El Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh: We respect the decision of the voters and we are committed to our town’s security
2/6/09
In an interview with Marcel Ghanem's Kalam al-Nass on LBC television, El Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh vowed to prevent any altercation in Zgharta Zawyi electorate even if it were at the expanse of his movement while he stated that he would decline to cover any person who would break the law.
Frangieh called on his opponents including Samir Geagea to respect the election results in Zgharta Zawyi in the same manner in which Frangieh would respect the wishes of the voters in Becharrie, reiterating that he would respect the decision of the Zgharta Zawyi voters regardless of the results.
The Marada leader repeated his resolve to join the Change and Reform bloc led by General Michel Aoun with the aim of eliminating certain thoughts suggesting that the Christians are unable to meet and work as a bloc.
Frangieh clarified that the idea behind nominating El Marada official Rafli Diab for a seat in Tripoli is designed to determine the number of Marada supporters in the northern Lebanese city. He said that in addition to his firm support for former PM Omar Karami he would certainly support Maronite candidate Jean Obeid in Tripoli.
Frangieh called on northern Lebanese voters in particular not to vote in favour of the killers who were behind the assassination of former PM Rashid Karami.
With regard to fears of possible altercations in Zgharta Zawyi on poll day, Frangieh reassured the people of the district that he would not allow any trouble instigated by any of his supporters while he noted that the state security establishments led by the army would ensure proper security by immediately tackling any unsavory incident.
The Marada leader condemned the provocations which took place during a recent election rally by his opponents, saying that he restrained his supporters who were intimidated by the flags of the Lebanese Forces. He noted that convoys bearing pictures of MP Saad Hariri passed through Zgharta without problems while the convoy of the Lebanese Forces instigated trouble, recalling that that militia is responsible for the killing of 40 Zghartawiyi martyrs.
Regarding election results in his electorate, Frangieh recalled that he and his allies won the electorate during the 2005 polls. He said that the people of Zgharta Zawyi know Youssef Bey Karam and would know to whom they would vote, declaring that "if they vote the line of Youssef Bey Karam, Patriarch Douaihy, President Mouawad and historian Jawad Boulos, this would satisfy our aspiration because we want leaders and not followers."
In relation to election funding, Frangieh revealed that a number of his friends contributed to the funding of his election campaign and he explained that the pro-Marada expatriates who arrived to vote decided to come at their own expanse and share in the election experience out of their enthusiasm and love for their hometown.
Frangieh said that former MP and Marada official Karim al-Rassi who is running in Akkar represents the historic national political line of President Frangieh.
Regarding foreign meddling in the upcoming Lebanese parliamentary elections, Frangieh wondered why it is alright to have the American Vice President meet leaders of the March 14 Forces and not consider that foreign meddling. He asked what the reaction of the March 14 politicians would be if a Syrian official met with the leaders of the Lebanese opposition.
The Marada leader reasserted that Hezbollah is a Lebanese party and has the required legitimacy which is guaranteed by the state constitution.
Frangieh declared that he and the Marada Movement are ready and willing to do everything for the sake of Lebanon.
http://www.elmaradaaustralia.com.au/?q=node/2372
Frangieh in Batroun: We will claim the parliamentary majority.
General Aoun: They stroke the Cross and made it a slogan.
El Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh addressed thousands of FPM and Marada supporters at a Free Patriotic Movement rally in Batroun, telling them that "nothing is impossible in the Batroun electorate. We will take both MPs in Batroun."
In attendance were General Michel Aoun, Batroun Candidates Gibran Basil and Dr Fayek Younes and numerous officials and community leaders.The Marada leader called on voters not to split their votes but rather elect both of the FPM Batroun candidates.Frangieh spoke about the status of Christians, saying that FPM leader General Michel Aoun has erased talks of a Christian depression.
He also told supporters not to believe slogans about Christian division. "We want to show them all that the Maronites are capable of coming together and understanding each other," he said.
He said he "was able to convince the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Prime Minister Omar Karami and Speaker Nabih Berri of the Caza electoral law."
Frangieh praised General Aoun, saying that he reminds him of Former President Sleiman Frangieh, who protected Lebanon and its people. "If it were not for Aoun, we would not have had a Caza based electoral law. Without Aoun we would not have heard of the third republic," he added."We will return the country to the good people, and not the merchants," Frangieh pledged, concluding "we will all celebrate on June 8 the biggest election win in Zgharta, Batroun, Koura, Becharrie, Tripoli, Danieh and Akkar.
The FPM leader General Michel Aoun said that a March 14 alliance victory in the elections will precipitate an Israeli attack. "Israel will not attack Lebanon under any circumstance unless the current majority is ruling the country," he said.He said that March 14 alliance Christian parties are using the "cross as a product. They stroke it, and make it a slogan."He asserted that the March 14 alliance is using fear-tactics, including spreading the claim "that the Persians are going to attack us."
General Aoun also criticized the majority for fearing the Resistance, even though it "has not killed anyone in Lebanon." "They try to scare you that if the opposition wins the elections, then the economic support from the US and Europe will stop. I remind them that there is China," he said.
General Aoun spoke against sectarianism, saying, "We will become one category. We will only become the Lebanese people. Our policy is based on dialogue and understanding, and we will win in the end. We will control all the country."
General Aoun expressed his confidence for an opposition electoral success in Batroun. "Our battle is to obtain the parliamentary majority in Lebanon, and we are expecting two seats in the Batroun district," he said. Aoun also said he does not want "to hear anyone say that Batroun is for Hariri." "Those who controlled Batroun's Parliamentary representation for the past ten years have dried up, and those who are with them today are incapable," he added.
http://www.elmaradaaustralia.com.au/?q=node/2369
Change and Reform bloc leader Michel Aoun speaks in Achrafieh electoral rally:
28/5/09
-I thank God that those who threw some leaflets (Against me) at dawn are not the one welcoming me...
-Those that have harmed the freedom and independence of Lebanon are not welcome.
-Why weren’t those who killed then President Bashir Gemayel prosecuted during the presidency of his brother former president Amin Gemayel?
-We have fought for Lebanon, but we did not kill anyone, and we did not assassinate anyone, and we do not have blood on our hands.
-We should overcome the past and look forward to the future, but we will not forget the crimes and we will not forget the criminals. They should quit public service and politics.
-Those who were killed in Achrafieh were victims of a war in which the Lebanese Forces were involved.
-We are dealing with ignorant people who want the war to continue.
-They said that they want to restore the rights of Achrafieh. I tell them you have ruled for 18 years, why have not you done this yet.
http://english.tayyar.org
Pictures: http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/Multimedia/Photos/PhotoAlbum.htm?AID=24664
How Geagea’s entourage did receive Michel Aoun, in Keserwan?
26/5/09
Maroun Nassif - As soon as the news arrived that the President of Change and Reform Bloc, General Michel Aoun, is participating at the electoral festival, which was hosted by the Free Patriotic Movement in Mayrouba to the home of the Chief Executive of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea in Meerab, that the full alert and readiness was declared within the house, all this to welcome the general and his supporters, the usual Forces usual.
Therefore, at the eve of the festival, a special security forces belonging to "Al-Hakim" arrested a Aounist convoy in Aashout's square and started launching insults and curses against the general Aoun, but the wisdom of some prevented the occurrence of any problem between the two parties.
Moreover, it wasn’t enough to the “Geagea’s supporters” because they quickly moved to the town of Daroun to tear and burn a giant picture of the general, but what was ridiculous is that the accident was exposed before it was planned by these people, abrogating any talk about an isolated incident or the possibility that it happened by accident.
Just before half an hour of the incident, a car driven by a cameraman from the MTV station stopped next to the coordinator of the Free Patriotic Movement in Daroun while he was standing in front of his house and asked him the following question: "I was told that there is a conflict in the village between the Aounists and the LF on the background of tearing an electoral photo, can you tell me about the place and the details of the incidents?”
The coordinator laughed when he discovered that the photographer arrived at the incident scene before it occurred, which shows the pre-coordination between the Security members of the Lebanese Forces and the television in question, and considered the question as a prerequisite for communication.
A few minutes passed, and three accompanying members of the Force carrying out orders arrived, the general image got torn before the second stage was accomplished and the image got burned; but the winds blew contrary to what these people wished, and the result was showed when the “geageaists” got wounded and arrested by the authorities. We identify some of them, including one from "Al Lishaa" from the north, and another one named A.F. and the third one was named Maroun.
Furthermore, and not too far from Daroun and Aashout, the Lebanese Forces responsible in Kleiaat Z. M. and while passing before the ceremony hosted by the FPM on the occasion of the opening of the an electoral office in the region, he directly threatened one female activist responsible in the Free Patriotic Movement.
Of course, the provocations of the "geageaists" did not end at this point, but it went beyond the limits of Mayrouba's festival.
Here are the details of the direct threat to the FPM activists, which tayyar.org received a copy of, it read:
"The best words are short and punchy
To Ralph Darian, Toni Kassis, Michel Rizk, Michel Abi Rashid, Paul Fahd, Faris Zidane.
We would like you to be fully informed that the Municipality of “Faytroun” and all of its supporters, do not accept in any way, the form of actions and movements that you have been taking lately and according to such situation, we are giving you a warning to refrain you from such actions and such type of images and slogans in the town, because you are not welcome here”.
You have been forewarned.”
http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/128878522312537249.htm
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After June 8, Metn residents will depart from their problems over the last 18 years and will put end to Lebanese bad memories. General Aoun In front of a delegation from Btegrin: the political funds that are spent will not buy the consciences of Metn resident.
26/5/09
General Michel Aoun spoke to a delegation from Btegrin that he met at Rabieh saying:
"After welcoming you all I would like to tell you that there are still people who think that villages and citizens are exclusive to some people, for various reasons, mostly because they are afraid, especially in the Metn. I know that the Metn passed in a bad phase and was split in two because of the war and because of the forces of guardianship, which was biased to the people who were at its service, even though their fulfillment is only circumstantial and in accordance with the circumstances. Those persons can engage themselves to Syria then America, and France ...”
“I swear to you that this era is over, a long time ago but it is important that you believe so and not to act as if it is continuing. Today you arrived to the last phase of political liberalization and you will celebrate in June 8 with us. We call upon people to vote freely. We do not tell you to elect us, yet we do not encourage you to vote against us, but we tell you to let your own conscience rule! Think, have a pure spirit, and chose even if you make a mistake. It will be at your own expense but at least you would have expressed your opinion.”
“We refuse to keep anyone from expressing his or her mind freely and vote freely. One who is afraid has to express his fear and let us know his or her fears, tells us what happened, because knowing is very significant to us and to high authorities too. You know that we can face anyone at home and abroad, thus your issue will not be difficult to us, especially the issue of those who want to enslave their colleagues and friends in life, I tell you they are not better than you, neither in thoughts nor in morals, so don’t be afraid.”
We want to destroy all psychological barriers between us to be able to live in a stable society, where each citizen recognizes the other right of differences in opinion, so he can enrich his own point of view. However, be careful because we refuse categorically any armed conflict. There is no excuse to hold arms against each other like some party love to do here, while attacking the resistance, only to justify carrying arms.
I did not see them going to the border to liberate their land from the enemy, neither now nor in the past against the guardianship; you know why? Only because they are the one who subjected their arm to them, they are the one who laid down their arms and went to prison submissively. "
“I really don’t want to talk politics today but I would like to assure you that the political funds that are spent and will be spent will not buy the consciences of Metn residents,” I denounced the fact that “some people believe that money talks. Metn history is important and we can remember a lot of personalities, from Naimeh in chakhroub to Bishara al-Khoury, I will not repeat all the names, but at the time, the speech was much better than today speeches whether in politics or art with the Rahbani.”
“I assure you that after June 8, Metn residents will depart from their problems over the last 18 years, and we hope that we will put an end to those bad memories. And we will smash those who are trying to buy our society”
http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/128878535664512352.htm
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General Michel Aoun interview after the Change and Reform Bloc's meeting:
25/5/09
The head of the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc MP Michel Aoun Speaking to reporters following his current bloc's "last" weekly meeting, said he was relaxed with regard to the outcome of the forthcoming parliamentary elections. "The platform of pro-government forces is based on disagreements amongst them. Such vacuum cannot reach a position of power. The state did not resolve any problem in the past four years," he said in reference to the "competitors."
"We are relieved to hear that people are no longer intimidated by the threats by some candidates in some electoral districts," he said in a reference to March 14 candidates. "They know that this is the end of threats and intimidation. A new era has come, and safety is secured for all.”
The Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader said that the report published by the German daily Der Spiegel concerning an alleged "involvement" of Hezbollah in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri aimed at provoking discord and sedition, emphasizing that the mentioned daily was under the Zionist lobby's control.
General Aoun pointed out that he does not fear an Israeli military operation against Lebanon, saying that the prospective Israeli maneuvers were more a show of force. "Israel will not risk entering an operation when the results are in doubt because it will be its end," Aoun stressed.
While congratulating all Lebanese on the Resistance and Liberation Day, the General renewed commitment to his strategic alliance with Hezbollah and the Armenian Tashnak party.
He noted that the head of the Democratic Gathering MP Walid Jumblatt changed his political path and realized he lost the battle on the domestic, regional and international levels.
Addressing the visit paid by the US Vice President Joe Biden to Beirut, Aoun said that the latter was welcome in Lebanon. "However, we do not favor his meetings with the ruling party," he said. "Biden revealed his cards by doing so and maybe he has come to bid them farewell," he added.
"We seek friendship with everybody and we do not want to be enemies for anyone. But when a state is not on good terms with another, we cannot bear the consequences," Aoun said. "Our interests come first," he explained.
Meanwhile, General Aoun insisted that he never mention controversial political decisions like the three-way sharing of powers or shortening the presidency..
He concluded his speech, by extending his condolences to Mrs. Gilbert Zuwein for the death of her husband.
http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/128878130495211666.htm
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Nasrallah: the presence of General Aoun and his Free Patriotic Movement is a true guarantee for a strong and fair Lebanon .
25/5/09
After the southern city of Nabatieh, Beirut’s southern suburb marked Resistance and Liberation Day Monday as tens of thousands of people gathered at the impressively organized Raya playground to listen to the speech of Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah.
Political, military, security and religious figures also attended the massive ceremony that comes amid an intensifying campaign against Hezbollah including the latest report by the German weekly Der Spiegel which claimed that the resistance party was behind the assassination of former Prime Minister martyr Rafik Hariri!
Sayyed Nasrallah congratulated all the Lebanese and the Arab and Islamic world on the Resistance and Liberation day “that constitutes Lebanon’s triumph on its enemies. It is the day that was granted to us by our martyrs and wounded and our steadfast families.”
“ This day calls for pride and this victory has so many serious repercussions on the Zionist entity as well as the Arab-Israeli conflict including the Palestinian cause. It is one of the main cornerstones of the Intifada that established many developments and turning points. Brothers and sisters, today I would like to address the alliance between Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement, Beirut – and for the last time the Beirut incidents a year ago – so as to make things clear, the Der Spiegel report and the new conspiracy, Dahiyeh and its people and resistance as well as elections.”
“ I have to recall and stress that ever since Hezbollah was founded in 1982, we have been mobilizing our youth for a single and just cause; the cause of the resistance, the liberation of Lebanese detainees and the restoration of dignities. This is why we kept away from domestic politics and we only became part of the Lebanese internal equation in 2000. Even then, we did not engage politics in strong way because we used to strongly believe that Israel was planning for a military action. Israel will never accept its historic defeat in 2000 and will not Lebanon and the Lebanese resistance alone. This is why we used all the time we had to prepare ourselves properly. However, the incidents that occurred in 2005, when the whole country was shaken by the assassination of martyr Rafik Hariri and its aftermath. Back then, we felt that the whole nation, the people, and the resistance were in jeopardy. Nevertheless, we engaged the domestic equation, not for the sake of power but for sake of preserving our country and its resources on top of which is the resistance. We were keen on establishing good relations with all sides and staying away from any conflict with anyone.”
“As for Mount Lebanon, Beirut and Dahiyeh, I would like to underline that since the establishment of Hezbollah, we have had good relations with our Druze brothers, not only in Mount Lebanon, but across Lebanon, with all their leaders and their religious authorities. We never sensed a problem between Shiites and Druze in general and between Hezbollah and the Druze in particular. Our relation with the Progressive Socialist Party remained tact even after the Lebanese were divided into March 8 and March 14 camps. I would like to point that the problem began after certain speeches that assailed the resistance and its arms. Since then relations deteriorated to reach its most dangerous levels in May 2008. Minister Talal Arslan played a pivotal role to contain the problem and everyone cooperated with him. We have to acknowledge that MP Jumblatt had a clear position to go for calming the situation down and played a positive role during the Doha dialogue conference. Today, I would like to say that we are all concerned in communicating now and after the June 7 elections, regardless of the results. We cannot build a country on the foundation of conflict and isolation. On behalf of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, I assure our Druze brothers that we adhere to coexistence in Dahiyeh, Mount Lebanon, Rashayya, Bekaa, Hasbayya, Marjayoun, Beirut and every other region as one people away from enmity. We are ready for open dialogue and I would like to warn the Druze against those who seek to project Hezbollah and the Shiites as your enemies and I warn the Shiites against those who seek to project the Druze, particularly the Progressive Socialist Party, as their enemies. We are not enemies. The Israelis are the enemies who want this to happen between us.”
“As to the relation with the Free Patriotic Movement, we were never psychologically far from each other, even before 2005, even in the hardest times for the FPM in Lebanon when it were at odds with the Lebanese authority and the Syrians. We kept in touch, although I cannot claim that we had an organized relation or understanding or even a begging of an alliance. Perhaps the first contact, which had a good impact, was Al-Manar’s interview with General Michel Aoun before his return to Lebanon. Yet even after Aoun returned, we did not establish an alliance. This is normal because we were in two opposite camps. We were in the March 8 alliance and Aoun was in the March 14 alliance; in fact, he was the foundation of the March 14 alliance. Although we had political differences, mutual respect was preserved and we have had an encouraging experience during municipal elections. Then we formed the quartet alliance. We continued with (MP) Saad Hariri after the assassination of his father, but the first problem we encountered was over the Christian partner. We did not have any problem to have Aoun as our partner. In fact, this was the best option for us, but not for the rest of the (quartet) allies. Therefore, they refused Aoun. We wanted to make this alliance succeed because one of its main objectives was to calm the situation down and prevent sedition, particularly between Sunnis and Shiites. This goal was fulfilled. I wanted to emphasize that the ongoing dispute between the constituents of the March 14 alliance, particularly Christians in the alliance, with General Aoun was present before any Hezbollah – FPM understanding or alliance. Today, they cannot find anything else to aim at. Our understanding was adopted at the dialogue table and in President Michel Suleiman’s oath. Our experience revealed that General Aoun has a clear vision and has his own project and program. He is an independent man who is not influenced by embassies. He is a transparent, honest, and respectful man who respects other. He is devoted to Lebanon and a country for one people and loyal to Lebanese Christians, their role, dignity and future. The mere existence of this man and his Free Patriotic Movement is a real national guarantee for Lebanon and for the rise of the responsible, just, capable and strong state.”
“Regarding Beirut, the city where all Lebanese sects live in and where religious and political diversity is found, we are part of the residents of Beirut. Hezbollah and I don’t have to make introductions about the extent of our faith, adherence and commitment to cooperation and unity among Muslims, particularly between Shiites and Sunnis. This is a matter of faith. It neither a matter of tactics nor a circumstantial matter. We have never had problems with you (Beirutis) and you have not had any problem with us since 1982; you know this. In the wake of political divisions, especially after the 2006 war when we demanded a unity government and considered the government back then as one that cannot protect and build the country. Following the major repercussions of the June war, a new division was established and we became loyalty and opposition blocs. I call upon you as witnesses: Have you ever heard or read a speech or a text by me or by any of my brothers of a religious, sectarian, or instigative nature? When we have political disputes we speak in politics but unlike others, we have never made a sectarian speech. We have never assailed Sunnis even after the discord between the Future Movement, and us whereas we still find newspapers and magazines assailing Shiites. We consider that any sectarian speech is tantamount to treason. As things developed, we began to sense that there was nothing to do but to stick to the sit-in until elections. Nothing else could have been fruitful. However, there was a scheme in the making; one that was planned to target the resistance.
The elements of this project were completed before May 5 2008. Militias were being formed and camouflaged by security firms. The fighters were sent to a number of Arab countries to receive training. Did Beirut need such bellicose offices? If you say that your project is about building the state, what are these offices for? If you cite the state, army, and institutions, what do you need these offices for? I hope that Beirutis would ask these questions to the leadership of the Future Movement and the March 14 bloc. No one denied that thousands of fighters were brought to Beirut. There was nothing going on in Beirut at that time; just a sit-in in a parking lot. What was threatening Beirut to bring thousands of fighters in? You have been retorting to my speech for ten day but you never denied bringing in thousands of fighter to Beirut. Why? The then government of PM Fouad Siniora held a meeting and discussed Hezbollah’s telecommunication network, which by the way was not on the cabinet’s schedule. Why? What was the rush for? Worth mentioning, just before the cabinet’s decision, a panel of senior officers including Internal Security chief General Ashraf Rifi and Major General George Khouri as well as a third officer whose name I forgot. We discussed the network and we reached an agreement on all pending issues. Who was behind raising the issue again during the cabinet meeting on May 5 and from outside the schedule? Who is interested the most in dismantling Hezbollah’s telecommunications network and consider everyone involved in it and outlaw who should be tried and punished? For your information, this network has been operating since before the year 2000; every past government knew about it. It is not new and certainly was not built after 2005. Discussing the issues consumed long hours, resulted in disputes among ministers, some of whom insisted on taking the decision, and threatened to resign if it were not adopted. Not all the ministers who were at the meeting are involved. Some of them were wise and advised other ministers that such a decision would result in war and sedition, but they did not listen. You made the decision and issued it at dawn, and certainly bargained on it. I call on Beirutis to ask the Future Movement and Siniora: Why did you make such a decision while knowing its consequences. No one has answered this yet.
In one of my speeches, everything they could find to comment on was my expression: “a glorious day”. I say once again that there was a scheme of war in Beirut and the fighters were deployed to serve that purpose. Beirut was meant to turn into a war zone. I have details about this plan. Therefore, they took their decision on May 5 and we called for popular mutiny to protest, but not to fight. We did not go for war but we had decided that if we were fired at we shall not keep silent, because this would have been the introduction of the pre-planned war; therefore we had to act swiftly and decisively. I have said that the May 7 events prevented sedition and war between Sunnis and Shiites, which would have expanded to beyond Beirut. I also accept that May 7 was a sad day. However, because the resistance that brought freedom, pride, and glory to Lebanon was in danger, it was left to defend its existence, honor, and arms. When we fought in south Lebanon, we did not have a religious or a sectarian background. We had our eye set on every southern village and town and we wanted all the Lebanese people to be free. We offered our blood for Lebanon and therefore, I tell the Sunnis, Shiites, Druze and Christians of Lebanon: Your blood is our blood, your flesh is our flesh, your fate is our fate. We cannot but be as such.”
“On the Der Spiegel report. To begin with, the plot against Lebanon is still standing. I reminded during the opening of the resistance conference on awareness that the last arrow in the quiver of the US-Zionist project to confront resistance movements was founding an Arab-Iranian and a Sunni-Shiite conflict. They do not have anything else. This is their last straw. After the June war in 2006 and the events that preceded it, the last planned battle to fight against Hezbollah is to falsely accuse it of assassinating martyr Rafik Hariri. This scheme persists.
We have an explanation for the Der Spiegel report but first I have to clearly and transparently state that this is extremely dangerous. It is not a news report that we do not comment on. I agree with Hezbollah’s statement that this is not the first time that newspapers fabricate such reports. A few month earlier, the Kuwaiti Assiyasiyya, which is known to match the Sawt al-Adala daily in Lebanon, posted articles and reports about telephone lines and dozens of witnesses. Back then, we refrained from issuing any statement given that the Kuwaiti Assiyasiyya is widely known for lying and fabricating news. Other Gulf and Egyptian newspapers also raised the issue after my speech about Gaza. We did not comment. However, the Der Spiegel report is different because the atmosphere, timing and particularly the Israeli exploitation prompted us to stand up and issue a statement and prompted me to tackle the issue tonight. This is an extremely dangerous issue. When the Der Spiegel report was posted, the Al-Arabia channel made it its main headline and consumed hours of satellite broadcasting on it. The channel had sought some satisfactory statements but it was surprised by reservation. It did not find anyone to echo it but the Israelis. Lieberman came out to project himself as someone who gives heed to the law and said that ‘based on the Der Spiegel report, an international arrest warrant must be issued against Hezbollah’s Secretary General. If the state of Lebanon does not hand him over, then he must be detained by force.’
Even more dangerous that Lieberman’s comment was Ehud Barak’s. He literarily says that the ‘international court’s decision (not the Der Spiegel report) to consider Hezbollah responsible for killing the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, indicates one more time to the nature and the function of Hezbollah.’ If Barak had mixed between the Der Spiegel report and the international court, then his slip of the tongue would be exploited. However, if it were more than a slip of a tongue, then his comments are extremely dangerous. The Der Spiegel report made headlines on Israel newspapers. They accused, charged and reached verdicts. They are now demanding punishment on the one hand and warning that Israel, the guardian of rights, will independently punish Hezbollah and its Secretary General.
With regards to timing, elections are drawing near and the Israelis as well as the Americans are expressing deep concern about the opposition winning the elections.
Also, efforts to dismantle more spy networks, some of which have executive missions, is ongoing at a fast pace, hence, the Israelis want to save themselves.
Moreover, Israel now has a new government that is required to acknowledge the two-state solution and the right of return, therefore, they have to redirect things and take the region to another place. They want to make Lebanon and the conflict in Lebanon top priority, not Palestine.
On the other hand, there is a strategic danger. When Hariri was assassinated, many sides had worked to point the figure of accusation at the Shiites. This is what Der Spiegel, Lieberman and Barak are saying.
Those who fabricated this want to create sedition and conflict between the Sunnis and the Shiites, mainly Hezbollah. This was soon grasped by the savants of politics in Lebanon who talked about the attempt to revive sedition. I hereby praise the courage and the position of MP Jumblatt. I agree with his comment and repeat it after him: The Der Spiegel report is even more dangerous than the Ain el-Roummaneh bus (that saw the beginning of civil war in 1975). This is why we have to act responsibly.
For us, what the Der Spiegel has said and what the Israeli leaders have said are nothing but an Israeli accusation to Hezbollah of having assassinated Hariri and we will only consider it an Israeli accusation, nothing more.”
“ As for Dahiyeh, since the very beginning this region stood up to occupation and humiliated Israel at the gates of Khalde. It resisted until it drove out the occupation from Beirut and Mount Lebanon. Dahiyeh offered support, money and blood. It was punished because it chose the path of the resistance. Its biggest test was during the 2006 war, when it was destroyed only to break it will, but it only gained more power and more determination. Yes, they wanted Dahiyeh to become a misery belt but it was nothing but a dignity belt. They wanted Dahiyeh to be a miserable place, but it rose as a stream of hope and pride. They wanted Dahiyeh to live on the margins of this nation, they wanted it to be a forgotten land, but it has drawn the future. May Allah’s peace be with you; the people in Dahiyeh who shouted the slogan of Imam Hussein peace be upon him: Disgrace, how remote. You were patient during the battle and the result was victory in 2000 and 2006. We are waiting for you on June 7, the day when you will vote and your hearts and minds will be at the same place. There are still responsibilities lying ahead. Israel will conduct maneuvers between May 31 and June 4. I have heard that President Sleiman has called for the Higher Dense Council to convene Tuesday to assess the maneuvers. This is how a state really becomes a state and starts to gain its people’s trust. As much as urge cautiousness, we want you to rest assured that we are on high alert. I tell Barak and his government that we will be on high alert when you begin your maneuvers, side by side with the Lebanese army. I promise that if anyone even thought of making a stupid move against Lebanon, our response will be unprecedented. If anyone thought of trespassing into our land with five or even ten battalions, I pledge in the name of Abbas Moussawi, Ragheb Harb, Imad Moghniyeh, sayyed Moussa Sadr and all of the founders and the leaders of the resistance, the resistance will destroy your battalions and your army in south Lebanon. Will be ready, but no one will notice us. I seek this opportunity to advise Lebanese security forces that Israeli spy cells will be fully mobilized to spy on the resistance during the maneuvers.”
“ Until we meet on the seventh of June, when we will see your flags held up high and the signs of victory adorning your faces, I wish a happy Resistance and Liberation day; the liberation that will be complete when the Shebaa Farms and the Kafasrshouba Hills return back to us and when Palestine return to the Palestinians and Quds to its rightful owners.”
Peace be upon you.
http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/128878025132876248.htm
Nasrallah calls for death penalty for spies, beginning with Shiite agents
By Therese Sfeir
Daily Star staff
Saturday, May 23, 2009
BEIRUT: The leader of Hizbullah has demanded the death penalty for Lebanese suspects convicted of spying for Israel. "In the name of the families of martyrs, of the wounded and of those who lost their homes ... I demand that the death penalty is handed down to the agents who provided information that lead to all these repercussions," said Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, speaking via video-link, to a rally held in Nabatieh to commemorate the ninth anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon.
Lebanese authorities are holding up to 30 suspects in what security sources say is a widening investigation into espionage for Israel. Three of these suspects, who include women, have been arrested in the past 24 hours.
Nasrallah praised efforts deployed by the Lebanese Army and security forces to uncover Israel espionage networks, and said Hizbullah's security services would boost cooperation with Lebanese security services to root out the spies.
Nasrallah also urged any Lebanese dealing with Israel to surrender to the authorities and ask for mercy.
"I tell the remaining spies on Lebanese territories that we will catch them very soon," Nasrallah said, adding: "Surrender to the authorities before it is too late."
"I call for the death penalty for all arrested agents, beginning with the Shiite agents," he also said.
Hizbullah has repeatedly cited the absence of retribution against collaborators after the 2000 withdrawal, but the group has recently stepped up its criticism of the judiciary's lenient handling of agents.
Nasrallah added that "espionage rings do not only work on gathering information, but also on carrying out operations."
He noted that a 20 kilograms of TNT were discovered at the apartment of an agent who was recently arrested.
The Hizbullah leader urged the authorities to investigate the possibility of Israel's involvement in recent and past assassinations and explosions in Lebanon. "Those with a preconceived stance must know that the possibility of Israeli [involvement] should be pursued, and maybe through this we can arrive at the causes of all explosions and events that occurred in Lebanon," he stated.
He said that some of the spies aimed to "cause rifts" between Amal and Hizbullah, and that "the strong alliance" between the two Shiite parties was the foundation of the opposition's victory in South Lebanon.
Nasrallah also accused the Lebanese successive governments of "failing to protect the South, ever since the Israeli invasion took place in 1982."
"The state should spread its authority over all its territory, but today this authority is absent," he stated.
He added that Hizbullah was not seeking to replace the state.
"We do not propose the resistance as an alternative to the Lebanese state. However, the state cannot call itself a state and disregard the South," he said.
"We want a strong, just and capable state that we will seek to establish after May 7," he added.
Touching on the parliamentary elections on June 7, Nasrallah said the opposition's goal behind the elections was not to rule the country, but to save Lebanon from conspiracies regardless of the opposition's share in government. "The aim of the opposition is to win the elections, in order to rescue Lebanon from the conspiracies against it, but not to rule it," he stated.
Commenting on the formation of two separate opposition lists in the district of Jezzine, Nasrallah said Hizbullah would work in that district "to please both parties." He was referring to the Free Patriotic Movement headed by MP Michel Aoun and the Amal movement headed by Speaker Nabih Berri.
- With Agencies
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=102278
General Aoun: Reports of corruption in the country will be investigated immediately after the elections. Solidaire is asking people where they vote and to whom, I do not consider such questions and information innocent, but to put pressure on people. I Understand Nasrallah's Rhetoric; Cabinet Committed a Great Foolishness on May 5.
19/5/09
Speaking to reporters following his bloc's weekly meeting at his residence in Rabieh, General Michel Aoun expressed hope the ISF would be able to capitalize on these arrests and obtain more data on previous murders.
The head of the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc congratulated on Monday the Internal Security Forces (ISF) for arresting the espionage cells spread throughout the country, hailing the discovery of the cells as an encouraging development.
"All the crimes are linked to the espionage rings. Had there not been networks scheming and others executing then the crimes would not remain hidden," Aoun said. "This is why we were accusing the sides which were supposed to maintain security," he added.
The General said that traitors should be punished; emphasizing at the same time that no one can be above the law. "We cannot build a state with such people, we are all under the law; otherwise, the state will fall apart," he said. "Had there not been networks that scheme and others that execute then the crimes would not remain hidden," he added.
Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun Addressing Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah's latest speech, made it clear that he understands the Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah rhetoric. "The swift security intervention prevented sedition and I agree with Sayyed Nasrallah that the cabinet committed a great foolishness on May 5," Aoun pointed out.
On the electoral process, Aoun said, "Everybody says that the difference in the elections will be by two, three, or more seats."
“ In some districts, they are trying to support one candidate in the list, such as Nazem al-Khoury in Jbeil, Mansour al-Bon in Keserwan, Michel Murr who is summoning municipality mayors in Metn, and Edmond Gharios in Baabda…" he added.
Answering a question, Aoun said ironically that he refuses to hold a public debate with Carlos Edde "because he scares me."
“ We are being targeted by individuals who entered the centrist game that embassies engage in. Let me say that all of their media campaigns have failed," Aoun said.
“There is someone in the Water Authority called Antoine Fahd, who is using his electoral powers in Keserwan," he added.
The Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader urged politicians to form the Constitutional Council as soon as possible, but "in a balanced and un-politicized way." He accused the so-called March 14 block of "dirty" pre-election tactics, saying, "Security forces are pressuring people to implement certain policies, while their job is to prevent similar pressure."
On the subject of municipality mayors, Aoun said that talks were still ongoing. "Michel Murr is summoning heads of municipalities and state officials in the villages of Metn to pressure them," Aoun said, adding, "there are employers, especially in banks, who are threatening to fire their employees if they don’t vote for the lists they support. We might ask the Confederation of Labor Unions to intervene and protect workers." He added that reports of corruption in the country would be investigated immediately after the elections.
"They have lately accused us of attempting to cut short the presidency, and instigate a tripartite sharing of power, while we haven't even talked about such topics," Aoun said in reference to media campaigns launched against his FPM. "After the elections I will hold accountable all the corrupt," he vowed, adding, "no one, even me, is above the law."
http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/128871982014514233.htm
Do not let them grab it from you. The purpose is to weaken us with the electoral scratches through Nazem, Al-Bon, El-Murr, Gharios, and El-Tueini.17/5/09Gen. Aoun from Mairuba: we hope that the people of Kessrouan - El-Ftouh put our lists down complete because we are all as one.
I am against the situations and positions that attempt to return us to the era that has taken us for 17 years now towards economic and political destruction.
---------
The Tayyar organization has held a public fair at the stadium of Mairuba with the presence of Gen. Michel Aoun and members of the list of candidates belonging to the party of Change and reform of Kessrouan / Ftouh and here is the word of the general date:
"Oh people of great Lebanon, four years ago we met in this stadium and it was the start of our campaign. And we have taken big strides towards achieving those goals. When we returned to Lebanon it was unstable and unsettled, but the withdrawal happened quickly and was no authority to take over and no cohesiveness between the elements of the Lebanese society.
And it was necessary to give priorities toward the stabilization of the Lebanese government and the establishment of the government of change and reform. We started by building the politics of mutual understanding and development of the notion of understanding between the constituents of the Lebanese society and we chose those hot points and try to create understanding to solve these issues in the most civilized manner that a civilized people would choose and that is Communication.
And we have been able to, in a relatively short time, erase the psychological barriers between the Lebanese people, and peace and tranquility spread further than ever before throughout Lebanon that it has in the last 50 years. At last the Lebanese people had peace after the barriers fall of from border to border across Lebanese territory.
And despite the strange wars on the Lebanese soil in the war of Israel on Lebanon in July of 2006 and the intensity of the fire and destruction, Israel and his collaborators have not been able to deter or affect our unity that grows stronger with every passing day. And we are on the road to a strong and weakened Lebanon that everyone has been accustomed to interfering with. In the tranquility of Lebanon and its peace was not only in our land that spread to the neighbor with whom we had wars in constant differences. We have embedded the politics of understanding and exchange instead of the politics of strife and struggle for control and assault on rights.
The first stage has ended and we will not go into its details. But the next stage is to stage of construction as it is impossible to build a country without stability and cooperation between the people. We return today to a period of contemplation prior to the elections to choose our members of Parliament that will rebuild and reconstruct the nation's authority and its constitutional authorities. And we hope that every voter see the truth in himself and not be affected or swayed by a personal minor need while ignoring the greater need of the country.
Each of our candidates has a history and credibility along with his personal and national moral attributes. None of us are new and we hope that our moral compass guides us when the time comes for us to choose. We cannot vote for someone whose mind and hands have been tainted with corruption, and who has succumbed to the invaders and overseers, and who uses political funds in order to buy consciences. The aid he provides today he has taken from you yesterday and will take it from you once again tomorrow along with the expenses of future elections without forgetting to collect interest and profit from your money and the country’s coffers.
What we demand of ourselves to think speak and act on the same level and I hope that the candidates take this picture (the picture of the members of Parliament belonging to the list of change and reform in Kessrouan), and I think and work with the same ethics.
We do not want the scattered personality that we see in public saying one thing and thinking another and working in a third direction. This personality is suffering from internal strife and needs medical care and cannot participate in a positive manner in a society that needs the cooperation and the efforts to be directed towards one goal.
Today we have proposed a detailed program in which we specify all the needs of the public. It is the beginning of the implementation of the plan that has both near mid-and long-term reaches. And the longer the march the sooner we should start for it will take a longer time. We are bound to this detailed program and in order to achieve it we need the parliamentary majority, because for any program to work it needs a parliamentary majority or it shall fail.
Until now Lebanon has never had a parliamentary group able to impose themselves and their programs. We are now over all of Lebanon whose heart is Kessrouan/El-Ftouh from which emanates pioneering ideas from the reorganization of the politics to internal repair. There is an ideology that is active in today's government in the program whose vision is to keep our children, the same children that have become our exports instead of our providers. We are in dire need of every human element to rebuild Lebanon.
Everybody complains that Lebanon does not have sufficient resources, but you are Lebanon's resources that produce and build. There is no poor country today only poor mind and there is no country without resources only a country whose resources have been stolen. Many a poor country in dire conditions has not gone hungry and many a people have gone hungry in a rich corrupt country.
We hope that the voting people of Kessrouan /El-Ftouh , choose our list in total because we are one hand. Do not be fooled by he who whispers "we are willing to help with one vote here in one vote there". The only thing this achieves is the destruction of the effort that we are trying to build with force. The purpose is the breakup of the majority of the proof to that is the attempt to penetrate the list of the reform and change by a parliamentary in Jbeil named Nazem El-Khoury and a parliamentary from Kessrouan named Mansour El-Boon and a parliamentary from El-Metn named Michel El-Murr and a parliamentary from Baabda named Edmond Gharios and a parliamentary from Beirut named Nayla El-Tueini.
They are claiming that the results will be close between the opposition and the loyalist by a margin of four or five seats. And the purpose of this is the theft of those five seats from the members of the group for the reform and change. Do not let them steal those from you.
I would hope that those parliamentary would join us. Why do they create a name for themselves by working for a party that is against us, that party whose past is known as well as with whom they have worked in politics and to whom they have been subservient and where they got their support with which they have bought their newfound positions.
This is not an attack on anyone and I am against the positions that try and return us to an era that has taken us for 17 years towards political and economic destruction for it is those positions that have marginalized the Lebanese groups and has caused the emigration abroad and has destroyed our economy and has rendered our society a society of beggars and backgammon players and unemployed.
I hope that you will be awake and aware for I speak to you logically for it is only sanity that shall return Lebanon to its former glory and save it from destruction. I will pull the visual debt.
Long live Lebanon.http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/128870469130105255.htm
Kanaan: No Fear of Tayyar because it Favors Partnership
16/5/09
MP Ibrahim Kanaan on Saturday assured Lebanese that there is no fear of the Free Patriotic Movement because "it calls for partnership" in government.
Kannan stressed that the FPM headed by Gen. Michel Aoun "knows the value of independence and has paid a dear price for this independence."
"One cannot accuse the FPM of covering up Hizbullah weapons just because it chose to achieve understanding, rather than collision, with this large segment of the Lebanese," he said.
http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/45A406255BBF8ACAC22575B8004FB720?OpenDocument
Sayyed Nasrallah: "We Don't Want You to Forget May 7"By Mohamad Shmaysani
15/05/2009
Hezbollah held on Friday a ceremony to honor some 2300 graduates at the Sayyed Shouhada complex in Beirut’s southern suburb.
Thousands of students, their families as well as political and religious figures attended the 21st commencement ceremony.
Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah addressed the students and praised their efforts to achieve this stage of high education.
His eminence promised to address the serious issues of the Israeli maneuver next month, the Israeli spy network and elections on Monday during an interview on Al-Manar TV.
“Today I would like to speak about you, about the Redwan Class, about the brothers and sisters and the families, and I would like to speak about Lebanon and tackle the Lebanese issue, especially that we are passing through a critical stage with regards to elections, and then I end my speech with addressing (the May 17 agreement) and the 7th of May.”
Sayyed Nasrallah said that the graduates had the will to achieve education, “which in our religious belief is Jihad for the sake of Allah and on behalf of your brothers in Hezbollah, I thank the families, the mothers and the fathers who insisted and supported their sons and daughters to achieve this level of educations. We know that most of the Lebanese live on the edge of poverty, yet we find that the families spare no effort to provide their loved ones the chance to have education and build their future.”
Sayyed Nasrallah said: “Your class holds the name of the beloved martyr Hajj Redwan. I would like to unveil what most people don’t know about him. He used to urge the mujahideen not to abandon education, especially at universities. He used to provide every organizational and financial facilitation to our brothers to go to universities. It was not a personal desire of his. This was founded on his clear strategic foresight. Our resistance, since the very beginning, has been the Resistance that has the characteristics of will, determination and sacrifice, yet is has also been known to be the Resistance characterized by education, knowledge, specialization and clever minds. This is what our enemies have acknowledged at the battlefields and in confronting the psychological war.”
His eminence added that this great number of graduates constitute the heart of Hezbollah’s path. “You are giving the world the true image of the believer who is not held back poverty and deprivation; the bright image that expresses the path of the resistance in Lebanon, its belief, humane characteristic, patriotism, sincerity, devotion and the great hope in the future. Today, you are also giving a strong message to all those who question the Lebanese opposition’s ability to manage the state of Lebanon in every domain and bargain on the failure of the opposition. They say if the opposition wins the majority we will not participate in a government they would form. I tell those that we would love your participation because this is what we have been calling for, but if you chose not to take part we will not beg you. If you are bargaining on our failure, the answer is the 2883 graduates in this ceremony alone. I tell you that the minds and the hearts and the wills that defeated the strongest state and army in the region are capable of running a country that is 100 times stronger than Lebanon. They accuse us of seeking to create an empire in the region, if this is the case, then 10452 square kilometers will not be hard to manage. Like we managed, with Lebanese hearts, minds and sacrifices, to liberate our land and detainees and to protect our country, we are capable God willing to build our country. ”
The Hezbollah chief added: “The Lebanon we want is the following: A country for all the Lebanese, a country with one people. We have to stop talking about Lebanese peoples whether overtly or covertly. We are one Lebanese people and we have no problem to speak about the historic multiplicity of civilizations and culture. Intellectuals used to argue about what we have, a multiplicity of civilizations or cultures or religions. This multiplicity is a blessing and we can transform it into an asset in our country and the world. I don’t say that we have mutual interests; I say that we have common interests.”
His eminence added that “we look for a unified Lebanon, unified in land, people, institutions. This is why Hezbollah has always rejected dividing Lebanon and we will resist any idea to divide Lebanon, today or in the future. Some still have this idea and this is not a dream, it’s a hope that they speak of in their inner circles. They speak of federalism, but this will never happen in Lebanon. All those who accuse us of seeking a three-party rule are working to achieve federalism. We also look forward to a Lebanon free from baseless racism, but not free from minds, laws and values in our milieu. We also seek a Lebanon with an Arab identity free from racism that has nothing to do with religion, knowledge and humanity.”
Sayyed Nasrallah stressed that the dispute is over the resistance and the arms of the resistance and the defensive strategy. We want a strong state that would tell the resistance fighters to go back to their universities, colleges, fields and to your normal lives. Therefore, we also look forward to a state that practices real and effective administrative reform to implement a modern electoral law that secures the best representation…We want a government that sets sight on the sufferings of the people, poverty and the problem of unemployment, not to spend the next four or five years in a political conflict on issues they know they will fail to achieve any of them even if they use all political, security and media means. We have to help to help find a government that is serious, devoted and sincere to solve our problems of development, finance and economy. We also look forward to a strong and independent judiciary free from political interference. What we have today in Lebanon is not a judiciary, even if the Higher Judicial Council says it is. We have honest judges and corrupt judges. What kind of judicial authority is that which punishes agents who spent decades collaborating with Israel and commits high treason? What kind of a judiciary is that which sentences to one month or six months or even a year and then sets them free for some of them to return to collaborate with the Israeli enemy, and on the other hand the same judiciary detains senior officers for three years and eight months without charges? Is this an honest and independent judicial authority? Since the very beginning we pledged to hand the collaborators to judicial authorities and we did not follow the example of all resistance movements throughout history; the movements that set up field tribunals and punished the traitors. I told this to the French Ambassador after Jospin described Hezbollah as a terrorist group. Months later liberation was achieved and I told the French Ambassador: Relay my greetings to your Prime Minister and tell him that our resistance is more civilized and more ethical than the French resistance, because you executed ten thousand agents, some of which never had a trial, whereas we have not killed ‘a chicken’ that belonged to Antoine Lahed.”
Sayyed Nasrallah stressed a unity government was the best for Lebanon. “If you want democracy then let it be complete democracy. The best form of such democracy would result from democratically electing a parliament based on an electoral law that makes Lebanon one electoral district.”
On the “one-third veto power”, sayyed Nasrallah said: “I call on our brothers in the Future movement to look back at martyr Rafik Hariri’s sufferings in forming cabinets and find out why he did not head the last government before his assassination. Martyr Hariri used to tell me that ‘If I don’t name one third of the ministers, I will not form a government.” He always sought to have one-third of the ministers and when he couldn’t, he stepped back and PM Omar Karami was appointed. Anyone who wants real partnership should search for the guaranteeing third or the veto power in the opposition government. As for the three-party governance, this is something that they had created and nourished. No one in the resistance has spoken about it. No one even understands what three-party rule they are speaking about: based on confessions, sects or political alliances?”
The Hezbollah Secretary General added that the aim at this phase was at the Christians of the opposition, “because when they say that the Shiites in the opposition want the three-party rule – if we assume that they mean three-party rule base on confessions, then this might not harm the Shiites, not the Sunnis who will have the second one-third. What they are trying to tell Christians in Lebanon is that General Michel Aoun, Suleiman Franjieh, Elie Skaf and other Christians in the opposition agree to this kind of governance. This is baseless. General Aoun did not accept such formula in Jizzine, so how can you accuse him as such? As opposition, we must not stay on the defensive. We want participation and we want to implement the Taef Accord and work on developing our political system.”
“In respect of our memory and to the commemoration of the May 17 (agreement), it is regrettable to see those who stood up to the May 17 agreement that was signed by the then Lebanese regime that yielded to Israeli conditions out of weakness, defeat and disgrace take a different position today. Who signed the agreement? Who wanted to succumb Lebanon to Israel through that agreement? Who stood up to the agreement, from scholars, men and women, particularly in the Imam Rida mosque in Bir el-Abed (Beirut’s southern suburb)? Who spilled his blood to declare Lebanon’s rejection to the agreement, other than martyr Mohammed Najdeh? Who signed the agreement of disgrace with Israel? Today, those who had sought to give in Lebanon to Israel have become symbols of sovereignty, freedom and independence while those who offered their blood to liberate Lebanon have become symbols for subordination to the outside powers. Isn’t this unfair? Can we forget this? We want a strong state that can gain back its lands not by begging for it and not by grants from Netanyahu during elections season.”
“A few days ago was the first anniversary of the May 7 events. As opposition, we avoided raising this issue because raising it will cause more strife in this elections season. However, the other camp still recalls these events in every speech they make. Our silence was described as weakness or embarrassment. I found myself obliged to comment this out of respect to the blood of martyrs who fell on the 7th of May. Therefore, I remind those who are raising the May 7 events issue that they ought to remember what they did on the fifth of May that same year. It is enough to read the Winograd report to know that one of Hezbollah’s main assets that should be eliminated is the party’s communications network. Does anyone doubt that the Israelis are eavesdropping everything in Lebanon? The most efficient weapon during the 2006 war was the fortified communications network that was beyond eavesdropping. The government back then convened and decided to dismantle the network and consider it illegal and against the state’s sovereignty. The government also decided to bring to justice everyone involved in it. The then illegitimate government ought to realize that May 5, 2008 was a stigma on its face and its history because it sought to achieve what Israel had failed to achieve in 33 days of war. Why did they deploy thousands of fighters from outside Beirut? The Beirutis may as well ask those who want their votes to be in retaliation to the May 7 events, who turned Beirut into a city of militiamen and filled it with arms under the camouflage of security firms? Who deployed thousands of fighters in Beirut’s apartments? The scheme was that the government takes the decision, Hezbollah would call for protests and civil disobedience thus giving way for the government to seek other options: if the protests were banned then a confrontation between the resistance and the Lebanese army would ensue. The scheme was thwarted because we have a national patriotic army. Some foreign sides had studied whether the army was ready for such a confrontation with the army and reached a negative conclusion because they found that they can never depend on the army to fight the resistance. The army is not entrusted, on what? On elections? On the political power? It is not reliable because it did not fight the resistance and this is an honor for the army. The army is the security the safety and the national guarantee. This is a legion of honor for the army that preserves national security. There had been a scheme to drag Beirut to sectarian strife that would last for weeks. Consequently, they would call in foreign forces to help stop a sectarian war in Lebanon. The scheme of May 7 was set for execution. Then why did stay up until morning? Why did you call Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the US during the Cabinet session? This is no longer a secret. That illegitimate government had taken a decision to put Lebanon in front of a sectarian war between Sunnis and Shiites. I tell all the Lebanese, the Sunnis and the Shiites in particular, to our brothers and sisters in Beirut, what happened in May 7 had put an early end to a sectarian war that could have led to setting Beirut ablaze. May 7 had also stopped a conspiracy against the resistance. May 7 had preserved the houses and the families of Beirut. After hearing what is being said today, I say that May 7 was a glorious day for the resistance in Lebanon. Consequently, May 7 has put Lebanon on the right track towards solution and pulled it out of the stalemate that was imposed on it. The relative calm in the past year was the fruit of the May 7 events and the blood of the martyrs. I have been hearing a lot of slogans like ‘we won’t forget (May 7), who told you that we want you to forget? It is required that we don’t forget May 7 so that no one would repeat the stupidity of May 5.
As for the people who were brought in from the regions, I want to be fair to them. We know that the people of Akkar and Bekaa are courageous, credible and they are not cowards and they don’t run away from the battlefield. But you brought them not to fight Israel. You may try them with Israel. But you brought them to fight their own people, to fight the resistance that every Arab –whatever his religion or sect- is proud of. So, yes they did not have the motive and the momentum to fight their people in the resistance. They were brought to a battle they never ever believed in.
We don’t want May 7 or May 17. We are calling for cooperation and partnership. To discard the past and to merge efforts, build our country hand in hand and pull it out of its different crises. Like I said before, we have close ranks to build Lebanon hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder.
Whatever the results of the election will be, we will need all this cooperation and joined efforts to protect Lebanon and build it together. I once again congratulate our graduate brothers and sisters for their achievements and success.”
http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/128868946491620120.htm
General Aoun Slams a Campaign of Lies and rumors considering them a conspiracy against him; "I will not accept the President's Silence or the judiciary and the press".
May 12, 2009
The head of the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc MP Michel Aoun following his bloc's weekly meeting, spoke to reporters slamming the vicious campaign of lies launched against him and the Free Patriotic Movement.
Holding al-Diyar newspaper, the general said that the “newspaper has gone too far in its campaign against us. Biggest proof of that is today's headline. Asking, “Where is the role of the National Council for Media and the prosecution for this flagrant defamation case, and these wrong allegations?
General Aoun reiterated that the political speeches targeting him are a bunch of lies assuring that the OTV building is rented, and I don’t know what the aim of all these lies is.” The political speeches that target us are a bunch of lies, and we cannot respond except by saying so a reference to Former Minister Fares Boueiz’s speech earlier.
Meanwhile, the FPM leader made it clear he will not accept for the elections to be linked to the security forces. "Some people have been receiving phone calls telling that the president was in danger and if they do not vote for a certain list his term will be cut short," he said.
“They are telling lies about our intentions to topple the president and to turn against the Taef agreement, and since this campaign is vicious, and since the source is known, it is obvious that these allegations are lies.”
Continuing on the same subject he said, “"I will not accept the president's silence over the rumors that have been targeting me," "Those who do not deny a false story meant to them, they are considered involved in the conspiracy and its marketing," he explained.
"They want us to cover up for corruption under the banner of the Taef," Aoun said, recalling "each time we want to propose a reform project we are confronted by sectarianism."
General Aoun wondered about the judiciary role, “What is the role of the Lebanese judiciary when it comes to launch false rumors? “ I do not want to report anyone and I will leave the media community to deteriorate until it becomes a 'mat.'
About some illegal actions and pressures performed on citizens, General Aoun said, “Surveillance apparatuses must monitor the phone lines of the municipalities, which are using their offices for electoral purposes. We have information that security forces are pressuring the mayors. We will not accept for the elections to be linked to the security forces.”
On the other hand, he was surprised that the churches are refusing to open their halls for the candidates to meet with the voters saying, “We hope to open halls of churches to all political parties, and not only to the free patriotic movement. Asking, “Where are we supposed to meet, under the tree?”
Answering a question about Jezzine he said,” We agreed on closed tickets with Berri and I addressed the people of Jezzine telling them that the democratic process will determine the victor.
General Aoun continues expressing his regrets to such society, “Our society continues its decline because it is surpassing all the values we believe in.”
for example “There are advertisement billboards that insult the Lebanese flag by changing its colors, a matter forbidden under the Constitution; Violating the Lebanese flag with some bad announcements is unacceptable. The law defines such an act as the crime of degrading the national flag."
"What a shame, we are trying to raise the society and they are trying the contrary. Do not forget that the Free Patriotic Movement is the one who defend the Lebanese flag the most.”
Concluding, "As such I can say that the security forces have been neglecting their duties as if they are trying to incite people against each other," he said.
Hoping for the Interior Ministry to take the necessary actions to stop all illegal actions that are happening beginning by the illegal phone calls, to false rumors ending by burning adds.
http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/128865964294385563.htm
We invite everyone to participate in the new government, we will not cry if we lose nor will we go crazy if we win. General Aoun: Hariri's political line has led us to 50 billion dollars of debt, why should we renew his term.
May 11, 2009
General Michel Aoun said in an interview on NTV in the program "Al ousbou3 if sa3a” that the Doha agreement was a settlement and the opposition had two conditions, which are the non-return to the law of 2000, and the formation of a national unity government that includes the third participant, which without it many issues would have been passed.
He said "they accused us of stopping the government of Siniora; I say no government in the world had such sloppiness like the Siniora's, it was without constitutional control and without the third participants, between 2006 and 2008, and until the formation of the new government.”
About the problem that affected the third Christian seat in the Jezzin, general confirmed that the method to invoke and to find a solution is more important than the differences and that we must consider taking a lesson from such relationship. Because any different in views can be resolved by referring to the Lebanese people, regardless if there is 1 seat or 10 seats.
In the case of the occurrence of problems in the street people of Jezzine are not suiciders and the winner knows how to win as well as the loser he will accept it gracefully.
Therefore, whatever the outcome of the upcoming elections in Jezzine, I consider that Jezzine has chosen instead of imposing upon it the persons of any alliance. In addition, the third list has a chance to win.
About the candidate Samir Azar being a node, General Aoun said “I don’t want to declares any reasons, but I can say that the conditions did not encourage me to cooperate with him; Consider it as a couple who was engaged and could not get married, as simple as that. After the election, we will thank the people who gave us their trust if we lose and we will congratulate the winners... There is no conflict with the president Berri or else we wouldn’t stated after our meeting, to all our supporters to vote for the opposition’s lists”
We are proud of our way with dealing with our problems in either the agreeing or disagreeing that ideally and address the situation created by both cases. "
About rumors that extended to some candidates, who are members of the list of change and reform in Jezzine, he replied, "those spreading the rumors are not men. They are the one responsible for rumors like the one about the story of the Bank Al-Madina. It is the authority's responsibilities to prevent the dissemination of Bank Al-Madina file.
Concluding the story of Jezzine being a silent battle between the General Aoun and the President Berri silent because of other formations, explained: "If it was a battle it would have consequences. When it comes to the judicial formation, everything is considered separately and this is not the responsibility of the president Berri alone. Everyone has to understand we are two different entities. I am the General Michel Aoun, President of the Bloc of the change and reform, we are different figures than March 8 bloc but they want to us to be one. Fine I have no problem.
Aoun rejected claims that the opposition called for the division of shares between Shia, Sunnis and Christians instead of equally between Christians and Muslims as the Taif Accord stated, adding that rumors that the opposition wanted to reduce the president’s term in office, saying that all claims are “a big lie.”
About reelecting the president Berri for the presidency of the Council of Deputies, he said "On June 7, I will let you know. There are three things the Free Patriotic Movement and I believe in and they are namely, I do not disclose my weakness points, nor my powers and of course not my intentions. I can tell you that I do not see any other competitor and I will not say more; maybe after the elections but not now."
About his outlook on the dialog table in Baabda he said” we do not have the same intentions regarding the resistance; some are looking into disarming Hezbollah and other contradict them totally; Let me ask them if we disarmed them, what are Lebanon guarantees against the enemy? Does Lebanon’s army have an equal balance with Israel in case the latter decided to invade us? For how long can we resist? The resistance to replace the army in the occupied territory.”
Answering a question about the descriptions made by opponents of General Aoun, to his lists and its members, he replied, "Alsous or the chick “becomes a rooster and the "Jalbout" an eagle. And he talks about a pretty song used in France about the chick and its mother."
The Experience lived by my deputies no one lived it in Lebanon. In other blocs the deputies are given the statement to read, while in my block we discuss all matters, and sometimes some claim are not compatible but what is important is, at that at the end to agree upon one decision.
Most importantly is to respect our political discourse in its obligation, promises and responsibility towards our voters. We commit ourselves to the community, its traditions, and conventions, its laws and principles and to the electoral platform, and we definitely won't change in the morning our political line or else God be with all the politics in Lebanon"
In the fourth part of the Interview the general answered questions concerning the candidate fares Boueiz, about being linked with country that transcend the borders, about nominating the new prime minister, He said “ about Keserwan’s list, there were no promises but words concerning Mr. Boueiz and we were very clear. We were taking out time to form the list and he was unlucky with us this time, and I prefer to keep the reasons to myself. I do not understand how what happened is considered maneuvering against my friends and allies on the list, yet they have been placed with me? It was my right to take my time and they have waited for me. That is all.
In response to the statement in some newspapers about the sources of funding his lists, especially when it comes to MP Neemtallah Abi Nasser which rumors said that he paid 2 million dollars while MP Zuwein gave a piece of land to Gebran Bassil, he answered sarcastically “I called them for a meeting, to see the legal paper of the land and to give Abi Naser my personal account number so he could transfer money to it.”
I do not want to respond to "Aldiyar” newspaper, because the respectable people who has bid integrity does not sink low to those with law integrity." We don’t have time for such matters.”
He assured that the Metn battle will be like the rest of the battles in other areas, and was skeptical about the MP Michel Murr supporting the FPM candidate in the by-election last in the Metn, stressing that MP Murr wanted desperately to determine his size or volumes on the list. Concerning Beirut’s battle he said that he is not provoking anyone; but it is about time to move forward and not to stay put using the martyr’s blood on the contrary we should pray for the rest of his or her soul and look up for a better future.
About renewing for Al Siniora, General Aoun assures that a person cannot be stung by the same political person repeatedly. Giving the priority to a finance and economy expert. Assuring that Hariri's politic has led us to 50 billion dollars of debt, to financial collapse, why should we nominate him? This government does not believe in reform and have the mentality of the company and not the State. "
He stresses that he expect to win with a block of 30 to 35, but “this number is not enough to nominate a prime minister and we should also discuss with our allies”. In addition, about the corruption the general stressed that he does not exclude anyone neither and opponent or an ally. He also answer a question about the new relationship with MP Walid Jumblatt saying that they both have common friends and that if Jumblat is having some positive change towards the general so why not but we will look at it cautiously.
Whether he considers President Suleiman in Jbeil as a party in the battle, He called on President Michel Sleiman to clearly announce his position regarding the ballots formed in the Jbeil district, “because some people say that they formed the president’s ballot, while Sleiman denies such claims.”
Finally , he criticized his opponents who has the guts to accuse him of becoming Syria’s ally, reminding them of their past and telling everyone to go back to the history as a reference to all of his statements regarding Syria and Hezbollah, assuring that dealing with the occupier when he is occupying your land is different to when he leaves your homeland. A smart leader knows when the battle begins and when it ends, to overturn the results to a state of peace. They conceded in the battle and fought when it ended.”
The general accused the government of all the crimes and assassinations that happened in Lebanon since 2005 because “they were the one in charge of the security, so it is time for them to leave”
http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/128865164633990915.htm
You will be surprised when we will show you the politicians corrupted files, surely before the elections that will decide the fate of Lebanon. General Aoun called on the Lebanese to stay strong until June 7: the continuation of chaos is understandable in the absence of justice and security.
5/5/09
Change and Reform bloc leader MP General Michel Aoun holds a press conference after the weekly meeting of his bloc in which he exposed the discussions that took place with the bloc.
General Aoun speaking to reporters said that they discussed the issue of the four officers, and the judiciary prior to the generals’ release, stressing that they know about the hierarchal responsibility that starts with the ministry and passes through the ministers.
“Since 2006, our positions were clear we said that the generals would be tried by the political atmosphere.” Adding that everything revealed in Hariri's murder is false; so are the techniques and the witnesses. The issue was merely a settling of scores."
General Aoun stated that he shall propose a draft regarding the judiciary because it should not be under the control of the executive authority.
“The lack of evidence and suspicions in the case of the generals reveals a politicization of the issue or a misunderstanding.”
Moreover, the general assure that the four generals cannot be charged only under the former tutelage’s authority, because they belong to the ministries of interior and defense.” We are looking at the issue of the four generals from the perspective of justice, and not only from a personal perspective, He explained stressing that the goal of the investigation was to cast unsubstantiated accusations against Syria, and Siddik must be brought to Lebanon.
The Free Patriotic Movement leader announced that he would propose a draft regarding the judiciary "because it should not be under the control of the executive authority." He held the Lebanese politicians responsible of the whole politicization of the judiciary, accusing them of "corrupting" the judiciary. "We must tackle this issue," he said.
The head of the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc MP Michel Aoun criticizes the trip of Judge Said Mirza, one of two judges involved in the four Generals case, to Czech on the eve of the scheduled meeting of the Higher Judicial Council (HJC) set to discuss the issue.
Furthermore, General Aoun emphasized on some municipality mayors that were serving as heads of electoral machinery. He expressed hopes that the Interior Minister would handle the issue, stressing his refusal to tolerate any violations anymore.
He called upon the citizens to tell him personally, "If any municipality mayor or regular employee is being threatened over the phone, record the call and leave the rest on me," he told Lebanese citizens. "We want to get rid of the threats,” adding “Had we a real judicial system the General Prosecutor would have opened this issue and defended the system, and not travelled to Slovakia for tourism.”
Answering some reporters’ questions about the elections, and the rumors spread by some of March 14 politicians he said, “All those who are ruling today were partners in the hegemony era, and we were the victims. The politicians are the accused who corrupted the judiciary, and we must tackle this issue. He assured that his files concerning former politicians are ready and they will be exposed to the public opinion.
Finally, general Aoun assured that there is no problem between Mr. Boueiz and MP Neemtallah Abi Nasr at all; and that he is not concerned at all about the upcoming election particularly the conflict in the Jezzine district, which was almost resolved, concluding that the Free Patriotic Movement may be represented in the southern suburb with one Shiite seat.
http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/128859530792476751.htm
