Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Recent turmoil made Lebanon's economy more dependent on diaspora - report
Recent turmoil made Lebanon's economy more dependent on diaspora - report
BEIRUT: The most recent report issued by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) indicated that despite the severe political paralysis that has negatively affected Lebanon for nearly two years, the economy has continued to function relatively well. But as other sources of growth and capital have dried up, the country has become increasingly dependent on a single factor, which is the continued engagement of the many Lebanese living and working abroad, according to the report. The EIU said the deeply divided country has lacked a president since late 2007, Parliament has been forcibly shut down since September 2006, and political tensions continued to escalate until very recently. As a result, much-needed fiscal reforms have been on indefinite hold, and many foreign investors have been showing extreme caution.
It added that despite the ongoing political problems, Lebanon's real GDP grew by 4 percent in 2007, a respectable level, if well below potential. Private-sector consumption remained high, with many Beirut shops and restaurants flourishing, save in the Downtown area, a high-end commercial district that was until recently paralyzed for over a year by a protest encampment put up by the opposition. Some investment is still coming into the country, especially in the real-estate sector, which stayed healthy. Tourism has also held up to some extent, as the streets of Beirut were packed and the best restaurants were fully booked during the 2007-08 Christmas and New Year holiday season. Most importantly, foreign-currency deposits have continued to rise steadily, allowing local banks to keep on covering the country's massive public debt, estimated at almost 190 percent of GDP.
The EIU noted that all of these sources of growth increasingly depend on one factor: the huge Lebanese diaspora, which is estimated to outnumber the national population of 4 million, tends to send money back home. Banking-sector deposits have also increased in part by Lebanese expatriates, as many expatriates use local addresses, meaning that some of their funds are classified as resident and some as nonresident deposits. Similarly, the tourism sector is driven by Lebanese nationals. These visitors fill the cafes, restaurants and bars, though they tend to stay with family and friends, which kept hotel occupancy rates at just 30 percent in 2007, while some hotels catering primarily to Gulf Arab visitors, further deterred by recent official travel warnings from the governments of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, have been forced to close indefinitely.The real-estate market is also increasingly dependent on Lebanese working abroad, as Gulf Arabs who used to see Lebanon as their summer destination think twice about investing in new holiday homes. Lebanese expatriates, meanwhile, have bought residences in Lebanon in the hope of returning one day, and also find buying property in their present city of residence both prohibitively expensive and legally complex. - Byblos Bank's Lebanon This Week
BEIRUT: The most recent report issued by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) indicated that despite the severe political paralysis that has negatively affected Lebanon for nearly two years, the economy has continued to function relatively well. But as other sources of growth and capital have dried up, the country has become increasingly dependent on a single factor, which is the continued engagement of the many Lebanese living and working abroad, according to the report. The EIU said the deeply divided country has lacked a president since late 2007, Parliament has been forcibly shut down since September 2006, and political tensions continued to escalate until very recently. As a result, much-needed fiscal reforms have been on indefinite hold, and many foreign investors have been showing extreme caution.
It added that despite the ongoing political problems, Lebanon's real GDP grew by 4 percent in 2007, a respectable level, if well below potential. Private-sector consumption remained high, with many Beirut shops and restaurants flourishing, save in the Downtown area, a high-end commercial district that was until recently paralyzed for over a year by a protest encampment put up by the opposition. Some investment is still coming into the country, especially in the real-estate sector, which stayed healthy. Tourism has also held up to some extent, as the streets of Beirut were packed and the best restaurants were fully booked during the 2007-08 Christmas and New Year holiday season. Most importantly, foreign-currency deposits have continued to rise steadily, allowing local banks to keep on covering the country's massive public debt, estimated at almost 190 percent of GDP.
The EIU noted that all of these sources of growth increasingly depend on one factor: the huge Lebanese diaspora, which is estimated to outnumber the national population of 4 million, tends to send money back home. Banking-sector deposits have also increased in part by Lebanese expatriates, as many expatriates use local addresses, meaning that some of their funds are classified as resident and some as nonresident deposits. Similarly, the tourism sector is driven by Lebanese nationals. These visitors fill the cafes, restaurants and bars, though they tend to stay with family and friends, which kept hotel occupancy rates at just 30 percent in 2007, while some hotels catering primarily to Gulf Arab visitors, further deterred by recent official travel warnings from the governments of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, have been forced to close indefinitely.The real-estate market is also increasingly dependent on Lebanese working abroad, as Gulf Arabs who used to see Lebanon as their summer destination think twice about investing in new holiday homes. Lebanese expatriates, meanwhile, have bought residences in Lebanon in the hope of returning one day, and also find buying property in their present city of residence both prohibitively expensive and legally complex. - Byblos Bank's Lebanon This Week
Suleiman asks Siniora to stay on as PM, preside over new unity government
Suleiman asks Siniora to stay on as PM, preside over new unity government
Hariri insists nomination was not intended as 'challenge' to opposition
By Hussein Abdallah and Nafez Qawas
Daily Star staff
BEIRUT: President Michel Suleiman appointed incumbent Prime Minister Fouad Siniora on Wednesday to head a government of national unity after the parliamentary majority gave Siniora its backing. Of the 127 members in Parliament, 68 MPs named Siniora as their candidate. "Based on his consultations with members of Parliament ... the president has asked Fouad Siniora to form a new government," the presidency said. Siniora told reporters after arriving at the Presidential Palace in Baabda and meeting with Suleiman that he would seek to bridge the gaps among all rival parties as he forms a new government and begins a new term as prime minister.
Before meeting with Siniora, Suleiman also met Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and informed him of the result of the consultations. "I extend my hand for cooperation and solidarity, so that our country can achieve the breakthroughs it deserves," Siniora said. He added that he hoped all parties would draw lessons from recent events that must not be repeated. "I call on all of you to heal the wounds and to overcome the divisions we have experienced and not to resort to violence to solve our problems," he said. "I look to the future with great hope that we will go from a situation where we suffered greatly to one that the Lebanese people aspire to, that is stability, constructive work and democratic competition." Siniora, 64, will begin consultations on Friday afternoon with the various parliamentary blocs on forming a 30-member cabinet of national unity in which the opposition will have veto power over key decisions.
Formation of a unity government is a key plank of a deal hammered out by rival factions last week to end an 18-month political crisis that boiled over into deadly fighting and threatened to plunge the nation back into civil war. Under the deal, the ruling bloc will hold 16 seats in the new cabinet, the opposition 11, and the president will appoint three ministers. Parliamentary majority leader Saad Hariri - who had also been tipped as a possible prime minister - said his bloc had decided to nominate Siniora again as he was the best man for the job. "We didn't name Siniora as a challenge [to the opposition] but as a move toward real reconciliation and to turn over a new page," he told reporters Wednesday after meeting Suleiman. MP Walid Jumblatt, head of the Democratic Gathering bloc, also named Siniora for the post, and so did the Lebanese Forces. Out of 68 majority MPs, only one did not commit to the decision taken by the March 14 coalition: Beirut MP Bahij Tabbarah told reporters he named Hariri and not Siniora. But independent MPs Michel Murr, former opposition member, surprisingly named Siniora for the post, thus securing 68 votes.
The opposition made clear it was not satisfied with the choice of Siniora, saying he did not reflect the spirit of national unity called for in Doha. "His nomination is a recipe for conflict rather than reconciliation," Reform and Change bloc leader Michel Aoun said. "It seems the ruling bloc, rather than battling for a new Lebanon, is seeking to unleash a new conflict." He added, however, that the opposition would not stand in the way of forming a new government. "We are determined to take part in the government without offering our backing to the premier," Aoun said. "We will take part in the cabinet as an opposition force." Aoun told reporters that his bloc named three candidates for the post; former Minister Leila al-Solh, Tabbarah, and Public Works and Transportation Minister Mohammad Safadi. While Solh is independent, Tabbarah and Safadi are members of the parliamentary majority. Aoun's allies in the opposition, Hizbullah and Amal Movement abstained from naming any candidate for the post.
After meeting with Suleiman, Hizbullah MP Mohammad Raad said that the next prime minister should be concerned about "preserving the arms of the resistance, and should be against any form of foreign patronage." "We did not name any candidate, but we believe that the Lebanese are in deep need of a positive shock at the beginning of the new presidential term," Raad said. After being officially named by Suleiman, Siniora hailed the president's inaugural address during his election on Sunday and said that his [Siniora's] vision conforms with that of the president on many issues. "The president's inaugural speech revived the role of the presidency, which we missed for a long time," Siniora said, referring to the six months of presidential vacuum that followed the end of Emile Lahoud's term last November. Siniora added that all parties in the next government, which he described as "the government of all Lebanon," should cooperate together to face future economic and political challenges. "We should work to liberate the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms and to resume the reconstruction in Beirut's southern suburbs and the South," he said. "We should also protect the right of our brother Palestinians to return to their homes." Siniora also focused on strengthening the Lebanese Army to enable it to face the enemy and preserve peace and stability in the country. At the end of his speech, Siniora recalled those "who were targeted by assassination, violence, and terrorism." "We must also remember the people who lost their lives in the wrong place and at the wrong time," the premier said, referring to the recent casualties after deadly clashes between opposition and pro-government supporters in different areas of the country. The violence left at least 65 people dead and 250 others wounded. - With AFP
Hariri insists nomination was not intended as 'challenge' to opposition
By Hussein Abdallah and Nafez Qawas
Daily Star staff
BEIRUT: President Michel Suleiman appointed incumbent Prime Minister Fouad Siniora on Wednesday to head a government of national unity after the parliamentary majority gave Siniora its backing. Of the 127 members in Parliament, 68 MPs named Siniora as their candidate. "Based on his consultations with members of Parliament ... the president has asked Fouad Siniora to form a new government," the presidency said. Siniora told reporters after arriving at the Presidential Palace in Baabda and meeting with Suleiman that he would seek to bridge the gaps among all rival parties as he forms a new government and begins a new term as prime minister.
Before meeting with Siniora, Suleiman also met Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and informed him of the result of the consultations. "I extend my hand for cooperation and solidarity, so that our country can achieve the breakthroughs it deserves," Siniora said. He added that he hoped all parties would draw lessons from recent events that must not be repeated. "I call on all of you to heal the wounds and to overcome the divisions we have experienced and not to resort to violence to solve our problems," he said. "I look to the future with great hope that we will go from a situation where we suffered greatly to one that the Lebanese people aspire to, that is stability, constructive work and democratic competition." Siniora, 64, will begin consultations on Friday afternoon with the various parliamentary blocs on forming a 30-member cabinet of national unity in which the opposition will have veto power over key decisions.
Formation of a unity government is a key plank of a deal hammered out by rival factions last week to end an 18-month political crisis that boiled over into deadly fighting and threatened to plunge the nation back into civil war. Under the deal, the ruling bloc will hold 16 seats in the new cabinet, the opposition 11, and the president will appoint three ministers. Parliamentary majority leader Saad Hariri - who had also been tipped as a possible prime minister - said his bloc had decided to nominate Siniora again as he was the best man for the job. "We didn't name Siniora as a challenge [to the opposition] but as a move toward real reconciliation and to turn over a new page," he told reporters Wednesday after meeting Suleiman. MP Walid Jumblatt, head of the Democratic Gathering bloc, also named Siniora for the post, and so did the Lebanese Forces. Out of 68 majority MPs, only one did not commit to the decision taken by the March 14 coalition: Beirut MP Bahij Tabbarah told reporters he named Hariri and not Siniora. But independent MPs Michel Murr, former opposition member, surprisingly named Siniora for the post, thus securing 68 votes.
The opposition made clear it was not satisfied with the choice of Siniora, saying he did not reflect the spirit of national unity called for in Doha. "His nomination is a recipe for conflict rather than reconciliation," Reform and Change bloc leader Michel Aoun said. "It seems the ruling bloc, rather than battling for a new Lebanon, is seeking to unleash a new conflict." He added, however, that the opposition would not stand in the way of forming a new government. "We are determined to take part in the government without offering our backing to the premier," Aoun said. "We will take part in the cabinet as an opposition force." Aoun told reporters that his bloc named three candidates for the post; former Minister Leila al-Solh, Tabbarah, and Public Works and Transportation Minister Mohammad Safadi. While Solh is independent, Tabbarah and Safadi are members of the parliamentary majority. Aoun's allies in the opposition, Hizbullah and Amal Movement abstained from naming any candidate for the post.
After meeting with Suleiman, Hizbullah MP Mohammad Raad said that the next prime minister should be concerned about "preserving the arms of the resistance, and should be against any form of foreign patronage." "We did not name any candidate, but we believe that the Lebanese are in deep need of a positive shock at the beginning of the new presidential term," Raad said. After being officially named by Suleiman, Siniora hailed the president's inaugural address during his election on Sunday and said that his [Siniora's] vision conforms with that of the president on many issues. "The president's inaugural speech revived the role of the presidency, which we missed for a long time," Siniora said, referring to the six months of presidential vacuum that followed the end of Emile Lahoud's term last November. Siniora added that all parties in the next government, which he described as "the government of all Lebanon," should cooperate together to face future economic and political challenges. "We should work to liberate the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms and to resume the reconstruction in Beirut's southern suburbs and the South," he said. "We should also protect the right of our brother Palestinians to return to their homes." Siniora also focused on strengthening the Lebanese Army to enable it to face the enemy and preserve peace and stability in the country. At the end of his speech, Siniora recalled those "who were targeted by assassination, violence, and terrorism." "We must also remember the people who lost their lives in the wrong place and at the wrong time," the premier said, referring to the recent casualties after deadly clashes between opposition and pro-government supporters in different areas of the country. The violence left at least 65 people dead and 250 others wounded. - With AFP
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Majida El Roumi Sunday night in DT
Reports that our great Majida El Roumi will be performing on Sunday night in DT...
I was informed today that someone in Akhbar el Sabah on Future TV News was giving all the program of the events for this week: He confirmed Majida on Sunday night.
On Sunday morning there will be a marathon taking place down town...!
I was informed today that someone in Akhbar el Sabah on Future TV News was giving all the program of the events for this week: He confirmed Majida on Sunday night.
On Sunday morning there will be a marathon taking place down town...!
Beirut, Town of the Stars; FREE concerts for all!
The Center of Beirut will be the beating heart of a musical celebration
Lebanese Singers will be performing for the public and the invitation is open to all: Stars like Nancy Ajram, Nawal El-Zoghbi and Ragheb Alama, Star Academy Stars Joseph Attieh and Fady Andraos and the final 10 contestants of Future's "Super Star 5" (i.e. the Lebanese equivalent of American Idol).
The international Lebanese star, MASSARI, will also perform.
To join the celebrations, head to DownTown Beirut for the LIVE FREE Concerts that start every night at 9.00 pm !
Monday 26th May 08: Haifa Wehbe & Assi Hellani
Tuesday 27th May 08: Nawal El-Zoghbi, Ragheb Alama & Star Academy Stars Joseph Attieh & Fady Andraos
Wednesday 28th May 08: Nancy Ajram & Fadel Shaker
Thursday 29th May 08: MASSARI, Ramy Ayash and the Contestants of Super Star 5
These concerts are FREE in order to revive Beirut.
All Welcome!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Nasrallah vows not to use arms to achieve political goals
Nasrallah vows not to use arms to achieve political goals
Hizbullah leader reaffirms party's commitment to Doha accord
Daily Star staff
BEIRUT: Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah vowed his group would not use its arms to achieve political gains, and renewed the party's commitment to preserving Lebanese diversity in a speech on Monday to mark the eight-year anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from most of South Lebanon. "I renew my position today. We do not want to monopolize power in Lebanon and we don't want to rule the country or impose our thoughts on the people," Nasrallah stressed. The sayyed was speaking by video link to thousands of supporters who had flocked from across Lebanon to the Raya football pitch in the Sfeir region of Beirut's southern suburbs. Major General Hassan Mohsen represented President Michel Suleiman at the rally, and MP Ali Hassan Khalil represented Speaker Nabih Berri. An array of diplomatic, political and religious also took part. "I reaffirm the Doha agreement clause that precludes the use of arms to attain political goals," Nasrallah said, referring to the deal struck last week in the Qatari capital to end Lebanon's long-running political crisis. "The resistance's arms are to fight the enemy, liberate lands and prisoners, and defend Lebanon and nothing else," he pledged, referring to his group's enmity with Israel which pulled out of South Lebanon in 2000. Nasrallah also warned against the state's arsenal being used to settle domestic accounts. "The government's weapons or those of the army or security forces are to defend the nation, the people and their rights, the government, and to maintain security," he said. "The government's weapons cannot be used to settle accounts with a political opponent. The government's weapons cannot be used to target the resistance and its arms," he added. "All arms must remain in the service of the goal they were created for," Nasrallah said. Referring to the violence that shook the country earlier this month, Nasrallah said he would seek to heal wounds opened during the violence. "Both sides suffered deep wounds," he said. "Either we widen the wound and put salt on it, or we work to heal it for the sake of Lebanon. We choose the latter option."
Nasrallah was speaking one day after Suleiman was elected president. The election ended a long-running political crisis between rival factions that left the country without a head of state since late November. The Hizbullah leader welcomed Suleiman's election as a new chapter for Lebanon. "The election of Michel Suleiman brings hope to the Lebanese of a new era and a new beginning,"he said. "His inaugural speech expressed the spirit of consensus that he promised to act upon in the upcoming period. And this is what Lebanon needs." Nasrallah said he wished the Lebanese a quiet summer in contrast to what he Washington's "dream" of a hot summer, a reference to comments attributed to a US diplomat. "We face two dreams, a Lebanese and an American dream," he said. "The Lebanese dream is about a quiet summer while the American one speaks of a hot summer. "Let us make our dream come true rather than theirs." He also vowed to work toward restoring unity and reconciling differences. "I promise ... that we will make every effort to get over every grudge, overcome every sensitivity and surpass every wound to put our hands together to build Lebanon and be Lebanon," he said. Nasrallah also said Lebanon should be able to set the foundation for "a liberation strategy in addition to a defense strategy." "In Lebanon, we talk about defense; what we need now is a liberation strategy for the occupied Shebaa Farms, and Kfar Shuba Hills and the detainees in Israeli jails," he said. The sayyed also said that Israel will release Lebanese detainees it holds "very soon." "The detainees are our commitment; and Samir Kantar and his brothers will soon return to Lebanon," he said. He also blasted US policy in Iraq and Gaza, encouraging resistance and telling the Iraqis "to take an historic stance and not let their country fall into the hands of the invaders." - The Daily Star, with AFP
Hizbullah leader reaffirms party's commitment to Doha accord
Daily Star staff
BEIRUT: Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah vowed his group would not use its arms to achieve political gains, and renewed the party's commitment to preserving Lebanese diversity in a speech on Monday to mark the eight-year anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from most of South Lebanon. "I renew my position today. We do not want to monopolize power in Lebanon and we don't want to rule the country or impose our thoughts on the people," Nasrallah stressed. The sayyed was speaking by video link to thousands of supporters who had flocked from across Lebanon to the Raya football pitch in the Sfeir region of Beirut's southern suburbs. Major General Hassan Mohsen represented President Michel Suleiman at the rally, and MP Ali Hassan Khalil represented Speaker Nabih Berri. An array of diplomatic, political and religious also took part. "I reaffirm the Doha agreement clause that precludes the use of arms to attain political goals," Nasrallah said, referring to the deal struck last week in the Qatari capital to end Lebanon's long-running political crisis. "The resistance's arms are to fight the enemy, liberate lands and prisoners, and defend Lebanon and nothing else," he pledged, referring to his group's enmity with Israel which pulled out of South Lebanon in 2000. Nasrallah also warned against the state's arsenal being used to settle domestic accounts. "The government's weapons or those of the army or security forces are to defend the nation, the people and their rights, the government, and to maintain security," he said. "The government's weapons cannot be used to settle accounts with a political opponent. The government's weapons cannot be used to target the resistance and its arms," he added. "All arms must remain in the service of the goal they were created for," Nasrallah said. Referring to the violence that shook the country earlier this month, Nasrallah said he would seek to heal wounds opened during the violence. "Both sides suffered deep wounds," he said. "Either we widen the wound and put salt on it, or we work to heal it for the sake of Lebanon. We choose the latter option."
Nasrallah was speaking one day after Suleiman was elected president. The election ended a long-running political crisis between rival factions that left the country without a head of state since late November. The Hizbullah leader welcomed Suleiman's election as a new chapter for Lebanon. "The election of Michel Suleiman brings hope to the Lebanese of a new era and a new beginning,"he said. "His inaugural speech expressed the spirit of consensus that he promised to act upon in the upcoming period. And this is what Lebanon needs." Nasrallah said he wished the Lebanese a quiet summer in contrast to what he Washington's "dream" of a hot summer, a reference to comments attributed to a US diplomat. "We face two dreams, a Lebanese and an American dream," he said. "The Lebanese dream is about a quiet summer while the American one speaks of a hot summer. "Let us make our dream come true rather than theirs." He also vowed to work toward restoring unity and reconciling differences. "I promise ... that we will make every effort to get over every grudge, overcome every sensitivity and surpass every wound to put our hands together to build Lebanon and be Lebanon," he said. Nasrallah also said Lebanon should be able to set the foundation for "a liberation strategy in addition to a defense strategy." "In Lebanon, we talk about defense; what we need now is a liberation strategy for the occupied Shebaa Farms, and Kfar Shuba Hills and the detainees in Israeli jails," he said. The sayyed also said that Israel will release Lebanese detainees it holds "very soon." "The detainees are our commitment; and Samir Kantar and his brothers will soon return to Lebanon," he said. He also blasted US policy in Iraq and Gaza, encouraging resistance and telling the Iraqis "to take an historic stance and not let their country fall into the hands of the invaders." - The Daily Star, with AFP
Monday, May 26, 2008
Suleiman elected president, goes straight at toughest issues
Suleiman elected president, goes straight at toughest issues By Hussein Abdallah
Daily Star staff
New head of state picks up 118 votes out of 127 cast
BEIRUT: Lebanon's Parliament elected the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Michel Suleiman as president on Sunday, ending six months of presidential vacuum. Suleiman got 118 out of the 127 votes cast, with six blank ballots and three invalid ones. The votes counted as invalid were cast for Nassib Lahoud, Jean Obeid and "slain former Premier Rafik Hariri and the martyred MPs." The election took place in the presence of Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, his Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani, members of the Arab ministerial committee which brokered the recent Doha agreement, Arab League chief Amr Moussa, and a number of senior Arab and international figures (see the complete list of attendees on page 8). After Suleiman was sworn in, the government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora resigned in line with the Constitution but will stay on in a caretaker capacity.
Suleiman arrived at Parliament shortly after the election accompanied by Speaker Nabih Berri, who left the Parliament building after the vote and returned with the newly elected president in line with protocol. After taking the presidential oath, Suleiman delivered an inaugural address that dealth with several contentious issues, including Lebanese-Syrian ties and the deadly clashes that struck Lebanon earlier this month. He called for good and balanced relations with Damascus - whose foreign minister, Walid Moallem, was in attendance - based on mutual respect. "Both Lebanon and Syria should also respect each other's borders," the president added. In an indirect reference to the recent clashes between opposition and pro-government supporters, Suleiman said Lebanon's weapons should only be directed at the Israeli enemy. Prior to Suleiman's address, Berri congratulated the new president and praised the patience and sacrifices of the Lebanese people. "This is a historic moment," Berri said. "I ask God to help you succeed in steering the Lebanese ship to a safe haven ... today no one in the world can turn Lebanon into a fighting arena," he added, addressing Suleiman. Berri thanked various countries, including Russia, France, Italy, Spain as well as the Arab League for their help in bringing an end to the 18-month old political crisis. But he took a swipe at Washington, saying: "I thank the United States nonetheless, seeing that it seems to have been convinced that Lebanon is not the appropriate place for its New Middle East plan." He was referring to comments made by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who described the plight of Lebanon during Israel's 2006 war against it as part of the "birth pangs of the New Middle East."
After Suleiman's inaugural address, Qatar's emir delivered a speech to the Parliament and international guests. "I want to tell you that there is a victor and a vanquished in Lebanon today ... Lebanon is the victor and internal strife is the vanquished," Sheikh Hamad said. "Two years ago, I saw the courage and strength of the resistance in Lebanon when resistance was necessary ... today, I am seeing another form of courage ... it is the courage of wisdom," he added. Sheikh Hamad appealed for Arab unity while stressing the role of the Arab League in solving inter-Arab disputes. "Our similarities are far more than our differences," he said. Suleiman, who met separately with Berri and Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki at Parliament, was to spend the night at his home before heading to the Presidential Palace on Monday morning. Mottaki also met Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal at the Parliament. The newly elected president is expected to start parliamentary consultations on Tuesday in a bid to name a new prime minister, who, in turn, will hold his own consultations on the lineup of the next cabinet. Prior to the election, MPs Butros Harb, Hussein al-Husseini, Nayla Mouawad and George Adwan voiced reservations about the procedure of used to elect Suleiman, describing it as "unconstitutional." The lawmakers said they preferred to see Suleiman elected after amending Article 49 of the Lebanese Constitution. The article bans the election of grade one officials unless they have resigned two years prior to being elected to the country's top post. Berri responded that the election process was in line with Article 74 of the Constitution. The article stipulates that if a presidential vacuum occurs, Parliament should immediately meet and elect a president. - With AFP
Qatari emir congratulates Lebanese on ending crisis
BEIRUT: "The dangerous political crisis that threatened to lead to the collapse of Lebanon has ended, and we hope this crisis is the last," Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah al-Thani said in an address to the Lebanese Parliament and newly elected President Michel Suleiman on Sunday. With myriad local and foreign dignitaries crowding Lebanon's reconstructed Parliament building for back-to-back election and inauguration ceremonies, the Qatari emir stressed that the dangers facing the Arab world "do not permit the renewal of conflict between parties every now and again." "The fate of nations, more important than factional disputes, is at stake in our region," added Sheikh Hamad, who helped pressure feuding Lebanese factions into the recent Doha talks that ultimately resulted in an accord after the country seemed on the brink of another civil war. A recurrent theme during the emir's address to the House was his allusion to the "no victor, no vanquished" staple of Lebanese politics, as he at once hoped that the Doha talks transcended that approach, "which buries rather than solves crises," and stated that the Doha agreement saw to it that "Lebanon vanquished strife" by resorting to dialogue. "All the [Doha process] did was to provide a locale for dialogue in the absence of pressure, and I believe the chance afforded by such a dialogue reached its natural conclusion," the Qatari ruler added.
In characterizing the Doha agreement as an achievement for Lebanon, Sheikh Hamad also stressed the "broader meaning of success, as the crisis was taken from the verge of disaster to an arena of dialogue." The emir continued by saying that hosting the Lebanese dialogue "was an honor for us," and added that the Qatari capital would remain "open, unconditionally, as a space for dialogue. "The Arab world is endowed with institutions and organizations - the Arab League, above all - capable of creating an atmosphere for dialogue," the Qatari leader added. Sheikh Hamad concluded by declaring: "That which unites [Lebanese] parties transcends the divisions between them. This is our belief and our goal, so that God may preserve Lebanon." - The Daily Star
Inaugural address ranges far and wide
BEIRUT: "I swear by Almighty God to observe the laws of the Lebanese nation and maintain the independence of Lebanon and its territorial integrity," President Michel Suleiman declared Sunday, taking an oath of office that ended a six-month presidential vacuum. After calling for a moment of silence in honor of those who have died for Lebanon, Suleiman delivered his inaugural address, laying out the governing vision for the coming six years of his term. Suleiman spoke of strengthening Lebanon's constitutional institutions, minimizing incendiary political rhetoric, preserving the rights of diaspora Lebanese and pursuing constructive and balanced relations with Syria. "One of the more dangerous developments of the last few years has been the basing of political discourse on the rhetoric of treason," he said, underlining the political divisions that have paralyzed Lebanon since the summer war with Israel. Suleiman stressed the importance of balanced development, which he described as "a pillar of state integrity," adding that this could be achieved through "more thorough administrative decentralization at all levels in addressing the social, economic and cultural imbalances" between various regions of the country. "Emerging from our state of stagnation and stimulating the economic cycle requires security and political stability, as well as the state's encouragement of competitive production," added Suleiman. " The president touched upon the rights of the diaspora, linking the issue to the controversial debate over citizenship in Lebanon, saying that "Lebanese abroad have more of a right to citizenship than others." In discussing foreign policy, Suleiman expressed his belief that Lebanon should "respect all United Nations decisions" and stressed the importance of following through with "the international tribunal pertaining to the assassination of [former Prime Minister] Rafik Hariri." The manner in which the Hariri tribunal is pursued remains a controversial issue, and much of the dispute has to do with the country's role in the region and its relations with its neighbors. Suleiman tackled these issues in his speech, steering the careful course that marked his tenure as Lebanese Armed Forces commander. The new president said a strong defense strategy is "necessitated by Israeli aggression," calling for a composed dialogue aimed at creating such a strategy, which he said should "utilize the capabilities of the resistance." Suleiman added that Lebanese-Syrian relations should be "brotherly," with mutual respect for the "boundaries of each sovereign country." Suleiman also argued that "the Palestinian struggle cannot be used as a pretext" for terrorism and that "the gun should never be aimed inward, but should always point toward our enemies." President Suleiman, coming to office amid a long-running political stalemate in Lebanon and on the tail of deadly clashes between feuding rival parties, also noted that the Lebanese "have paid a high price for this unity ... Let us strive to preserve it." - The Daily Star, with agencies
Berri takes pointed swipe at US policy during speech
BEIRUT: Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri took a swipe at the United States on Sunday following the election of a new president, saying that Lebanon was not a playground for Washington's policy in the region. Berri, an opposition stalwart, thanked various countries, including Qatar, Iran, Turkey, Russia, France, Italy, Spain as well as the Arab League for their help in bringing an end to Lebanon's 18-month old political crisis. "I thank the United States nonetheless, seeing that it seems to have been convinced that Lebanon is not the appropriate place for its New Middle East plan," Berri said. "This plan will not find any place in the entire Middle East," he added. He was referring to comments made by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who said while on a visit to Beirut during Israel's war on Lebanon in summer 2006 that the war was part of "birth pangs of the New Middle East." "This is a historic moment," Berri said, while introducing the president. "I ask God to help you succeed in steering the Lebanese ship to a safe haven ... today no one in the world can turn Lebanon into a fighting arena." Berri described as a "great honor" the fact that the election was taking place on May 25, which happens to be the date of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon eight years ago. "May 25 happens to be the eighth anniversary of the victory of our heroic resistance and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from most of Lebanon's territory expect for the Shebaa Farms and the Kafar Shuba Hills," Berri said. "It also happens to be the fist anniversary of the victory of our army against terrorism in Nahr al-Bared," he added, referring to last year's clashes between the army and Islamist militants at a Palestinian refugee camp in the North of the country. Berri also recalled "lawmakers who sacrificed their lives" in the past few years. Since 2005, Lebanon's Parliament has lost seven lawmakers, six of whom were assassinated. Addressing the president, Berri said that Suleiman was the eligible person to sponsor a dialogue on adopting a defense strategy for Lebanon. - The Daily Star, with AFP
World leaders welcome Lebanese election
WASHINGTON: US President George W. Bush led the international community on Sunday in hailing the election of Michel Suleiman as Lebanon's new president as a first step in reuniting the divided nation. "I am confident that Lebanon has chosen a leader committed to protecting its sovereignty, extending the government's authority over all of Lebanon, and upholding Lebanon's international obligations under UN Security Council Resolutions," Bush said. "We look forward to working with president Suleiman in pursuit of our common values of freedom and independence."
Suleiman, Lebanon's army chief for the past 10 years, was sworn in on Sunday after a parliamentary vote that many hope will turn the page on an 18-month political feud that threatened to plunge the nation back into civil war. The vote was held just days after the government and the opposition agreed to a deal after talks in Doha to end the political crisis. Bush said he was "hopeful that the Doha agreement, which paved the way for this election, will usher in an era of political reconciliation to the benefit of all Lebanese."
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said the election was "an important step forward for Lebanon" and pledged his government's support for the new president. "We will continue to support Lebanon's stability, integrity and independence, and we look forward to president Suleiman working with a unity government to bring Lebanon out of its current fragility," he said in a statement. German President Horst Koehler said he welcomed "this bold step" toward resolving Lebanon's political crisis and wished Suleiman luck in his new role. "I wish you lots of success, the necessary strength and good luck for the big challenges that lie ahead of you," he said in a statement. French President Nicolas Sarkozy pledged full support for Suleiman and said he hoped the election would allow Lebanon to take a significant step forward and "confront the challenges that await." His Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner applauded Suleiman as "courageous" in calling for the UN tribunal being set up to try suspects the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri to continue its work. He applauded Suleiman's election but said he had hoped it would have gone more smoothly adding he preferred "democracy without weapons," in reference to the gun battles which gripped the country in the run-up to the vote. Jordan's King Abdullah II said the vote was a "positive step for the people of Lebanon and for national unity," according to a statement from the royal palace. "Jordan stands alongside the Lebanese in their desire and their efforts to preserve their independence and their stability," he said. Morocco's King Mohammed VI congratulated Suleiman. "Thanks to your wisdom, your skills and human qualities, you are going to achieve the aspirations of the brotherly people of Lebanon in strengthening national unity," he said. - AFP
Daily Star staff
New head of state picks up 118 votes out of 127 cast
BEIRUT: Lebanon's Parliament elected the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Michel Suleiman as president on Sunday, ending six months of presidential vacuum. Suleiman got 118 out of the 127 votes cast, with six blank ballots and three invalid ones. The votes counted as invalid were cast for Nassib Lahoud, Jean Obeid and "slain former Premier Rafik Hariri and the martyred MPs." The election took place in the presence of Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, his Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani, members of the Arab ministerial committee which brokered the recent Doha agreement, Arab League chief Amr Moussa, and a number of senior Arab and international figures (see the complete list of attendees on page 8). After Suleiman was sworn in, the government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora resigned in line with the Constitution but will stay on in a caretaker capacity.
Suleiman arrived at Parliament shortly after the election accompanied by Speaker Nabih Berri, who left the Parliament building after the vote and returned with the newly elected president in line with protocol. After taking the presidential oath, Suleiman delivered an inaugural address that dealth with several contentious issues, including Lebanese-Syrian ties and the deadly clashes that struck Lebanon earlier this month. He called for good and balanced relations with Damascus - whose foreign minister, Walid Moallem, was in attendance - based on mutual respect. "Both Lebanon and Syria should also respect each other's borders," the president added. In an indirect reference to the recent clashes between opposition and pro-government supporters, Suleiman said Lebanon's weapons should only be directed at the Israeli enemy. Prior to Suleiman's address, Berri congratulated the new president and praised the patience and sacrifices of the Lebanese people. "This is a historic moment," Berri said. "I ask God to help you succeed in steering the Lebanese ship to a safe haven ... today no one in the world can turn Lebanon into a fighting arena," he added, addressing Suleiman. Berri thanked various countries, including Russia, France, Italy, Spain as well as the Arab League for their help in bringing an end to the 18-month old political crisis. But he took a swipe at Washington, saying: "I thank the United States nonetheless, seeing that it seems to have been convinced that Lebanon is not the appropriate place for its New Middle East plan." He was referring to comments made by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who described the plight of Lebanon during Israel's 2006 war against it as part of the "birth pangs of the New Middle East."
After Suleiman's inaugural address, Qatar's emir delivered a speech to the Parliament and international guests. "I want to tell you that there is a victor and a vanquished in Lebanon today ... Lebanon is the victor and internal strife is the vanquished," Sheikh Hamad said. "Two years ago, I saw the courage and strength of the resistance in Lebanon when resistance was necessary ... today, I am seeing another form of courage ... it is the courage of wisdom," he added. Sheikh Hamad appealed for Arab unity while stressing the role of the Arab League in solving inter-Arab disputes. "Our similarities are far more than our differences," he said. Suleiman, who met separately with Berri and Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki at Parliament, was to spend the night at his home before heading to the Presidential Palace on Monday morning. Mottaki also met Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal at the Parliament. The newly elected president is expected to start parliamentary consultations on Tuesday in a bid to name a new prime minister, who, in turn, will hold his own consultations on the lineup of the next cabinet. Prior to the election, MPs Butros Harb, Hussein al-Husseini, Nayla Mouawad and George Adwan voiced reservations about the procedure of used to elect Suleiman, describing it as "unconstitutional." The lawmakers said they preferred to see Suleiman elected after amending Article 49 of the Lebanese Constitution. The article bans the election of grade one officials unless they have resigned two years prior to being elected to the country's top post. Berri responded that the election process was in line with Article 74 of the Constitution. The article stipulates that if a presidential vacuum occurs, Parliament should immediately meet and elect a president. - With AFP
Qatari emir congratulates Lebanese on ending crisis
BEIRUT: "The dangerous political crisis that threatened to lead to the collapse of Lebanon has ended, and we hope this crisis is the last," Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah al-Thani said in an address to the Lebanese Parliament and newly elected President Michel Suleiman on Sunday. With myriad local and foreign dignitaries crowding Lebanon's reconstructed Parliament building for back-to-back election and inauguration ceremonies, the Qatari emir stressed that the dangers facing the Arab world "do not permit the renewal of conflict between parties every now and again." "The fate of nations, more important than factional disputes, is at stake in our region," added Sheikh Hamad, who helped pressure feuding Lebanese factions into the recent Doha talks that ultimately resulted in an accord after the country seemed on the brink of another civil war. A recurrent theme during the emir's address to the House was his allusion to the "no victor, no vanquished" staple of Lebanese politics, as he at once hoped that the Doha talks transcended that approach, "which buries rather than solves crises," and stated that the Doha agreement saw to it that "Lebanon vanquished strife" by resorting to dialogue. "All the [Doha process] did was to provide a locale for dialogue in the absence of pressure, and I believe the chance afforded by such a dialogue reached its natural conclusion," the Qatari ruler added.
In characterizing the Doha agreement as an achievement for Lebanon, Sheikh Hamad also stressed the "broader meaning of success, as the crisis was taken from the verge of disaster to an arena of dialogue." The emir continued by saying that hosting the Lebanese dialogue "was an honor for us," and added that the Qatari capital would remain "open, unconditionally, as a space for dialogue. "The Arab world is endowed with institutions and organizations - the Arab League, above all - capable of creating an atmosphere for dialogue," the Qatari leader added. Sheikh Hamad concluded by declaring: "That which unites [Lebanese] parties transcends the divisions between them. This is our belief and our goal, so that God may preserve Lebanon." - The Daily Star
Inaugural address ranges far and wide
BEIRUT: "I swear by Almighty God to observe the laws of the Lebanese nation and maintain the independence of Lebanon and its territorial integrity," President Michel Suleiman declared Sunday, taking an oath of office that ended a six-month presidential vacuum. After calling for a moment of silence in honor of those who have died for Lebanon, Suleiman delivered his inaugural address, laying out the governing vision for the coming six years of his term. Suleiman spoke of strengthening Lebanon's constitutional institutions, minimizing incendiary political rhetoric, preserving the rights of diaspora Lebanese and pursuing constructive and balanced relations with Syria. "One of the more dangerous developments of the last few years has been the basing of political discourse on the rhetoric of treason," he said, underlining the political divisions that have paralyzed Lebanon since the summer war with Israel. Suleiman stressed the importance of balanced development, which he described as "a pillar of state integrity," adding that this could be achieved through "more thorough administrative decentralization at all levels in addressing the social, economic and cultural imbalances" between various regions of the country. "Emerging from our state of stagnation and stimulating the economic cycle requires security and political stability, as well as the state's encouragement of competitive production," added Suleiman. " The president touched upon the rights of the diaspora, linking the issue to the controversial debate over citizenship in Lebanon, saying that "Lebanese abroad have more of a right to citizenship than others." In discussing foreign policy, Suleiman expressed his belief that Lebanon should "respect all United Nations decisions" and stressed the importance of following through with "the international tribunal pertaining to the assassination of [former Prime Minister] Rafik Hariri." The manner in which the Hariri tribunal is pursued remains a controversial issue, and much of the dispute has to do with the country's role in the region and its relations with its neighbors. Suleiman tackled these issues in his speech, steering the careful course that marked his tenure as Lebanese Armed Forces commander. The new president said a strong defense strategy is "necessitated by Israeli aggression," calling for a composed dialogue aimed at creating such a strategy, which he said should "utilize the capabilities of the resistance." Suleiman added that Lebanese-Syrian relations should be "brotherly," with mutual respect for the "boundaries of each sovereign country." Suleiman also argued that "the Palestinian struggle cannot be used as a pretext" for terrorism and that "the gun should never be aimed inward, but should always point toward our enemies." President Suleiman, coming to office amid a long-running political stalemate in Lebanon and on the tail of deadly clashes between feuding rival parties, also noted that the Lebanese "have paid a high price for this unity ... Let us strive to preserve it." - The Daily Star, with agencies
Berri takes pointed swipe at US policy during speech
BEIRUT: Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri took a swipe at the United States on Sunday following the election of a new president, saying that Lebanon was not a playground for Washington's policy in the region. Berri, an opposition stalwart, thanked various countries, including Qatar, Iran, Turkey, Russia, France, Italy, Spain as well as the Arab League for their help in bringing an end to Lebanon's 18-month old political crisis. "I thank the United States nonetheless, seeing that it seems to have been convinced that Lebanon is not the appropriate place for its New Middle East plan," Berri said. "This plan will not find any place in the entire Middle East," he added. He was referring to comments made by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who said while on a visit to Beirut during Israel's war on Lebanon in summer 2006 that the war was part of "birth pangs of the New Middle East." "This is a historic moment," Berri said, while introducing the president. "I ask God to help you succeed in steering the Lebanese ship to a safe haven ... today no one in the world can turn Lebanon into a fighting arena." Berri described as a "great honor" the fact that the election was taking place on May 25, which happens to be the date of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon eight years ago. "May 25 happens to be the eighth anniversary of the victory of our heroic resistance and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from most of Lebanon's territory expect for the Shebaa Farms and the Kafar Shuba Hills," Berri said. "It also happens to be the fist anniversary of the victory of our army against terrorism in Nahr al-Bared," he added, referring to last year's clashes between the army and Islamist militants at a Palestinian refugee camp in the North of the country. Berri also recalled "lawmakers who sacrificed their lives" in the past few years. Since 2005, Lebanon's Parliament has lost seven lawmakers, six of whom were assassinated. Addressing the president, Berri said that Suleiman was the eligible person to sponsor a dialogue on adopting a defense strategy for Lebanon. - The Daily Star, with AFP
World leaders welcome Lebanese election
WASHINGTON: US President George W. Bush led the international community on Sunday in hailing the election of Michel Suleiman as Lebanon's new president as a first step in reuniting the divided nation. "I am confident that Lebanon has chosen a leader committed to protecting its sovereignty, extending the government's authority over all of Lebanon, and upholding Lebanon's international obligations under UN Security Council Resolutions," Bush said. "We look forward to working with president Suleiman in pursuit of our common values of freedom and independence."
Suleiman, Lebanon's army chief for the past 10 years, was sworn in on Sunday after a parliamentary vote that many hope will turn the page on an 18-month political feud that threatened to plunge the nation back into civil war. The vote was held just days after the government and the opposition agreed to a deal after talks in Doha to end the political crisis. Bush said he was "hopeful that the Doha agreement, which paved the way for this election, will usher in an era of political reconciliation to the benefit of all Lebanese."
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said the election was "an important step forward for Lebanon" and pledged his government's support for the new president. "We will continue to support Lebanon's stability, integrity and independence, and we look forward to president Suleiman working with a unity government to bring Lebanon out of its current fragility," he said in a statement. German President Horst Koehler said he welcomed "this bold step" toward resolving Lebanon's political crisis and wished Suleiman luck in his new role. "I wish you lots of success, the necessary strength and good luck for the big challenges that lie ahead of you," he said in a statement. French President Nicolas Sarkozy pledged full support for Suleiman and said he hoped the election would allow Lebanon to take a significant step forward and "confront the challenges that await." His Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner applauded Suleiman as "courageous" in calling for the UN tribunal being set up to try suspects the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri to continue its work. He applauded Suleiman's election but said he had hoped it would have gone more smoothly adding he preferred "democracy without weapons," in reference to the gun battles which gripped the country in the run-up to the vote. Jordan's King Abdullah II said the vote was a "positive step for the people of Lebanon and for national unity," according to a statement from the royal palace. "Jordan stands alongside the Lebanese in their desire and their efforts to preserve their independence and their stability," he said. Morocco's King Mohammed VI congratulated Suleiman. "Thanks to your wisdom, your skills and human qualities, you are going to achieve the aspirations of the brotherly people of Lebanon in strengthening national unity," he said. - AFP
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