling out any intention by France to abandon its stance
condemning Syria before the International Security Council.
Ambassador Denis Pietton's display of France's political approach in Lebanon and
the region came amid a dialogue gathering called forth by the "Cultural
Movement" of Antellias, in presence of senior political figures and dignitaries.
"Syria suffers a critical humanitarian condition...We are following up the
matter by all diplomatic means and by backing up the Arab League," Pietton said,
reminding of France's endeavors to resort to the United Nations facing Syria.
"We were met by the loud objection of Russia, China, India, Brazil and South
Africa."
But the French Ambassador expressed his personal conviction that Russia would
eventually give up its current position from Syria. "It would be possible to
achieve some diplomatic progress at the Security Council by then."
As for the deteriorating French-Syrian relations, Pietton said that it was the
outcome of the massive disappointment made by the Syrian regime.
"Syria's position from regional developments was negative and I think that trust
issues emerged between the French and Syrian President. One of the main triggers
was the way Syria dealt with Lebanese affairs."
Fearing that Syria's unrest would reach Lebanon, Pietton expressed hope that
Prime Minister Najib Mikati would be able to limit down sectarian tension to
prevent such eventuality.
"Lebanon's independence, unity, sovereignty, and peace are a priority to France,
the founder of the State of Grand Lebanon."
R.H.
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Politics - Rahi, Daouk meet
Thu 15/12/2011 11:42
NNA - 15/12/2011- Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi meets at this
moment with Information Minister Walid Daouk.
L.Y.R/N.AF
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Politics - Nawaf Mousawi apologizes for his "abusive" remarks in
parliament
Thu 15/12/2011 10:43
NNA - 15/12/2011 - Member of Parliament Nawaf al Mousawi apologized for
the abusive remarks he made at the parliament on Wednesday.
In a statement released by Hezbollah's media office, Mousawi extended
his apology to the Speaker of the Parliament and all the MPs for the
abusive words which were uttered during a parliamentary debate,
stressing, however, the political substance of his response.
O.H
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Politics - Jarrah: We are more convinced to solve weapons issue
Thu 15/12/2011 10:32
NNA - 15/12/2011 - Deputy Jamal Jarrah said that they (March 14) are
more convinced to address weapons issue or matters would stay as they
are or even get worse.
The MP felt sorry for the verbal language that was used on Wednesday in
the Q&A parliament session between Deputies Nawaf Musawi and Sami
Gemayel.
"It is dangerous to belittle the other team or treat it with
disrespect", the MP stressed on Thursday to "Voice of Lebanon"-Freedom
and Dignity radio, adding that this confirms that weapons issue should
be solved.
On the other hand, Jarrah said that the cabinet is trying to find exit
for the social and wage increases issues but instead it is ruining
things instead of solving them.
A.A.M
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Politics - Cabinet purges red diesel VAT, supports olive oil price
Wed 14/12/2011 22:11
NNA - 14/12/2011 - The Council of Ministers endorsed on Tuesday a decision to
eleminate the value added tax VAT on red diesel and decided to increase treasury
support for the purchase of local olive oil by Lebanese Army members.
The Council of Ministers convened in session at Baabda Palace on Tuesday
presided by Lebanese President Michel Sleiman, with Ministers Ghazi Aridi, Salim
Karam, and Wael Abou Faour abstaining.
"The cabinet approved a project to remove the VAT on red diesel and has decided
to adopt appropriate measures to stop collecting red diesel VAT as of
19/12/2011, pending the issuance of a law concerning the matter," Information
Minister Walid Daouk told reporters following the session.
He said the cabinet also tackled the 2012 budget project law and discussed
proposed amendments, as ministers gave their varying opinions with this regard.
"The cabinet also decided to increase its treasury support from two billion LP
to 3.5 billion LP, to help Lebanese Army members purchase local olive oil,"
Daouk added.
As for the next cabinet session, Daouk said that it hasn't been scheduled yet.
It is to note that Presidents Sleiman and Mikati held a meeting touching on
local developments prior to the session.
R.H.
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Politics - "Parties Gathering" meets in solidarity with Syria
Wed 14/12/2011 21:27
NNA - 14/12/2011 - The "Lebanese Parties Gathering" held a meeting on Tuesday in
solidarity with Syria titled "In condemnation of foreign intervention in Syria's
internal affairs. In support of steadfastness and resistance facing the Israeli
enemy."
The meeting which was held at Galleria Hotel - Beir Hassan witnessed the
attendance of the Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdul Karim Ali, as well as a
number senior figures and dignitaries.
Words delivered by the Workers' League head Mr. Zaher Khatib, Former Deputy
Speaker Elie Ferzli, Syrian Socialist Party Deputy Head Mr. Tawfik Mhanna and
others concerned, fully censured any attempt at tampering with internal Syrian
affiars and encouraged Syria to remain resolute and defiant.
Hezbollah political bureau member Mr. Mahmoud Kamati later read out a cable
addressed to Syrian President Bashar Assad, on the gathering's behalf, deploring
the Arab Leagues' sanctions on Syria.
A similar cable addressed to President of the Republic Michel Sleiman and Prime
Minister Najib Mikati requested of the Lebanese government the implementation of
Taef Accord and the prohibition of any attempt at breeching the Lebanese
constitution.
R.H.
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Politics - Asarta tackles security situation with Berri, Mikati
Wed 14/12/2011 19:21
NNA - 14/12/2011 - UNIFIL spokesperson, Andrea Tenenti, on Wednesday
stated that UNIFIL commander, Major General Alberto Asarta, had visited
House Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Najib Mikati to discuss the
situation in UNIFIL operations area, in light of the recent incidents in
South Lebanon.
A statement by Tenenti said that General Asarta voiced to the Lebanese
officials stern condemnation and concern over the attack which targeted
the UNIFIL and the rocket firing from the Lebanese territories.
"The recent violent acts aim to undermine stability and peace in South
Lebanon. Such acts aim to harm the peacekeeping forces and also to
threaten the safety of locals and the security of the South," Tenenti
quoted Asarta as saying.
Asarta called to investigate these incidents so as to uncover
perpetrators and hand them to justice.
"The UNIFIL is still focusing on its task as stated in the Security
Council's resolution 1701, in tandem with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF),"
the statement added.
Tenenti said that Asarta had tackled with both Berri and Mikati
yesterday the means to curb any escalation in the South, hailing the
excellent cooperation with the LAF in that respect.
"The government of Lebanon, in its capacity as the hosting county, bears
the main responsibility to guarantee the security of the UNFIIL, and we
are working with the Lebanese authorities. It is clear that there is a
need to enhance security control in the region," he added.
"Recent incidents showed that despite all efforts exerted by the UNIFIL
and the Lebanese Army, there are still weapons and hostile armed members
in the [UNIFIL] operations area incompliantly with one of the most
important clauses of the UNSC Resolution 1701," he concluded.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Geagea tackles current situation with visitors
Wed 14/12/2011 18:19
NNA - 14/12/2011 - Lebanese Forces Head, Samir Geagea, on Wednesday
broached the current general situation in Lebanon with MP Bassem Shabb
from Lebanon First Bloc.
The meeting also featured high on the security situation in the South.
Geagea later met with Danish ambassador, Jan Top Christensen.
Attorney Elias Mkhaiber had also been to Meerab today for a meeting with
Geagea.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Siniora, Pietton meet
Wed 14/12/2011 18:15
NNA - 14/12/2011 - Head of Future parliamentary bloc, MP Fouad Siniora,
on Wednesday met with French ambassador, Denis Pietton, over the current
situation in Lebanon and the broader Arab region.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Murr, Oseiri tackle current developments
Wed 14/12/2011 17:57
NNA - 14/12/2011 Deputy Michel Murr met on Wednesday with Saudi
Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Oseiri, at his "Imaret Chalhoub" office, where
they tackled the current local and regional developments.
On emerging, Oseiri said that Saudi King is keen on halting bloodshed in
Syria and exerting maximum joint Arab efforts to cease the cycle of
violence.
On Lebanon's affairs, Ambassador Oseiri underlined the Kingdom's deep
concern for supporting Lebanon and the unity of internal ranks.
"The Kingdom affirms unity of ranks with all sides without exception, so
as to maintain an immune Lebanon," Oseiri said, indicating that it is
due time that Lebanon becomes invulnerable to any probable
repercussions.
Murr, for his part, lauded the Saudi pioneering role on the internal
Lebanese scene, saying the Kingdom has always been supportive of Lebanon
working for the interest of its citizens and for the unity of Arab
ranks.
"If the Syrian-Saudi initiative had succeeded, we would not have reached
this stage," Murr concluded.
---------------L.Y
Politics - Murr, Oseiri tackle current developments
NNA - 14/12/2011 Deputy Michel Murr met on Wednesday with Saudi
Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Oseiri, at his "Imaret Chalhoub" office, where
they tackled the current local and regional developments.
On emerging, Oseiri said that Saudi King is keen on halting bloodshed in
Syria and exerting maximum joint Arab efforts to cease the cycle of
violence.
On Lebanon's affairs, Ambassador Oseiri underlined the Kingdom's deep
concern for supporting Lebanon and the unity of internal ranks.
"The Kingdom affirms unity of ranks with all sides without exception, so
as to maintain an immune Lebanon," Oseiri said, indicating that it is
due time that Lebanon becomes invulnerable to any probable
repercussions.
Murr, for his part, lauded the Saudi pioneering role on the internal
Lebanese scene, saying the Kingdom has always been supportive of Lebanon
working for the interest of its citizens and for the unity of Arab
ranks.
"If the Syrian-Saudi initiative had succeeded, we would not have reached
this stage," Murr concluded.
---------------L.Y
Politics - Murr, Oseiri tackle current developments
NNA - 14/12/2011 Deputy Michel Murr met on Wednesday with Saudi
Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Oseiri, at his "Imaret Chalhoub" office, where
they tackled the current local and regional developments.
On emerging, Oseiri said that Saudi King is keen on halting bloodshed in
Syria and exerting maximum joint Arab efforts to cease the cycle of
violence.
On Lebanon's affairs, Ambassador Oseiri underlined the Kingdom's deep
concern for supporting Lebanon and the unity of internal ranks.
"The Kingdom affirms unity of ranks with all sides without exception, so
as to maintain an immune Lebanon," Oseiri said, indicating that it is
due time that Lebanon becomes invulnerable to any probable
repercussions.
Murr, for his part, lauded the Saudi pioneering role on the internal
Lebanese scene, saying the Kingdom has always been supportive of Lebanon
working for the interest of its citizens and for the unity of Arab
ranks.
"If the Syrian-Saudi initiative had succeeded, we would not have reached
this stage," Murr concluded.
---------------L.Y
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Politics - Daouk: for not transforming media freedom to chaos
Wed 14/12/2011 17:27
NNA - 14/12/2011 - Information Minister Walid Daouk said media freedom in
Lebanon was absolute yet in the framework of respecting laws and keenness on not
transforming it into chaos.
Daouk's words came on Wednesday amidst the minister's participation in the
regional conference on the role of media in light of Arab changes, organized by
the Progressive Thought Forum and the Frederic Ebert Institution at Bristol
hotel in Beirut, in presence of National News Agency director Laure Sleiman,
Deputy Walid Jumblatt and others.
Daouk called for benefiting from the past experiences in media so as to avoid
the faults of Arab media. He also urged preventing using the media as a podium
for distorting facts or promoting new authoritarian policies.
A.M>
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Politics - Cabinet convenes in Baabda
Wed 14/12/2011 17:23
NNA - 14/12/2011 - The Cabinet is currently convening in Baabda presidential
palace mainly to broach a draft law on the 2012 state budget and the cancelation
of VAT on diesel.
Prior to the session, Lebanese President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister Najib
Mikati held a one-on-one meeting over the general situation and most recent
developments.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Sleiman, Mikati in pre-cabinet session meeting
Wed 14/12/2011 16:50
NNA - 14/12/2011 - President of the Republic, Michel Sleiman, and Prime
Minister, Najib Mikati, are currently meeting in Baabda over latest
developments, prior to a cabinet session.
Ministers are scheduled to meet this evening under the chairmanship of President
Sleiman to tackle the 2012 state budget draft and the cancelation of VAT on
diesel.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Smida visits Hezbollah official
Wed 14/12/2011 16:43
NNA - 14/12/2011 - The candidate to French legislative elections, Patricia Smida,
on Wednesday visited Hezbollah official, Ammar Moussawi.
Smida, who is from Lebanese origins, raised during the meeting the issue of the
situation of the Lebanese holding a French nationality, whether residing in
Lebanon or abroad.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Qahwaji's itinerant visitors today
Wed 14/12/2011 16:38
NNA - 14/12/2011 - Lebanese Army Chief, General Jean Qahwaji, on Wednesday met
with Belgian ambassador, Colette Taquet, who came on a protocol visit.
Qahwaji later received at his office in Yarzeh the Secretary General of the
Maronite Patriarchate, Father Antoine Khalifeh, and a delegation of Lebanese
topographers' syndicate, headed by Antoine Mansour.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Berri, Gemayel meet
Wed 14/12/2011 16:36
NNA - 14/12/2011 - Speaker of the House, Nabih Berri, and Kataeb Head, Amine
Gemayel, on Wednesday met at the Parliament over most recent developments.
The pair also pondered upon the Christian-Islamic charter.
R.A.H.
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Politics - March 14 sees Hezbollah, Syria orchestrating jeopardy efforts
Wed 14/12/2011 16:33
NNA - 14/12/2011 - March 14 forces on Wednesday chided Hezbollah and Syria with
sapping stability in South Lebanon, at the backdrop of a series of security
incidents within a three-week span.
Two rockets were fired from southern Lebanon into northern Israel late November,
prompting the enemy army to warn Beirut the day after to work to prevent similar
attacks in the future. Israel retaliated by firing four rockets on Ayta Shaab
village.
In another development, a bomb went off last week near a UNIFIL patrol in Naba'a
area located between Housh and Burj al Shamali towns east of Tyre, causing light
injuries to five peacekeeping soldiers.
Besides, a Katyusha rocket fell Sunday evening over a civilian's house in the
town of Houla in the South. The rocket was launched from Wadi Al-Qaissieh in the
outskirts of the town of Majdal Silm.
March 14 forces today met in a periodic meeting, with the alleged implication of
Syria and Hezbollah in the aforementioned incidents in crosshairs.
A closing statement issued in the wake of the meeting echoed the forces' strong
belief that the incidents were tantamount a certain Syrian message.
It also maintained that Hezbollah bore full responsibility considering that the
party takes complete hold of South Lebanon and UNIFIL's operation prefecture.
The forces reminded of the obligation that the Lebanese state, army, and
security apparatuses endeavor to assure the full implementation of UN Resolution
1701 and to keep Lebanon under the ceiling of international legitimacy, amid a
looming risk to downsize or withdraw peacekeepers' participation in the UNIFIL.
Turning to Syria, March 14 held the Lebanese government fully responsible of
granting the status of refugees to Syrian citizens who fled into Lebanon
following their country's unrest.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Watkins from Franjieh's: UN encourages dialogue among Lebanese
Wed 14/12/2011 16:30
NNA - 14/12/2011 - UN Representative in Lebanon Robert Watkins welcomed Maronite
Patriarch Bechara Rahi's call for dialogue among Christian leaders in Bkirki,
saying that the UN encouraged such initiative so as to avoid any local tension.
Watkins's words came on Wednesday in the wake of his visit to head of Marada
Movement Sleiman Franjieh at the latter's house in Benashii
"The important thing is to safeguard Lebanon from the entire crisis in the
region," Watkins stressed.
Watkins also underscored the necessity of implementing the Security Council
resolution 1701 in the south of Lebanon to let security prevail, condemning the
assault on UNIFIL last Friday as well as the rocket-attack on Israel from inside
the Lebanese territories.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - A. Gemayel receives Palestinian Ambassador
Wed 14/12/2011 16:03
NNA - 14/12/2011 - Former President of the Lebanese Republic Amine Gemayel
received on Wednesday at the Kataeb head-office in Saifi the Palestinian
Ambassador Abdullah Abdullah and reviewed with him overall developments at the
local and regional scenes.
Interviewed after the visit, the ambassador called for stability and safety of
the region in face of all foreign greedy people, saying it was unacceptable for
any external interference in the region's affairs.
Abdullah also expressed keenness on freedom and dignity in the region.
Separately, Gemayel received a delegation of the Christian Minorities Gathering
that included Edmund Boutros. Talks focused on the general situation.
A.M>
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Politics - Sleiman strict over constitution-based appointments
Wed 14/12/2011 15:40
NNA - 14/12/2011 - President of the Republic, Michel Sleiman, on Wednesday said
he would not accept any administrative appointments if not compliant with the
Constitution.
The President today met with a delegation of the Central Maronite Council, to
whom he highlighted the necessity to protect the domestic scene from the
repercussions of neighboring unrest.
Besides, he maintained that the exaggeration over a number of items rendered the
work of Mikati-led government less fruitful.
Deputy Prime Minister, Samir Moqbel, had also been to Baabda palace today, for a
meeting with Sleiman over most recent developments.
The President later broached the current situation with former ministers Roger
Dib and Ibrahim Daher.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Intense dispute between S. Gemayel, N. Moussawi over Tarshish network
Wed 14/12/2011 15:27
NNA - 14/12/2011 - Kataeb Deputy Sami Gemayel and Hizbullah's Nawaf Moussawi on
Wednesday engaged in a verbal spar over excavation works for telecoms network in
Tarshish.
The dispute occurred amidst the Answer and Question parliamentary session when
Gemayel attacked Hizbullah at the backdrop of works in Tarshish.
Hizbullah Deputy responded that the resistance, which he [Moussawi] termed as
legal, had the right to protect Lebanon by whatever means it found suitable.
In his turn, Gemayel retaliated that he sought protection amid deployment of
Hizbullah members on the street.
By such, a dispute of harsh, obnoxious expressions sparked between the two,
pushing Speaker of the House Nabih Berri to interfere to restore the rule at
session.
A.M>
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Politics - Torsarkissian: Only army should be responsible for security
Wed 14/12/2011 14:19
NNA - 14/12/2011- Member of Parliament (MP) Serge Torsarkissian stressed that
the security issue should be exclusively in the hands of the army and security
forces, pointing out that security in Lebanon would not be accomplished in the
presence of a party that performs the role of the army and security apparatuses.
Commenting on the Question and Answer session held in the Parliament today, the
MP said that 14 March deputies would prefer if the Parliament were the place at
which all deputies agree to discuss political issues, indicating that this would
prevent many security incidents resulting from escalated political speeches.
He added that no serious actions regarding security issue, whether in the south
or any other Lebanese regions, were taken; pointing out that some of Hizbullah
deputies mentioned that the Party is present in all Lebanese regions to pursue
C.I.A agents.
The MP considered, "UNIFIL is a part of the south stability and messing with
that means war."
L.Y.R/N.AF
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Politics - Jeanjanian slams government actions
Wed 14/12/2011 13:22
NNA - 14/12/2011- Member of Parliament (MP) Chant Jeanjanian said that the
deteriorating economic and living conditions in Lebanon revealed the cabinet's
engagement in distributing shares and benefits among its members.
He added in a statement that the current cabinet is not concerned by citizens'
pains and grievances; mainly, those in Bekaa area who are suffering of cold due
to the rise of fuel prices, pointing out that the government should step down
soon before the Lebanese people force it do so.
The MP said that citizens of the Bekaa area had become severely poor in light of
the government's negligence of their livelihood issues. He indicated that the
citizens' attempts to demonstrate were just a beginning which might reach later,
with the request of Bekaa deputies, to the Serail gates if the cabinet continued
ignoring their situation.
Jeanjanian called upon Prime Minister Najib Mikati to give the Bekaa area and
its citizens a special attention and provide them with their minimum needs.
The deputy also asked the cabinet, in addition to removing the VAT tax set on
gasoline, to issue purchasing coupons to guarantee that citizens would get that
product and prevent monopolizing it by some traders.
Commenting on the latest incidents in the south, Jeanjanian said that attacking
the UNIFIL French contingent and launching rockets towards Israel are violation
to Lebanon's sovereignty and the Lebanese Army in the first place as well as to
international resolutions.
He added, in light of the President of the Republic Michel Suleiman and Prime
Minister Najib Mikati's condemnation to the incidents in the south, the security
forces investigating these events should show more resolute in unveiling the
perpetrators; otherwise, the condemnation of both the President and the Prime
Minister would be meaningless.
He pointed out that the security escalation in the south would not lead those
who are behind it to the results that they aim at, indicating that the UNIFIL
would not stand still regarding the attacks against its units.
He called upon the Lebanese Army to take the utmost deterrent measures to
preserve security and stability.
L.Y.R/N.AF
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Politics - Mikati stresses attachment to UNIFIL
Wed 14/12/2011 12:41
NNA - 14/12/2011 - Prime Minister Najib Mikati stressed that Lebanon is part of
the international legitimacy and hence it is committed to the UNIFIL working in
south Lebanon to bolster security and stability.
Mikati added that UNIFIL forces help the Lebanese army to fulfill its duties in
extending its authority over all Lebanese territories.
Mikati met on Wednesday with the UNIFIL commander General Alberto Asarta and
discussed the situation in the south and the latest attack against the French
contingent working in UNIFIL in south Lebanon.
Mikati renewed during the meeting his condemnation over the attack against
UNIFIL forces and described it as an attempt to foment tension in the south and
to tamper with stability.
"Targeting the French contingent aims to worsen the relation between Lebanon and
France which always stood beside Lebanon and supported it under all
circumstances", Mikati said.
Mikati renewed his demand on the international community to support the Lebanese
army and by exerting pressure on Israel to stop its daily violations to the
Lebanese sovereignty.
On the other hand, Asarta said after the meeting "we discussed the situation in
the south and ways to handle the problems there".
Separately, Mikati chaired the second meeting for reviewing policies and
understandings signed by the Lebanese state in the field of combating
corruption, with the participation of the some ministers and figures.
Minister Chakib Kortbawi said after the meeting that this meeting aims to set a
plan to combat corruption from words to deeds.
"This issue does not end quickly but is continuous but should start seriously",
the Minister added.
The minister reiterated the necessity of cooperation between politicians,
citizens and apparatuses, to fight corruption because this issue causes damage
to everyone.
A.A.M
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Politics - Parliamentary questioning session for cabinet opens
Wed 14/12/2011 11:53
NNA - 14/12/2011- The Parliament started the questioning and answering session
of the cabinet.
On the agenda of the Parliament, there are six questions submitted by deputies:
Mohammad Hajjar, Sami Gemayel, Mohammad Kabbani, Ziad Kadiri and Kazem El-Kheir.
This is the second session of this kind in this cabinet's period. The questions
tackle electricity, encroachment of public properties and infrastructure works
in Tarchich area.
L.Y.R/N.AF
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Politics - Salam denies Iranian media's allegation about his stand on Saudi
Arabia
Wed 14/12/2011 11:46
NNA - 14/12/2011 - Member of Parliament Tamam Salam vehemently denied Iranian
media allegations that he criticized Saudi Arabia's positions.
In a statement by his media office, Salam said some Iranian news web sites in
English language fabricated an interview with the MP in which he allegedly
criticized the positions of Saudi Arabia.
"All these reports are pure fabrications and lies because Salam was never
interviewed by any Iranian news media or journalist. The MP has never contacted
the journalist who claimed to have made the interview," the statement said.
It stressed that these allegations are nothing more than a cheap and suspicious
attempt to embroil MP Salam in positions against the kingdom, adding that it is
common knowledge that Salam has historic and close ties with Saudi Arabia.
O.H
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Politics - Marouni: Launching rockets from south targets state and army
Wed 14/12/2011 10:49
NNA - 14/12/2011 - Deputy Elie Marouni said that the events that
occurred in the south in recent days have targeted the state and army.
Marouni added that they (March 14) would clear the name of the
resistance once the investigations are over concerning the rocket firing
from the south.
Marouni wondered on Thursday to "Voice of Lebanon"- Freedom and Dignity
radio "who has the capability of firing rockets amid the existence of
weapons".
The MP stressed that in case weapons remained outside the state's
legitimacy, then the conspiracy is aimed at the state and people.
A.A.M
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Politics - Manjian expects rise vat tax on red gas oil today
Wed 14/12/2011 10:44
NNA - 14/12/2011- State Minister Panos Manjian expected that the cabinet
would take a decision today (Wednesday) regarding rise of vat tax on red
gas oil.
Speaking to "Voice of Lebanon " radio station, Manjian indicated that
the decision was previously made but was postponed because Financial
Minister Mohammad Al-Safadi hadn't presented any statistics.
Commenting on wage increase, the Minister said, " Labor Minister Charbel
Nahas' draft wasn't seriously discussed and the increase that was
endorsed did not satisfy neither employees nor teachers."
However, he added that the cabinet would not be able to really give
employers the right increase in light of the accumulated flows on that
since 1996 until 2011, pointing out that the economic sector cannot bear
raising the minimum wage increase between 60% and 70%.
Separately, Majian stressed that appointments are important to correct
the labor pattern, denying his knowledge "about any set date to discuss
appointments issue."
L.Y.R/N.AF
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Politics - Rai stresses that Law above all
Wed 14/12/2011 10:20
NNA - 14/12/2011 - Maronite Patriarch Mar Beshara Boutros Rai hoped that the
state would preserve the independence of judiciary and the dignity of judges,
stressing that law is above all people.
Rai called on the state "to preserve the independence of judiciary and judges
and protect them from any attack".
Rai made these remarks while meeting at Bkirki with Maronite court supervisor
bishop, Mansour Hbeika, members and employees of these courts on the occasion of
opening the judicial year.
Later, Rai chaired the periodical meeting of bishops to discuss congregations'
situation.
A.A.M
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Politics - Zahra: It's everybody's interest to continue parliamentary
work
Wed 14/12/2011 10:15
NNA - 14/12/2011 - Member of Parliament Antoine Zahra told Voice of
Lebanon on Wednesday that it is in the interest of all sides to continue
the parliamentary work in a positive manner.
"I wish that Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri will read again
article 129 concerning the question and answer session which stipulates
that the questioner to ask again after receiving the answer from the
government," the MP said.
He added that the MPs will ask six questions to the government during
the parliamentary session and this may lead to further questions that
could lead to hot and sensitive topics.
Zahra commented on the developments in the south.
"Hezbollah can's claim that it exposed CIA agents in Lebanon and at the
same time it can't find out who fired the rockets from the south. The
party should shoulder its responsibility and confirm it wisdom by
preventing the transfer of Syrian domestic problems to Lebanon," the MP
said.
He stressed that it is in no one's interest to link the stability in
Lebanon to the fate of regimes in the Middle East.
O.H
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Politics - Sleiman hopes 2012 year for democracy
Tue 13/12/2011 21:09
NNA - 13/12/2011 - President of the Lebanese Republic, General Michel Sleiman,
hoped on Tuesday that 2012 would be a year for democracy and peace in the Arab
world and Lebanon, so that people's sufferings would be terminated.
President Sleiman's words came during a chat with accredited journalists at
Baabda Presidential Palace.
The President said the festive season, without democracy, would remain
incomplete.
Sleiman stressed the necessity of returning to national dialogue. While he
voiced concern about the situation in Lebanon, he expressed confidence that
Lebanon would be able to overcome all difficulties through Lebanese officials'
care about people's affairs.
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Politics - Future Bloc says Southerners no more accept their land as mail box
Tue 13/12/2011 20:11
NNA - 13/12/2011 - The Future Bloc said that the people of south Lebanon could
no more accept that their land be used as mail box to send messages on the
regional or international level.
The Future's words came in the wake of its regular meeting at the Central House
in Beirut, under the chairmanship of the head of said bloc Fouad Siniora.
The Future condemned the attempts to drag Lebanon into a position of receiving
the battles of the others on its own land, noting that such a cruel project did
not help national unity or immunity against the Israeli usurping entity.
The bloc also wondered at the government's perplexing and retreat in regard to
the wages adjustment issue, calling for halting such behaviors and seeking
instead, at that sensitive economic and financial stage in Lebanon, to
ameliorate daily living conditions of citizens, without causing the local
monetary stability any disturbance bigger than the capacity of the treasury.
A.M.
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Politics - EU-Lebanon Association Committee holds second meeting
Tue 13/12/2011 19:54
NNA - 13/12/2011 - The EU-Lebanon Association Committee on Tuesday held its
second meeting in Beirut, under the chairmanship of Hugues Mingarelli.
In his word, Mingarelli said "the second Association Committee meeting between
the European Union and Lebanon took place in Beirut on 13 December. As Managing
Director for North Africa, Middle East, Arabian Peninsula, Iran and Iraq at the
European External Action Service of the European Union, I had the honor of
co-chairing the meeting on behalf of the European Union. The Lebanese Delegation
was led by Minister of Economy and Trade, H.E. Nicolas Nahas. I was pleased that
many EU Member States representatives also attended the meeting, as well as a
large number of officials from various Lebanese administrations."
"The purpose of the Association Committee was to review EU-Lebanon relations, in
the context of the new European Neighborhood Policy, and to identify key areas
where the partnership can be further enhanced. These priorities will be mutually
agreed in the framework of a new EU-Lebanon Action Plan to be drafted in 2012.
Enhanced engagement from the EU will be determined on the basis of the reform
agenda of the Lebanon authorities, and on the basis of the EU's new European
Neighbourhood Policy. This policy aims to increase ties with the EU for those
neighbouring countries wishing to pursue further reforms towards deep democracy
and sustainable development with the view to reducing socio-geographic
disparities and building regional ties. Closer ties with the EU can be achieved
for instance through improved mobility for people and enhanced trade relations;
the latter however would require Lebanon to become a member of the World Trade
Organisation, he added.
"On the basis of the new Action Plan, the EU will determine how best to support
the implementation of Lebanon's reform agenda. Under the principle of more for
more, enhanced EU support is dependent on the pace and depth of reforms
envisaged. The EU is keen to support reforms in a number of key sectors which
could make an impact on the daily lives of the people of Lebanon. Specific areas
for deeper cooperation, including the programming of future EU funding, will be
the subject of further discussions between EU and Lebanese officials, as well as
with civil society, in the course of 2012," he maintained.
He said "the meeting was also an opportunity to take stock of political
developments in Europe, in the Arab region and in Lebanon. In this context, the
EU welcomed the payment of Lebanon's contribution to the Special Tribunal for
Lebanon and more broadly, looks forward to Lebanon continuing to uphold its
international commitments. Stability is a key issue; the EU encourages the
Lebanese authorities to address all security concerns to ensure the safety and
protection of all, Lebanese and foreigners on Lebanese soil. HRVP Catherine
Ashton condemned the latest attack on a French contingent of UNIFIL and we hope
the perpetrators will be rapidly identified and tried. But stability is also
linked to deeper reforms: such as developing an effective integrated border
strategy; building strong institutions, representative of the people thanks to
genuine elections, and able to deliver key public services; promoting stronger
enforcement of the rule of law and an independent judiciary; fighting corruption
and promoting investment. The people of Lebanon have high expectations for
reform particularly given the current difficult economic climate - as do the
people of Europe. Economic developments in the EU were also discussed during our
Association Committee, not least the current challenges and measures taken to
support the Euro."
"In the context of my mission to Lebanon, I also held bilateral discussions with
H.E. Prime Minister Mikati, H.E. Minister of Economy and Trade Nicolas Nahas,
and senior officials from the Foreign Ministry and the United Nations. I also
had a chance to visit EU-funded projects in Beirut (business incubator Berytech)
and in Saida (inauguration of a new EU-funded UNRWA school)," he added.
He underlined that the European Union was committed to continuing its support to
Lebanon and that it looked forward to finding concrete ways of further
supporting the reform agenda of the country, as will be laid out in the new EU
Lebanon Action Plan in 2012.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Mansour, Atieh tackle the current developments
Tue 13/12/2011 19:17
NNA - 13/12/2011 Foreign and Expatriates Minister Adnan Mansour
had audience Tuesday with Qatari Vice Prime Minister Abdulla
Atieh, where they tackled the current regional developments.
Mansour met Atieh at the sidelines of the fourth Forum for the
Alliance of Civilizations, held in the Qatari capital, Doha.
On the other hand, Mansour, along with Iranian and Sudanese
Culture Ministers, attended as guests of honor the inauguration
ceremony of International Book Fair, Doha.
Mansour returns to Lebanon Tuesday evening.
© NNA 2011 All rights reserved
Politics - Watkins disconcerted over security incidents
Tue 13/12/2011 18:58
NNA - 13/12/2011 - UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon ad interim, Robert
Watkins, on Tuesday told Maronite Patriarch, Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi, that the
UN was disconcerted by the rising number of security incidents in the South.
"We are naturally disconcerted by the rising number of incidents, two rocket
firing incidents in the period of two weeks and yet another attack on UNIFIL
troops, which the Secretary General and the Security Council have condemned in
the strongest terms," he told reporters following the meeting in Bkerki.
He said that the meeting was an opportunity to discuss the current general
situation, whereby he praised the role of the Patriarch in trying to promote
dialogue to keep the channels of communications open and to avoid tension.
"In that regard, the United Nations welcomes the summit of Christian leaders
that the Patriarch is expected to host in Bkerki forthcoming Friday, and we hope
agreements reached at the meeting will work in favor of unity, security, and
stability in Lebanon," he added.
The Patriarch later met with Army Intelligence Chief, General Edmond Fadel and
Director of Mount Lebanon Intelligence Branch, Brigadier Richard Helo.
Head of the Maronite League, Joseph Torbey, had been to Bkerki earlier today,
for a meeting with Rahi over most recent developments on the local scene.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Aoun: we have national method in appointments, state projects
Tue 13/12/2011 18:44
NNA - 13/12/2011 - Deputy Michel Aoun said the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) had
its own national methods in public administrative appointments as well as the
projects they overtake.
The FPM Leader's words came Tuesday in the wake of his Reform and Change
Parliamentary Bloc's weekly meeting at his Rabieh residence.
The Bloc's head defied all those criticizing the FPM to find anything missing in
the qualifications of FPM-backed persons filling administrative posts.
As to FPM's projects, they are typically national, said the General, noting that
the electricity and water, whose ministerial duties were under FPM's, were a
dire necessity for all citizens.
Asked about France's accusation against Syria of blasting the French UNIFIL
contingent in Tyre last week, Aoun labeled such an accusation as regularly
political since 2005.
A.M.
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Politics - Geagea: Hezbollah responsible for incidents in the South
Tue 13/12/2011 18:32
NNA - 13/12/2011 Lebanese Forces (LF) Head Samir Geagea held Hezbollah
responsible for incidents taking place in the South, noting that security
situation could not be set right except with the termination of the "magic
spell" represented in "People, Army, Resistance" formula.
Geagea was speaking during a press conference he held Tuesday at his Maarab
residence, where he dwelt on the current developments on the domestic scene.
"Hezbollah is responsible for all operations carried out against UNIFIL, either
directly or indirectly," Geagea stressed, noting that the terrorist groups
accused of carrying out these operations couldn't exist in the South without the
knowledge or coverage of Hezbollah.
Geagea said the effective authority and security presence in the South are under
the rule of Hezbollah.
The LF Leader also criticized the condemnation statements made by state
officials in the wake of every incident, underlining that the duty of the
Lebanese State should not only be confined to these statements but also to
identify faults and address the main problem represented in "security zones".
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Siniora, Palestinian diplomat meet
Tue 13/12/2011 18:07
NNA - 13/12/2011 - Head of Future parliamentary bloc, MP Fouad Siniora, on
Tuesday tackled the current situation in Lebanon and the broader Arab region
with Palestinian ambassador, Abdullah Abdullah.
The pair, who met at Siniora's office in Sadat Tower Building, also dwelled on
the condition of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Release of collaborators draws Sahili's ire
Tue 13/12/2011 18:04
NNA - 13/12/2011 - Hezbollah Deputy Nawwar Sahili on Tuesday said the release of
persons condemned for collaboration with Israel was an unprecedented act by the
highest judiciary instance.
Judge Alice Shabtini, President of the Military Cassation Court, last week
ordered to release four members of Al-Alam family, condemned for collaboration
with the Israeli enemy, and sentenced to 5 to 15 years imprisonment.
"We are not usually entitled to broach judicial dossiers, interfere in an
inquiry, or comment any verdict, but what happened a few days ago is a very
dangerous first," said the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc member.
"We have visited Tuesday Minister of Justice, Shakib Qortbawi, and State
Prosecutor Saeed Mirza, who presides over general prosecutions and who,
according to the Lebanese law, is on top of the judicial hierarchy. These two
officials have couched to newspapers their rebuke over what happened," he added.
"From a legal viewpoint, the release of any person before revoking the verdict
is normal, and when a court accepts to repeal a criminal or military court's
verdict, it can thus order release. But when the affair is that of persons
condemned for collaborating with Israel in 2000 (...), we then believe the
matter is unusual and unprecedented," he expounded.
The Deputy said the affair was now placed in the hands of Justice Minister and
State Prosecutor.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Abu Faour sees UNIFIL-free South disagreeable
Tue 13/12/2011 16:27
NNA - 13/12/2011 - Minister of Social Affairs, Wael Abu Faour, on Tuesday said
emptying South Lebanon from the international presence, in reference to the UN
peacekeeping forces, was not in the interest of Lebanon.
A bomb ripped through a French contingent vehicle affiliated to the United
Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, last Friday, wounding five soldiers. This
attack, which is the third against a UNIFIL patrol this year, earned sharp local
and world condemnation and grew concerns over a French decision to downsize its
contingent's strengths.
PSP Minister, who spoke following his signature today of a protocol on
supporting the civil society in South Lebanon with French ambassador Denis
Pietton representing the French state, did not fail to deplore the attack,
reminding of Lebanon's need for the international presence in its South.
"The UNIFIL operates at the behest of Lebanon to protect the country from
Israeli aggressions and we refuse that the South be an arena to send messages,
whether regional or other," said Abu Faour.
"Implicating the South in adventures by emptying it from the international
presence does not serve Lebanon's interest," he corroborated.
He added that the determination of France to maintain its strengths in South
Lebanon was a positive message.
R.A.H.
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Politics - (UPDATED) Fletcher, Assarta meet Berri
Tue 13/12/2011 15:57
NNA - 13/12/2011 - House Speaker Nabih Berri met Tuesday the British
Ambassador to Lebanon tom Fletcher with whom he tackled recent
developments.
Berri later received the UNIFIL force Commander, Major-General Alberto
Asarta, with talks touching on developments that took place lately in
South Lebanon.
Speaking to journalists following the meeting, Berri reckoned that
attempts to target UNIFIL indeed targeted the Army-Resistance-People
trinity protecting Lebanon. "Statements are not enough. Instead, we have
to work [together] as a people, army, and Resistance, in tandem with the
UNIFIL," he said.
D.K./R.A.H.
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Politics - Daoud lambasts government from Rabieh
Tue 13/12/2011 15:38
NNA - 13/12/2011 - Former Deputy Faysal Daoud on Tuesday told MP Michel Aoun
that the current Mikati-led government only brought about predicament and
debacle in the country.
Daoud had been today to Rabieh for a meeting with Aoun, Head of the Change and
Reform parliamentary Bloc and Keserwan Deputy, over the performance of the
incumbent government.
"The government must realize that the living condition is very critical; this is
why it [government] must endeavor to mitigate the heavy burdens on citizens,
amid the current jamming financial hardship," he said.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Fletcher, Assarta meet Berri
Tue 13/12/2011 15:22
NNA - 13/12/2011 - House Speaker Nabih Berri met Tuesday the British Ambassador
to Lebanon tom Fletcher with whom he tackled recent developments.
Berri later received the UNIFIL force Commander, Major-General Alberto Asarta,
with talks touching on developments that took place lately in South Lebanon.
D.K.
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Politics - Array of various affairs on Mikati's agenda today
Tue 13/12/2011 15:22
NNA - 13/12/2011 - Prime Minister Najib Mikati followed up on a wide-ranging
array of affairs, with his itinerant visitors at the Grand Serail Tuesday.
He first met with Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi over the project law on 2012
state budget.
He later broached dossiers relevant to electricity and power sector with
Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Gebran Bassil.
Moreover, most recent developments in Lebanon and the broader Arab region topped
talks between PM Mikati and Head of Lebanese Democratic Party, MP Talal Arslan.
State Minister Marwan Kheireddine attended the meeting.
A delegation of Beirut Bar Association, headed by Nohad Jabr, had also been to
the Grand Serail today, for a meeting with the Prime Minister over a spectrum of
social, economic, and judicial affairs.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Kabalan calls on cabinet to deal appropriately with vital affairs
Tue 13/12/2011 15:11
NNA - 13/12/2011 - The vice Head of the Islamic Shiite Supreme Council, Sheikh
Abdel Amir Kabalan, called on the cabinet Tuesday to deal with the social and
vital affairs properly.
He also incited the government to create further job opportunities in all
regions, particularly in the rural areas, so as to put terms to unemployment.
In the same context, Sheikh Kabalan highlighted the importance of activating
communication between productive sectors in Lebanon in order to reach adequate
ways out for both employees and employers.
He finally noted that the state must assume its responsibilities fully so as to
guarantee social stability for citizens.
D.K.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Gemayel from Bkirki: Imposing full authority over territories puts
terms to security chaos
Tue 13/12/2011 15:00
NNA - 13/12/2011 - Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rahi received Tuesday
Deputy Sami Gemayel who warned from the security chaos which can only be
controlled as soon as the state imposes its authority all over the Lebanese
territories.
The Deputy assured that security threat would remain as long as security zones
persist.
"We stand by the Patriarch's side and put ourselves constantly at his disposal,"
he declared.
During his visit to Bkirki Patriarchate, Gemayel tackled with Rahi affairs
related to the joint steps that ought to be taken by Christian leaderships at
this stage, on top of which the meeting to be held Friday December 16 in Bkirki
in presence of all the Maronite Deputies.
Gemayel hoped this meeting would pave the way for other joint projects to be
conducted and agreed upon by Christians, among which the administrative
decentralization and the electoral law.
Separately, Patriarch Rahi met with the French candidate of Lebanese origins,
Patricia Smida, who briefed him on the details of her agenda.
Smida is a candidate for the French parliamentary elections and she will be
representing the French expatriates residing in Africa and the Middle East.
Rahi blessed Smida's candidacy for what it holds of interest to the French and
the Lebanese people and for what it reflects of the joint values they share.
Amongst Bkirki's visitors was also PM Gilberte Zwein with whom he tackled latest
developments.
The Norwegian Ambassador to Lebanon, Svein Aass, has also paid a visit to
Patriarch Rahi discussing with him bilateral ties.
Eventually, the Patriarch received a delegation of the "National Alliance to
protect women from domestic violence" accompanied by a delegation of Kafa
association, with talks featuring high on the law draft under study by the
parliamentary committees so as to protect women from domestic violence.
D.K.
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Politics - Suleiman praises regaining nationality draft endorsement
Tue 13/12/2011 13:58
NNA - 13/12/2011- President of the Republic Michel Suleiman stressed on the
importance of regaining the Lebanese nationality draft endorsement , praising
the step that the cabinet took yesterday (Monday).
The President considered that this issue is important and vital for Lebanon as
mentioned in the Presidential oath, calling upon "the Parliament to approve it
soon because it will strengthen political and economical ties of the Lebanese
immigrants with their home country."
Among the president's activities on Tuesday, Suleiman discussed with Environment
Minister Nazem El-Khoury the current issues and steps that the ministry is
taking to preserve environment.
Suleiman also discussed with Former Deputy Prime Minister Elias El-Murr current
political developments on the domestic and regional scenes and other important
issues.
The President also met with Former Deputy Selim Diab and discussed with him
general issues.
Moreover, the President met in Baabda with Paraguay Ambassador to Lebanon Hasan
Khalil Dia who bid him farewell upon the end of his diplomatic mission in
Lebanon.
In appreciation to the role that the Ambassador played in strengthening
relations between the two countries, Suleiman presented him with the
Presidential shield, wishing him success in his new mission.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Merehbi: South turned into base to launch messages
Tue 13/12/2011 13:07
NNA - 13/12/2011 - Deputy Mouhin Merehbi said that Lebanon and the south turned
into a Syrian-Iranian base to launch messages and rockets.
The MP called on Hizbullah to uncover the identity of rockets launchers from
south to north Israel.
Merehbi held "Hizbullah" responsible for firing rockets from the south since it
controls the area.
"Launching rockets aims to say that "Hizbullah's" weapons are still a need to
Lebanon", he added on Tuesday to "Future News".
On the other hand, the MP touched on the issue of Syrian refugees and said "we
collect families from the street if they have no place to live in", calling on
all sides who oppose this issue to receive Syrian refugees and present
solutions.
A.A.M
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Politics - Jarrah: Kanaan exploits finance committee platform to launch
fabrications
Tue 13/12/2011 12:42
NNA - 13/12/2011 - "Future" bloc member Jammal Jarrah accused Deputy
Ibrahim Kanaan of exploiting of Finance Committee platform to attack a
specific team or to launch fabrications against us.
"Kanaan is using Finance committee platform for political goals", the MP
stressed on Tuesday in an interposition on LBC TV station.
A.A.M
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Politics - Abi Nasr hails draft law to grant expatriates dual
citizenship
Tue 13/12/2011 11:23
NNA - 13/12/2011 - Parliament member Naamtallah Abi Nasr thanked the
cabinet for passing the draft law which allows Lebanese expatriates to
have dual citizenship.
According to the law, Lebanese expatriates who were born abroad and only
have the citizenship of the country of their birth would now be eligible
to apply for Lebanese citizenship as well.
"Granting citizenship to expatriates of Lebanese origins is their
natural right", he argued, calling upon the parliament to endorse this
law which was fully approved by the cabinet.
D.K.
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Politics - El-Khazen calls for activating cabinet's work
Tue 13/12/2011 11:03
NNA - 13/12/2011- Member of Parliament Farid El-Khazen said that "Reform
and Change" bloc ministers have no intention to resign, underlining the
need to activate the cabinet's work to secure citizens' demands.
Commenting on security worries through south borders, El-Khazen said,
"there are some people who aim at creating an unstable security
situation in the South," asking for more measures to protect security at
this region.
However, he did not expect repeated security incidents to cause any
disturbances in the south.
The MP explained to "Voice of Lebanon" radio station that " the Maronite
summit which will be held coming Friday in Bkerki will discuss elections
law to reach a common vision regarding this issue ."
El-Khazen pointed out to the possibility of tackling the situation in
Syria and its effects on the Lebanon.
Although El-Khazen expected President of the Republic Michel Suleiman to
participate in the summit, he believed that such a decision is up to the
Patriarch and the President.
However, he denied the possibility of discussing the appointments file
during the summit.
The MP confirmed that "communication between General Michel Aoun,
Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri and Hizbullah Secretary General
Al-Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is going on to clarify certain ambiguous
issues and further activate cabinet's work as a team," denying his
knowledge that those leaders had held a meeting.
L.Y.R/N.AF
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Politics - Janjanian: South attacks prove that security squares are not enough
Tue 13/12/2011 10:27
NNA - 13/12/2011 - Deputy Chant Janjanian stressed that south attacks against
UNIFIL proved that setting security squares are not enough and no one can
provide protection for the Lebanese territories except legitimacy and the
Lebanese army.
The MP described on Tuesday to "Voice of Lebanon" Freedom and Dignity radio the
situation in the south as " a dangerous development", adding that the UNIFIL
won't stay silent over such incidents.
"UNIFIL won't stay silent on the attack against the French contingent", the MP
stressed, adding that talks on some strategic change is taking place for the
work of these forces.
Finally, he said that the political messages from these attacks did not lead to
any desired result, but stressed the commitment of the friendly states to
Lebanon's stability and re-reading UNIFIL's strategic work.
A.A.M
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Politics - Majdalani blasts government for turning blind eye on illegal
weapons
Tue 13/12/2011 10:22
NNA - 13/12/2011 - Member of Parliament Atef Majdalani said that the
absence of an effective government has practically allowed Hezbollah to
control the authority in Lebanon.
Speaking to Voice of Lebanon, the MP also feared that Lebanon will turn
into an arena to send messages and settle scores, wondering when this
episode will come to an end.
"There are some (factions) who want to use the language of the stick and
the carrot with the international community. It seems that the power
behind this government has ordered the funding of the international
tribunal in order to keep a string with the international community,"
Majdalani argued.
He stressed that some factions are launching missiles attacks and plant
bombs to provoke the UNIFIL forces in the south to force them to leave
so it can stage an open war with Israel any time it wanted.
"It is not in the interest of the Lebanese to destabilize the security
situation in the south. But apparently some groups insist on serving the
interest of the Syrian regime to alleviate the pressure on Syria."
The MP said that March 14 forces has not decided yet if it plans to take
part in the demonstrations and strikes of the labor unions who are
protesting the high cost of living.
O.H
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Politics - Lebanese Democratic Party: Targeting French contingent is
futile attempt
Tue 13/12/2011 09:56
NNA - 13/12/2011 - Lebanese Democratic Party Council held its weekly
meeting chaired by Deputy Talal Arslan who condemned in a statement the
attack against the French contingent in south Lebanon, considering it a
futile attempt to expand confrontation with steadfastness forces.
The party warned in Tuesday's statement of any confrontation with the
UNIFIL forces working in south Lebanon.
On the other hand, the party stressed the necessity to activate the
cabinet's work and give priority to citizens, particularly livelihood
issues, as well as to hold practical dialogue between the cabinet,
labors, employees and employers.
A.A.M
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Politics - Hezbollah doesn't orchestrate cabinet decisions, says Daouk
Mon 12/12/2011 23:43
NNA - 12/12/2011 - Information Minister Walid Daouk confirmed on Monday that
Hezbollah was still an active member of the Lebanese government, ruling out
allegations that the latter was practicing any sort of maneuvers - with STL
funding - to amplify the Prime Minister's potency at the Muslim-Sunni level.
Minister Daouk's words came in an interview with "Future News" TV this evening
which majorly focused on Lebanese domestic affairs.
"Mikati is well aware that Lebanon's major interest lies in funding the Special
Tribunal for Lebanon STL," Daouk said. "It is not true that Hezbollah
orchestrates [cabinet decisions], and that it runs all the games," he added,
making clear that all sorts of matters were usually discussed by ministers who
shared different convictions and voiced their opinions during cabinet sessions.
Touching on the heatedly debated arms issue, the Minister asserted that
Hezbollah had made its strategic recalculation and was now fully convinced that
arms should only be used against Lebanon's enemies, and not for internal
purposes.
But Daouk also affirmed that the Lebanese state was not willing to accept
anything that might tamper with the nation's best interest, "even if those
behind it are Hezbollah members themselves."
He highly evaluated Prime Minister Najib Mikati, saying he is a strong man with
personal convictions. "Mikati's strength is translated in his believe in
dialogue," he said, noting that Hezbollah was willing to discuss the national
defense strategy at the dialogue table.
Responding to a question on whether the Lebanese cabinet suffered any sort of
disintegration from within, he said that the cabinet was in full harmony.
"Today's cabinet session is the most evident proof, but MP Michel Aoun has his
own way of dealing with matters. We are one united team at the current
government," Daouk said, reminding that Aoun had never accused the Mikat-led
cabinet of corruption.
As for the minimum wage hike issue, Daouk said that Minister Charbel Nahhas's
project was being discussed, not to mention has a lot to be taken into
consideration.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Undeterrable attacks against UNIFIL keep Lebanon exposed: Kataeb
Mon 12/12/2011 21:25
NNA - 12/12/2011 - Kataeb Party said on Monday that the undeterabble and
recurring attacks targeting UNIFIL peacekeepers in South Lebanon were doomed to
negatively influence the international public opinion regarding the situation in
Lebanon. Not to mention the likelihood of leaving Lebanon fully exposed, once
involved countries go back over resolution 1701 and the deployment of their
forces in Lebanon.
Kataeb Party held its regular weekly session on Monday presided by Party Leader
Amine Gemayel. Latest domestic and regional developments topped talks between
party members.
"It is high time for the Lebanese government to make a final decision on whether
it is committed to the implementation of international resolutions or not. If it
decided to declare commitment to resolution 1701, then it should renounce its
[recent] positions and suffice with the damage incurred thus far," a statement
issued following the meeting read.
Moreover, and referring to Hezbollah, Party members wondered how South Lebanon
could have an independent- armed entity, at the time that a joint UNIFIL and
Lebanese Army power was deployed in South Lebanon.
Within this framework, conferees supported Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara
Boutros Rahi's call on the Lebanese government to limit arms ownership to the
Lebanese state, and to leave defense and security related decisions up to the
Lebanese political authority.
As for the wages hike issue, Kataeb considered this matter the latest act of
governmental impotence. "It has opened the door wide open before a new crisis.
The strike planned for next Thursday is the first translation to this problem."
R.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - (corrected) Hezbollah draws FPM reproach over wage increase
Mon 12/12/2011 19:57
NNA - 12/12/2011 - Member of Parliament Simon Abi Ramia on Monday told OTV
channel that the Free Patriotic Movement rebuked its allies in the incumbent
majority, forming the Mikati-led Cabinet lineup, mainly at the backdrop of a
failure to pass a proposition on salaries increase by Labor Minister Charbel
Nahhas.
The Cabinet Okayed a long-awaited wage increase decree Wednesday, rising minimum
wage by LL100 000 to LL600 000, salaries under LL1 million by a 20% increase,
and those over LL1 million by 30%. The decree was put forth upon Prime Minister
Najib Mikati's proposition, an alternative to Nahhas's salary package, which
fell short of ministers' support during last week's Cabinet session.
Most ministers favored Mikati's proposal while only the seven FPM ministers
voted against it.
Abi Ramia, Member of the Change and Reform bloc and Jbeil Deputy, said [FPM]
allies were not treading the Movement's reform-oriented track.
This backlash came one week after Hezbollah Secretary General, Sayyed Hassan
Nasrallah, rekindled vows to uphold Michel Aoun's righteous and just claims of
change and reform.
But the party's two ministers, Hussein Hajj Hassan and Mohammad Fneish, cast
vote in favor of Mikati's proposal on a simmering spar over wages adjustment, an
item which could have saddled the country with the biggest ever labor strike in
mid-October. Laborers are however to take to the street on forthcoming December
27, as announced by the General Labor Confederation earlier today.
However, Abi Ramia reminded of the strategic alliance with Hezbollah, justifying
disputes over minor items.
Hezbollah and FPM inked a memorandum of joint understanding in February 2006, in
Mar Mkhayel Church. Both parties herein anchored agreement over ten items on
dialogue, consensual democracy, electoral law, building the state, the missing
during the war, Lebanese citizens in Israel, the security issue, Lebanese-Syrian
relations, Lebanese-Palestinian relations, and protecting Lebanon and preserving
its independence and sovereignty.
The Deputy revealed that the relation with Prime Minister Najib Mikati was
unsound as both the Premier and FPM had different priorities.
The relation grew more bitter following a decision by Mikati on November 30 to
pay Lebanon's thirty-two-million USD portion of funding the Special Tribunal for
Lebanon, a UN-backed court probing the 2005 assassination of statesman Rafik
Hariri and totally rejected by FPM and its allies over illegality,
unconstitutionality, and fishy performance.
Besides, Abi Ramia strongly condemned a statement by France's Alain Juppe on
Syria's involvement in an attack on the French contingent of UNIFIL near the
southern city of Tyre Friday.
The French Foreign Minister said Sunday that Syria was behind the blast.
R.A.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Hezbollah draws FPM reproach over wage increase
Mon 12/12/2011 19:38
NNA - 12/12/2011 - Member of Parliament Simon Abi Ramia on Monday told OTV
channel that the Free Patriotic Movement rebuked its allies in the incumbent
majority, forming the Mikati-led Cabinet lineup, mainly at the backdrop of a
failure to pass a proposition on salaries increase by Labor Minister Charbel
Nahhas.
The Cabinet Okayed a long-awaited wage increase decree Wednesday, rising minimum
wage by LL100 000 to LL600 000, salaries under LL1 million by a 20% increase,
and those over LL1 million by 30%. The decree was put forth upon Prime Minister
Najib Mikati's proposition, an alternative to Nahhas's salary package, which
fell short of ministers' support during last week's Cabinet session.
Most ministers favored Mikati's proposal while only the seven FPM minister voted
against it.
Abi Ramia, Member of the Change and Reform bloc and Jbeil Deputy, said [FPM]
allies were not treading the Movement's reform-oriented track.
This backlash came one week after Hezbollah Secretary General, Sayyed Hassan
Nasrallah, rekindled vows to uphold Michel Aoun's righteous and just claims of
change and reform.
But the party's two ministers, Hussein Hajj Hassan and Mohammad Fneish, cast
vote in favor of Mikati's proposal on a simmering spar over wages adjustment, an
item which could have saddled the country with the biggest ever labor strike in
mid-October. Laborers are however to take to the street on forthcoming December
27, as announced by the General Labor Confederation earlier today.
However, Abi Ramia reminded of the strategic alliance with Hezbollah, justifying
disputes over minor items.
Hezbollah and FPM inked a memorandum of joint understanding in February 2006, in
Mar Mkhayel Church. Both parties herein anchored agreement over ten items on
dialogue, consensual democracy, electoral law, building the state, the missing
during the war, Lebanese citizens in Israel, the security issue, Lebanese-Syrian
relations, Lebanese-Palestinian relations, and protecting Lebanon and preserving
its independence and sovereignty.
The Deputy revealed that the relation with Prime Minister Najib Mikati was
unsound as both the Premier and FPM had different priorities.
The relation grew more bitter following a decision by Mikati on November 30 to
pay Lebanon's thirty-two-million USD portion of funding the Special Tribunal for
Lebanon, a UN-backed court probing the 2005 assassination of statesman Rafik
Hariri and totally rejected by FPM and its allies over illegality,
unconstitutionality, and fishy performance.
Besides, Abi Ramia strongly condemned a statement by France's Alain Juppe on
Syria's involvement in an attack on the French contingent of UNIFIL near the
southern city of Tyre Friday.
The French Foreign Minister said Sunday that Syria was behind the blast.
R.A.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Cabinet meets in session at Baabda
Mon 12/12/2011 19:12
NNA - 12/12/2011 The Cabinet is currently convening at Baabda Presidential
Palace, to look into items on its agenda including parliamentary electoral law,
nationality recuperation and Constitutional Council powers' amendment.
The Cabinet session is presided over by President Michel Sleiman, and attended
by Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Cabinet ministers.
Opening up Monday session, Sleiman briefed the Cabinet on the outcome of his
recent visit to Armenia and his meetings with senior Armenian officials.
Talks also dwelt on the situation in south Lebanon in light of the terrorist
attack against UNIFIL and the rocket firing.
The session was preceded by a closed meeting between Sleiman and Mikati where
they tackled the latest developments on the local arena.
-------------L.Y
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Politics - Hezbollah deprecates Juppe's stance
Mon 12/12/2011 18:48
NNA - 12/12/2011 - Hezbollah fervidly condemned on Monday the French Foreign
Minister's accusations leveled against Syria and Hezbollah accusing both sides
of mastering the attack which targeted UNIFIL peace keepers on Friday.
A roadside bomb wounded five French peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon on Friday,
in the third attack this year on United Nations forces deployed near the
frontier with occupied Palestine.
"France's Foreign Minister Alain Juppe leveled clear accusations against Syria
and Hezbollah, at the time that he himself admitted of lacking access to
tangible evidence that prove his indictment valid," a Hezbollah statement read.
The statement also urged Juppe to set his stance right, especially looking at
the grave danger this whole issue carries behind.
"We utterly refuse such accusations, which do us sheer injustice."
R.H.
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Politics - Tenenti: Israel breaches 1701 by aerial hovering over UN operation
zone
Mon 12/12/2011 18:44
NNA - 12/12/2011 - The UN official spokesman Andrew Tenanti said on Monday the
UNIFIL detected Israeli flights over UNIFIL's operation zone in the south,
violating as such UN Security Council resolution 1701 as well as Lebanon's
sovereignty.
Israel's performance augments local fears and opposes UNIFIL's efforts to reduce
tension in Lebanon and to anchor stability, said the spokesman.
A.M>
© NNA 2011 All rights
reserved
Politics - Siniora: STL to try culprits involved in assassination crimes
Mon 12/12/2011 18:36
NNA - 12/12/2011 Former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said that the aim of
Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) is to try culprits involved in assassination
crimes, rather than a certain sect or party.
Siniora was speaking in the wake of a visit to Sayyid Ali Fadlallah, on top of a
delegation of "Future Movement" on Monday.
STL is a UN-backed court probing the assasination crime of late statesman Rafic
Hariri and other related crimes.
Siniora and Fadlallah tackled the current developments in Lebanon in light of
challenges facing the nation and regional impact on it, Fadlallah Media Bureau
said in a statement.
Siniora underlined the importance of unity among the Lebanese, urging them to
work all together for the sake of consecrating national accord, peace, stability
and justice in Lebanon.
Fadlallah, for his part, stressed priority for maintaining Islamic unity in the
Country, and aborting all attempts to incite strife amongst Muslims, Shiites and
Sunnis.
Fadlallah also urged all on the Islamic scene to work towards a serious dialogue
over all proposed matters.
----------------L.Y
Politics - Siniora: STL to try culprits involved in assassination crimes
NNA - 12/12/2011 Former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said that the aim of
Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) is to try culprits involved in assassination
crimes, rather than a certain sect or party.
Siniora was speaking in the wake of a visit to Sayyid Ali Fadlallah, on top of a
delegation of "Future Movement" on Monday.
Siniora and Fadlallah tackled the current developments in Lebanon in light of
challenges facing the nation and regional impact on it, Fadlallah Media Bureau
said in a statement.
Siniora underlined the importance of unity among the Lebanese, urging them to
work all together for the sake of consecrating national accord, peace, stability
and justice in Lebanon.
Fadlallah, for his part, stressed priority for maintaining Islamic unity in the
Country, and aborting all attempts to incite strife amongst Muslims, Shiites and
Sunnis.
Fadlallah also urged all on the Islamic scene to work towards a serious dialogue
over all proposed matters.
----------------L.Y
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Jumblatt: Mikati passes STL funding to preserve stability
Mon 12/12/2011 18:22
NNA - 12/12/2011 - Deputy Walid Jumblatt said Prime Minister Najib Mikati was
capable of passing the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon so as to
safeguard local stability.
Jumlatt's stance came on Monday in the context of a speech delivered during a
ceremony for the Progressive Socialist Party.
Jumblatt said the funding step was so important. "The STL is on course despite
our understanding and appreciation of the reservations of some in this concern."
PSP leader commented on recent Tyre blast against the UNIFIL, saying there were
some on the local, regional, Arab and international levels who wanted to oust
said force from Lebanon in order to re-stir confrontations that might be a sort
of warfare. And the recent rocket-launching operation had been a dangerous
message in this concern, Jumblatt deduced.
Jumblatt added he didn't feel any repentance for his political stance shift as
he would always seek to avert any strife at the arena.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Matar, Connelly meet
Mon 12/12/2011 17:46
NNA - 12/12/2011 - Beirut Maronite Archbishop Boulos Matar on Monday met with US
ambassador Maura Connelly over most recent developments in Lebanon and the
broader Arab region.
Talks also broached the situation of Christians in the East.
R.A.H.
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Politics - UNIFIL commander condemns rocket fire from South Lebanon
Mon 12/12/2011 17:43
NNA - 12/12/2011 - The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon on Monday issued
the following press release:
"On Sunday 11 December at around 11 pm UNIFIL radars detected firing of one
rocket from the general area of Qaissiyeh valley. The rocket impacted on a
private home in the village of Houla in southern Lebanon causing serious
injuries to a woman.
There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
UNIFIL 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 strongly condemned
the rocket attack and expressed serious concern at the recent escalation of
incidents involving serious security breaches in southern Lebanon.
The Force Commander said: "This is the third incident involving serious security
breaches south of the Litani river in a period of two weeks. These instances
show that despite all our efforts there continue to be weapons and hostile armed
elements ready to use them within our area of operations."
"One of the most important provisions of UN Security Council resolution 1701 is
to ensure that there are no armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those
of the Government of Lebanon and of UNIFIL in the area between the Blue Line and
the Litani River."
"Resolution 1701 clearly stipulates that it is the responsibility of the
Lebanese government to implement this decision whereas UNIFIL is mandated to
assist the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in this regard. We have excellent
cooperation with the LAF who are our strategic partners on the ground. We remain
committed to extend all necessary support to LAF and we will do everything
possible within our capabilities and scope of our mandate to assist LAF in this
endeavour."
"There is clearly a need for further enhancing security control in the area.
Recent efforts by certain elements have been directed at destabilizing the area
and we simply cannot allow such acts of violence that endanger the safety of the
local population and the security of southern Lebanon."
"I have discussed further steps with the LAF Commander Gen. Kahwagi in our
meeting in Naqoura today and he shares my concerns. We are taking concrete
measures together with the LAF to further reinforce security across our area of
operations while efforts continue to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of
these attacks."
© NNA 2011 All rights
reserved
Politics - Qahwaji: Blast against UNIFIL tantamount to assault on Army
Mon 12/12/2011 17:06
NNA - 12/12/2011 Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji said that the recent
terrorist blast against UNIFIL in Tyre and the rocket-firing incidents were
tantamount to an "assault against the Army and the Lebanese State" and
apparently aimed against stability in the South.
General Qahwaji visited Monday morning United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
headquarters in Naqoura, where he met with its Commander General Alberto Asarta
and a number of senior UNIFIL officers. Talks touched on the recent security
situation at the southern borders and means of bolstering joint measures to
reinforce stability in these areas and protect the movement of military units.
"Such terrorist acts shall not deter the Army from implementing UN Resolution
1701 and ensuring security to citizens in full coordination with UNIFIL",
General Qahwaji said, stressing that maximum efforts are being exerted to unveil
the identity of attacks' perpetrators and those who stand behind them.
Qahwaji then visited French UNIFIL Contingent headquarters in the southern town
of Deir Keefa and met with its Commander Sedric De Gardan and senior officers.
Qahwaji also visited French peacekeepers that were wounded in the recent Tyre
explosion, lauding their sacrifices and wishing them speedy recovery.
--------------L.Y
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Politics - Mikati opens Tripoli economic workshop, receives visitors
Mon 12/12/2011 16:20
NNA - 12/12/2011 - Prime Minister Najib Mikati opened on Monday at the
Grand Serail a workshop on Tripoli special economic zone, which was
formed in accordance with a decree issued by the House Parliament.
Mikati said Tripoli's economic zone project aimed at facing the main
economic and social challenges which Lebanon in general, and Tripoli in
specific, witnessed at the level of unemployment and social
marginalization. The project, Mikati added, focused on enhancing the
economic capabilities of the region.
Separately, Mikati patronized the signature of an agreement between the
Lebanese and the Italian governments on the level of boosting the
religious tourism sector.
The agreement was signed between the Tourism Minister Fady Abboud and
the Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Morabito.
On the other hand, the Premier received at the Grand Serail Deputy
Boutros Harb and reviewed with him overall developments at the local and
regional scenes. Harb stressed the necessity of disassociating the
judicial authority from political disputes.
Among the Grand Serail's other visitors for today have been Former
Deputy Jihad Samad and others.
A.M.
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Politics - Sleiman, Mikati meet prior to Cabinet session
Mon 12/12/2011 16:14
NNA - 12/12/2011 Prior to holding Cabinet session Monday, President of the
Republic General Michel Sleiman met at Baabda Palace with Prime Minister Najib
Mikati, where they tackled the latest developments.
The Cabinet looks into electoral project law, in addition to stringent issues in
need of suitable decisions.
© NNA 2011 All rights
reserved
Politics - Lebanon, Oman Sultanate to bolster ties over social items
Mon 12/12/2011 15:24
NNA - 12/12/2011 - Minister of Social Affairs, Wael Abu Faour, and his Omani
counterpart, Sheikh Mohammad Ben Saeed kalbani, on Monday agreed to boost
cooperation over social rehabilitation and people with special needs.
The pair today inked a two-pronged memorandum of understanding also touching on
an array of affairs related to households, children, women, and illiteracy.
Abu Faour underlined that Lebanon had always assumed a pioneering role and
launched initiatives to boost joint Arab work.
R.A.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Palestinian Democratic Front Conference inauguration
Mon 12/12/2011 15:16
NNA - 12/12/2011 The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine in Lebanon
Monday opened its eleventh conference - "Martyrs and the return to the state
Conference" - at the Palestinian cultural center in south Lebanon and under the
patronage of House Speaker Nabih Berri, represented by MP Ali Khreiss.
Loyalty to the Resistance member MP Nawwaf Moussawi, Palestinian Social Affairs
Minister, Palestinian Consul representing his country's Ambassador as well as
other Lebanese parties' representatives partook in the event.
Khreiss hailed in his word "the Democratic Front's role to end schism in
Palestine", and stressed the need "to review the humanitarian and social
situation of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and to give them their rights."
"We must all support the Palestinian right to return in favor of Lebanon and
Palestine," he remarked.
MP Nawaf Moussawi, in turn, said that "the Palestinian cause should be a
priority in Arab revolutions."
He also stressed the importance of ending the inter-Palestinian quarrels so that
they would be capable of confronting enemy's aggressions in occupied lands.
"The activities of the Palestinian resistance in Lebanon should be legitimate in
order to have the people be able to return home," he corroborated.
As for his part, Member of the Democratic Front's political bureau, Faysal Ali,
called for "establishing a formal dialogue between Lebanon and the PLO to
organize the Lebanese-Palestinian relations on political, social and legal
levels, and to grant Palestinians in Lebanon humanitarian rights.
L.W.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Qahwaji meets Harston, Zeidan
Mon 12/12/2011 15:06
NNA - 12/12/2011 - Lebanese Army Chief, General Jean Qahwaji, on Monday met with
UN Envoy, Julian Harston, over the situation along southern borders and affairs
related to the task of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon.
Qahwaji later met with Liban Lait chairman, Ahmed Zeidan, who highly estimated
the endeavors of the military to release him, after days of captivity in Bekaa.
Zeidan was abducted last Wednesday in Hosh Snid, Bekaa.
R.A.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics- Berri receives invitation to Islamic Parliaments Union Conference in
Indonesia
Mon 12/12/2011 14:43
NNA - 12/12/2011- Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri met with an Indonesian
Parliamentary delegation presided by the Indonesian Speaker first deputy Locman
Hakim Saifeddine and the Indonesian Speaker second deputy Ahmad Ferhan Hamed,
who presented him with an invitation to attend the Islamic Parliaments Union
Conference in Indonesia.
Following the meeting, Saifeddine said that the visit was to develop relations
between the Parliaments of the two countries and to thank him (Berri) for
sending two Lebanese Deputies to attend the democracy conference which was held
in Baly few days ago.
He added, the visit is to give an additional incentive to the Indonesian forces
affiliated with the UNIFIL in the South.
Responding to a question about the date of the conference, he said that it would
last from 24 to 31 January, pointing out that Speaker Berri promised them to
attend it.
Separately, Berri met with the new Greek Ambassador Catherine Borra in a
protocol visit in presence of Foreign Affairs Official in Amal movement former
Minister Talal Sahili.
L.Y.R/N.AF
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Ghosn, Morabito meet
Mon 12/12/2011 14:30
NNA - 12/12/2011 Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn tackled Monday major domestic and
regional developments during his meeting with the Italian Ambassador to Lebanon
Giuseppe Morabito.
Both men also engaged in talks concerning the recent attack against UNIFIL
French patrol.
Ghosn uttered stern disapproval of such an act and said it will not affect
ongoing cooperation between UNIFIL and Lebanon.
L.W.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Suleiman activities on Monday
Mon 12/12/2011 14:00
NNA - 12/12/2011- President of the Republic Michel Suleiman chairs today
(Monday) afternoon at the Presidential Palace in Baabda the cabinet's session
assigned to continue studying the parliamentary elections law draft.
Separately, the President met with Municipalities and Interior Minister Marwan
Charbel who briefed him on security issues in Lebanon. Suleiman requested from
Charbel to ask "security forces to intensify their efforts to preserve security
and stability especially in the season's period ...to prevent any security
incidents, arrest perpetrators and refer them to concerned justice."
Suleiman also discussed with Member of Parliament Boutros Harb current security
developments on both domestic and regional scenes.
Moreover, the President discussed current issues on the domestic scene with both
former ministers Mona Afeich and Youssef Saad�.
In addition, Suleiman met with the candidate for French elections, Patricia
Elias Smida of Lebanese origin, accompanied with a delegate of her electoral
campaign.
Smida explained to the president her objectives of her candidacy, especially
that it is the first time at which residential French people are elected as
deputies, according to the constitutional amendment which took place in 2008.
In turn, Suleiman wished Smida good luck, pointing out that this "will also
strengthen Lebanese-French ties mainly on the parliamentary level cooperation."
Separately, the president met with Independence Movement head , Michel Mouawad,
who thanked him for sending a representative to attend the annual mass on the
commemoration of the assassination of late President Ren�e Mouawad.
L.Y.R/N.AF
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Zahra highlights democratic diversity
Mon 12/12/2011 13:54
NNA - 12/12/2011 MP Antoine Zahra Monday said democratic diversity bears major
importance and ought to be preserved in Lebanon.
Zahra placed significance on anchoring Lebanese citizens in their land,
especially Christians, so as to maintain diversity mainly after forced
displacement Christian citizens were subject to.
During his patronage to the "Society steadfastness before threats" conference
Zahra said immigration issue wouldn't have been significant if it wasn't
preliminary for emigration from Lebanon that has been, in turn, transformed into
a visiting center.
L.W.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Hariri congratulates Prince Salman
Mon 12/12/2011 12:42
NNA - 12/12/2011 - Saudi Defense Minister Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz received
on Monday at his office in Maader, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who
congratulated him on the royal trust in his appointment as Defense Minister.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Ogassapian: incidents in south message to international society
Mon 12/12/2011 12:34
NNA - 12/12/2011- Member of Parliament(MP) Jean Ogassapian said that the
incidents that took place in the south recently, launching rockets towards
Israel and attacking the UNIFIL French contingent, affect negatively stability
in Lebanon; pointing out that those incidents are a message to the international
commuity that says that Lebanon is still an arena to settle scores.
Ogassapian said "those incidents are a proof of diplomatic warnings that
resulted from the situation in Syria and the escalation of the Arab and
International pressure on the Syrian regime," indicating that France had
expressed its worries that incidents in Syria would reflect on the UNIFIL's
safety.
He added that French Foreign Minister Alain Jupp�'s words yesterday (Sunday)
were clear as he blamed Syria for the attack against the French contingent
affiliated with the UNIFIL.
The MP considered that the rocket which fell at night on Hoola village in the
South came as a direct response to the French stand.
He added that those incidents came in line with security chaos in view of
government laxity.
The MP confirmed that Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rai's warning yesterday
(Sunday) came in place and the Lebanese government had to be more efficient on
the security level domestically, on the borders with Syria and the region on
which resolution 1701 should be applied.
Ogassapian assured that the wage increase led to increase in prices before
citizens benefited of it.
The MP was astonished over "Hizbullah's approval on the wage increase decision
in the cabinet, while nowadays they support the demands of those who reject this
increase."
L.Y.R/N.AF
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Mousawi: Aggression on Lebanon won't be piece of cake
Mon 12/12/2011 12:25
NNA - Loyalty to the Resistance MP Nawaf al Mousawi assured that any future
aggression on Lebanon will not be an easy choice for any Israeli official who
desire to achieve strategic or personal gains from such an attack.
Speaking in the town of Zabkin in the south, the MP said that the mounting
capabilities of the resistance which led to the creation of a new situation have
made it very difficult for Israel to contemplate any attack on the country.
He stressed that any Israeli attack on the Lebanon will be tantamount to a
suicide operation.
"The resistance has full confidence in Nasrallah, its people, army and
resistance," Mouswai said, ridiculing the notion that toppling the Syrian regime
would weaken Hezbollah and lose a strategic ally.
He noticed that some speeches by some Lebanese politicians are almost identical
to those delivered by Israeli officials and especially when it comes to
prediction of the collapse of the Syrian regime.
"It's not a surprise that Israel targets the resistance's communication network
and this goal is apparently shared by some Lebanese groups," the MP stressed.
He argued that the main reason to target Syria is to destroy and dismantle the
Syrian armed forces and make it incapable of confronting the Israeli army.
The MP called on some sides in Lebanon not to wager on the United States because
Washington is currently weak economically, politically and even militarily.
O.H
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Politics- Mokbel denies his convoy offended any person
Mon 12/12/2011 11:12
NNA - 12/12/2011- Deputy of Prime Minister Samir Mokbel denied that his
convoy offended the protesters who were involved in a sit-in in front of
the Central Bank of Lebanon.
It is worth noting that a group of people held a sit-in on Saturday
(10/12/2011) in front of the Central Bank of Lebanon to protest against
the unjust wage increase which the cabinet approved recently.
Mokbel information bureau explained in a statement issued today (Monday)
that "the deputy of Prime Minister Samir Mokbel denies some media
reports which claimed that his convoy was involved in the clashes with
the protesters in front of the Central Bank of Lebanon."
"He (Mokbel) is astonished over embroiling his name in this cheap media
warngling which does not serve anybody," The statement concluded.
L.Y.R/N.AF
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Politics - Sabounjian backs salaries' adjustment project
Mon 12/12/2011 10:59
NNA - 12/12/2011 - Industry Minister Freij Sabounjian said Monday that his
support to Premier Mikati's proposal regarding salaries' adjustment was in favor
of all laborers and reflects his own convictions.
Minister Sabounjian told Voice of Lebanon- Freedom and Dignity- radio that the
project Minister Charbel Nahhas has proposed needs time to be well thought-out.
"We are not capable of adopting such an integral project within solely one
session, " he remarked.
L.W.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Abboud: No strategic disputes with Change and Reform bloc's
allies
Mon 12/12/2011 10:54
NNA - 12/12/2011 - Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud stressed that no
strategic disagreements between Change and Reform bloc and its allies.
Abboud said that it is normal to see attempts from some sides to put
hurdles to "slow down our speed in the issue of reform and corruption,
adding we are not convinced to slow down our speed".
Abboud described on Monday to "Voice of Lebanon" Freedom and Dignity
radio the situation in Lebanon as "excellent", adding that all sides are
working to keep the situation stable and good, calling for cooperation
among all parties.
A.A.M
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Politics - Nahhas suggests government may offer perks before New Year
Mon 12/12/2011 10:26
NNA - 12/12/2011 - Economy and Trade Minister Nicolas Nahhas told Voice of
Lebanon on Monday that the government of Prime Minister Najib Mikati is
seriously contemplating offering some additional packages as a present before
New Year eve.
"There are deliberations between the prime minister and the concerned parties on
amending the salaries and we are also studying the possibility of offering new
packages to the citizens before New Year eve," Nahhas said.
He added that there are also discussions to offer new services and assistance to
contemplate the decision to raise the salaries,
Asked if the government is ready to subsidize gas oil and remove the VAT on
gasoline, the minister said no final decision on this aspect has been taken yet
because the cabinet will assess if this action will have any impact on the
finances of the treasury.
He stressed that the government has no desire to raise the budget deficit or
increase inflation because this could erode the purchasing power of the citizens
and especially the middle and poor classes.
"Any increase (in wages) will lose its value of inflation jumped," Nahhas
explained.
Nahhas added that the government has not decided yet if it will go ahead with
Finance Minister Mohammed Safadi to raise the value added tax from 10 percent to
12 percent.
O.H
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Politics - Meqati calls for activating the economic and trade cycle
Sun 11/12/2011 21:07
NNA - 11/12/2011 - Marking the festive season occasion, Prime Minister, Najib
Meqati, paid a visit Sunday evening to Beirut's Central District. Meqati toured
the various shopping streets and squares located in Downtown Beirut, accompanied
by Cabinet Ministers Fadi Abboud, Ncoulas Nahhas, Walid Daouk, Marwan
Kheireddine and Freij Sabounjian. "Solidere" Director General, Mounir Doueidy,
and a number of businessmen also accompanied the Prime Minister during his tour.
Meqati had a closer look at the activities taking place in the area. He also had
the chance to exchange talk with shop owners over sales' rates during the
festive season, and exchanged comments and photographs with people passing by.
Meqati expressed his great content for touring the heart of Beirut; a place
which provides "a haven of joy and a livelihood meeting place" for citizens from
all over Lebanon, he noted. He also revealed his optimism at the feedback he
received from shop owners regarding the promising sales' rates during the
holiday season.
Meqati voiced a word of appreciation and encouragement to all those behind such
important trade projects within Beirut's Central District, and vowed to pay
similar visits to other trade centers in various Lebanese areas. He urged all
people, especially politicians, to cooperate together for the sake of preserving
stability in the country and work on solving all prevailing problems in a spirit
of kindness and consensus. Meqati also highlighted the great need for activating
the economic and trade cycle in the country.
R.Sh.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Tenenti: Investigations over Tyre's explosion continue
Sun 11/12/2011 20:16
NNA - 11/12/2011 - UNIFIL Official Deputy Spokesman, Andrea Tenenti, disclosed
Sunday that investigations into the attack against the French soldiers East of
Tyre are still underway, in coordination with the Lebanese Army. He hoped that
the investigating committee handling the matter will be able to achieve tangible
progress in this respect; especially in determining the side behind said attack.
Tenenti also indicated that further precaution measures have been adopted by the
UNIFIL, so as to preserve the safety and security of soldiers and civilians
operating within the peace-keeping forces. He stressed, herein, that the
security and well-being of everyone operating within UNIFIL is a priority to the
United Nations.
Furthermore, Tenenti assured that the UNIFIL has not been informed of any
decrease in the number of the French Contingent's soldiers. He added that all
participating countries within the UNIFIL have reiterated several times their
commitment to their mission within the framework of the UN Resolution #1701.
R.Sh.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Hashem calls for widening the circle of dialogue
Sun 11/12/2011 19:52
NNA - 11/12/2011 - MP Kassem Hashem called Sunday for widening the circle of
dialogue and understanding over national issues, so as to confront the dangers
surrounding the nation and the region.
Hashem referred to the recent visit by US Secretary of State's Aid, Jeffery
Feltman, as aiming towards shaking stability in the region to the benefit of the
Israeli enemy. He also noted that the actual aim behind the incidents in Syria
is not reform and democracy but hittng the largest Arab region that supports the
resistance's movements, especially in Lebanon. He warned, herein, that Lebanon
shall not remain preserved, away from repercussions of negative developments in
Syria, for it is not an isolated island; hence, it is prone to be influenced by
its Arab surrounding, he noted.
Hashem stressed that at this phase, the Lebanese are in dire need of their true
unity and unified internal national stand. He added that national responsibility
entails that all Lebanese remain alert and wise in their manner of dealing with
arising events and developments surrounding their nation.
MP Hashem's words came during a memorial ceremony held in the town of Debine in
the Casa of Marj'Ayoun-South Lebanon.
R.Sh.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Ain Tineh itinerants; Ahmad Zaydan Affair
Sun 11/12/2011 17:12
NNA - 11/12/2011 - Head of the Liban Lait factory, Ahmad Zeidan, who was
released from captivity by the Lebanese military early today, saw House Speaker
Nabih Berri at Ain Tineh to brief him over circumstances surrounding his
kidnapping by unknown gunmen last Wednesday.
Accompanying Zeidan to Ain Tineh were local Amal officials from the Bekaa and
leading family members.
Berri, who commended the release of Ahmad Zeidan without paying any ransom,
spoke about attempts to tarnish the reputation of certain Bekaa localities by
portraying them as criminal hideouts.
The truth of the matter, the Speaker exclaimed, is that those villages are full
of honorable straightforward people. He disclosed having requested Zeidan
entrepreneurs to double their investment in the Bekaa because by undertaking
such activities, one can confront such negative situations.
It is to note that the Speaker has been instrumental in securing the release of
Zeidan; he conducted overnight intense contacts with army and security to that
end.
Zeidan's brother, who thanked Berri for his efforts, denied paying any ransom to
the kidnappers.
On his slight injuries, Ahmad Zeidan told the press that they were incurred
during his rescue by the army and that a firefight ensued between his captors
and soldiers.
Berri accused organized criminals of mounting the kidnapping but exonerated
clansmen of the Bekaa as man of honor.
G.G./P.BC.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Social steadfastness contra challenges
Sun 11/12/2011 16:06
NNA - 11/12/2011 - Leading March 14 parliamentarian of the Lebanese Forces,
Antoine Zahra expressed support for Lebanese citizens at large and Christians in
particular contra challenges facing them in their land and livelihood as he
said.
Speaking at the inauguration of the conference for "Social Steadfastness vis-�-vis
Challenges" at Le Royal Hotel, Dbayeh, Zahra spoke about aggravating threats and
challenges facing Lebanese society as a whole and the Christian community in
particular.
His audiences were mainly leading March 14 figures including deputy House
Speaker, Farid Makari, media and business magnets.
Journalist Simon Abou Fadel, in charge of "world online" website (Alkalima
online) welcomed participants and spoke about what he termed as a message of
peace to the east. He posed as the inheritor of renaissance and pluralism
against the backdrop of the right for steadfastness, solidarity and the right to
differ with the other.
Taking the word in the first symposium, Deputy Speaker of the House Farid Makari
warned against upcoming appointments especially to the Lebanese court system
becoming manipulated by inside or outside influences. He thus stressed need for
autonomy of the judicial system such that it functions independently and out of
control.
He underscored that combating corruption would be impossible neither through
what he termed mere demagogic sloganeering nor with trading and counter-trading
of accusations for mere narrow political purposes.
Makari said the newly-passed wages' law must be studied in depth and added a
note of confidence in Lebanese business community. For him, Hariri-style
business venture was the best for Lebanon even though unfortunately blocked by
the lack of atmospheres conducive to investment against the backdrop of total
absence of the state.
He concluded that nation-building constitutes the sole guarantee and that must
be bolstered in the face of all parallel powers countering it.
G.G./P.BC.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Hajj Hassan: unsatisfactory minimum wage
Sun 11/12/2011 15:35
NNA - 11/12/2011 - Agriculture Minister, Hussein Hajj Hasan, expressed
non-satisfaction at lower wages passed by the cabinet.
Addressing Union Syndicate and Merchant Associations' representatives at his
Ministry office, Minister Hajj Hasan reiterated support for the law project
advanced by his colleague Charbel Nahas, even though it was not put to cabinet
vote.
The Minister added that lower wages passed by the government was totally
unsatisfactory because it failed to address soaring living conditions. The
Minister perceived no distinction between his own approach and that of the
Aounist cabinet ministers.
He added that Hizbullah-Aounist coalition inside and outside the cabinet would
continue unabated.
Hajj Hasan disclosed that government-sponsored diesel oil would feature high on
cabinet sessions' agenda and that the only thing missing so far deals with
special mechanisms to see to them through. He urged business bosses and workers
to discuss ways out of the crises and that the government finds itself ready to
play the middleman's role.
He accused certain monopolies of hiding diesel oil to prop up undesired price
hikes.
G.G./P.BC.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Moussawi urges cabinet take action against US embassy, confirms
allegiance to Aoun
Sun 11/12/2011 15:19
NNA - 11/12/2011 MP Nawaf Moussawi asserted Sunday the unwavering alliance with
Aoun's Bloc, and called upon cabinet to take security measures against U.S.
embassy's espionage activities.
Hezbollah claimed Saturday that CIA agents were operating from U.S. embassy. The
website of the Islamic Resistance reported that the CIA station was located
permanently in one of the embassy's buildings, where the mentioned station holds
the management and operation of wide networks of informers deployed on Lebanese
territories in various political, social, health, educational, security and
military sectors.
"It has become mandatory for security apparatuses to actively combat espionage,
and list American intelligence as hostile [against the country]," said Loyalty
to the Resistance Bloc MP. He accused the US of spying for the sake of the
Israeli enemy.
"Whoever tampers with the capabilities of the Resistance is an accomplice in
hastening the war against Lebanon," Moussawi claimed that the growing supremacy
of Hezbollah kept this war at bay.
Touching on political alliances domestically, Moussawi asserted that the
coalition with MP Michel Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement was there for the long
haul.
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Justice Minister stressing autonomy of judicial system
Sun 11/12/2011 15:14
NNA - 11/12/2011 - Minister of Justice, Shakib Qortbawi, stressed the autonomy
of the Lebanese judicial system vis-a-vis inappropriate interventions in a
public statement issued today. He predicated the guarantee of the interest of
all Lebanese on such an autonomy and added that the judicial process must remain
divorced from polarizations and debates.
He duly urged all politicians to desist from dealing with relevant judicial
files outside the courts and that judges and magistrates must do the same. The
Minister also pleaded with mainstream medias to deal sensibly with standing
judicial issues.
He concluded that proper functioning of Lebanese judicial system constitutes a
precondition for the rise of a nation-state based on justice and the rule of law
to which all Lebanese patriots must aspire.
G.G./P.BC.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - (Updated) Sixth anniversary of Gibran Tueini's assassination
Sun 11/12/2011 14:59
NNA - 11/12/2011 - Marking the sixth anniversary of the assassination of
Lebanese columnist and news-editor, Gebran Tueini, Greek-Orthodox Metropolitan
Bishop of Beirut, Elias Aoudeh, officiated over a requiem mass at Saint George's
Cathedral, Downtown Beirut.
The Bishop commended Tueini for his sacrifice saying his country held precedence
over his personal safety and well-being. Tueini died for his country for which
his life became less important, Aoudeh said.
He beseeched the Almighty One on this sad anniversary to preserve Lebanon as a
priority.
Present at the requiem mass service were members of the Tueini family and An-Nahar
daily newspaper staff in addition to leading March 14 dignitaries. Also present
were Speaker Berri representative, US Ambassadress Maura Connelly,
representatives of senior army and security top brass.
Tueini's younger daughter took the word to proclaim a bright future for Lebanon
prompted by the anniversary. She concluded that An-Nahar staff members would
carry on with Gibran's message onto the newspaper's pages till justice is done,
justice not only for Tueini but also for all those martyrs who gave their life
for liberty and the country.
G.G./P.BC.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Sixth anniversary of Gibran Tueini's assassination
Sun 11/12/2011 13:49
NNA - 11/12/2011 - Marking the sixth anniversary of the assassination of
Lebanese columnist and news-editor, Gebran Tueini, Greek-Orthodox Metropolitan
Bishop of Beirut, Elias Aoudeh, officiated over a requiem mass at Saint George's
Cathedral, Downtown Beirut.
The Bishop commended Tueini for his sacrifice saying his country held precedence
over his personal safety and well-being. Tueini died for his country for which
his life became less important, Aoudeh said.
He beseeched the Almighty One on this sad anniversary to preserve Lebanon as a
priority.
G.G./P.BC.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Hariri: Tueni's martyrdom brought Arab world closer to freedom
Sun 11/12/2011 13:37
NNA - 11/12/2011 Former PM Saad Hariri said in a statement Sunday that the loss
of Gebran Tueni has left an empty place in Lebanese national and media life,
with the only solace being that his fight for freedom is finally reaping
fruitful results in the Arab world.
Martyr Gebran Tueni was a Lebanese politician and the former editor and
publisher of An-Nahar daily newspaper. In March 2005, he contributed to the
Cedar Revolution demonstrations during which he gave the famous "In the name of
God We, Muslims and Christians, Pledge that united we shall remain to the end of
time to better defend our Lebanon" speech. In May 2005 he was elected a Member
of Parliament for the Greek Orthodox seat in Beirut on an anti-Syrian slate led
by Saad Hariri. By end of that year he was assassinated by a car bomb while on
his way to work.
"The cause of freedom, which Martyr Gebran Tueni fought for and paid the
ultimate price for, is registering unprecedented victories in the Arab world,
and opening new horizons of political work," said Hariri, "we wager on popular
awakening witnessed particularly in Syria, and carries with it the promise of an
end of a long era of dominance and corruption."
Hariri hoped that Syria would establish a civil system which encompasses all
social factions and lives up to the aspirations and sacrifices of the Syrian
people.
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Ki Moon in Lebanon January 2012
Sun 11/12/2011 13:18
NNA - 11/12/2011 - UN General Secretary, Ban Ki Moon, is to visit Lebanon
upcoming January, he officially informed Foreign Minister, Adnan Mansour, while
both attended the 4th Club of the Coalition of Cultures in Doha - Qatar.
Ki Moon and Mansour also boarded the roadside bomb attack against a UNIFIL
patrol wounding five French peacekeepers.
Mansour reiterated Lebanese government's vigorous condemnation of the attack
calling it an act of sabotage. He also said the international peacekeeping force
must remain in south Lebanon in view of its peacekeeping role.
Ki Moon for his part, appreciated the Lebanese position and also brought to
attention the Prime Minister's decision to fund the STL which translates
Lebanon's commitment to UN Resolutions.
The Foreign Minister disclosed that UN Secretary Ban Ki Moon is due in Lebanon
upcoming January 13 and 14 and that he is due to meet with Lebanese President
Michel Sleiman, House Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister, Najib Mikati in
addition to the local UNIFIL Commander in South Lebanon.
G.G./P.BC.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Rahi demands state protect citizens, UNIFIL
Sun 11/12/2011 12:10
NNA - 11/12/2011 Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rahi condemned during his Sunday
sermon attack on a UNIFIL French contingent, calling upon Lebanese government to
assume responsibility of the security of citizens and peacekeepers alike.
Five French soldiers were injured on Friday as a roadside bomb that targeted a
UNIFIL patrol in the southern city of Tyre exploded.
The Patriarch called upon the state to seriously work on eradicating illegal
arms.
"It is no longer acceptable for anyone to hold the country and its stability
hostage under any slogan or claim."
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Nahhas outraged at violence against CBL protestors
Sun 11/12/2011 11:47
NNA - 11/12/2011 Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas expressed in a statement Sunday
deep concern at violence used to crush a peaceful protest Saturday in front of
Central Bank of Lebanon (CBL), deeming the incident dangerous.
Protestors rallied in Beirut Saturday in objection to deteriorating economic
situation and skyrocketing prices of all commodities. Having taken the
permission of Interior Minister to rally in Hamra in front of CBL, the
protestors were surprised by fierce crackdown on their demonstration by security
forces acting without orders from the ministry.
Nahhas voiced support for the rightful social claims of the Lebanese people.
"The state apologizes to citizens for acts that harmed it as much as it harmed
them."
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Harb holds on to Cedars Revolution principles
Sun 11/12/2011 11:29
NNA - 11/12/2011 In a statement Sunday to Voice of Lebanon radio, MP Boutros
Harb clutched to the basic values of the Cedars Revolution of 2005.
The MP made his comments on the sixth memoriam of Gebran Tueni, a journalist and
politician who actively voiced out his anti-Syrian occupation stances and
support for Cedars Revolution. Tueni was assassinated in 2005.
"The main achievements of the Cedars Revolution are withdrawal of Syrian army
[from Lebanese territories], setting justice through the Special Tribunal, and
confirming Christian-Muslim unity," said Harb.
The MP was quite disappointed that investigation in Tuein's assassination was
not productive. "We hope investigations uncover identity of real perpetrators
whoever they are."
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All rights
reserved
Politics - Aridi: Politicians are held responsible for current conditions
Sat 10/12/2011 22:32
NNA - 10/12/2011 - Public Works and Transportation Minister, Ghazi Aridi,
considered that amidst the "Arab Spring" and the changes witnessed in the
region, Lebanon ought to focus on protecting its liberty and democracy, as well
as preserving its press, "free word" and the right to differ in opinion. He
added that it is the state's politicians, and not the media, that ought to be
held responsible for the current prevailing conditions in the country. He
indicated, herein, that Lebanon's spring cannot be preserved and refurbished
except through renewing the political approach to various matters.
Aridi's words came during the Press Club's annual dinner banquet held yesterday
at "Le Royal" Hotel in Dbayeh. The dinner banquet was dedicated to honoring
three prominent media figures, namely Press Syndicate Head, Mohamad Baalbaki; TV
Producer Simon Asmar and Caricature Artist Pierre Sadek. Aridi praised the
important achievements and valuable media accomplishments by the three honored
figures. He also shed light in his word on the media's role in Lebanon, valuing
its contribution to the country's rise; in addition to deep-rooting the ambience
of freedom and democracy in Lebanon.
Aridi attended the event on behalf of President of the Republic, General Michel
Sleiman; House Speaker, Nabih Berry, and Prime Minister, Najib Meqati. A number
of deputies and media, social, political, intellectual, cultural and military
figures were also present at the dinner ceremony.
R.Sh.
© NNA 2011 All rights
reserved
Politics - Meqati: False witnesses' dossier exists and shall be approached at
the right time
Sat 10/12/2011 21:24
NNA - 10/12/2011 - Prime Minister, Najib Meqati, stressed Saturday that the
false witnesses' dossier related to the late PM Rafic Hariri's assassination
crime does exist and shall be tackled at the right time. He added, herein, that
the first person to mention the false witnesses issue was former PM Saad Hariri;
hence, he noted that said dossier has already been opened, awaiting the suitable
time for being tackled. He pointed out to a number of judicial matters related
to the justice body which ought to be sorted out in this respect.
Speaking in a special interview to "Al-Jazeera" Satellite Channel, PM Meqati
described the situation in Lebanon as being delicate; thus, the government has
adopted an impartial and neutral policy for the sake Lebanon's overall national
interest. He added that the Lebanese government harbors keen concern for the
Arab unanimous decisions, and is sure of the Arab states' understanding of
Lebanon's stands as well. He added that the Arab states are well aware of
Lebanon's delicate position, whereby the Lebanese government wishes to protect
Lebanon from any repercussions resulting from conditions inside Syria.
Furthermore, he indicated that the government is also trying to avoid being
forced into taking stands with or against Syria.
Responding to a question regarding any possible effect by the enforced Arab
League sanctions on Syria, Meqati indicated that Lebanon is not affected by said
sanctions.
Regarding the Lebanese-Syrian borders, Meqati stated that controlling said
borders is to both Lebanon and Syria's benefit. However, he pointed out that
issue of Syrian citizens seeking refuge in Lebanon is an utterly humanitarian
matter and is being approached from a humanitarian perspective.
Responding to another question regarding his previous resignation threat if
Lebanon's portion in financing the STL is not aaproved, Meqati noted that the
resignation is not an aim as much as being a manner of expressing a strong stand
to be adopted in case of failure to approve said funding. He added that the
International Tribunal has been established for the sake of truth and justice,
stressing that he can never stand as an obstacle in the face of justice.
However, he expressed rejection of any politicization of the Tribunal
whatsoever.
Over the cabinet situation, PM Meqati considered that the Lebanese government
has ventured into a new phase. Accordingly, he urged all cabinet ministers to
work on the projects promised to the people during the past year, imploring them
to remain focused on the overall national benefit.
R.Sh.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Kassem: American Intelligence structure is exposed
Sat 10/12/2011 19:47
NNA - 10/12/2011 - Hizbollah Deputy Secretary General, Sheikh Naim Kassem,
disclosed Saturday that the information unveiled by the Party regarding the
American Intelligence is part of a whole set of information it possesses. He
stressed herein that the US Intelligence structure is now exposed. He added that
Hizbollah is following-up on a number of sensitive dossiers in Lebanon, most
prominent of which is the American Intelligence dossier.
Kassem continued to indicate that Hizbollah is tackling the US Intelligence
issue due to its interception with the work of the Israeli enemy and its agents.
He added that whoever fails to criticize the Israeli violations against Lebanon
is held responsible for maintaining silence towards such attacks and violations,
whereas the resistance is playing the role of the defender against said attacks.
Kassem went on to stress that the resistance movement denotes the present and
the future, and has accorded Lebanon a new meaning and value as being a "strong
and pioneering country" in the region.
Kassem's words came during a memorial ceremony held at Shamseddine Compound in
Shatila, Beirut.
R.Sh.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Baabda Palace itinerants
Sat 10/12/2011 17:46
NNA - 10/12/2011 - Arab Social Affairs Ministers paid Lebanese President Michel
Sleiman a courtesy visit following their wrapping up their 31st conference in
Beirut.
Speaking in their name, Minister Wael Abou Faour, reiterated support for social
affairs which he described as the paramount mainstay of democracy. He added that
democracy is the gate way to social justice.
Abou Faour noted that the Arab World thanks to data technology breakthroughs
finds itself working for the immunization of democracy since this proved to be
the most ideal system for guaranteeing liberty and justice.
In his welcoming address, President Sleiman urged a return to a wider Arab
concept rather than seeking refuge in religious sub-sectarian denominations. The
President also stressed need for upholding religious, moral and social values.
The President has been briefed by Minister Abou Faour over latest developments
pertaining to work at his respective ministry.
G.G./P.BC.
© NNA 2011 All rights
reserved
Politics - Qortbawi for opening file of missing
Sat 10/12/2011 16:15
NNA - 10/12/2011 - Minister of Justice, Shakib Qortbawi, favored the opening of
the file of missing Lebanese during long years of civil war and conflict.
Taking the word at the Downtown Pavilion of the Missing in presence of members
of Human Rights Organization SOLID, Qortbawi regarded the issue of those missing
as a primarily humanitarian cause; it could be arguably patriotic but
non-political.
He met with relatives of those missing who brought to his attention that they
were not thus far checked out by any other minister.
Qortbawi's visit to the tent coincided with visits by Hikmat Dib, a Aounist MP
and EU Representative Maria Sanchez. The Three of them held a press conference
marking the annual Declaration of Universal Human Rights.
MP Dib for his part, insisted on knowing the fate not just of those who went
missing in Syria rather than in Lebanon as well.
Qortbawi for his part favored the drafting of a law project giving those who
went missing their full rights and concluded that their file must be opened wide
in order to be able to turn the page of the missing once and for all. He called
on all parties concerned to work together in order to draft such a law.
© NNA 2011 All rights
reserved
Politics - Grand Serail updates
Sat 10/12/2011 15:45
NNA - 10/12/2011 - Grand Serail itinerant visitors today included
Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Ghadanfar Roknabadi who briefed waiting
newsmen about outcome of today's visit.
Among others, Roknabadi regarded the downing of a US pilotless spy drone
as a clear provocation with grave consequences for regional security and
international peace.
Roknabadi added that world stability and national unity could not be
achieved without having western forces leave the region altogether and
non-interfering in its affairs. He reiterated Islamic Republic's backing
to good causes around the world including that of Lebanon's.
Norwegian Ambassador to Lebanon, Svein Aass, reviewed bilateral
relations with the Prime Minister during a stopover at the Grand Serail
today.
Public Works' Minister Ghazi Aridi, who came next to the Serail, briefed
PM over work at his ministry and presented him with a copy of his book
on "Palestine; a right that does not die."
A delegation of the Lebanese Academy for Sciences headed by George Bahr
extended an invitation to him to attend its opening meeting between the
21st and 24th of January.
Also under the patronage of PM Mikati, an opera recital was given by the
Swiss Embassy and the Lebanese Swiss Association with Opera singer Jan
Luka Pasolini, soprano singer, Veronique Mercier who sang works from
Rossini, Puccini, Donizetti, Gounod and Verdi. Leading members of the
diplomatic corps, politicians and dignitaries were invited.
G.G./P.BC.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Sleiman returns from Armenia to Beirut
Sat 10/12/2011 15:28
NNA - 10/12/2011 President Michel Sleiman arrived Saturday to Beirut after a
three day official visit to Armenia, whereby he confirmed the integral part
Armenians play in Lebanon.
A final visit to the Armenian presidential palace today was an occasion for
Sleiman to thank President Serzh Sargsyan for his hospitality. Both men agreed
to enhance bilateral ties and put into effect signed agreements.
Afterwards, the President and his First Lady visited Yerevan Brandy Company, the
leading enterprise of Armenia for the production of alcoholic beverages. Sleiman
unveiled a plate placed on a brandy barrel with the name of President Sleiman
carved on it, a custom at the Company whenever a high ranking official visits.
Catholicos Karekin II, head of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church, also had an
audience with the President before his departure back to Lebanon.
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Rahi meets Vatican delegation
Sat 10/12/2011 15:06
NNA - 10/12/2011 Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rahi met Saturday a delegation from
the Vatican that visited him at Bkirky accompanied by Ambassador of the
Sovereign Order of Malta, the Republic of San Marino.
The delegation thanked Rahi's support in the ceremony presenting the Arabic
version of the book of Pope Benedict XVI, titled "Light of the World." The book
was launched in Beirut Arab International Book Fair, and the Catholic
Information Center.
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Ain Tineh itinerant visitors and activities today
Sat 10/12/2011 14:42
NNA - 10/12/2011 - Visiting Algerian Minister for Solidarity, Saed Barakat, and
Ambassador Ibrahim Hasi held talks with House Speaker Nabih Berri and senior
Amal aides at Ain Tineh residence today with talks reportedly focusing on the
current political juncture. Both sides also explored venues for promoted
bilateral relations.
Philippine ambassadress to Lebanon Leah B. Ruiz came on a courtesy visit to Ain
Tineh where she was received by senior Amal aide Ali Hamdan. No further
disclosures as to meeting's outcome were made.
© NNA 2011 All rights
reserved
Politics - Qahwaji, Mouawad survey developments
Sat 10/12/2011 14:33
NNA - 10/12/2011 Army Commander, General Jean Qahwaji, met Saturday at his
Yarzeh office with former MP Nayla Mouawad to discuss current events.
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Geagea accuses some political parties of sabotaging democracy
Sat 10/12/2011 14:25
NNA - 10/12/2011 Lebanese Forces (LF) Leader Samir Geagea accused Saturday
certain political parties of attempting to hijack the country and send it on a
downward spiral of instability which did not serve the benefit of Lebanese or
their state.
Geagea made his speech to an audience of political, social and economic figures
who attended the first annual conference of liberal professions in Mehrab under
the title, "Free Profession for a Free Country."
"What we are witnessing under rule of current cabinet is an undermining of
democratic foundations upon which Lebanese system was built," said the veteran
politician.
"These people are risking the fate of the majority of Lebanese, against their
will, for the sake of regional alliances that do not benefit Lebanon or the
Lebanese." Geagea described the economic unrest along with shaky security as a
byproduct of this policy, bringing to light recent events in Zahrani electric
plant and repeated attacks on UNIFIL troops.
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Mikati: UNIFIL and army continue to work together
Sat 10/12/2011 13:49
NNA - 10/12/2011 PM Najib Mikati asserted the government's determination to
intensify cooperation between the Lebanese army and UNIFIL despite recent attack
on the peacekeeping forces, and addressed the controversial salary hike issue
during the opening session of the 31 round of the Council of Arab Social Affairs
Ministers at the Movenpick hotel in Beirut.
A roadside bomb targeting a patrol by a French contingent in Tyre Friday led to
the injury of five soldiers.
"We requested the security forces speed up their investigation to uncover the
perpetrators," the PM said.
Mikati also addressed a recent decision to raise salaries of public and private
sector employees, "The cabinet's approval of the wage hike is the maximum that
the government could do amid the economic circumstances the country is
experiencing."
The suggested raise fell short of all workers' aspirations, and failed to
satisfy the General Labor Confederation (GLC) which called for a meeting Monday
to decide on a date for a general strike.
"The status-quo forces us not to take measures that would negatively affect
employees," he added.
Mikati stressed that the government's commitment to social issues goes hand in
hand with the protection of national consensus, highlighting the significance of
UN resolution 1701, "which Israel continues to violate."
"This won't stop Lebanon from holding onto its right to liberate its land."
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Minister Nahas for parity between ministers
Sat 10/12/2011 13:33
NNA - 10/12/2011 - Trade and Economy Minister, Nicolas Nahas, favored parity
between cabinet ministers belonging to the same political team.
Interviewed on As-Sharq (Orient) radio station today, the Minister urged
coherence and harmony between constituents of the same cabinet. He duly rejected
the idea of one group scoring points against the other.
Nahas defended official Lebanese distancing itself from Arab sanctions imposed
on Syria arguing that Lebanon has specificities routed in its geopolitical
situation. This includes of course, not antagonizing any neighbors.
While stressing adherence to so-called Arab consensus, Nahas stressed need not
to intervene in Syrian affairs in anyway.
On his approach to rectify wages, he urged colleagues to take their ample time
to study his motion. The Minister spoke about the need to work for high national
interest but stressed need for boarding all contentious files through dialogue
and this is where Lebanon's future lies, he exclaimed.
G.G./P.BC.
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Politics - Daouk, Ambassador of Lebanon to Sudan convene
Sat 10/12/2011 13:32
NNA - 10/12/2011 Information Minister Walid Daouk met Saturday at his
ministerial office in Beirut with Ambassador of Lebanon to Sudan, Ahmad Shammat,
with talks focusing on bilateral ties.
Shammat told reporters after the meeting that he invited Daouk to visit Sudan
and overview the situation of Lebanese community in the African country. The
Ambassador also highlighted cultural and media exchange between both countries.
R.Z.
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Politics - Mansour condemns attack on UNIFIL
Sat 10/12/2011 13:17
NNA - 10/12/2011 - Commenting on yesterday's bomb attack on UNIFIL, Foreign
Minister Adnan Mansour currently on a state visit to Yerevan/ Armenia described
it as a criminal act. He condemned it vigorously exclaiming that it was not just
targeting UNIFIL rather than Lebanese security and stability as a whole.
He well-wished peacekeepers injured in the bomb blast speedy recovery and highly
commended the French contingent for its peacekeeping role within the framework
of UNIFIL.
G.G./P.BC.
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Politics - Layyoun: No jumping to conclusions!
Sat 10/12/2011 13:06
NNA - 10/12/2011 - Minister of Culture Gabi Layyoun, cautioned against jumping
to conclusions with regards to yesterday's bomb-attack on a UNIFIL patrol in Tyr
which left 5 French peace-keepers injured.
The minister and, in an interview on Voice of Lebanon radio station, indicated
that "religious-fundamentalist and intelligence-sponsored groupuscules seeking
to destabilize the country could be responsible. With reference to the
implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, deals with
conspicuously-sanctioned weapons but fails to synchronize highly-mobile weaponry
all over Lebanese territory.
He expressed surprise at PM Miqati's proposed wage-rectification bill as well as
disappointing attitude of certain supposed allies. Layyoun however noted that
minister Charbel Nahhas's own version of wage-correction has not been given
ample chance at the regular cabinet session when apparently counteracted by
Miqati's which passed thanks to a vote of confidence.
The minister accused colleagues of remaining captive to old style-work with
Miqati still working through "private-sector channels with the net result that
workers' rights became effectively bypassed." He duly ruled out imminent
resignations tendered in by Aounist ministers.
On the Syrian crises, he backed regime-inspired reforms which he deemed positive
and condemned what he termed as "oppositionists targeting of soldiers and
perpetrating widespread violence."
The minister vowed to develop his own ministry through appropriate decrees bound
to place it on the right track.
G.G./P.BC.
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Politics - Sleiman in Armenia: Lebanon will defend its natural resources
Sat 10/12/2011 10:54
NNA - 10/12/2011 President Michel Sleiman, currently on an official visit to
Armenia, said Friday that Lebanon plans to defend its right to use and benefit
from its natural resources of gas and oil found in its territorial waters,
without any obstacles.
President of Armenia Serge Sarkissian held a dinner party in honor of Sleiman
and his First Lady, at the presidential palace in Yerevan.
Sleiman also stressed the importance of improving the Armenian-Lebanese
relations in various fields, including political and humanitarian, emphasizing
"the role that the Lebanese-Armenian can play in this context."
"The fact that our country has managed to avoid the global financial crisis and
sustain security of the banking system has a lot to do with maintaining
stability in Lebanon," he said.
Sleiman also loaded the French soldiers involved in UNIFIL and highly deplored
the explosion which attacked a patrol of the French contingent Friday in Tyre,
injuring a number of soldiers.
Armenian President Serge Sarkisian, for his part, said the Lebanese-Armenian
bilateral relations were "rich," adding he wished to preserve and "deepen
cooperation on all levels."
R.Z.
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Politics - Pietton: France insists on UNIFIL mission
Fri 9/12/2011 21:53
NNA - 09/12/2011 French embassy in Lebanon announced Friday France's persistence
on continuing its UNIFIL mission.
Four French peacekeeping soldiers were injured today in an explosion which
targeted their patrol east of Tyre, South Lebanon.
"We cannot accuse anyone of this attack," said Ambassador Denis Pietton,
"Lebanese authorities took certain measurers, which cannot be dealt with
loosely."
R.Z.
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Politics - Cabinet denounces UNIFIL attack, focuses on border control
Fri 9/12/2011 21:33
NNA - 09/12/2011 Cabinet held a regular session Friday at the Grand Serail
whereby it condemned attack on UNIFIL and asserted need for border control,
Minister Walid Daouk told reporters following the meeting.
Four French soldiers and a Lebanese civilian were wounded today when a bomb went
off near a UNIFIL patrol in east of Tyre. The bomb targeted a French contingent
patrol which operates under the UNIFIL command in south Lebanon.
Information Minister Daouk stated that PM Najib Mikati contacted President
Michel Sleiman, currently on an official visit to Armenia, to discuss the events
in the southern city. Both men agreed that these terror tactics were meant to
dither the work of the UNIFIL in a bid to force them out of Lebanon. Daouk
confirmed Mikati's stance that said attack would not shake the work of the
UNIFIL or the stability of the country.
An extensive security meeting was held this morning to discuss border control.
Mikati was resolute that the security situation at the border and prevention of
any type of infiltration and smuggling, especially the prevention of arms
smuggling and illegal entry into Lebanese territory, was the responsibility of
the Lebanese state through its security forces; and, Lebanon insisted on
handling this matter firmly and effectively.
Minister Daouk affirmed that the session was calm and smooth with a number of
decisions put into order. However, the cabinet did not discuss administrative
appointments.
Among the decisions taken in today's session:
Equipping the tourist police and filling vacant positions at the Ministry of
Tourism.
Accepting a donation from the European Commission to fund a project to develop
national capacity in the field of security and stability.
Approving a draft for regional cooperation project for the development of water
resources management.
R.Z.
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Politics - Caccia: Holy See work anchors Christian presence in East
Fri 9/12/2011 19:53
NNA - 09/12/2011 - Apostolic Nuncio Gabriel Caccia confirmed to an Orthodox
Gathering delegation Friday that The Holy See was endeavoring to anchor the
presence of Christians in the East.
Talks reportedly discussed the Christians' situation in the Middle East,
particularly in Lebanon, in the light of changes currently sweeping the Arab
region.
The delegation, comprising Lawyer Michel Tueini, former deputy House Speaker,
Elie Ferzli, and other dignitaries, also explained to Caccia the gathering's
proposed electoral project law.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Ghosn visits French wounded soldiers on behalf of Sleiman
Fri 9/12/2011 19:43
NNA - 09/12/2011 - Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn, at the behest of Lebanese
President Michel Sleiman, had been to Hammoud Hospital in Saida Friday to check
on the four soldiers wounded during an attack on UNIFIL patrol this morning.
A bomb went off this morning near a French peacekeeping patrol operating under
the UNIFIL Command in the South between the towns of Housh and Burj al-Shamali
(east Tyre). Four French soldiers and a Lebanese civilian were slightly injured.
Ghosn, in a statement to reporters, denounced the explosion, calling it "an
attack against Lebanon, its stability and security."
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Marada calls for swift probe into UNIFIL attack
Fri 9/12/2011 19:16
NNA - 9/12/2011 - Marada Movement on Friday lambasted an explosion near a UNIFIL
patrol in Naba'a area located between Housh and Burj al Shamali towns east of
Tyre early this morning.
The Movement called for an immediate investigation into the incident.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Asarta confirms UNIFIL's determination to fulfill 1701
Fri 9/12/2011 19:15
NNA - 09/12/2011 UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas
condemned Friday's explosion targeting UNIFIL peacekeepers in Tyre, south
Lebanon, maintaining that the resolve of his forces is stronger now after the
attack, a UNIFIL Press statement said.
"On 9 December, a UNIFIL vehicle traveling on a road at the southern outskirts
of the city of Tyr was targeted by an explosion.
Five peacekeepers were injured. They were treated at the location and were later
evacuated for further medical treatment.
We condemn this attack in the strongest terms. This vile and despicable act not
only aims to cause harm to the peacekeepers but also to undermine the stability
and peace that have been prevailing in the south.
In the aftermath of this attack, UNIFIL's determination and commitment to the
mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701 is even stronger. We will not
be diverted from our tasks and we remain focused in our efforts to fulfill our
mandate together with the Lebanese Armed Forces. At the same time, it is
imperative that the perpetrators of this attack are identified and brought to
justice.
UNIFIL's forensics and investigation teams were dispatched to the location and
are working in close cooperation with their counterparts in the Lebanese Army to
determine all the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.
This is the third direct attack against UNIFIL this year. Two UNIFIL logistics
convoys were targeted by road-side bombs on the coastal road near the city of
Saida in May and July."
R.Z.
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Politics - Siniora condemns attack on UNIFIL
Fri 9/12/2011 18:47
NNA - 09/12/2011 - Former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora condemned on Friday the
terrorist attack against the UNIFIL contingent in Tyre. He explained that the
action aimed to destabilize the security condition in Lebanon, particularly in
the South which has generally been calm since the issuance of UN Security
Council Resolution 1701 in 2006.
Separately, Siniora received at his office in Sadat Tower the Emirati Ambassador
Youssof Ussaimi, with talks featuring high on recent developments at the local,
regional and international scene.
A.M./P.BC.
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Politics - LF lashes out at attack on UNIFIL
Fri 9/12/2011 18:13
NNA - 9/12/2011 - A blast near a UNIFIL French patrol in east Tyre Friday
morning drew sharp backlash of Lebanese Forces, who said the explosion targeted
Lebanon's stability and security.
A statement by the LF press office echoed the party's strong belief that the
presence of armed yet illegitimate groups hiding behind the
Army-Resistance-People motto-in an indirect reference to Hezbollah- indeed paved
the way for similar security incidents and provided cover, weapons, and
necessary funding.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Sleiman: targeting UNIFIL aims to re-stir terrorism
Fri 9/12/2011 17:25
NNA - 09/12/2011 - Lebanese President Michel Sleiman condemned the
terrorist operation occurring early Friday against the UNIFIL French
contingent in Tyre, considering it to imbue the aim of withdrawing said
force from Lebanon and re-stirring terrorism across the country.
Sleiman condemnation came Friday after meeting with the Armenian
President Serge Sarkissian at the Armenian Presidential Palace in
Yerevan.
The Lebanese President assured that the International Community would
not allow the recommencement of terrorism and that France would not
yield to the pressures aiming to withdraw its peacekeeping troops from
Lebanon. After all, he explained, France paid enough sacrifices for the
sake of peace in Lebanon and the world.
Sleiman also affirmed that the Lebanese Security Forces were executing
strict investigation into the cruel incident, for the purpose of
catching hold of the culprits and preventing the occurrence of similar
actions in the future. He said he already called Prime Minister Najib
Mikati, Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn and Lebanese Army Chief General
Jean Kahwaji, giving them necessary directions in this concern.
Sleiman pointed out the necessity for continuing efforts to find a fair
and permanent solution to the Middle East Cause - with the Palestinian
subject at the core of it - on the bases of international legitimacy,
Madrid Conference reference and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Sarkissian, for his part, said Lebanon had a special role with respect
to Armenia, as it [Lebanon] had throughout history the virtue of
receiving Armenian citizens evacuated from their homeland after the
Ottoman massacres.
A.M./P.BC.
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Politics - Safadi denounces attack on UNIFIL
Fri 9/12/2011 17:20
NNA - 9/12/2011 - Minister of Finance, Mohammad Safadi, on Friday
sternly denounced an attack on the French peacekeeping contingent
earlier this morning in Tyre.
A bomb went off early this morning near a UNIFIL patrol in Naba'a area
located between Housh and Burj al Shamali towns east of Tyre, causing
light injuries to four peacekeeping soldiers and a Lebanese civilian.
"These forces are present on the Lebanese territories to help the
Lebanese Army prevail legitimate authority and anchor stability," said
Safadi.
"Any attack on the UNIFIL is tantamount an attack on Lebanon's
security," he added.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Iranian, Russian, Chinese diplomats review Mideast developments
Fri 9/12/2011 16:32
NNA - 9/12/2011 - Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, Ghazanfar Roknabadi, on Friday
reviewed most recent developments in the Mideast region with his Russian and
Chinese counterparts.
A statement by the Iranian embassy said Roknabadi had maintained that the US and
Israeli schemes, aimed to target the Syrian regime, were doomed to flop.
For their part, Russian and Chinese ambassadors to Lebanon reiterated their
countries' rejection of any foreign interference and pressure on other states,
namely on Iran and Syria.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Hezbollah slams attack on UNIFIL
Fri 9/12/2011 16:15
NNA - 9/12/2011 - Hezbollah sternly condemned Friday the attack on a
peacekeeping contingent in the South, saying it [the attack] targeted
the security and stability of Lebanon in general and the South in
particular.
A bomb went off early this morning near a UNIFIL patrol in Naba'a area
located between Housh and Burj al Shamali towns east of Tyre, causing
light injuries to four peacekeeping soldiers and a Lebanese civilian.
The blast is believed to be targeting the French contingent operating
within the UNIFIL command.
The party called, in a statement, the Lebanese security apparatuses to
endeavor so as to curb such aggressions.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Iranian diplomat sounds alarm on US provocations
Fri 9/12/2011 16:10
NNA - 9/12/2011 - Iranian ambassador, Ghazanfar Roknabadi, on Friday
said US provocations and aggressions were jeopardy to peace in the
region and worldwide, at the backdrop of what Iran had termed as a US
violation of its airspace.
Iran's military said Sunday it had shot down a US reconnaissance drone
in eastern Iran, while a US official said there was no indication the
aircraft had been gunned down. But Iran's state-run television broadcast
a two-minute video Thursday of the drone as being inspected by military
officials.
Speaking to journalists in the wake of his meeting today with House
Speaker, Nabih Berri, in Ain-el-Tineh, Roknabadi said the incident
showed that Iran's technology was growing more advanced than that of the
US.
The diplomat added that Iran had dispatched official warrants in
objection to the many violations it had detected in the past, stressing
that the Americans were trying to prove their military presence in the
region, incompliantly with international pacts and principles of
peaceful relations among countries in the world.
Iran has announced several times in the past that it brought down US,
Israeli, or British drones. But the incidents did not prompt
high-profile retaliations.
Turning to Syria, the ambassador maintained that the situation in this
nation was improving day by day, noting less stern western-made
positions in this respect.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran upholds, just like the majority of Syrian
citizens, claims of reforms under the auspices of President Bashar
Assad," he said.
On the other hand, Speaker Berri met today at his residence in
Ain-el-Tineh Sidon Jaafarite Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Osseiran.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Charbel orders security for preventing local tension
Fri 9/12/2011 15:34
NNA - 9/1/011- Interior and Municipalities Minister Marwan Charbel ordered for
taking strict security measures to prevent any transformation into tension at
the Lebanese arena.
Charbel's order came Friday after condemning the explosion which occurred today
9:30 AM against the UNIFIL contingent in Tyre.
"Any attack on UNIFIL targets Lebanon and the Lebanese," said Charbel.
A.M/N.AF
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Politics - Daouk meets Lombardo, Tanase
Fri 9/12/2011 15:29
NNA - 09/12/2011- Information Minister Walid Daouk received on Friday at his
office UNRWA's Director General in Lebanon Salvatore Lombardo, with talks
featuring high on UNRWA's activities in the context of ameliorating the
condition of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.
Separately, Daouk received the Romanian Ambassador Daniel Tanase.
A.M./P.BC.
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Politics - Ghosn meets with Abu Saeed
Fri 9/12/2011 15:25
NNA - 09/12/2011- Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn received on Friday at his office
the Ambassador of the International Human Rights and the Deputy in the
Parliament of International Security and Peace, Haitham Abou Saeed. Talks
focused on the issue pertaining to arms smuggling from Lebanon into Syria.
Abu Saeed invited the Minister to a conference which will take place next year.
The conference will be related to the future condition of human rights in the
Middle East region.
A.M./P.BC.
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Politics - Qassem Hashem condemns UNIFIL attack
Fri 9/12/2011 15:16
NNA - 9/12/2011 - Today's attack on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
earned sharp rebuke from Qassem Hashem, Member of the Liberation and Development
parliamentary bloc.
A bomb went off early this morning near a UNIFIL patrol in Naba'a area located
between Housh and Burj al Shamali towns east of Tyre, causing light injuries to
four peacekeeping soldiers and a Lebanese civilian. The blast is believed to be
targeting the French contingent operating within the UNIFIL command.
Hashem said the explosion targeted stability in the South and served Israel.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Amal movement: Attack against UNIFIL coward act
Fri 9/12/2011 15:16
NNA - 9/12/2011 Amal movement denounced Friday the attack held against UNIFIL
patrol in Tyre.
The movement deemed such an act as "coward" and said it targeted Lebanon's
security and stability.
L.W.
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Politics - Mokheibir: Tyre explosion targets Lebanon's security
Fri 9/12/2011 14:46
NNA - 9/12/2011 MP Ghassan Mokheibir Friday stated that Tyre explosion targets
Lebanon's security and stability.
Mokheibir uttered strong disapproval of the explosion against the UNIFIL French
contingent patrol, calling herein on competent authorities to investigate the
incident and reveal perpetrators' identity.
Also, the MP hoped a soon recovery for wounded and confirmed Lebanon's holding
on to 1701.
L.W.
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Politics - Qabalan for giving the laborers their merits
Fri 9/12/2011 14:43
NNA - 09/12/2011 - Deputy head of the Islamic Shiite Supreme Council, Sheikh
Abdul Amir Qabalan, urged the Lebanese government to give the Lebanese laborers
what they deserved of their rights.
Qabalan's demand came on Friday in the context of his weekly sermon.
Sheikh Qabalan addressed the Lebanese to unite together and cast off every sort
of corruption and tension, because Lebanon is in dire need for the solidarity of
its people so as to preserve local stability and security.
A.M>
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Politics - Rahi meets Hariri's advisor, utters will to meet former PM
Fri 9/12/2011 14:42
NNA - 9/12/2011 Maronite Patriarch Mar Beshara Rahi Friday conveyed willingness
to meet with former Premier Saad Hariri, during his encounter with Hariri's
advisor Dr. Daoud Sayegh.
Rahi deemed the meeting as necessary to guarantee efficient dialogue for
Lebanon's sake especially within ongoing sturdy circumstances.
The Patriarch also met with the Boushrieh mosque Imam, Sheikh Mohammad Ali Hajj
Al-Amili.
Talks touched on the Christian-Islamic joint activity aiming at reinforcing
coexistence atmosphere.
Also, Rahi went over the latest up-to-dates during his meeting with MP Simon Abi
Ramiya.
L.W.
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Politics - Aoun meets French candidate Smida
Fri 9/12/2011 14:40
NNA - 9/12/2011 French parliamentary elections candidate, Patricia Smida, Friday
visited MP Michel Aoun in Rabieh within her tour to meet with Lebanese senior
officials.
Smida, who is of Lebanese origins, urged French residents as well as Lebanese
people of French origins, to enroll their names in the French Consulate's
electoral lists so as to practice their right to vote.
"I defend the non-payment tax cause which shall be imposed on French residing
aboard," she said.
Besides, Aoun received former Deputy Moustafa Hussein.
In the wake of today's explosion that has targeted UNIFIL patrol, Aoun uttered
stern rejection and called on those to hold any objection to the forces'
presence in Lebanon to express their opinion publicly and through peaceful
means.
L.W.
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Politics - Charbel orders security for preventing local tension
Fri 9/12/2011 14:38
NNA - 9/1/011- Interior and Municipalities Minister Marwan Charbel ordered for
taking strict security measures to prevent any transformation into tension at
the Lebanese area.
Charbel's order came Friday after condemning the explosion which occurred today
9:3 AM against the UNIFIL contingent in Tyre.
"Any attack on UNIFIL targets Lebanon and the Lebanese," said Charbel.
A.M/N.AF
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Politics - Berri lambasts targeting UNIFIL, national security
Fri 9/12/2011 14:35
NNA - 9/12/2011 - Speaker of the House, Nabih Berri, on Friday termed the
explosion which targeted a UNIFIL patrol today as "terrorist" and said it aimed
at rendering Lebanon in general and the South in particular a perturbed and
irking area.
A bomb went off early this morning near a UNIFIL patrol in Naba'a area located
between Housh and Burj al Shamali towns east of Tyre, causing light injuries to
four peacekeeping soldiers and a Lebanese civilian. The blast is believed to be
targeting the French contingent operating within the UNIFIL command.
Berri reckoned that the explosion was part of a serial targeting the
"international witness" tasked to confirm [Lebanon's] full implementation of
UNSC resolution 1701.
"This explosion, in all its perspectives and upshots, indeed serves Israel," a
statement by the Speaker read.
Berri called herein the Lebanese Army and security institutions to multiply
efforts to uncover the identity of the authors of "the organized terrorist
crimes."
R.A.H.
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Politics - Qabbani condemns attack against UNIFIL
Fri 9/12/2011 13:46
NNA - 09/12/2011 - Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Muhammad Rachid
Qabbani, condemned on Friday the criminal action against the UNIFIL contingent
in Tyre which took place today at 09:30 AM.
Qabbani said the action aimed to destabilize the security situation in the
country.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Mikati chairs broad security gathering, condemns UNIFIL explosion
Fri 9/12/2011 12:22
NNA - 9/12/2011 Prime Minister Najib Mikati Friday voiced stern disapproval of
the explosion targeting the UNIFIL French contingent in Tyre.
The Lebanese Premier chaired an broad security gathering at the Grand Serail
aimed at tackling Lebanese Borders' Control issue in presence of Ministers of
Defense and Interior, Army Commander, General Security Director, ISF General
Director, and other concerned officials.
"This attack does not solely target UNIFIL but it tampers with the Lebanese
people's security," Mikati said and stressed the Lebanese people and
government's solidarity with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
Mikati also asserted that such attacks shall not affect UNIFIL's work nor shall
it influence 1701 implementation.
L.W.
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Politics - Houry: Syrian factor prevents cabinet collapse
Fri 9/12/2011 11:58
NNA - 9/12/2011 - "Future" bloc member Deputy Ammar Houry stressed that
the basic element which is preventing the cabinet's collapse is the
Syrian factor which is seeking to preserve it since it protects the
regime's interests at this specific moment.
"Syrian supporter grants the current cabinet a limited space to move
without exceeding the red lines", the MP added on Friday to Voice of
Lebanon" radio.
Houry said that the contradictions that exist among the current cabinet
were expected from most of the Lebanese, reminding of the way this
cabinet was formed.
Houry stressed that the opposition stands by the demands of the Labor
Union which supports livelihood circumstances, adding "Labors have the
right to improve their livelihood situation".
A.A.M
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Politics - Labor Minister: real wage increase is "Reform and Change" target
Fri 9/12/2011 11:34
NNA - 9/12/2011- Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas said that State Shoura Council
might nullify the new decision of wage increase just as it annulled the previous
one because it carries the same flaws.
Speaking to "Voice of Lebanon" radio station, Nahhas reminded that the last wage
increase was in 1996, pointing out that all wage increases since 1995 until now
had been illegal.
Commenting on Hizbullah's educational committee support to the call for
demonstration and strike, Nahhas considered that the step came within the frame
of responding to popular remarks.
He pointed out that "Change and Reform" bloc would study all the cabinet's
sessions before assembly to decide whether to take part in them or not,
stressing that the bloc's target is currently fulfilling people's demand so as
the wage increase would be real without any basic flaws. He added that wages
should be under control and health coverage, funded by taxes, should be provided
to all Lebanese.
Nahhas explained that this step came within the frame of the economic regime
structural adjustment which would also create new work opportunities for the
young Lebanese to prevent them from immigration.
Commenting on the increase of gasoline and fuel prices, Nahhas pointed out that
studies are taking place to find a suitable formula to treat that issue.
L.Y.R/N.AF
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Politics - Aswad: Free Patriotic bloc is besieged
Fri 9/12/2011 10:37
NNA - 9/12/2011 - "Change and Reform" bloc member Deputy Ziad Aswad said
that his bloc is besieged and some persons don't want it to succeed.
Commenting on the birth of a new quintuple alliance in face of FPM, the
MP said "I don't think we have reached to this stage or Hizbullah is in
confrontation with FPM".
Responding on Friday to "Voice of Lebanon"-Freedom and Dignity radio to
a question whether his bloc will participate in Friday's cabinet
session, the MP stressed "boycotting is not required and not a goal".
The MP pointed out that the solution which was approved in the cabinet
session concerning wage increases bounced back on them with a ball of
fire after the Labor Union refused it and considered it unfair,
stressing that the solutions taken by the cabinet are repetitive and
obsolete.
A.A.M
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Politics - Feltman returns to U.S.
Fri 9/12/2011 10:34
NNA - 9/12/2011- United States (U.S.) Assistant Secretary of State for Near
Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman left today (Friday) before noon Lebanon heading
to U.S. via London.
Ambassador of the United States to Lebanon Maura Connelly bid him farewell at
Rafic Hariri International Airport.
L.Y.R/N.AF
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Politics - Aoun: Lebanon disengaged from regional tensions
Fri 9/12/2011 10:32
NNA - 9/12/2011 - FPM head MP Michel Aoun asserted Friday Lebanon's
disassociation from regional ongoing tensions.
Speaking over the phone, Aoun addressed Lebanese expatriates in Australia on the
occasion of the Free Patriotic Movement annual celebration and made an overall
review of the situation in Lebanon and Syria.
He said that the Lebanese internal policy has created harmony between society
components, "a harmony we are seeking to preserve through the policy of
non-interference in foreign countries' affairs."
"We call on you to constantly follow up on news in Lebanon and discern lies from
truth," he said and shed light on media institutions' attempts to broadcast
false information to prevent inter-Lebanese gathering which, in turn, might lead
to settlement of Palestinians in Lebanon.
"He who has seized Palestinians' lands and identity has no concern over neither
Lebanese nor Syrian people," Aoun remarked.
L.W.
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Politics - Sleiman in Yerevan reiterates calls for dialogue
Thu 8/12/2011 21:28
NNA - 8/12/2011 President of the Republic General Michel Sleiman reiterated
calls for dialogue and implementation of national dialogue conference decisions,
stressing work for ameliorating democratic performance and resorting to legal
institutions in resolving any stringent flaw away from violence.
President Sleiman was speaking during the first day of his official visit to
Armenia, at the invitation of his Armenian counterpart Serge Serkisian,
accompanied by First Lady Mrs. Wafaa Sleiman and an official delegation.
"We [Lebanon] proceed with efforts to boost our national resistant capabilities
in the face of any threat or assault", Sleiman said, adding that efforts
continue to pressure Israel to implement UN Resolution 1701 in all its clauses
and restoring full sovereignty over all Lebanese lands.
Sleiman also disclosed that Lebanon is in the process of realizing new reforms,
citing the examples of an impending endorsement of a new electoral law and
administrative decentralization, amelioration of services' sector and oil and
gas resources' exploration.
On his visit to Armenia, Sleiman said the visit aims at bolstering significant
bilateral relations between the two countries and consecrating piers of future
cooperation through the signature of an array of agreements of cooperation.
Sleiman also noted relentless Lebanese efforts to build up-to-date and modern
frames of cooperation with the Lebanese Diaspora, including emigrants' voting
right in the upcoming elections.
On the other hand, Sleiman and his accompanying delegation visited on Thursday
afternoon Armenian Old Manuscript Institute (Matenaradan) in the Armenian
capital Yerevan.
This evening, Sleiman and accompanying delegation attended a dinner banquet held
in his honor by the Lebanese expatriate community in Armenia at "Golden Palace"
Hotel, attended by accredited Arab and foreign diplomatic Corp there.
In his delivered word, Sleiman lauded Lebanese-Armenian relations deeply rooted
in history, calling for bolstering these relations at the economic, cultural and
touristic levels.
On the current incidents taking place in the Arab world, Sleiman hoped that
these developments would move towards reforms and democracy based on
modernization and preserving human rights and public liberties away from
violence.
---------------L.Y
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - (Update) Feltman visits Rahi at Bkirki
Thu 8/12/2011 20:26
NNA - 8/12/2011 Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi met Thursday at
Bkirki with US Secretary of State Assistant for Middle Eastern Affairs Jaffrey
Feltman.
US Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly was present during the meeting.
Later, Ambassador Feltman met with Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir at
Bkirki.
-------------L.Y
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Future: STL funding expresses Mikati's response to March 14 demands
Thu 8/12/2011 19:27
NNA - 08/12/2011 - Future Bloc said the government's paying the financial dues
for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) last week was a positive step that
expressed Prime Minister Najib Mikati's response to March 14 demands as well as
the Lebanese people's.
The Future's stance came Thursday in the context of its regular weekly meeting
at the Sadat Tower in Beirut, under the chairmanship of Bloc Head Fouad Siniora.
The Future commented on what it termed as a militia behaviour by the status quo
power in halting electricity generating at Al-Zahrani Power plant. The Future
said that such chaos in performance would carry negative impact on the moral of
citizens and distort the leverage of public institutions.
"The government, in its present condition, resembles a coalition of numerous
governments controlled by the party of weapons and armed people that contributed
to undermine the leverage of institutions," said the bloc.
----------------A.M.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Rahi meets with Feltman at Bkirki
Thu 8/12/2011 18:41
NNA - 8/12/2011 Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi is currently meeting
at Bkirki with US Secretary of State Assistant for Middle Eastern Affairs
Jaffrey Feltman.
US Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly is present during the meeting.
-------------L.Y
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Jumblatt, Feltman tackle latest developments
Thu 8/12/2011 18:34
NNA - 8/12/2011 Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) Head Walid Jumblatt met
Thursday with US Secretary of State Assistant for Middle Eastern Affairs Jeffrey
Feltman, where they tackled the latest political developments in Lebanon and the
region, PSP Media Commission said in a statement.
Feltman arrived in Lebanon on Wednesday to meet with Lebanese officials.
US Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly was also present during the meeting.
Jumblatt underlined the importance of internal Lebanese dialogue as a sole means
to address standing divisive issues and extricating out of the current crisis.
Jumblatt stressed the necessity of preserving stability and civil peace away
from tension and strain.
-------------L.Y
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Layyoun signs with municipalities protocol for public
libraries
Thu 8/12/2011 17:11
NNA - 08/12/2011 - Culture Minister Gaby Layyoun signed on Thursday a
protocol of cooperation with 19 Lebanese municipalities for setting up
public libraries across different Lebanese regions.
The protocol signing event came during a press conference for the
minister at his office, in presence of the director general of Culture
Ministry Omar Halablab and other dignitaries.
Layyoun gave a word during the event, highlighting the importance of
reading in the growth of the future generation.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Mikati: crisis in region has no effect on Lebanon
Thu 8/12/2011 16:55
NNA - 08/12/2011 - Prime Minister Najib Mikati affirmed that the crisis
in the Arab region would not negatively affect Lebanon, assuring that
the country's stability was a priority with respect to the government.
Mikati's word came on Thursday in the context of a joint press
conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Mikola Azarov. The conference
came in the wake of Azarov's official visit to Mikati to discuss
bilateral ties.
The Ukrainian Prime Minister, for his part, hailed Lebanon's success in
preserving a good growth rate despite the world economic crisis, saying
that such success was an indication that Lebanon was adopting wise
policy in this concern.
The Ukrainian Prime Minister hoped that Lebanon would be that channel
leading Ukraine to the Middle East region and Africa.
Separately, Mikati received at the Grand Serail deputy Prime Minister
Samir Mokbel, with talks featuring high on the general situation.
Among the Grand Serail's visitors: Public Works and Transportation
Minister Ghazi Aridi, a delegation of the International Monetary Fund
and the Paraguayan Ambassador Hassan Daya.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Daouk underscores media freedom of expression
Thu 8/12/2011 16:20
NNA - 08/12/2011 - Information Minister Walid Daouk said the freedom of
expression, which distinguished the Lebanese media, was the result of a
long struggle that led during the Ottoman epoch to the martyrdom of
prominent journalists.
�Accordingly, Daouk underscored the necessity of preserving, enhancing
and safeguarding such freedom by all means so as to keep Lebanon the
podium of the free and responsible expression, especially at the time
that other countries were paying sacrifices for the purpose of achieving
it.
Daouk's word came on Thursday in the context of a cultural seminar
organized by Elysee School in Hazmieh on the challenges of modern media.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - N. Gemayel for handing over accused of Hariri's murder for
trial
Thu 8/12/2011 15:52
NNA - 08/12/2011 - Deputy Nadim Gemayel called upon those criticizing
funding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon to haste to hand over the four
Hizbullah members accused of being involved in the assassination of
Martyr Rafic Hariri in 2005.
Gemayel's demand came in the context of a seminar he delivered on
Thursday at Kataeb's office in Rmeil.
Gemayel warned of any tampering in regard to the protocol signed between
Lebanon and the United Nations concerning the STL - probing the
assassination of Hariri.
Separately, Gemayel visited Armenian Catholic Patriarch Narsis Bedros
XIX at his Bishopric in Rmeil.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Bilateral military ties top talks between Qahwaji, Feltmen
Thu 8/12/2011 15:14
NNA - 08/12/2011 - Lebanese Army Chief General Jean Qahwaji received on
Thursday at his office in Yarzeh Jeffrey Feltmen, with talks featuring
high on enhancing bilateral military ties between Lebanon and the United
States.
The meeting was attended by the U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Rahi hands over media presidency to Matar
Thu 8/12/2011 14:02
NNA - 8/12/2011 - Maronite Patriarch, Bechara Boutros Rahi handed over
to the Maronite Archbishop of Beirut Boulos Matar the presidency of the
Bishop's media holding on this occasion a ceremony at Bkirki
patriarchate in presence of religious figures and dignitaries.
Later, Patriarch Rahi respectively received former Ministers Wiaam Wahab
and Ibrahim Shams Ed-Din with whom he tackled general situation.
D.K.
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Politics - Safadi impels Congress to support Lebanon, urges for gearing
up Lebanese army
Thu 8/12/2011 13:49
NNA - 8/12/2011 Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi impelled Thursday the
U.S. Congress to politically support Lebanon.
During his visit to Washington and meeting with members of the Congress,
Minister Safadi reiterated calls for gearing up the Lebanese army
deeming this step as necessary to maintain stability and anchor state's
power through its legitimate forces.
Safadi said Hezbollah's military role's regression is associated to the
Lebanese army's ability to defend Lebanese territories and people and
confront any possible aggression.
"This entails equipping the army with adequate weapons so it would
become the sole security guarantee for Lebanon," he said.
Addressing Congress members, Safadi stressed the coalitionist aspect of
the Lebanese government that has a reform and developmental program and
has proven, more than once, to be competent to keep Lebanon's
international obligations.
"Our government is not subject to orders from any country and has not
been detained by Hezbollah which is practicing its role as any other
party inside government," he remarked.
Congress members, in turn, pledged working on reinforcing supportive
stance to economically back up Lebanon and gear up the army and all
other legitimate forces.
L.W.
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Politics - Terro, UNDP delegation tackle developmental projects
Thu 8/12/2011 13:48
NNA - 8/12/2011 Displaced Minister Alaa Eddine Terro tackled Thursday
developmental projects that ought to be conducted in Lebanese regions
during his meeting with a delegation of the UNDP.
Terro also met with a delegation of Aaley region follow up committee
with talks touching on the displaced return dossier.
L.W.
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Politics - Berri tackles with Ukrainian MP two-sided commercial exchange
Thu 8/12/2011 13:41
NNA - 8/12/2011 - House Speaker Nabih Berri tackled Thursday with the
Ukrainian Prime Minister, Mykola Azarov, accompanied by the Ukrainian
Ambassador to Lebanon, Vladimir Koval, commercial exchange between the
two countries announcing that trade has reached a ratio of USD one
billion during the past nine months.
The Ukrainian delegation had arrived to Lebanon on Wednesday and so far
met with Lebanese businessmen and governmental representatives. It had
also held serious talks with the President of the Republic Michel
Sleiman and House Speaker Nabih Berri.
In the wake of the meeting, Azarov shed light on the deep-rooted
Lebanese-Ukrainian diplomatic ties, deeming special the relations
between the two countries' people.
"We have tackled several projects of common interest, as to meet later
with the Lebanese Prime Minister and some of Lebanon's businessmen who
seek soliciting both countries' governments to adopt a visa-free system,
establish a free trade zone (...) and execute a number of long-term
projects for exporting food resources to Lebanon," the Prime Minister
said.
Separately, Speaker Berri met at Ain El-Tineh residence with the US
Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman
and the US ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly.
D.K.
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Politics - Rahi hands over media presidency to Matar
Thu 8/12/2011 14:02
NNA - 8/12/2011 - Maronite Patriarch, Bechara Boutros Rahi handed over to the
Maronite Archbishop of Beirut Boulos Matar the presidency of the Bishop's media
holding on this occasion a ceremony at Bkirki patriarchate in presence of
religious figures and dignitaries.
Later, Patriarch Rahi respectively received former Ministers Wiaam Wahab and
Ibrahim Shams Ed-Din with whom he tackled general situation.
D.K.
© NNA 2011 All
rights reserved
Politics - Safadi impels Congress to support Lebanon, urges for gearing up
Lebanese army
Thu 8/12/2011 13:49
NNA - 8/12/2011 Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi impelled Thursday the U.S.
Congress to politically support Lebanon.
During his visit to Washington and meeting with members of the Congress,
Minister Safadi reiterated calls for gearing up the Lebanese army deeming this
step as necessary to maintain stability and anchor state's power through its
legitimate forces.
Safadi said Hezbollah's military role's regression is associated to the Lebanese
army's ability to defend Lebanese territories and people and confront any
possible aggression.
"This entails equipping the army with adequate weapons so it would become the
sole security guarantee for Lebanon," he said.
Addressing Congress members, Safadi stressed the coalitionist aspect of the
Lebanese government that has a reform and developmental program and has proven,
more than once, to be competent to keep Lebanon's international obligations.
"Our government is not subject to orders from any country and has not been
detained by Hezbollah which is practicing its role as any other party inside
government," he remarked.
Congress members, in turn, pledged working on reinforcing supportive stance to
economically back up Lebanon and gear up the army and all other legitimate
forces.
L.W.
© NNA 2011 All
rights reserved
Politics - Terro, UNDP delegation tackle developmental projects
Thu 8/12/2011 13:48
NNA - 8/12/2011 Displaced Minister Alaa Eddine Terro tackled Thursday
developmental projects that ought to be conducted in Lebanese regions during his
meeting with a delegation of the UNDP.
Terro also met with a delegation of Aaley region follow up committee with talks
touching on the displaced return dossier.
L.W.
© NNA 2011 All
rights reserved
Politics - Berri tackles with Ukrainian MP two-sided commercial exchange
Thu 8/12/2011 13:41
NNA - 8/12/2011 - House Speaker Nabih Berri tackled Thursday with the Ukrainian
Prime Minister, Mykola Azarov, accompanied by the Ukrainian Ambassador to
Lebanon, Vladimir Koval, commercial exchange between the two countries
announcing that trade has reached a ratio of USD one billion during the past
nine months.
The Ukrainian delegation had arrived to Lebanon on Wednesday and so far met with
Lebanese businessmen and governmental representatives. It had also held serious
talks with the President of the Republic Michel Sleiman and House Speaker Nabih
Berri.
In the wake of the meeting, Azarov shed light on the deep-rooted
Lebanese-Ukrainian diplomatic ties, deeming special the relations between the
two countries' people.
"We have tackled several projects of common interest, as to meet later with the
Lebanese Prime Minister and some of Lebanon's businessmen who seek soliciting
both countries' governments to adopt a visa-free system, establish a free trade
zone (...) and execute a number of long-term projects for exporting food
resources to Lebanon," the Prime Minister said.
Separately, Speaker Berri met at Ain El-Tineh residence with the US Assistant
Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman and the US
ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly.
D.K.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Safadi impels Congress to support Lebanon, urges for gearing up
Lebanese army
Thu 8/12/2011 13:18
NNA - 8/7/2011 Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi impelled Thursday the U.S.
Congress to politically support Lebanon.
During his visit to Washington and meeting with members of the Congress,
Minister Safadi reiterated calls for gearing up the Lebanese army deeming this
step as necessary to maintain stability and anchor state's power through its
legitimate forces.
Safadi said Hezbollah's military role's regression is associated to the Lebanese
army's ability to defend Lebanese territories and people and confront any
possible aggression.
"This entails equipping the army with adequate weapons so it would become the
sole security guarantee for Lebanon," he said.
Addressing Congress members, Safadi stressed the coalitionist aspect of the
Lebanese government that has a reform and developmental program and has proven,
more than once, to be competent to keep Lebanon's international obligations.
"Our government is not subject to orders from any country and has not been
detained by Hezbollah which is practicing its role as any other party inside
government," he remarked.
Congress members, in turn, pledged working on reinforcing supportive stance to
economically back up Lebanon and gear up the army and all other legitimate
forces.
L.W.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Abou Faour, Bakdash tackle wage increase
Thu 8/12/2011 12:51
NNA - 8/12/2011 - Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou Faour received Thursday the
Deputy Head of the Lebanese Industrialists' Association Ziad Bakdash on top of a
delegation of the association's board of directors, thanking him for approving
the wage increase decree in yesterday's cabinet session.
Bakdash said the cabinet's decision was appropriate yet insufficient as
providing subventions for gas oil and energy resources remains a must.
Separately, Abou Faour received his Emirati counterpart Mariam Muhammad Khalfan
Al-Rumi accompanied by the UAE Ambassador to Lebanon Yussuf Ali Al-Osaimi.
D.K.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Berri meets Feltman
Thu 8/12/2011 12:37
NNA - 8/12/2011 - Speaker of the House Nabih Berri has been meeting since 12:15
pm at Ain el Tineh with U.S. assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern
affairs Jeffrey Feltman.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Sleiman meets Ukrainian Prime Minister and heads to Armenia
Thu 8/12/2011 12:34
NNA - 8/12/2011 - President Michel Sleiman met on Thursday before noon with
Ukrainian Prime Minister Micolas Azarof and discussed bilateral ties between
both countries and necessity to boost and activate cooperation on the economic
level through investments.
Also, discussions focused on the situation in the region, where both sides
stressed the necessity of democracy.
Sleiman thanked Ukraine for its contribution in the UNIFIL forces working in
south Lebanon, pointing out to the necessity of bilateral cooperation in serving
peace issues in the region and the world.
Sleiman sent his regards to the Ukrainian President and invited him to visit
Lebanon, while Ukrainian PM also conveyed Sleiman an invitation to visit
Ukraine.
The media office of President Michel Sleiman said that President Michel Sleiman
and his wife left Beirut on Thursday noon heading to Armenia on an official
three day visit accompanied by an official delegation.
President Michel Sleiman will hold a summit with his Armenian counterpart and
will meet Armenia top officials in addition he will attend signing understanding
memos in different fields.
A.A.M
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - (corrected) Khoreis: we reject Feltman's instructions
Thu 8/12/2011 12:30
NNA - 8/12/2011 - Deputy Ali Khoreis rebuffed Thursday the instructions and
suggestions of the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs,
Jeffrey Feltman.
"We are all aware of the American-Israeli projects harbored for the region, and
aimed at fragmenting and dividing states into statelets," he said.
The MP noted that the US administration is constantly protecting the Zionistic
enemy before the Security Council and the United Nations, despite the fact that
the whole world is witnessing the endless Israeli aggressions against human
beings.
Khoreis said today's priority must be to reach a consent over the electoral law
and the administrative appointments as these two topics bear no more
procrastination.
D.K.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Khoreis: we reject Feltman's instructions
Thu 8/12/2011 12:17
NNA - 8/12/2011 - Deputy Ali Khoreis rebuffed Wednesday the instructions and
suggestions of the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs,
Jeffrey Feltman.
"We are all aware of the American-Israeli projects harbored for the region, and
aimed at fragmenting and dividing states into statelets," he said.
The MP noted that the US administration is constantly protecting the Zionistic
enemy before the Security Council and the United Nations, despite the fact that
the whole world is witnessing the endless Israeli aggressions against human
beings.
Khoreis said today's priority must be to reach a consent over the electoral law
and the administrative appointments as these two topics bear no more
procrastination.
D.K.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Zahra: Change and Reform Ministers fail to support Nahhas
Thu 8/12/2011 12:11
NNA - 8/12/2011 - MP Antoine Zahra criticized Thursday Change and Reform bloc
members for giving up on Minister Charbel Nahhas in his salaries' adjustment
project.
Lebanese Forces member told Al-Sharek radio that no one is capable of keeping up
with General Michel Aoun in his "authoritative and unrealistic project.
Citing evidence of his statements, Zahra said when Aon threatened to resign from
Cabinet he hoped to have the support of 10 Ministers. however, Sleiman Franjieh
and Talal Erslan voiced unpreparedness to boycott the session.
"Ability to respond to General Aoun is questionable especially when he began,
along with Sayyed Nasrollah, after the STL funding was adopted, to obtain
compensations for funding," he said.
MP did not fail to utter criticism to Syrian President Bashar Assad, saying that
the problem in Syria lies in power decentralization.
"Assad does not own Syria as he does not have power on all Syrian people," Zahra
said.
L.W.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Habib: Aoun is embarrassed before his supporters
Thu 8/12/2011 11:51
NNA - 8/12/2011 - Deputy Khouder Habib stressed that Deputy Michel Aoun
is embarrassed before his supporters because every time he threatens to
withdraw from the cabinet he suddenly back down.
The MP added that the majority insisted to keep the cabinet for reasons
that are not related to the internal Lebanese, pointing out "what
happened on Wednesday proves that there are no common points between the
cabinet's parties".
On the other hand, the MP commented on Thursday to "Free Lebanon" radio
on the interview of President Bahar Assad on Wednesday with ABC network,
saying that "the Syrian leadership is confused due to the demonstrations
that are taking place every day".
Habib called on the Syrian leadership to implement the Arab League's
initiative.
A.A.M
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Politics - Fatfat: Aoun's fate in cabinet in Hizbullah and Assad's hand
Thu 8/12/2011 11:27
NNA - 8/12/2011 - Deputy Ahmad Fatfat stressed that Deputy Michel Aoun's fate in
the cabinet is in the hand of Hizbullah and President Bashar Assad.
"Aoun is either playing the role of the deceived husband or is holding public
maneuvering to maintain his popularity in a stage he is forced to present
concessions", Fatfat said on Thursday to "Voice of Lebanon" -Freedom and Dignity
radio.
Commenting on U.S. assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs Jeffrey
Feltman's visit to Lebanon and Speaker of the House Nabih Berri setting a date
to receive him, the MP said "Berri settled a date to meet Feltman for political
communication and this shows that Hizbullah if forced to make concession in
light of the situation in the region".
The MP pointed out that Prime Minister Najib Mikati's confirmation on Wednesday
that there is no disagreement between him and Hizbullah, proves that Hizbullah
agreed previously on STL funding because Syria wanted this.
A.A.M
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - N. Gemayel: more difficult issues than STL funding await cabinet
Thu 8/12/2011 11:07
NNA - 8/12/2011- Member of Parliament (MP)Nadim Gemayel said that the current
cabinet won't last for long because there are more pending issues awaiting it
than the Special Tribunal of Lebanon (STL) funding.
Speaking to "Voice of Lebanon" radio station, Gemayel said the cabinet is
composed of different components , pointing out that "it is many ministries in
one ministry, and the problem is what brings the parties of this cabinet
together."
He added that the parties of the cabinet would try their best to preserve it
because they would not be able to have a similar one if it were brought down.
Gemayel considered that "if the Prime Minister of the current cabinet were of
March 14 forces, it would have been brought down long time ago,"
pointing out that the parties of this cabinet preferred funding the STL rather
than bringing it down.
Gemayel said that they were aware that General Michel Aoun's threats would reach
nowhere.
Talking about his visit to France, Gemayel said," we are taking part in the
European People Party Conference in Marsillia, and we expect to have meetings
today (Thursday) with countries' Presidents to see where the European countries'
stand from Lebanon, in light of the 'Arab spring' that the region is
witnessing."
L.Y.R/N.AF
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Hajjar: Approach of wage increases should happened in different way
Thu 8/12/2011 10:44
NNA - 8/12/2011 - Future bloc member Mohamad Hajjar criticized the cabinet's
approach concerning wage increases, adding that it should have happened in
different way.
He pointed out that increasing wages without looking at the overall economic
situation might lead to economic recession.
"We are with wages increase but not in this manner", the MP added on Thursday to
"Voice of Lebanon" radio.
Hajjar said that the current cabinet did not fulfill its entire duties on all
aspects, "neither on the livelihood nor on the political aspects due to the
contradictions among its parties".
A.A.M
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Charbel Nahhas: Our bloc refuses to be false witness in Cabinet
Thu 8/12/2011 10:41
NNA - 8/12/2011 - Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas told "Sawt al Mada" on Thursday
that the Change and Reform bloc refuses to become a false witness in the
Cabinet, stressing that there were major differences between his proposal to
increase the salaries and the one which was approved by most of the ministers.
The minister argues that the new salary package endorsed by Cabinet is far below
the expectation which was raised in his proposal and thus the Lebanese missed a
great opportunity to enjoy full health care coverage.
"But we will continue our political path in an attempt to try to change the
existing economic pattern," Nahhas said.
The minister insisted that the new salary package has seriously undermined the
interest of the people.
He added that from now on the Change and Reform bloc will assess the best way to
deal with any file which is submitted to the Cabinet.
Nahhas stressed that there has been a traditional habit in dealing with various
files for the past 25 years and that his bloc was never part of this pattern and
therefore refuses to be a false witness.
Asked about his proposal to slap taxes on real estate profits, Nahhas said this
tax means that anyone who has money and make a profit from real estate
transaction will soon realize that taxes on properties will rise and in return
the prices will fall accordingly.
"This will allow the Lebanese youths to buy apartments and houses."
O.H
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - (UPDATED) Cabinet endorses salary increase plan
Wed 7/12/2011 21:56
NNA - 7/12/2011 - The Council of Ministers endorsed on Wednesday the newly
proposed salary increase project law after Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas's
salary increase plan failed to meet with GLC demands, NNA correspondent said.
The Council of Ministers convened in session at Baabda palace today presided by
President of the Republic Michel Sleiman.
The adopted plan suggests the increase of 150,000 LP to the minimum wage and
275,000 LP to wages above 1000,000 LP.
Minister of Information Walid Daouk confirmed following the session the
cabinet's endorsement of the salary increase plan.
He also said that the cabinet endorsed a decision to provide the Ministry of
Higher Learning and Education 17 billion LP worth of treasury advance, covering
the years 2007-2008. One billion and 37 million LP treasury advance has also
been approved for the interest of the Ministry of Culture. Another treasury
advance of 11 billion and 39 million Lebanese pounds has also been endorsed for
the benefit of the Interior and Municipalities Ministry to cover the expenses of
the General Security General Directorate.
Minister Daouk also indicated that Prime Minister Najib Mikati has set December
9 a date for the cabinet to convene at the Grand Serail and carry on
discussions.
R.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Cabinet endorses salary increase plan
Wed 7/12/2011 20:38
NNA - 7/12/2011 - The Council of Ministers endorsed on Wednesday the newly
proposed salary increase project law after Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas's
salary increase plan failed to meet with GLC demands, NNA correspondent said.
R.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Feltman visits Lebanon
Wed 7/12/2011 19:22
NNA - 5/12/2011 - Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey
Feltman arrived in Lebanon on Wednesday and met with senior officials to discuss
the political and security situation in Lebanon, developments in Syria, and
other regional issues.
Ambassador Feltman and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met with Prime
Minister Najib Mikati and delivered a letter from U.S. Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton welcoming Lebanon's action to fund the Special Tribunal for
Lebanon. He noted the importance of Lebanon's continued cooperation with the
Tribunal and of Lebanon upholding its international obligations under United
Nations Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701.
He renewed the United States' commitment to a stable, sovereign and independent
Lebanon. Ambassador Feltman underscored the U.S. Administration's support to
strengthening Lebanon and Lebanon's institutions, including the Lebanese Armed
Forces, recognizing its importance in serving as Lebanon's sole legitimate
defense force, securing Lebanon's borders and defending the sovereignty and
independence of the state.
Ambassador Feltman discussed regional developments with the Prime Minister,
consulting with him on a range of issues, including the situation in Syria.
Ambassador Feltman shared the grave concerns of the United States for the people
of Syria and our desire to see the Syrian government end its brutality against
them immediately. He highlighted U.S. concerns that developments in Syria not
contribute to instability in Lebanon or in other countries in the region. US
Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman Visits Lebanon
Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman arrived in
Lebanon today and met with senior officials to discuss the political and
security situation in Lebanon, developments in Syria, and other regional issues.
Ambassador Feltman and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met with Prime
Minister Najib Mikati and delivered a letter from U.S. Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton welcoming Lebanon's action to fund the Special Tribunal for
Lebanon. He noted the importance of Lebanon's continued cooperation with the
Tribunal and of Lebanon upholding its international obligations under United
Nations Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701.
He renewed the United States' commitment to a stable, sovereign and independent
Lebanon. Ambassador Feltman underscored the U.S. Administration's support to
strengthening Lebanon and Lebanon's institutions, including the Lebanese Armed
Forces, recognizing its importance in serving as Lebanon's sole legitimate
defense force, securing Lebanon's borders and defending the sovereignty and
independence of the state.
Ambassador Feltman discussed regional developments with the Prime Minister,
consulting with him on a range of issues, including the situation in Syria.
Ambassador Feltman shared the grave concerns of the United States for the people
of Syria and our desire to see the Syrian government end its brutality against
them immediately. He highlighted U.S. concerns that developments in Syria not
contribute to instability in Lebanon or in other countries in the region.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Lebanon's challenges political reforms, civil peace, and stability:
Sleiman
Wed 7/12/2011 19:08
NNA - 7/12/2011 President of the Republic General Michel Sleiman said that prime
challenges facing Lebanon nowadays lie in fortifying the nation's civil peace,
preserving stability and realizing political reforms.
President Sleiman's words came in an interview he accorded to Armenian
Television, on the eve of his departure to Yerevan, upon an official visit to
Armenia at the invitation of his Armenian Counterpart Serge Serkisian.
"Challenges on the domestic scene also lie in reforming economic, administrative
and judiciary system", Sleiman said, outlining Lebanon's challenges at the
international and regional levels as well.
On the international level, Sleiman said that Lebanon's challenges lie in
keeping abreast with new globalization climate and confrontation of terrorism
and fanaticism.
On the regional level, Lebanon's challenges are based on following up on
democratic transformations taking place in the Arab region, facing Israeli
occupation and the question of peace in the Middle East, Sleiman noted.
Sleiman also saluted the great role played by the Armenian sect in Lebanon in
the various political, social, media, cultural and economic spheres.
Sleiman also anticipated great outcome of his visit to the Armenian capital,
saying that bilateral Lebanese-Armenian relations deeply anchor in history
dating back to the Phoenician times.
"We [Lebanon] look forward to bolstering and developing these relations through
the signature of new protocols and agreements", Sleiman said, looking forward to
political support exchange between the two countries.
----------------L.Y
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Politics - Ukrainian PM arrives in Beirut
Wed 7/12/2011 18:50
NNA - 7/12/2011 - Ukrainian Prime Minister, Mikalo Azarov, arrived Wednesday in
Beirut, where he is scheduled to engage in talks with Lebanese officials.
Deputy Prime Minister, Samir Moqbel, representing Premier Najib Mikati, and
Ukrainian ambassador to Lebanon, Vladimir Koval, received the visiting PM at
Beirut International Airport.
R.A.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Cabinet meets in session at Baabda
Wed 7/12/2011 17:48
NNA - 7/12/2011 The Cabinet meets in a regular session at Baabda
Presidential Palace, presided over by President Michel Sleiman, in
presence of Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Cabinet ministers.
The Cabinet looks into 123 items on its agenda in addition to other
stringent issues in need of adequate decisions.
Speaking to media representatives prior to Cabinet session, Public
Health Minister Ali Hassan Khalil said he shall raise the issue of
supporting diesel with the approach of the winter season and the
purchasing of olive oil products.
On the other hand, "Change and Reform" Bloc ministers held a meeting at
one of the Palace's General Directorate's bureaus, to coordinate stance
prior to Cabinet session.
The Cabinet session was preceded by a closed meeting between President
Sleiman and Premier Mikati where they tackled the general situation.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Feltman from Grand Serail: STL funding is positive mark by Lebanon
Wed 7/12/2011 17:43
NNA - 007/12/2011 - Jeffrey Feltmen said on Wednesday Lebanon's funding the
Special Tribunal for Lebanon was a positive signal that indicated its
[Lebanon's] commitment to international obligations, like the UN Security
Council Resolution 1701 and others.
Feltman's words came after visiting at the Grand Serail Prime Minister Najib
Mikati. Feltman highlighted the "international consensus" regarding the several
countries which met over finding peaceful ways to press on Syrian President
Bashar Assad's regime to turn down its war against the Syrian public.
It is to note that EU Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst met yesterday Tuesday with
Mikati, according to a statement by the EU Commission.
The EU welcomed Lebanon's paying the Special Tribunal for Lebanon's financial
dues.
The statement added that the EU was looking forward to deepening relation with
Lebanon, for the purpose of accomplishing a positive change concerning daily
life matters of citizens.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics -(corrected) Inauguration of 35th conference of Arab police,
security chiefs
Wed 7/12/2011 17:05
NNA - 7/12/2011 - The 35th conference of Arab police and security chiefs
kicked off Wednesday at Le Royal Hotel, in presence of Minister of
Interior and Municipalities Marwan Charbel representing Lebanese
President Michel Sleiman, Internal Security Forces Chief, Major General
Ashraf Rifi, and a panel of Arab and Lebanese personalities.
Speaking on the President's behalf, Minister Charbel said hosting this
conference in Lebanon, amid the unrest sweeping neighboring nations,
mirrored the country's immunity and the support of the Arab countries
for Lebanon.
"Lebanon made a huge step forward on the level of the instructions
voiced during the former 34th conference, as it [Lebanon] scored an
accomplishment in the field of fighting human trafficking," he said.
He also heaped praise on the professionalism of the Lebanese security
forces, namely with respect to serial crimes and fighting terrorism and
espionage.
The Minister did not fail to call Arab police and security chiefs to
join efforts and develop cooperation so as to face present challenges.
Jordan, UAE, Tunisia, KSA, Algeria, Sudan, Iraq, Oman Sultanate,
Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, and Egypt were among
participants in today's conference.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Daoouk condemns attack on Orthodox Bishopric
Wed 7/12/2011 16:42
NNA - 07/12/2011 - Information Minister Walid Daouk condemned on
Wednesday the recent theft attack against the Greek-Orthodox Bishopric
in Ashrafieh.
Daouk's condemnation came in the wake of his visit to Metropolitan Elias
Audi at the bishopric in Ashrafieh.
The Minister said he discussed with the host local and regional
developments as well as media affairs.
Separately, Metropolitan Audi received the Greek Ambassador Catherine
Bora on a protocol visit, and he later on met with the Attorney Michel
Tueini.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - inauguration of 35th conference of Arab police, security
chiefs
Wed 7/12/2011 16:13
NNA - 7/12/2011 - The 35th conference of Arab police and security chiefs
kicked off Wednesday at Le Royal Hotel, in presence of Minister of
Interior and Municipalities Marwan Charbel representing Lebanese
President Michel Sleiman, Internal Security Forces Chief, Major General
Ashraf Rifi, and a panel of Arab and Lebanese personalities.
Speaking on the President's behalf, Minister Charbel said hosting this
conference in Lebanon, amid the unrest sweeping neighboring nations,
mirrored the country's immunity and the support of the Arab countries
for Lebanon.
"Lebanon made a huge step forward on the level of the instructions
voiced during the former 34th conference, as it [Lebanon] scored an
accomplishment in the field of fighting human trafficking," he said.
He also heaped praise on the professionalism of the Lebanese security
forces, namely with respect to serial crimes and fighting terrorism and
espionage.
The Minister did not fail to call Arab police and security chiefs to
join efforts and develop cooperation so as to face present challenges.
Jordan, UAE, Tunisia, KSA, Algeria, Sudan, Iraq, Oman Sultanate,
Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, and Egypt were among
participants in today's conference.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Sleiman meets Mikati prior to cabinet session
Wed 7/12/2011 16:00
NNA 07/12/2011 - President of the Lebanese Republic, General Michel
Sleiman, met on Wednesday at Baabda Palace with Prime Minister Najib
Mikati over recent developments at the local and regional scene. The
meeting came prior to the cabinet session scheduled to take place today.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Kahwaji, Ibrahim discuss judicial affairs
Wed 7/12/2011 15:40
NNA - 07/12/2011 - Lebanese Army Commander, General Jean Kahwaji, met over
judicial affairs with Financial General Prosecutor, Judge Ali Ibrahim.
The meeting was held on Wednesday at Kahwaji's office in Yarzeh in presence of
Judges Toni Lattouf, Dani Chebli and Ghassan Mohti.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Erslan heaps praise on Berri's initiatives
Wed 7/12/2011 15:16
NNA - 7/12/2011 MP Talal Erslan uttered support Wednesday to House Speaker Nabih
Berri over the latter's national initiatives.
The Lebanese Democratic Party head deemed such initiatives as a constitutional
and legal guarantee to keep institutions' work on track, during his visit to
Berri today at Ain-El-Tineh.
Asked about a possible new dialogue initiative, Erslan said the hindrances
country could no longer linger over Lebanon due to the absence of dialogue.
"Boycotting dialogue sessions is unjustified," he said.
On the topic of Sayyed Nasrollah's call for handling false witnesses' dossier,
Erslan said leaving this matter unsolved was disgraceful "especially when we are
all aware of political vengeance STL was used for."
L.W.
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Politics - FPM ministers to attend today's cabinet session, says Aoun
Wed 7/12/2011 15:14
NNA - 7/12/2011 - MP Michel Aoun on Wednesday announced that the Free Patriotic
Movement's ministers would attend today's cabinet session, in an effort to pass
a law on wages adjustment, put forth by Labor Minister, Charbel Nahas.
Aoun's decision today is expected to be the stepping-stone of a better
government performance, two weeks after FPM ministers boycotted a cabinet
session at Baabda palace in protest at what they term as the government's poor
performance since its formation in June. Their backlash was mainly at selected
items on the agenda including 2012 draft budgets for ministries, a draft project
by the Defense Minister to arm the military and other development and investment
projects.
R.A.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - March 14 attacks Hizbullah, Amal over Zahrani power "piracy"
Wed 7/12/2011 15:05
NNA - 07/12/2011 - March 14 attacked what they termed as "piracy" practiced by
Hizbullah and Amal Movement against Zahrani power plant, which led last week to
stoppage in the generation of electricity.
March 14 Movement's attack came on Wednesday in the context of its regular
weekly meeting at its headquarters in Ashrafieh, partaken by a number of March
14 deputies.
The Movement said the stoppage caused citizens in the region lot of harms,
deeming "Hizbullah's" and "Amal's" action as militia aiming at striking the
state's logic and taking hold of public institutions.
Accordingly, the movement urged Energy and Water Minister, Gibran Bassil, who
denounced the stoppage, to take necessary procedures against those who caused
the action, or else, according to the movement, it would be better for the
minister to resign from his post.
Turning to the Syrian crisis affair, the movement called upon the Arab States
League and the international community to haste to adopt procedures that
liberate the Syrian public from the oppressive regime of President Bashar Assad.
Eventually, March 14 called for attending a mass service for late Gebran Tweini
in commemoration of his martyrdom, on Sunday (12:00 p.m.) at Greek-Orthodox
Saint Georges Church, Nejmeh Square, Ashrafieh.
A.M./P.BC.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - N.Gemayel hails Lebanon's pioneering regional role
Wed 7/12/2011 14:40
NNA - 7/12/2011 MP Nadim Gemayel Wednesday extolled the pioneering role of
Lebanon in the region to create an open democratic system.
Representing his country during the European People's Party Congress held in
Marseille, France, the MP put emphasis on the importance of enriching cultural
exchange with Europe so as to eliminate emigration to Europe.
"My duty as Member of Parliament is to work for eliminating emigration," he
said.
Gemayel said if Arab revolutions manage to create democratic systems, the number
of emigrants shall no doubt decrease.
He then drew attention to cooperation between countries on both sides of the
Mediterranean for it promotes the return of expatriates to the fold.
Also, Gemayel said Levantine Christians and Muslims ought to gather around
common ground and avoid fundamentalist stances.
L.W.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Safadi: U.S. administration should help Lebanon
Wed 7/12/2011 14:18
NNA - 7/12/2011 - Finance Minister Mohammed Safadi held an extended meeting in
Washington with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs,
Elizabeth Dibble. During the meeting, Safadi told Dibble that it is essential
that the United States help Lebanon politically and economically and provide the
Lebanese Army with the equipment needed to insure security at this disturbed
stage in the region.
Safadi stressed that the Lebanese people was committed to their freedom and
would like to enhance democracy in Lebanon, pointing out that "the current
cabinet is determined to succeed in accomplishing its mission."
In her turn, Dibble said that the U.S. Administration had no intention to stop
providing Lebanon with aids, pointing out that most of the officials in the
administration as well as in congress wanted to support Lebanon, especially that
the general atmosphere had changed now after the decisions that were taken by
the Lebanese cabinet.
Separately, Safadi discussed with Dibble the significant changes that are taking
place in the Arab countries, mainly in Egypt and Syria and the effect of that on
the situation in Lebanon.
L.Y.R/N.AF
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Sleiman Bound to Armenia
Wed 7/12/2011 13:53
NNA - 7/12/2011 Lebanese President Michel Sleiman is scheduled to visit Armenia
heading a parliamentary and ministerial delegation.
Accompanied with his wife, the President shall meet with his Armenian
counterpart as well as other senior officials during this two-day visit.
Besdides, Sleiman convened Wednesday with Youth and Sports Minister Faysal
Karami with whom he engaged in talks concerning most recent developments.
Sleiman also received a delegation of the International Association of Lions
Clubs presided by Wing-Kun.
The delegation briefed Sleiman on the associations' activities and services on
the local scene.
L.W.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Maronite bishops' extol Lebanon's triumph over STL issue
Wed 7/12/2011 13:40
NNA - 7/12/2011 Maronite Bishops Wednesday hailed Lebanon's overcoming to the
Special Tribunal for Lebanon funding crisis.
Following their gathering, Bishops said the funding kicked out STL spectrum of
tension with the international community as it eliminated Lebanon's power
crisis.
Bishops have also supported the right of people to decide their fate, and to
choose their adequate system of governance and expressed concern over the
security situation in Syria, fearing it might degenerate into more violence.
In their statement, Maronite bishops reiterated support to Arab brothers by
committing to national pact stipulations and not throughout transferring
tensions and schisms inside Lebanese ground.
L.W.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Wehb�: Nasrallah's speech lost credibility
Wed 7/12/2011 13:28
NNA - 7/12/2011- Member of Parliament Amin Wehb� said, in comment on Hizbullah
Secretary General Al-Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's speech on Ashoura's memorial on
Tuesday, that the language of accusing citizens and political forces of treason
had been consumed and lost credibility. He pointed out that the culture of the
Arab and the Lebanese people had significantly exceeded that.
Speaking to "Radio Orient" radio station, Wehb� said, "with sorrow, I heard Al-Sayyed
Nasrallah congratulates and blesses the Tunisian and Libyan people's revolutions
on their victory ..... as well as, the Egyptian, Yemeni and Bahraini peoples,
but when he talked about Syria he acted as if the Syrian people doesn't have the
right to enjoy freedom."
Commenting on Syrian President's words in which he denied his responsibility
regarding violence and ownership of Syria, Wehb� said, "that's true, he surely
doesn't own Syria and we believe in that because Syria is owned by the Syrian
people....."
Wehb� added "if he (the Syrian President) said that he is not responsible, then
he can't shoulder the responsibility of his people and that of the leadership
his country....Accordingly, he should do what he must when he became unable of
protecting his people from the suppressing and killing machine..."
Responding to a question, Wehb� said that March 14 forces insist on a political,
democratic, peaceful, confrontation and that they would not cave to violence.
He added that they (March 14 forces) commit to their main program and cause to
provide the Lebanese with an independent state which enjoys sovereignty,
pointing out that they insist on reaching that objective through dialogue.
L.Y.R/N.AF
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Kabbara: Zahrani issue unveils lack of authority
Wed 7/12/2011 12:43
NNA - 7/12/2011 - MP Mohammad Kabbara said Wednesday that obscurity
resulting from Zahrani plant issue has shed light on the lack of
Lebanese governance and authority.
Kabbara said in a statement that Lebanese government is incapable of
protecting its citizens and, besides Zahrani issue, it has proved to be
incapable of ensuring proper telecommunications for its people.
"Zahrani and Alfa telecom company issues revealed corruption
transactions government members are responsible for," he said.
L.W.
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Politics - Nasrallah's appearance to lift his public's morals
Wed 7/12/2011 12:36
NNA - 7/12/2011 - Member of Parliament Ahmed Fatfat told "Future News" that the
speech of Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has torpedoed the
entire dialogue when he categorically rejected any discussion on arms.
"He (Nasrallah) felt the need to boost the morale of his supporters after the
funding for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon was secured and for this reason he
decided to appear personally among the public and this was seen as a publicity
stunt," Fatfat added.
He stressed that Nasrallah's comments on the developments in the Arab world and
particularly Syria has proved beyond any shadow of doubt that he would fight
along the side of Syrian President Bashar Assad and his regime.
"He (Nasrallah) is accusing the Syrian opposition of treason and this is an
intervention in the Syrian affairs," the MP argued.
O.H
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Politics - Feltman arrives to Beirut
Wed 7/12/2011 12:25
NNA - 7/12/2011 - U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for the near East Jeffrey
Feltman arrived on Wednesday at 12:15 am to Rafik Hariri International Airport
coming from Amman.
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly received him on the airport.
A.A.M
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Politics - Mansour urges monitoring borders with Syria
Wed 7/12/2011 11:56
NNA - 7/12/2011 - Foreign and Expatriates Minister Adnan Mansour stressed on
Wednesday while meeting with Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdel Karim Ali at
the ministry the necessity to monitor Lebanese-Syrian borders and prevent
weapons smuggling.
Discussions also focused on bilateral ties between both countries.
Ali said after the meeting "Syria assures all people that it is heading towards
reform steps next week".
The Ambassador did not respond when asked about Arab League's reaction to
Syria's acceptance to the protocol project.
Mansour later met with Arab-Italian friendship center delegation and discussed
the center's economic and humanitarian projects in the Arab world, particularly
in Lebanon.
A.A.M
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - W. Khoury: Positive approach towards attending cabinet's session
Wed 7/12/2011 11:44
NNA - 7/12/2011-Member of Parliament (MP) Walid Khoury said that they did not
finalize yet the issue of attending the cabinet's session today (Wednesday).
However, he added that their approach towards this (matter) is positive.
Speaking to "Voice of Lebanon -Voice of Freedom and Dignity", the MP mentioned
that citizens' issues, mainly the wages increase, represent Change and Reform
bloc demands which it had worked for.
Khoury hoped that "Prime Minister Najib Mikati would respond to citizens'
concerns."
L.Y.R/N.AF
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Nicolas Nahhas urges to discuss issues on common ground
Wed 7/12/2011 10:57
NNA - 7/12/2011 - Economy Minister Nicolas Nahhas called on all sides to discuss
issues on common ground because pressure is useless.
The minister stressed that Wednesday's cabinet session still exists in case
quorum is complete.
Nahhas pointed out that funding STL is a conviction for people and all sides,
adding that "Prime Minister Najib Mikati took the decision and funded tribunal
because of his conviction and for the interest of Lebanon".
"Lebanon's interest is not subject to bargaining and could not be so", the
minister stressed.
A.A.M
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - De Freij: Government quarrels not born yesterday
Wed 7/12/2011 10:06
NNA - 7/12/2011 - MP Nabil De Freij said Wednesday that quarrels between
government components were not born yesterday but they have been ongoing ever
since the government was formed.
"Government lacks a clear and unified economic vision as two contradictory
schools prevail; the first belongs to Njaib Mikati and Nicolas Nahhas whereas
the second goes to Charbel Nahhas and Hezbollah," the MP told Voice of Lebanon.
Also on the economic level, De Freij presumed that economic bodies shall reject
Minister Nahhas's project.
"If wage increase is ever adopted, the Lebanese pound's purchasing power shall
decrease," he warned.
L.W.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Awar: It's time to abandon appointment distribution
Wed 7/12/2011 10:03
NNA - 7/12/2011 - Member of Parliament Fadi al Awar told Voice of Lebanon that
the time has come to abandon the tradition of distributing the government
administrative positions by political parties and blocs.
He added that other ministers from the Change and Reform bloc many join the
ministers of MP Michel Aoun if the latter decided to boycott the cabinet session
today.
"State Minister Marwan Kahyereldin expressed willingness to take part in today's
session but the final decision on participation will be taken today," the MP
explained.
He admitted the core of differences within the Cabinet lies in file of
administrative appointments.
"We have a duty to start making all the appointments because this issue will
activate all the remaining files and most notably the file of the false
witnesses," Awar said.
But the MP warned that if Prime Minister Najib Mikati refused to appoint the
head of the higher judicial council then this would reflect negatively on the
false witnesses file.
"I think the time has come to put an end to allocating the administrative
appointments (by politicians). What is needed now is to serve the interest of
the Lebanese," he said.
O.H
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Maronite bishops' monthly meeting starts
Wed 7/12/2011 09:48
NNA - 7/12/2011 - Maronite Bishops Council monthly meeting convened on Wednesday
at Bkirki chaired by Patriarch Beshara Rai to discuss national and church
affairs.
A.A.M
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Politics - Zahra: It's time to boycott cabinet
Wed 7/12/2011 09:45
NNA - 7/12/2011 - "Lebanese Forces" bloc member Deputy Antoine Zahra
said that it is time for March 14 to start thinking of boycotting the
cabinet.
The MP added that the common point between Hizbullah Secretary General
Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and the position of Change and Reform head Deputy
Michel Aoun is undermining the citizens' minds.
Zahra stressed on Wednesday to "Free Lebanon" radio that after the
funding of STL in Martyr Rafik Hariri's assassination it is clear
through Sayyed Nasrallah's speech that there are demands of
compensations for funding after they were not able to stop it.
The MP confirmed that "the Syrian regime told the majority to accept
funding in order to stay in power".
"Lebanese Syrian borders are not monitored and not under control and are
subject to daily violations from the Syrian army", Zahra stressed.
Commenting on Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah's speech concerning his party's
attachment to weapons, the MP said, "no other issue but the weapons
would be discussed in the dialogue table".
A.A.M
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Politics - Jumblatt returns to Beirut
Tue 6/12/2011 21:42
NNA - 6/12/2011 - National Struggle Front Head, MP Walid Jumblatt, returned to
Beirut Tuesday, following a visit to Erbil in Iraq.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Aoun: Decision to partake in cabinet session to be taken Wednesday
Tue 6/12/2011 21:39
NNA - 6/12/2011 - Change and Reform Parliamentary Bloc Head, MP Michel Aoun,
stated Tuesday that the government's situation is complicated and static,
engulfed within a great number of obstacles facing it. He added that the
decision to partake in the cabinet session scheduled for Wednesday has not been
taken yet, since the manner in which demands by the Bloc have been approached is
incorrect, Aoun noted. He considered it unacceptable herein to approve of
certain developmental projects of benefit to the Lebanese society, on one hand,
and then venture into placing obstacles in the path of executing said projects,
on the other hand!
Aoun's words came following the weekly meeting by the Change and Reform Bloc
Tuesday. He indicated that the decision whether or not to attend Wednesday's
cabinet session will be taken tomorrow. He added that the Bloc has neither
decided on whether to resign from, or boycott, the cabinet, since there are
several measures to be taken prior to such a decision.
Aoun went on to stress that the Free Patriotic Trend actually derives its
authority from its wide representation at the popular level. He added that the
country's leadership cannot be handed-over to those lacking the proper
representation nor the prerogatives to administer the state's affairs. He also
voiced total rejection of any attempt to cover-up violations. Furthermore, Aoun
refused any accusation against his Bloc as targeting any sect in the country.
R.Sh.
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Politics - Al-Rai meets with a number of delegations
Tue 6/12/2011 20:06
NNA - 6/12/2011 - Maronite Patriarch Bshara Butros Al-Rai met Tuesday with a
delegation of Beirut philanthropic social gathering members, who came to raise a
number of social and humanitarian issues. They praised the role played by
Patriarch Al-Rai in boosting social work in Lebanon.
Al-Rai also met Tuesday evening with Parliament Council Inspector General,
Abdel-Raouf Hijazi, who relayed to him the greetings of House Speaker, Nabih
Berry.
Head of the Catholic Bishopric Council's legal committee for family matters,
Archimandrite Charbel Hakim, also called on the Patriarch Tuesday, briefing him
on the work of the special committee involved in following-up on various matters
with committees concerned at the House of Parliament.
R.Sh.
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Politics - Feltman arrives in Beirut Wednesday noon
Tue 6/12/2011 19:15
NNA - 6/12/2011 - American Secretary of State's Aid for Far East Affairs,
Jeffery Feltman, is expected to arrive in Beirut Wednesday noon, coming from the
Jordanian Capital, Amman.
R.Sh.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - Mikati/Daouk inspecting Arab Book Fair
Tue 6/12/2011 17:30
NNA - 6/12/2011 - Lebanese PM Najeeb Mikati and Information minister Waleed
Daouk, inspected Arab Book Fair pavilions at Biel/Downtown Beirut today.
They were met by head of Book Fair Arab Cultural Club-organizers Fadi Tameem,
who briefed them over activities undertaken by the 55th Arab International Book
Fair due to last till December 15.
Mikati and Daouk reportedly enquired about latest publications by various
participating publishing firms.
G.G.
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Politics - Yazbeck extolling party rockets on Achoura
Tue 6/12/2011 16:04
NNA - 6/12/2011- Special Khaminaii Representative to Lebanon and Senior
Hizbullah cleric , Mohammad Yazbeck extolled the "beauty of rockets in Hizbullah
possession" saying they were in his blood life and raison d'�tre.
Speaking at a Baalbeck Achoura parade with tens of thousands marching in full
Hizbullah paraphernalia of flags and banners, Cleric Yazbeck exclaimed as to how
the trio of party, army and people could be so beautifully united and geared to
Jihad on such a highly significant religious occasion .
Invited to the event were lading Hizbullah clerics and officials, Party and Amal
MPs , local municipal heads and a few Christian dignitaries from the Baalbeck
area , Marchers took from the Khawla mausoleum to Rass Al-Ain with full priors
at the death of Hussein with cleric Yazbeck making his speech.
He urged his flock to learn the lessons of Hussein in order to fight oppression
in quest of dignity .
He reiterated party resistance to "global arrogance " led by the US .
Yazbeck paid tribute to slam Hizbullah leaders at the hands of Israel , Abbas
Moussawi and Ragheb Harb.
He echoed Hassan Nasrallah when he added that his party took initiative in 1982
The senior cleric felt sorry for not fitting Israel and America before 1982
because party divinely inspired man could have head scored an early victory for
the Lebanese and Arabs .
He vowed to liberate the hall of Palestine by fitting on the side of Moujahedeen
there in order to prevent the implantation of refugees in Lebanon .
He added that blood sacrifices were stronger than UN vetoes. Yazbech beseeched
the ALMIGHTY ONE to preserve and protect the Syrian regime for its backing of
its party .
Well favoring regime negotiating with the opposition, Yazbeck rejected calls for
International intervention in Syria .
He ended that Zilzal, Raad and Khaibar rockets deter Israel from attacking
Lebanon calling for rearming of the Lebanese military.
G.G/N.AF
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Nasrallah gives speech on Ashoura Day
Tue 6/12/2011 14:27
NNA - 6/12/2011- Scores of thousands of Hizbullah supporters gathered in the
Raya stadium in southern Beirut to hear Hizbullah Leader Hassan Nasrallah
speaking on the tenth of Moharram or Achoura.
Nasrallah eventually, and to the surprise of cheering supporters, made a brief
appearance in person only to address them later via video link on a giant
screen.
Nasrallah devoted his brief appearance to speak about the religious significance
of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at the hands of the Umayyads on the tenth of
Moharram in Karbala twelve centuries ago.
He thanked and saluted his supporters for their loyalty and offered condolences
to the House of Hussein. The Hizbullah Chief vowed to continue on the path of
the Prophet, Imam Hussein and Khaminaii till the end of time.
Politically speaking, Nasrallah perceived in the US-Israeli project the real
threat to Lebanon, Arabs and Muslims regardless of who might come to the White
House; he launched a virulent attack on the US double standards calling the
Americans usurpers.
He accused them of acting deceptively on Human Rights issues since they backed
the worst Arab dictators. Nasrallah qualified the Koranic text as perfectly
applying to the definition of a devilish America. He went as far as calling the
Obama Administration purely "Satanic" in character, and exposed the hypocritical
character of Obama who simply let down all dictators.
To make his point, Nasrallah quoted in length Obama's address of support before
the Jewish lobby.The senior cleric added that the CIA under Obama turned into a
Mossad subcontractor.
He went as far as saying that the United States itself occupies Jerusalem and
tortured Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. So for Nasrallah, America did
not only occupy Arab lands but usurped Arab oil.
He proclaimed America's project for a new Middle East still alive and kicking
through concocted strife, (tribal and regional) in order to maintain its control
of the region.
He reiterated Khamenai's injunction "Fatwa" to respect the dignity of other
religious confessions and stressed Jerusalem as the core issue for all Arabs and
Muslims. Nasrallah added that the Israelis use to their advantage current unrest
in the Arab world to deal a blow to Jerusalem. Again he stressed that the
Palestine question is part of his party's integral religious beliefs.
Nasrallah devoted the second part of his speech to speak about the Arab Spring
in Tunisia, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain and Egypt. He expressed hope for Islamists of
those countries to live up to their peoples' expectations. With regards to
Egypt, he hoped that new changes in that country would bring about serious
challenges to Camp David.
He warned against what he termed mainstream media blackout on the victory of the
Iraqi people over the Americans and brought to attention that resistance and
steadfastness cost the US a high price with the US leaving the country utterly
defeated. He urged supportive media to highlight this major Iraqi victory over
the Americans.
With reference to Syria, Nasrallah decided to adopt an outright pro-regime
stance after waiting for a while. He proclaimed full support for what he termed
as "anti-corruption regime drive" blaming opposition bent on destroying Syria
and accused the Americans of striving to make- up for their losses in Iraq.
On the Syrian National Council headed by Bourhan Ghalioun, Nasrallah accused him
of irreligion and quoted him as saying that the Golan could be liberated through
diplomatic means only. He then shifted to attack Syrian Islamists bent on
marching against him here in Lebanon. He added that Syrian oppositionists
targeted the Assad regime in order to secure its surrender to the US and Israel.
The Hizbullah leader also accused the Syrian opposition of being Israeli
American /stooges. In the event of International navies attacking us or the
Syrians, Nasrallah issued a stern warning to destroy all of those ships amassed
offshore.
On Lebanon, he linked the country integrally to its surroundings while insisting
on what he termed as maintaining Lebanese stability. He denied any Hizbullah
taking of any Syrian wounded as hostages in order to hand them over to the
regime, and chose to ignore this issue all together. He reiterated full backing
to Aounist claims on Mikati and decided to reactivate so -called false witnesses
who caused the prosecution of the four security chiefs.
Criticizing the Lebanese oppositionists' attitude on false witnesses, Nasrallah
reiterated upholding the trio of party, Army and people.
In his final warning, Nasrallah vowed to maintain party arsenal of weaponry
fully intact despite media campaign by the opposition. "With the increase of our
arms," he said, "our self confidence grows by the day." He called Israelis and
Lebanese oppositionists "devils engaging in deception," and added that the only
weapons that need to be organized or discussed are those small fire arms in
possession of ordinary people.
He added a note that Raad and Zilzal rockets with a range beyond Tel-Aviv would
be kept and increased. The senior religious leader concluded that his party
decided to take the initiative back in 1982 in order to restore Lebanese pride
and dignity never to back off or retreat.
He stressed that he is nearly following in the path of the Imams and that tens
of thousands of loyalists are ready to be martyred. "We shall surprise them all
if and when attacked because things have changed beyond recognition now. We
shall have victory drawn from your sacrifice and blood... O dear Imam, Labaika
Ya Hussein."
G.G/N.AF
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Hamdan from Rabieh: Mikati endorses corruption
Tue 6/12/2011 14:10
NNA - 06/12/2011 Head of Change and Reform Bloc MP Michel Aoun met Tuesday with
Morabitoun delegation headed by Colonel Mustafa Hamdan who accused Premier Najib
Mikati of protecting the crooked.
Hamdan spent four years in jail on allegations of involvement in the
assassination of PM Rafik Hariri in 2005. However, he was released due to lack
of sufficient evidence.
"The most dangerous thing facing General Aoun today is putting a sectarian
stigma on administrative assignments," said the Colonel, "and I have heard
statements by PM Mikati whereby he adopted a number of corrupt people."
In regional issues, Hamdan considered Syria the fortress upon which the US and
other Western powers would crash and fall.
Other visitors to Rabieh today were a delegation of the command council of Al
Tanzeem.
R.Z.
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Politics - Aamilite Association celebrates Ashura
Tue 6/12/2011 13:46
NNA - 06/12/2011 The Aamilite Charitable Islamic Association celebrated Ashura
in attendance of Minister of Exterior and Expatriates Adnan Mansour.
The Minister represented President Michel Sleiman and Premier Najib Mikati in
the event. A host of religious figures also attended the celebration Tuesday
morning at Aamliyah High school in Rass Nabeh, Beirut.
R.Z.
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Politics - Hmayed astonished at Syrian opposition
Tue 6/12/2011 13:29
NNA - 06/12/2011 Amal Movement MP Ayoub Hmayed expressed surprise at the actions
of Syrian opposition, accusing them of going along with the American-Israeli
plan.
The MPs speech took place in southern village of Deir Zahrani on Tuesday,
marking the last day of Ashura.
"[The Syrian opposition] is presenting its credentials to [the west]."
In domestic issues, Hmayed defended the military institution against those who
were attacking it. "Do they want to turn Lebanon into public property and a
place torn by strife?"
R.Z.
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Politics - Rahi meets visitors in Bkirky
Tue 6/12/2011 12:20
NNA - 06/12/2011 Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rahi received a host of guests at
Bkirky Tuesday.
Among these visitors were former Minister Mohssen Daloul, Bar Association
Chairman Nouhad Jaber, MP Nabil Nicholas and ambassador of Romania.
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Qabalan advises leaders to do like Hussein
Tue 6/12/2011 12:16
NNA - 06/12/2011 Vice President of Higher Islamic Shiite Council invited Tuesday
all leaders to follow in the footsteps of Imam Hussein.
Sheikh Abed al Amir Qabalan addressed a host of social, political and religious
figures who gathered at the council for tenth day of Mouharram, which marks last
day of Ashura.
"Stay away from hatred and selfishness...be good in your treatment of each other
and be open to the other."
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Houry shames cabinet for Zahrani catastrophe
Tue 6/12/2011 12:00
NNA - 06/12/2011 MP Aamar Houry voiced outrage Tuesday to Future News TV on the
shameful incident of Zahrani, and deemed it as friendly fire among associates
attempting to split country into shares.
Amal Movement with the aid of Hezbollah demanded the shutdown of Zahrani
electricity plant in south Lebanon, plunging the country into an abyss of
darkness. This led to dispute with Water and Energy Minister Gibran Bassil of
the Aounist bloc, a current ally in March 8 Camp.
"They are one team who has disputed over things not mentioned in media,"
explained the Future Bloc MP. "The real farce is when [Bassil] said he asked the
help of security forces, but no one came. This means that the logic of the
statelet is far stronger than that of the state."
"The government should have held an emergency meeting over the Zahrani scandal
because it is deplorable to leave Lebanon in the dark."
R.Z.
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Politics - Nasrallah makes first public appearance since 2008
Tue 6/12/2011 11:43
NNA - 06/12/2011 Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah made an
appearance to a crowd of his supporters on Ashura Day at Rayah Stadium in
Beirut's southern suburb for the first time since 2008.
He entered the stadium as his bodyguards cleared the way for him to reach the
stage.
"I wanted to be among you for several minutes and say to those seeking to
intimidate us that we are the followers of Imam Hussein," he told his audience
before exiting the stage to address them via video link.
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All rights
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Politics - A. Gemayel heads to France
Tue 6/12/2011 11:33
NNA - 06/12/2011 Head of Kataeb Party Amine Gemayel left Beirut Tuesday bound
for Marseille to partake in conference of the European People's Party.
Heads and representatives of 75 parties from 39 countries are expected to attend
the conference, along with Heads of State and governments, ministers and
deputies.
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Nasrallah arrive to Rayah stadium in Dahiyeh
Tue 6/12/2011 11:13
NNA - 06/12/2011 Hezbollah Secretary General, Hassan Nasrallah, arrived to Rayah
stadium in Beirut southern suburb of Dahiyeh where he is scheduled to give a
speech on tenth of Muharram.
R.Z.
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Politics - Kenaan defends Bassil, describes his speech as conscientious
Tue 6/12/2011 11:11
NNA - 06/12/2011 MP Ibrahim Kenaan said in a press interview Tuesday that Change
and Reform Bloc would always condemn any transgression of law and rights,
voicing support to fellow bloc Minister Gibran Bassil.
Energy Minister Gibran Bassil faced public embarrassment when Zahrani
electricity plant was forced shut by members of his allies of Amal Movement with
the blessings of Hezbollah. In a public speech, Bassil refused to have an
"electricity square," in reference to the security square of Hezbollah, stating
that the country has had enough of these "squares."
"The speech of Gibran Bassil was responsible, and there should be this kind of
cry against any breach of law," said Kenaan.
"We must mend any defect," the MP added that law must run its course and hold
accountable those who broke it.
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All
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\Politics - Moussa: Cabinet problems solved
Tue 6/12/2011 10:48
NNA - 06/12/2011 MP Michel Moussa said Tuesday to Voice of Lebanon radio that
major challenges facing the cabinet were resolved calmly among members,
asserting that the situation would not lead to the resignation of Aounist
ministers of the Free Patriotic Movement Bloc (FPM).
Power cut-off at Zahrani plant in south Lebanon morphed into a dispute between
allies of March 8 Camp. Amal Movement and Hezbollah forced the Zahrani shut,
putting Energy Minister Gibran Bassil in a very uncomfortable situation.
Moussa denied any tension between allies. "There may be disputes or
misunderstandings in certain things, but these issues are usually quickly solved
and things go back on track."
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Fatfat: Only Nasrallah and Assad can dissolve cabinet
Tue 6/12/2011 10:38
NNA - 06/12/2011 Future Bloc MP Ahmad Fatfat asserted during a radio interview
Tuesday that only Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah and Syrian
President Bashar Assad can bring down the government.
The MP, though optimistic about a solution for the cabinet crisis, predicted
such a solution to come at the expense of the treasury and transparency in
dealing with issues. He contended that PM Najib Mikati would give concessions to
the ministers of the Free Patriotic Movement.
"There is no decision to topple the government, and a resignation is not in the
hands of General Michel Aoun or PM Najib Mikati, but in the hands of those who
made this cabinet," Fatfat said.
R.Z.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Adams, Defense Minister confer over developments
Mon 5/12/2011 21:12
NNA - 5/12/2011 - The general situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as
means of boosting-up relations between Canada and Lebanon had been the center of
deliberations on Monday between National Defense Minister, Fayez Ghosn, and the
Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon, Hillary Adams.
Adams visited today Ghosn's ministerial office in the company of a military
attach�. Talks reportedly focused on the situation in South Lebanon and ongoing
cooperation between the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL.
Both sides also discussed the Defense Ministry's plans to beef-up the Lebanese
Army's potentials and capabilities.
R.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Kataeb convenes over local, regional developments
Mon 5/12/2011 20:48
NNA - 5/12/2011 - Most recent developments at the local and regional scenes
featured high Monday on Kataeb's meeting.
Kataeb Political Bureau and Kataeb's Central Council held their regular meeting
today presided by Kataeb Leader Amine Gemayel.
R.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Sleiman, Mikati meet over developments, cabinet session
Mon 5/12/2011 19:35
NNA - 5/12/2011 - President of the Republic Michel Sleiman on Monday met with
Prime Minister Najib Mikati over local developments. Both men also discussed the
works agenda of next Wednesday's cabinet session.
R.H.
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Politics - Christians mainstay to Lebanon's stability, says Qabalan
Mon 5/12/2011 19:33
NNA - 5/12/2011 - Vice head of the Shiite Supreme Council, Sheikh Abdul Amir
Qabalan, on Monday said the presence of Christians in the East was necessary and
important, stressing they [Christians] were a paramount mainstay to Lebanon's
stability.
Qabalan today met with Head of Special Envoy of the French Prime Minister for
Christian Affairs in East, Andre Gauteiron, over relations between Muslims and
Christians in the East in general, and in Lebanon in particular.
Both men also engaged in most recent political situation in Lebanon and the
broader Arab region.
R.A.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Mikati receives an invitation to visit France
Mon 5/12/2011 19:11
NNA - 5/12/2011 Prime Minister Najib Mikati received Monday an official
invitation to visit France from his French counterpart Francois Fillon.
French Ambassador to Lebanon Donie Pietton handed the invitation letter to
Premier Mikati during a visit to the Grand Serail Monday afternoon.
Pietton said on emerging that the date of the visit shall be set later.
Pietton indicated that French President Nicholas Sarkouzi will meet with Premier
Mikati during the visit to felicitate him on the adopted decision to pay
Lebanon's share of Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) funding.
Pietton also disclosed that talks will dwell on an array of bilateral dossiers
between Lebanon and France, and will be a chance to underline friendship ties
between the two countries.
On the other hand, Mikati met with Akkar Mufti Ousama Rifai.
---------------L.Y
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Politics - STL Registrar answers questions live on Twitter Wednesday
Mon 5/12/2011 18:47
NNA - 5/12/2011 In a press release by Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), it
said "STL Registrar, Herman von Hebel, will be answering questions from Lebanese
citizens and the general public on Wednesday, December 7, from 3 pm to 5 pm
Beirut local Time [2 to 4 pm Central European time]."
Release added "Questions directed to the Registrar should contain the hashtag #STLRegistrar.
The Registrar is in effect the Chief Executive of the tribunal and is
responsible for all aspects of its administration including the budget,
fundraising, relations with states and court management. His responsibilities
also include oversight of the victim participation unit, witness protection and
detention facilities. He will only be able to answer questions which relate to
his responsibilities as Registrar."
"This is an initiative to interact with the people of Lebanon and marks the
official launch of the STL Twitter account, which has been operative from 1
November 2011", release concluded.
***************
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Nadim Gemayel heads to Marseille
Mon 5/12/2011 18:12
NNA - 5/12/2011 Deputy Nadim Gemayel left Beirut on Monday heading to
the French city Marseille, to partake in the Conference by European
People Party.
European People Party includes 75 parties from 39 states, whose members
include a number of heads of states, governments, ministers and
deputies.
Gemayel will partake at the sidelines of the Conference in the works of
"Youth Conference and Arab Spring Activists" organized by European
Center for Studies, a statement by Gemayel Media Bureau said.
----------------L.Y
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Politics - Wahhab after meeting Mansour: Lebanon the first harmed by
blockade on Syria
Mon 5/12/2011 17:57
NNA - 5/12/2011 Foreign and Expatriates Minister Adnan Mansour met on
Monday at Villa Boustros with former Minister Weam Wehhab where they
boarded the latest on the local arena.
Speaking in the name of the majority camp, Wahhab said that the Majority
is not concerned in any Arab League measure against Syria or any measure
attempting to drag Lebanon into a confrontation with it.
"We [Majority] reject any measure against Syria since most of the
Lebanese will be harmed by this issue", Wahhab said, considering Lebanon
as the first one harmed by blockade measures on Syria.
On the other hand, Mansour met with former Minister Joseph Al-Hashem.
---------------L.Y
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Politics - Sahnawi tackles report on Justice Ministry's second floor
Mon 5/12/2011 17:40
NNA - 05/12/2011 - Telecommunication Minister Nicholas Sahnawi held
Monday at his office a press conference related to the results of
inspections carried out on the second floor of the Justice Ministry
headquarters in Adlieh / Beirut.
It is to note that a professional committee has been formed to
investigate into the issue pertaining to the Chinese communication
system which OGERO refused to hand over to the Telecommunication
Ministry last May.
The committee detected in its report a number of contraventions on the
administrative and legal levels and would deal with them in accordance
with the law, said the minister.
A.M.
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Politics - Kahwaji tackles military cooperation with Canadian Ambassador
Mon 5/12/2011 17:29
NNA - 05/12/2011 - Lebanese Army Commander, General Jean Kahwaji, met
over military cooperation and the general situation with Canadian
Ambassador to Lebanon, Hilary Childs-Adams.
The meeting was held on Monday at Kahwaji's office in Yarzeh.
© NNA 2011 All rights
reserved |
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Politics - Russia reckons on Arab initiative towards Syria, says
diplomat
Mon 5/12/2011 17:26
NNA - 5/12/2011 - Russian ambassador to Lebanon, Alexandre Zasypkin, on
Monday said Russia was endeavoring to ensure an agreement over the
implementation of the Arab League's initiative towards Syria, including
the dispatch of observers and the cease of violence from both sides, in
reference to the regime forces on one hand, and the armed opposition on
the other.
Speaking to journalists in the wake of his meeting with head of the
Lebanese Kataeb Party, Amine Gemayel, the diplomat said foreign parties
were asked to remain objective and unbiased, away from fueling tensions.
"Unilateral sanctions cannot mitigate the crisis, and we underline the
necessity of a comprehensive national dialogue, with no prior
conditions," he added.
"We believe that the decisions recently adopted by the Human Rights
Committee are unilateral, politicized, and insinuating a possibility of
force usage," he said.
"But it seems that they did not notice the recent measures by the Syrian
regime," he reminded.
On the developments in Lebanon, Zasypkin said the country had confirmed
its holding onto international obligations, through the funding of the
Special Tribunal for Lebanon, a UN-backed court probing the 2005
assassination of statesman Rafik Hariri.
For his part, Gemayel called Lebanese leaders to intensify efforts so as
to proof the internal domestic scene and constitutional institutions,
and to reach reconciliation between the state and the citizen.
R.A.H.
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Politics - Watkins from Berri's: for Lebanon to preserve stability
Mon 5/12/2011 16:01
NNA - 05/11/2011 - United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon ad
Interim Robert Watkins said it was much important for Lebanon to make
all efforts to preserve stability in the country.
Watkins's remark came on Monday in the wake of his visit to Speaker of
the House Nabih Berri at the latter's residence in Ain Tineh.
Watkins said the visit was an opportunity to speak about the general
situation in the Arab region as well as the specific situation in
Lebanon.
He thanked Berri's efforts in paying last week the Special Tribunal for
Lebanon, probing the assassination of Martyr Rafic Hariri and related
crimes, its financial dues.
Among Ain Tineh's visitors: a delegation of the African Continental
Council headed by the chairman of said council, Najib Zahra; the
Paraguayan Ambassador to Lebanon Hassan Dayya.
In another development, Berri cabled the Iraqi Prime Minister Noury
Maleki, congratulating him on his safety from the assassination attempt.
A.M./P.BC.
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Politics - Fletcher from Grand Serail: perturbed about stability in Lebanon
Mon 5/12/2011 15:07
NNA - 05/11/2011 - The British Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher said he was
perturbed about stability in Lebanon, especially during that difficult time
which was witnessing a case of unrest in the region.
Fletcher's stance came on Monday in the wake of his visit to Prime Minister
Najib Mikati at the Grand Serail.
Fletcher said he personally expressed to Mikati his welcome to the Lebanese
government's payment of the financial dues for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon,
probing the assassination of Marty Rafic Hariri and related crimes.
"It is important to take such decision [paying the STL dues] because it is means
of supporting stability," said Fletcher.
Separately, Mikati received at the Grand Serail the Syrian Ambassador Ali Abdul
Karim Ali, who stressed upon the necessity of well controlling the borders
between both countries so as to prevent any sort of arms smuggling or security
unrest.
Afterwards, the Iranian Ambassador Ghazanfar Roknabadi met with the Premier. The
guest conveyed Iran's support for the Syrian public's demands for administrative
reforms in Syria under the command of President Bashar Assad.
Among the Grand Serail's visitors: Deputy Sleiman Franjieh; a delegation of the
Maronite General Council headed by former Minister Wadih Khazen; and others.
In another development, Premier Mikati presided over the first meeting for the
National Council for Fighting Drugs that had been partaken by Deputy Prime
Minister Samir Mokbil; Justice Minister Shakib Cortbawi; Interior and
Municipalities Minister Marwan Charbel; Information Minister Walid Daouk; Public
Health Minister Ali Hassan Khalil; Education and Higher Learning Minister Hassan
Diab; and the Secretary General of said council Mirvat Itani.
© NNA 2011 All rights
reserved
Politics - Daouq meets M. Rahhal, Beiruti delegation
Mon 5/12/2011 14:53
NNA - 5/12/2011 - Minister of Information, Walid Daouq, on Monday took up most
recent developments with former Minister Mohammad Rahhal, who visited him at his
office in the Ministry.
He later met with a delegation of Beirut families' gathering committee, headed
by Walid Al-Khatib, over the committee's activities and goals.
Al-Khatib told journalists following the meeting that the committee was en route
to putting forth a magazine, which earned Daouq's full support.
R.A.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Daouq meets M. Rahhal, Beiruti delegation
Mon 5/12/2011 14:53
NNA - 5/12/2011 - Minister of Information, Walid Daouq, on Monday took up most
recent developments with former Minister Mohammad Rahhal, who visited him at his
office in the Ministry.
He later met with a delegation of Beirut families' gathering committee, headed
by Walid Al-Khatib, over the committee's activities and goals.
Al-Khatib told journalists following the meeting that the committee was en route
to putting forth a magazine, which earned Daouq's full support.
R.A.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Sleiman finalizes visit program to Armenia
Mon 5/12/2011 14:43
NNA - 5/12/2011 - President of the Republic, Michel Sleiman, on Monday chaired a
meeting on the program of his three-day state visit to Armenia Thursday.
Sleiman and the accompanying official parliamentary and ministerial delegation
are scheduled to ink a pile of two-pronged agreements as well as to engage in
parleys with the Armenian side.
Separately, the President met today at Baabda palace with Minister of Industry,
Vreij Sabounjian, over relevant ministerial affairs.
He later broached the current political situation on the domestic scene with MPs
Elie Marouni and Abdullatif Zein.
Sleiman also met with former Interior Minister Ziad Baroud over most recent
developments.
R.A.H.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Rahi hashes out about Christians situation in Mideast
Mon 5/12/2011 13:59
NNA - 5/12/2011 Maronite Patriarch Al-Rahi took up Monday the situation of
Levantine Christians during his meeting with the Lebanese-French friendship
commission Senator Adrian Gotiron.
Both men also went over all available means and possibilities to bolster and
develop Christians' living conditions.
Gotiron extolled Rahi's stances and said they had drew attention to problems and
difficulties Christians encounter in the Mideast.
Patriarch Rahi convened later on with MP Ghassan Mokheibir with whom he engaged
in talks concerning major recent up-to-dates.
Also among Bkerki visitors today were former Ministers, Leyla Solh Hmadeh and
Khalil Herawi.
L.W.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Gharios says STL is politicized
Mon 5/12/2011 13:36
NNA - 5/12/2011 MP Naji Gharios depicted Monday the Special Tribunal for Lebanon
as being politicized and said his bloc members shall not cede their stances
herein.
Gharios represented Change and Reform bloc head during the FPM Baabda committee
annual dinner.
Achieving government's important tasks begin once Policy Statement is
implemented and sectarian speech is eliminated, Gharios said addressing Prime
Minister Mikati.
Mikati has said earlier that folding the page of the Tribunal represents a step
forward on the path of government's works filled with important milestones.
Concluding his word the MP said his bloc won't be idle if the government won't
prioritize citizens' needs on its agenda.
L.W.
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Lebanon presents complaint against Israel
Mon 5/12/2011 13:00
NNA - 5/12/2011- Expatriates and Foreign Ministry presented through Lebanon's
permanent commission in New York a complaint against Israel on the back ground
that the enemy fired on 29/11/2011 a number of missiles toward the Lebanese
territories.
The complaint stated that the missiles fell in the vicinity between Aita Al-Chaab
and Rmeish villages.
The complaint mentioned that this breach violates Lebanese sovereignty,
international law and the Charter of the United Nations. It also threatens
International peace and security.
L.Y.R/N.AF
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Marouni: Bassil became minister of electricity outage
Mon 5/12/2011 12:32
NNA - 5/12/2011 - Member of Parliament Elie Marouni told "Al Sharq radio" that
Energy and Water Minister Jebran Bassil has turned into a minister of
electricity outage after his failure to secure more power to the Lebanese
despite his promises.
Alluding to the incident in Zahrani power plant where employees seized and shut
down electricity for almost three days, the MP said Bassil is fully responsible
for the severe electricity cuts all over the country.
"Technical problems usually last for two hours or more as a result of storms or
unforeseen events. But when transformers are dismantled and moved from their
location leading to power cuts on the citizens then this should be the sole
responsibility of Bassil who became minister of outage," Marouni said.
The MP said that the silence and indifference of citizens in general has led to
this situation and called on the Lebanese to take matters into their own hands.
"The citizens are not rebelling against injustice, corruption and bribery which
are rampant among certain politicians. Some of these officials have massed great
wealth at the expense of the livelihood of the Lebanese citizens," Marouni
argued.
He stressed that any government which does not emerge from the will of the
people will be above questioning from the public.
The MP accused the ministers at the Cabinet of grabbing the biggest stake of
benefits and without giving any consideration to the welfare of the citizens.
Marouni also blasted the government for failing to address the social and
economic needs of the citizens amid soaring prices of commodities.
He wondered about the fate of the government promises to subsidize the prices of
heat oil.
O.H
© NNA 2011 All
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Politics - Daouk discusses media affairs with Baalbecki
Mon 5/12/2011 11:29
NNA - 5/12/2011 - Information Minister Walid Daouk discussed media affairs on
Monday morning at his office in the ministry with head of Press Syndicate
Mohamad Baalbecki.
A.A.M
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Politics - Jumblatt holds discussions with officials in Kurdistan
Mon 5/12/2011 11:18
NNA - 5/12/2010 - Head of National Struggle Front Deputy Walid Jumblatt met on
Sunday in Kurdistan province-Iraq with head of the province Masoud el Barazani
and discussed bilateral ties which connect Socialist party and Kurdistan
Democratic Party.
Discussions also focused on bilateral ties between Lebanon, in addition to the
current political developments in the region.
A.A.M
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Politics - Youssef condemns Zahrani's incident
Mon 5/12/2011 10:57
NNA - 5/12/2011- "Future" parliamentary bloc member Deputy Ghazi Youssef
condemned the incident that took place in Zahrani energy plant and resulted in
depriving people from having electricity, considering it a militia act.
The MP pointed to the presence of two problems concerning the Zahrani energy
plant. The first is between the plant and its employees who are affiliated
politically with certain parties; and the second is supplying electricity to
certain villages known for their affiliation to some politicians.
It is worth noting that the employees of Zahrani energy plant in South Lebanon
stopped working and closed the plant causing 40% decrease in the supply of
electricity provided to Lebanon in general.
Speaking to "Voice of Lebanon- voice of freedom and dignity" radio station,
Youssef complained that "Energy Minister did not take any action nor gave any
comment on what has happened and neither did Labor Minister."
Youssef emphasized that the state institutions are working according to
agreement between political parties rather than according to law.
L.Y.R/N.AF
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Politics - Jarrah: Differences within cabinet leaves it in predicament
Mon 5/12/2011 10:47
NNA - 5/12/2011 - Deputy Jammal Jarrah stressed that differences among
the cabinet's sides will put it before other predicaments.
Jarrah said that this cabinet did not achieve lots of files even if it
overcame tribunal funding of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's
assassination.
"Differences will prevent the cabinet from achieving appointments,
electricity or false witnesses file", the MP stressed on Monday to
"Voice of Lebanon" radio.
Commenting on the possibility of resuming dialogue table, he said "it is
possible to hold cabinet sessions at any time if all sides agree to
start with the pending issue which is weapons file", pointing out that
suggesting other files do not lead to any result at the end.
The MP called on all sides to refrain from inflaming sectarian tension
in Lebanon and to keep distance from the Syrian file and not to involve
in it.
A.A.M
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Politics - Abboud: Bloc's participation in cabinet depends on
consultations
Mon 5/12/2011 10:40
NNA - 5/12/2011 - Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud told Voice of Lebanon on
Monday that the Change and Reform bloc has not decided yet to take part
in Wednesday's Cabinet session but suggested that consultations will be
held in few hours to determine the course of action the bloc will take.
"We have a feeling that what is taking place inside the Cabinet aims at
torturing the ministers of the Change and Reform bloc deliberately," the
minister explained, adding that his ministry has sent dozens of requests
to the Cabinet for approval but they all ended in the drawers.
He asked when the Cabinet will hold a special session to discuss the
demands of the Tourism Ministry.
Abboud said the issue of Zahrani power plant is purely political and
will be handled in a political manner.
The minister raised questions about the political motives behind the
incident at Zahrani plant.
O.H
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Politics - Alain Aoun: No decision yet to participate in Wednesday's
session
Mon 5/12/2011 10:13
NNA - 5/12/2011 - Change and Reform Parliamentary bloc member deputy
Alain Aoun told Voice of Lebanon that the ministers of the bloc have not
decided yet to take part in the Cabinet session on Wednesday.
"Discussions are focusing on ways how to deal with this government at
this stage. We are not too satisfied by the overall performance of the
government," Aoun told the radio.
He argued that the next few hours are very crucial, noting that the bloc
is still awaiting for answers to its demands.
"We expect MP Michel Aoun to take a decision on whether or not to take
part in the session tomorrow."
Commenting on the strike that occurred at Zahrani electricity plant
which led to partial blackout in most of the country, Aoun said that the
concerned minister will hold a press conference today to explain the
reasons behind the crisis, stressing at the same time that it is
unacceptable to disrupt all public facilities regardless of the reasons.
O.H
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Politics - Fneish: Lebanon's interest is to side with Syria
Mon 5/12/2011 09:06
NNA - 5/11/2011 - Minister of Administrative Development Mohammed Fneish said
Lebanon has a vested interest to back Syria in its current crisis.
Speaking during an Ashoura occasion in Nabatyeh, the minister said irrespective
of the voices reverberating in Lebanon, the country has an interest to back the
Syrian leadership and people at this critical moment.
"We must overcome this crisis so that Syria can remain strong, resolute and
steadfast in the face of Western schemes," Fneish said.
He warned some factions in Lebanon against meddling in the Syrian affairs and to
stop inciting troubles in this country because this attitude is not serving the
interest of the Lebanese.
The minister argued that some factions in the country are taking part in an
overall plan to besiege Syria.
Fneish insisted that the main goal of the resistance is to confront U.S. and
Israelis plots against Lebanon.
O.
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Politics - Raad: Conspiracies all around us
NNA - 5/11/2011 - Loyalty to Resistance parliamentary bloc member
deputy Mohammed Raad said conspiracies are emerging all around Lebanon, adding
that one of the main purposes of this scheme is to target the resistance.
"They are targeting us because we are (fighting for a just cause) and because we
knew the path of victory over the enemy," Raad said during an Ashoura meeting
organize by Hezbollah in Nabatyeh.
He argued that all these countries are mobilizing the public opinion and massing
troops in order to "target us."
The MP stressed that Iran is in the axis of states that are taking the side of
powers opposing the countries trying to dominate the resistance.
He reminded that the resistance has foiled a U.S. backed Israeli war against
Lebanon in July 2006 war.
"This (war) was a global war against the resistance and this war was spearheaded
by the Israelis. But we managed to defeat this scheme against us," Raad said.
The MP commented on the downing of a U.S. spy drone over Iran.
He warned that Iran would not hesitate to strike Israel with missiles if Tehran
came under any attack in the future.
O.H
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