Welcome to the Cedar's
Revolution Website
Thursday January 25, 2007
The survival of the Siniora government depends on
the following actions to be taken by Siniora himself IMMEDIATELY. ANY DELAY WILL
BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE SURVIVAL OF SINIORA, THE CEDARS REVOLUTION. Freedom,
Democracy and Independence of Lebanon are at stake today.
1. PM Siniora must
immediately call for a meeting with top Army Commanders and Suspend from Duty
those in the Military who did not uphold the allegiance to the Lebanese State on
Tuesday. A complete investigation should be ensued. At the same time, Medal of
Honors should be awarded to those who's allegiance was The Lebanon
First.
2. An emergency meeting
should take place immediately between the cabinet and the Lebanese Army
Commanders - to discuss securing the Government and the Civil Society of Lebanon
from a surprise attack. Any defined weaknesses should immediately be brought to
the attention of UNIFIL. SINIORA MUST ASK THE UN TO HELP SECURE THE STATE.
What is at
stake - A Surprise Attack on The Government in a Coup de tat. Most of the
leading analyst agree this is not only a possibility but very real indeed.
And lets not forget that Iran's Ahmadinejad - on Tuesday while meeting
with the Syrian FM - directly tied events in Lebanon today to a wider plan aimed
at Israel's destruction. Most Lebanese don't seek war, don't want to be dragged
into regional conflicts, or even international conflicts. A Majority of the
Lebanese seek Horriyeh, Siyadeh, Istiqlal (Freedom,
Sovereignty, Independence), and Haqiqa, Horriyeh, Wahdeh wataniyeh (Truth,
Freedom, National unity) for all Lebanese.
THIS IS A CALL
TO ACTION TO EVERY LEBANESE IN LEBANON AND THE DIASPORA - WE MUST INSIST THAT
PRIME MINISTER SINIORA IMPLEMENT #1 and #2 ABOVE.
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Current Concern in the Lebanon
I.
Iranian / Syrian / Hezbollah - implements first phase of its offensive to
overthrow the democratically elected government of Siniora
PHASE 1 - Information
Gathering!
I.
Offensive starts out on two fronts
1. Information Gathering, 2. Information Warfare
1. Information
Gathering - Hizbullah first priority is to test the waters. That
is what we have witnessed over the past 3 days.
Challenge: TWO Main
Challenges
A. What will the
Lebanese Army do? Can we count on Lebanese Army in stepping aside, not defending
the nation, being disloyal to Lebanon? and even helping to overthrow this
democratically elected government?
B. What will the
Sunni's do - can we break up March 14 - keep the Sunni's / Druze out - and pit
the Christians against Christians.
C. A smaller
challenge was to test out new tactics and strategies implemented and used for
the first time here, i.e. communication systems of sms messaging of orders,
intel gathering on the majority.
Result:
A. Manipulation of
Lebanese Army effective to a certain extent. Some reports of Lack of action
noted, Some reports of refusing to open roads or using delay tactics noted, Some
reports of actually helping noted. But, also, we must note that there are also
reports of a Majority of very professional Army troops that are loyal to Lebanon
First. We must commend these Professional Troops for their service to the ALL of
Lebanon. If Lebanon survives this round it will be in big part because of the
loyalty of these professional solders. Lebanon Must Come First. Respecting the
Rule of Law Must be a Priority to each and every Lebanese - especially those in
charge of security.
B. Sunni's did not step aside, that was seen the
first day of this insurrection - 23rd Jan. 2007, in the North of the country
where fighting broke out between “Bab-Al-Tabbaneh” (Sunni majority) and
“Ba’l-Mihsin” (Alawite majority) in the city of Tripoli in northern Lebanon
(Bilal Al-Hayik - a Sunni was killed on Tuesday). This was also noted today 25
Jan. 2007 at Beirut Arab University. The March 14 Movement, The Cedars
Revolution, The Free Shi'ite Movement, Those who were Undecided and the innocent
civilians of Lebanon stand Very Strong, Especially at a time when Aoun is losing
his members (reports of at least 30% so far plus most of the undecided) and when
Hezbollah is also losing the war of public opinion very
fast.
2. Information Warfare
- Manipulation of the minds
The
Opposition is mastering the use of the media and news outlets of Al Manar, Al
Akhbar, Al Diyar and others.
This type of warfare has been effective in manipulating the minds of the
opponents, and innocent citizens. As we saw in the last summer war - lots of
disinformation was thrown out - a leading example is the one that stated
israeli secret communications were intercepted - which later turned out to cause
a response.
So, here - the media is being used to manipulate the masses for a
predetermined response.
Hizbullah stated the following before the strife:
-
We will not destroy any private or public properties
- People of Beirut are
like family and we will not invade their region
- It will be a peaceful
movement
Even while the country sustained the brunt of his strategy, he
assured that Hizbullah’s commitment vis-a-vis the opposition was a “moral,
political and national commitment”.
But what did we really witness? As a Leading
newspaper said: To Hizbullah a Thank You for your
men were holding citizens hostages and preventing them from seeking their
livelihood, the employees from reaching their places of work, the sick from
reaching the hospitals and the children from reaching their schools, Thank You
Hizbullah.
As one Shiite woman, Nasra Jaafar, a 29-year-old accountant, said in
referring to Tuesday's protests "I never thought they would behave in such a
way," which left three people dead, injured more than 170 and wreaked havoc on
roads and highways around the country.
"I was a supporter. Before. (Hezbollah leaders) acted
in a more transparent way. But I am
very much against what they did yesterday — destroying roads, traffic lights and
everything else,"
“In a message to the Lebanese people, the
Mufti of the Republic Sheikh Muhammad Rashid Qabbani, said that: “What the
country is witnessing in terms of vandalism, mayhem and the violation of
security, public safety and properties has surpassed the imagination and has
exceeded all the limits of public freedoms. This has started to [prefigure]
serious consequences, the most dangerous of which are those affecting civil
peace”… He then reiterated that: “The attempt to topple the government through
the street and the besieging of Beirut through violence, threats
and oppression will not be allowed to pass by that easily regardless of the
price, as God is my witness”.
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Headlines From
Naharnet (latest news appears
first)
Three people were
killed and 169 wounded in Beirut’s clashes.
Rafik
Hariri International airport remained operational despite curfew.
Education Minister Khaled Qabbani called for a suspension of classes at
public and private universities and schools in Lebanon until Monday.
Hizbullah demonstrators attacked buildings in downtown Beirut’s banking
sector.
The Lebanese army imposed a nighttime curfew in Beirut that
would last from 8:30 pm Thursday until 6 am Friday.
One person was killed
and about 30 were injured in spiraling violence in Beirut.
Violence
spread from Beirut Arab University to surrounding districts and cars were set on
fire as staccato bursts of gunfire echoed across the area.
The
Lebanese University suspended classes until Monday after the outbreak of
violence among students in teaching institutes.
Parliament’s majority leader Saad Hariri urged Beirutis to calm and
exercise self restraint.
Hizbullah
asked its supporters to retreat from the streets.
International donors pledged 7.6 billion dollars in aid for Lebanon at
the Paris III conference, French President Jacques Chirac
said.Violence erupted Thursday between
pro and anti-government factions at Beirut Arab University.
The World
Bank and the European Investment Bank together announced more than two billion
dollars in aid to Lebanon.
Saudi
Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said the Kingdom will give more than one
billion dollars in aid to Lebanon.
U.N.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday urged all Lebanese to cooperate to
achieve prosperity and called for dialogue among feuding factions.
Premier Fouad Saniora said at the Paris III conference Thursday that
the Lebanese government can’t implement its reform plan without the support of
the international community.
French
President Jacques Chirac told donors at the Paris III aid conference, which
opened on Thursday, that Lebanon needs international support “more than
ever.”(naharnet)
PARIS III
UPDATE
International donors pledged billions of dollars in aid and loans at a
conference Thursday to raise money for Lebanon's U.S.-backed prime minister and
his economic reform program for the war-scarred country. By midday Thursday,
nearly $4 billion had been proposed. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud
al-Faisal said his country would channel $1 billion in development funding and
an additional $100 million grant for the Lebanese government.
"Your support will be essential in seeing Lebanon through," Lebanese
Prime Minister Fuad Saniora told the conference. "The cost of failure is too
great to contemplate."
He
added that Lebanon is "on the verge of a deep recession."
The
U.S. said it plans to more than triple its economic aid. Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice said on the eve of the meeting that the Bush administration is
seeking $770 million in new aid for Lebanon.
The
money, which must be approved by Congress, would finance long-term redevelopment
and immediate rebuilding from last summer's war.
French President Jacques Chirac said half of a new $650 million loan from
France would be extended this year. The European Commission, the EU's executive
arm, pledged some $649 million in loans or aid.
Experts predicted the funds offered - in the form of debt relief,
low-cost loans and aid - would likely total $4 billion to $7
billion.
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Daily Press Briefing - The US State
Department
Jan. 24,
2007
U.S. Department of State
Daily Press Briefing by Department Spokesman Sean McCormack talks about Paris
III and Secretary Rices' meetings at the Paris III
conference.
Video
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BAN KI-MOON TO URGE SUPPORT FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF
LEBANON
 |
| Ban Ki-moon (L) and Jose Manuel Barroso
brief press |
Asked for information on the
proposals that the Secretary-General would make at the upcoming Lebanon
conference in Paris, the Spokesman said the Secretary-General was urging
international support for the reconstruction of Lebanon. Haq noted that the
Secretary-General would also be holding a number of bilateral meetings on the
margins of the conference, in which a wide range of issues, concerning support
to the Lebanese Government, could come up.
The
Spokesman also noted that the Secretary-General’s concerns on Lebanon had been
expressed in a statement issued yesterday. In that context, Haq said the
Secretary-General was concerned that the political dispute in Lebanon had led to
violence. In response to a further question, the Spokesman said it was important
that all parties be represented and feel represented in the Lebanese Government.
Asked
about how aid would be provided to Lebanon, the Spokesman said that that matter
would be discussed at the donors’ conference in Paris.
Asked if it was appropriate to hold a donors’ conference in
France, which was a former colonial power, the Spokesman said that France had
opted to host the event, and that no donors had expressed issues with that. Haq
added that he hoped the conference would be successful.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breaking
- Clashes broke
out between pro and anti-government factions in the northern town of Tripoli
Wednesday. Police said two people were wounded.
- A police source said the
firefight, in which automatic rifles and hand grenades were used, broke out as
residents of the Tabbaneh district were taking part in the funeral of Bilal
al-Hayek, who was killed in similar clashes Tuesday.
Today's Quote
“When you choose the lesser of two evils, always remember that it is
still an evil.” — Max Lerner
Latest
NEWS
- New
Cedars Revolution Page 1 NEWS [ LINK ]
PicNews [ LINK ]
- What is Walid Phares Saying [ WALID ]
- New Postings on [ Cedars Revolution Blog ] [ CedarsBlogArabic ] [ CedarsBlogSpanish ] [ Cedars Press Releases ]
NEW
Articles
-Hizballah Protests Meant to
Weaken Western Resolve [LINK]
-
Black Tuesday: Hezbollah’s state besieges Lebanon [ LINK
]
- Larijani - Damascus’s refusal to ratify tribunal [ LINK
]
- Factions in Opposition absent [ LINK
]
- Saudi calls Iran ends strike, Prince Bandar to Tehran [LINK]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
WCCR Latest Press Releases - Website [ LINK ]
1.
WCCR Press Release - Terrorism Hits Lebanon [ Link
]
2. WCCR letter sent to UN SC
members on Situation [ LINK ]
3. WCCR Berri must accept
responsibility or resign [ LINK ]
4. WCCR warning Hizbollah
and its leaders in Syria & Iran that UNIFL is a red line [ LINK ]
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ROOT CAUSE TO YESTERDAY'S PROBLEM OF TERROR
1.
Failure to fully Implement UN 1559/1701
2.
Iranian / Syrian destabilizing and meddling in Lebanese affairs.
3.
States within a State, set up by Iran / Syria - acting on its own
4. The speaker of the house in refusing to call for a parliament session
to discuss Lebanese issues.
5.
Open borders and smuggling operations with Syria
6.
$50 Billion cash reserve from Oil Revenue - in Iran - being used to finance, buy
and intimidate multitude of Lebanese including from Lebanese Clerics to Army
personnel.
SOLUTION TO CURRENT PROBLEM
1.
UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION UNDER CHAPTER 7 to secure the state, prevent arms
flow into the Country from Syria, disarm all militias in Lebanon.
2.
International community to continue to support this democratically elected
government and step up pressures against Iran and Syria.
3. The Syrian
border with Lebanon must be closed. Monitors must be in place to prevent
Iranian/Syrian supply of Militias in Lebanon.
4. No return
to dialogue with any group that operates a state within a state, holding arms
and calling for civil strife, disrespecting the democratic institutions and rule
of law. Lay down your arms must be a precondition to any dialogue. No dialogue
can take place with one group armed more then the Lebanese army and the other
groups not armed.
5. Anyone or
group trying to overthrow the democratically elected government of PM Siniora
should be delt with severly under the law. This is clearly treason against the
democratically elected state.
6. Immediate
Parliament session - cases brought forward, the body discusses it, votes on it -
live with the results.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
President Bush -
State of the Union Address
Recalls Cedar
Revolution!
Many are known to take direction from the regime in Iran, which is
funding and arming terrorists like Hezbollah -- a group second only to al Qaeda
in the American lives it has taken.
...
In the last two years, we've
seen the desire for liberty in the broader Middle East -- and we have been
sobered by the enemy's fierce reaction. In 2005, the world watched as the
citizens of Lebanon raised the banner of the Cedar Revolution, they drove out
the Syrian occupiers and chose new leaders in free elections. In 2005, the
people of Afghanistan defied the terrorists and elected a democratic
legislature. And in 2005, the Iraqi people held three national elections,
choosing a transitional government, adopting the most progressive, democratic
constitution in the Arab world, and then electing a government under that
constitution. Despite endless threats from the killers in their midst, nearly 12
million Iraqi citizens came out to vote in a show of hope and solidarity that we
should never forget. (Applause.)
A thinking enemy watched all
of these scenes, adjusted their tactics, and in 2006 they struck back. In
Lebanon, assassins took the life of Pierre Gemayel, a prominent participant in
the Cedar Revolution. Hezbollah terrorists, with support from Syria and Iran,
sowed conflict in the region and are seeking to undermine Lebanon's legitimately
elected government.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
US State Department Press Statement Sean
McCormack
Washington, DC January 23, 2007
United States Condemns Violence in Lebanon
The
United States is deeply concerned about developments today in Lebanon. Lebanese
factions allied with Syria are blocking roads, preventing people from reaching
their jobs and schools, and obstructing the work of the security services. These
factions are trying to use violence, threats, and intimidation to impose their
political will on Lebanon. They also seek to distract attention from the Paris
III conference to be held later this week, where international donors will
demonstrate their strong support for the people and government of Lebanon.
Especially given the dangers of sectarian clashes, the United States calls on
all parties to use peaceful and constitutional means to debate the political
issues before them, and to exercise restraint. Lebanon is a democracy with a
strong parliamentary system and a tradition of national dialogue. The United
States hopes that Lebanon's leaders will return immediately to the Parliament,
or resume a national dialogue, in order to resolve political differences
peacefully.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UN
Statement on Lebanon
New
York, 23 January 2007 - Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the
Secretary-General on Lebanon
The
Secretary-General is following closely current developments in Lebanon. He is
greatly concerned that the political dispute in Lebanon has resulted in
confrontation in the streets, reportedly leading to injuries and loss of life.
On
the eve of his departure to the Paris III conference on Lebanon, the
Secretary-General reiterates the support of the United Nations for the
stability, sovereignty, security and independence of Lebanon. It is essential
that all parties within Lebanon work through the democratic process and return
to dialogue as a means of addressing their political
differences.
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From
the Blogsphere (from Beirut to the Beltway)
Hundreds of masked men are setting fire to tires and dumpsters after filling
them with fuel in Beirut and other areas. Eyewitnesses told me that they saw
bulldozers assisting the protestors by shoveling dirt and dumping it on some of
the roads. Trucks were also seen transporting tires and metal barriers to
various points in the capital. They were not intercepted by the army or security
forces.
The Lebanese army so far has been letting the protestors block the roads for
a while, to then re-open them, although not in Beirut so far. This seems to be
their “neutral” strategy. In fact, as of 7:30 AM Beirut time, most of the roads
and tunnels in Beirut are blocked, including the airport road. The sky is filled
with black smoke from the burning tires, and visibility is zero. Universities
and schools are open, and so are most businesses. But the morning commute has
been disrupted, and the army has failed to secure safe roads for citizens. There
are unconfirmed reports of stoning at several locations by protestors. There are
also reports of citizens leaving their cars at home and walking to work.
In the north and in Byblos, LBC and Future TV are reporting clashes between
commuters and rioters. Several persons were wounded. A couple of cars were
torched.
I call on all my readers in Lebanon to post updates about the situation in
the comments section.
Update.
The Lebanese army is being criticized for not carrying out its duty. In many
instances, it looked like they were guarding the roadblocks.
"They are either failing in their duty or collaborating by protecting the
demonstrators instead of opening the roads and protecting citizens who want to
go to work," Geagea added. Former MP Fares Soaid, a main figure in the
anti-Syrian camp, also urged government forces "not to take part in this blatant
coup." "The security forces are providing complete protection for those closing
the roads, but they are not providing complete protection for those trying to go
to work," Soaid charged.
"If the security forces continue to fail to carry out their duty, people
will go down and open the roads by themselves and there will be pressure from a
popular movement," he said. Druze MP Akram Shehayyeb, a member of the
anti-Syrian parliamentary majority, said "the army has to carry out its duty...
because if it remains neutral, there will be a confrontation among the
people."
Future TV is reporting that Hizbullah is bussing people from outside Beirut
to predominantly Sunni neighborhood, especially Tarik Jdeedeh. Clashes erupted
between Sunni residents and "gunmen".
Hizbullah is calling this an "intifada". And indeed, their supporters are now
stoning anti-Hizbullah residents of Beirut. March 14 MP Walid Eido says that
Beirut is "being occupied by the Hizbullah militia...".
Update 2. LBC is showing footage of Hizbullah youth throwing
rocks at the Lebanese army in Corniche al-Mazraa in true "intifada style".
Update 3. Fares Soaid is lashing out at the security forces
for arresting residents trying to open the roads after the failure of the army
to do so. It seems the army's strategy is to avoid confrontation and clashes at
any cost, even if it means letting the protestors maintain roadblocks. In some
instances where the army did try to clear rubble and burning tires, they were
stoned by "opposition" members.
Update 4. Hizbullah thugs armed with sticks, rocks and in
some cases guns are storming Beirut neighborhoods. Some were seen approaching
the Future TV news building in Raouche. ISF and army troops trying to stop their
advance are being attacked.
Security forces are being extremely lax and unorganized-- intervening only
when it's too late.
Future TV reported that vans carrying covered Hizbullah women are supplying
the rioters with rocks.
Update 5. The riots have degenerated into street warfare
between Sunnis, Shias and Sunnis. Two have been killed and 50 wounded so far,
according to Naharnet.
PM Siniora held a press conference and demanded an extraordinary
parliament session to deal with the escalating situation.
Saniora said the general strike called by the opposition has developed into
"provocations that went beyond all limits." "Blocking roads…is an aggression on
the people and their freedoms. It is an attack on social order and it involves
risks that are hidden to nobody."
Naharnet has a good roundup here. With the
army reluctant to clear the roadblocks in some areas, some residents have
decided to take matters into their own hands.
Update
6. March 14 is calling on people to take to the streets to
confront the rioters and clear the roadblocks themselves if the Lebanese army
doesn't carry out its duty. Beirut residents are boiling with anger, and there
are rumors of taking up arms against the "Hizbullah occupiers".
Update 7. From
Naharnet:
The opposition on Tuesday called off its violent one-day protest that claimed
at least three lives and wounded 62 people as the pro-government majority urged
its followers to be on stand-by to “break the siege of Beirut” if the army does
not carry out the mission.
I say break that damn siege now, and start with downtown
Beirut. This should not have been allowed to happen.
(from Beirut to the Beltway)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saniora - Mad, Demands Parliament Session
Saniora told a news conference "I demand an immediate extraordinary
meeting by the parliament to settle issues within the constitutional
institutions."
Saniora said the general strike called by the opposition has developed
into "provocations that went beyond all limits."
"Blocking roads…is an aggression on the people and their freedoms. It is
an attack on social order and it involves risks that are hidden to
nobody."
However, he stressed that "our hands remain stretched to facilitate
dialogue and settle problems and renew confidence between the
Lebanese."
The
premier said the March 14 parliamentary majority that supports his government
"will not fail to listen to the opinions of others."
He
urged for "quick treatment that would take differences away from the street to
be discussed within the framework of legitimate institutions, topped by the
parliament."
Saniora concluded by stressing that "we will always remain together
against intimidation. We will be together against internal disputes to safeguard
Lebanon
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NEW FORM OF TERRORISM HITS LEBANON - DIRECTED BY
IRAN & SYRIA - CARRIED OUT BY HIZBULLAH &
OPPOSITION!
CHAP 7 UN
Resolution seen as a Clear Solution
TODAYS CALL TO
RIOT / CIVIL STRIFE FAILS TO BE "VERY BIG" AS HIZBULLAH PROCLAIMED!
BUT SUCCEEDS IN
TURNING MOST OF LEBANON AGAINST THEM, SUCCEEDS IN DISRESPECTING THE INNOCENT
LEBANESE POPULOUS, SUCCEEDS IN DISRESPECTING RULE OF LAW.
OPPOSITION TRUE
COLORS COMING OUT!
UPDATE
- Thousands of army soldiers and police
deployed across Lebanon tried to open roads, abstaining from using force. In
some instances, they separated the two opposing sides which threw stones and
glass bottles at each other.
- Clashes erupted Tuesday between gunmen and
residents of the low-income Tarik Jedideh neighborhood, security sources said.
- Army troops reopened the Kesrouan highway after a confrontation with
opposition supporters, LBCI reported.
- The television channel said troops
fired gunshots in the air to disperse protestors.
IRANIAN /
SYRIAN DIRECTED TERROR CARRIED OUT BY OPPOSITION ACTIONS HURTING ALL LEBANON
& LEBANESE
MAJORITY OF LEBANESE IN LEBANON AND THE DIASPORA FED UP WITH
IRANIAN/SYRIAN DIRECTED ACTIONS IN LEBANON - CALLING ON THE INTERNATIONAL
COMMUNITY TO PASS A UN CHAPTER 7 RESOLUTION TO SECURE THE STATE, PREVENT ARMS
FLOW FROM IRAN/SYRIA TO MILITIAS IN LEBANON, DISARM ALL MILITIAS IN
LEBANON!
HIZBULLAH / AOUN & OPPOSITION LOSING RESPECT OF LOCAL
LEBANESE AND NATIONS OF THE WORLD!
LEBANESE IN LEBANON FED UP WITH OPPOSITION - LOOKING TO UN CHAP 7
RESOLUTION AS ONLY WAY OUT!
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Lebanese Army / Internal
Security Force Defending the Nation against TERROR!
The
head of the Internal Security forces, Ashraf Rifi, told The Daily Star there is
"100 percent" cooperation between the army and the police on "keeping the
country safe" on Tuesday.
"You will see us everywhere, the ISF and army will be deployed throughout
Lebanon," he said, promising a presence along major roads into
Beirut.
"We
will protect the right of every Lebanese to strike, and we will protect the
right of every Lebanese who doesn't want to strike," he said, adding: "We will
protect the right of the citizen to move around."
The
heads of the security forces met with Siniora along with Defense Minister Elias
Murr and Interior Minister Hassan Sabaa to discuss the specifics of the security
plan that will be in effect on Tuesday.
"They have been instructed not to use force or fire," Murr told the
media. "Anyone trying to cause trouble will be arrested and taken to court."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A message from former
President Amine Gemayal
مكتب الرئيس أمين الجميل:الثلاثاء،
23 كانون الثاني، 2007
التقى الرئيس أمين الجميل في دارته في
سن الفيل عند الثانية عشرة والنصف السفير الأميركي جيفري فيلتمان يرافقه مساعده
الخاص ادوار بيتر مسمر وتم خلال اللقاء البحث في التطورات التي تشهدها الساحة
المحلية.
بعد اللقاء أعلن فيلتمان : أتيت لأتحدث
مع الرئيس الجميل عن التطورات المحلية وأبلغته أن الولايات المتحدة ستلعب دوراً
رئيسياً في دعم مؤتمر باريس 3 من أجل مساندة لبنان وكل الشعب اللبناني، فباريس 3
ليس لفريق لبناني واحد أنه لدعم كل لبنان.
وأضاف:" وضعني الرئيس الجميل أيضاً في صورة
ما يحصل اليوم في لبنان، وأبلغته أن الولايات المتحدة ورئيسها تدعم بشكل كامل
الحقوق الديموقراطية اللبنانية وحرية التعبير التي يضمنها الدستور اللبناني. ولكن
ما حصل اليوم هو كبت حقيقي لحرية التعبير عن الرأي من خلال التهويل على الناس
وتهديد حقوقهم الديموقراطية.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breaking News from
the Blogsphere
Opposition is Taking Arms Against Lebanese
The Hezbollah led opposition has failed to achieve its goals. Now, they
are resorting to what they know best: force and
violence.
For all of its weaknesses, the 14 March Coalition has never
forced a physical confrontation with its opponents. Through assassinations,
random bombings in civilian areas, a summer of unwanted war, and with the
cabinet blockaded inside the Grand Serail, the 14 March Coalition has never
called on Lebanese citizens to do anything physically aggressive to the
opposition.
Now, the opposition is proving its authoritarian agenda. Like
they did when they began a war this summer without consulting the rest of the
country, the opposition is once again forcing Lebanese into a situation they
don't want to be in. However, this time it's Lebanese against
Lebanese.
Blocking off an area for a demonstration is one thing. Blocking
movement in an entire country is quite another. Forbidding citizens from doing
what they choose, particularly when that thing is their livelihood, is
unbearable and cannot be tolerated.
Should a militia have the right to
stop Lebanese from going down the streets they choose?
The opposition is
tearing apart families, neighborhoods, and the country. They are further
cantonizing an already divided country. What's to keep employers from firing
staff members who don't show up for work? Will this lead to a Lebanon where
everyone is hired based on political affiliation? Isn't this what we're trying
to work against?
The opposition has gone too far. They are leading the
country down a path to violence.
The Opposition have lost
the Arab World, International Community and most of all Lebanese Citizens'
Respect and Dignity. Coming on the eve of PARIS III hurts all Lebanese, but most
of all hurts themselves - as they are being seen as a noncredible group that
cannot be trusted. On the one hand we will not hurt the Lebanon, on the other
hand all their actions result in hurting the Lebanese Stance in the World
Community, the Economy, The Paris III and the welfare of the citizens and their
future. They are now playing the Iranian/Syrian last card to topple a
democratically elected Government of Prime Minister Fouad
Siniora.
The opposition is
walking a thin line, as the International community is considering a UN Chapter
7 resolution to secure the Peace and fully implement UN1559/1701. An escalation
in civil strife will bring the Chapter 7 closer to the
forefront.
Opposition is seen by
some analysts to be urging Franjieh, SSNP and Aoun to start the strife - to
divide the country - trying to blame the start of Civil strife on Christians -
thus keeping the Sunni's out of taking sides. The rest of the Christians - 80%
of them are in disbelief that this part would even entertain taking part in the
dismemberment of Lebanon. (freelebanon blog)
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Jumblatt
Druze Leader
Walid Jumblat on Monday launched a vehement verbal attack on the opposition’s
effort to topple the majority government, saying it is made up of “kids”
controlled by Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime.
“Tomorrow is a normal
day of work,” Jumblat said, urging the Lebanese to disregard the opposition’s
call for a general strike on Tuesday.
He stressed that the army would
“prevent sabotage. The state would not permit the blocking of roads” by
protestors.
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