Press review 23-12-2013

Press review 23-12-2013
The Daily Star
President plans new-year talks on Cabinet formation
http://bit.ly/19lJ673
By Hussein Dakroub, Antoine Ghattas Saab
BEIRUT: President Michel Sleiman will launch serious contacts with rival
parties early next year in a bid to help form a new Cabinet before the
country enters a two-month constitutional period on March 25 to prepare for
presidential elections, political sources said Sunday.
As the Cabinet crisis entered its ninth month with no solution in sight, MP
Walid Jumblatt’s Progressive Socialist Party warned against forming a
neutral government, saying such a move would take Lebanon into the
“unknown” – a term that refers to a possible state of instability.
Sleiman, concerned that Lebanon might fall into a presidential vacuum
when his six-year term expires on May 25, 2014, plans to consult with the
country’s feuding parties with the aim of facilitating the Cabinet formation,
the sources said.
The sources noted that Lebanon could not receive international aid to help
it cope with more than 1 million Syrian refugees in the country unless it had
a functioning government.
Despite tension with Hezbollah over the group’s military intervention in
Syria, political and official sources said Sleiman was determined to open
channels of communications with all parties – including Hezbollah.
For this purpose, the president will receive soon a high-level delegation
from the Islamic party for talks on local developments, including the stalled
Cabinet formation efforts, the sources said.
Sources close to Sleiman familiar with the Cabinet formation process said
the setting up of a new government was governed by considerations
related to three things: the Constitution, the 1943 National Pact on
coexistence and the security situation.
First, the Constitution clearly states that when Sleiman signs the decrees
accepting the resignation of the caretaker Cabinet and the formation of a
new one, the latter is responsible for caretaker duties – even before
seeking Parliament’s vote of confidence and before the country slides into
a presidential vacuum, the sources said.
Therefore, such a Cabinet would be in conformity with the Constitution, the
sources added.
Second, the Constitution’s preamble says a government that contradicts
the coexistence pact is not legitimate. As a result, any Cabinet that does
not include true representation of any of the sects, or if ministers belonging
to a certain sect resigned, it would be difficult to regard this Cabinet as
constitutionally and legally qualified to rule, the sources said.Third, the
security consideration is related to the internal parties’ balance of power
and the possible threats to the security situation. In other words, if certain
parties decided to disturb security in Lebanon to protest the formation of a
Cabinet, this would constitute pressures on those leading the process,
namely Sleiman and Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam, the
sources said.
Despite speculation about the formation of a fait accompli government, the
official sources said, the outcome of the ongoing contacts at the
presidential and political levels pointed to strenuous efforts aimed at
forming a Cabinet that can win Parliament’s confidence and be in
conformity with the country’s National Pact.
The sources added that Sleiman and Salam would not impose a fait
accompli government that did not take into account the importance of
consensus and stability in this delicate stage in Lebanon’s history.
According to the sources, channels of communication are open between
the Sleiman, Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri with the aim of overcoming
obstacles in the way of forming a Cabinet.
Sleiman, contrary to what some might think, has not taken a hostile stance
against Hezbollah, which is a main component of the Lebanese society, the
sources said. Instead, the sources added, he has stressed the principles
which he is obliged under the Constitution to stick to, including the need to
respect the “Baabda Declaration” and nonintervention by any Lebanese
party in the Syrian crisis.
Sleiman met Sunday with Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai at Baabda
Palace. They discussed the “general situation and national affairs,” the
National News Agency said, without giving further details.
Meanwhile, caretaker Social Affairs Minister Wael Abu Faour said
Jumblatt’s PSP would not join a neutral Cabinet which, he warned, would
be “a leap into the unknown.”
“The PSP will not participate or cover any step that can represent a leap
into the unknown politically, constitutionally and at the security level,” Abu
Faour said during an organized dialogue with university students in the
Western Bekaa region of Rashaya.
“Our decision and position as a party is that we support an all-embracing
political government in which all the parties are represented for the interest
of sitting together at the national partnership table in order to curb divisions
and dangers.”
Abu Faour voiced fears that some options, such as a neutral Cabinet, that
were being discussed, might be “a leap into the unknown” and could plunge
the country into a security, political and constitutional vacuum.
His remarks came two days after Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hasan
Nasrallah dismissed the March 14 coalition’s demand for a neutral
government as an “act of deception.” Nasrallah also warned against
forming a fait accompli government and reiterated March 8 calls for a
national unity Cabinet.
Hezbollah MP Nawaf Musawi said a neutral Cabinet would run contrary to
the Lebanese Constitution and the 1989 Taif Accord that ended the 197590 Civil War. He renewed March 8 calls for the formation of a 9-9-6
government as the only way to resolve the Cabinet crisis.
“A neutral Cabinet in Lebanon would violate the Taif Accord and the
Lebanese Constitution because any government after the Taif Accord is
one that represents the Lebanese political and social components,” Musawi
told a rally in south Lebanon.
Separately, a senior European Union official criticized Nasrallah’s rejection
of a neutral government, saying that Hezbollah and other parties should
abide by the country’s disassociation policy on the war in Syria.
“I was astonished to hear yesterday [Friday] Nasrallah’s statement closing
the door for the formation of a neutral government,” Elmar Brok, head of
the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee, said during a joint
news conference in Maarab Saturday after meeting Lebanese Forces
leader Samir Geagea.
“I hope that every political force in this country shows the responsibility for
a plural and stable political system on the basis of the Constitution,” he
added.
“As was agreed by the EU foreign ministers last Monday, all parties
including Hezbollah should act responsibly and fully abide by the Baabda
Declaration and Lebanon’s dissociation policy,” said Brok, who had also
met with the country’s top three leaders.
Aoun believes Sleiman will seek to extend mandate as president
http://bit.ly/1cME6Ub
By Hasan Lakkis
March 8-affiliated parliamentary sources confirm that Free Patriotic
Movement leader Michel Aoun is now certain that President Michel Sleiman
will not step down when his term ends and will instead seek to extend or
renew his mandate, following last week’s meeting with Maronite Patriarch
Beshara Rai.
At the meeting, Rai tried to convince Aoun of the benefits of extending
Sleiman’s presidency.
The sources also said the patriarch had stressed that the current situation
necessitates Sleiman staying on as president, as prospects for holding
elections by May 25, when his term expires, were not promising and an
extension rather than a political vacuum would better suit the Christian
sect.
Such a vacuum, in light of the political crisis, could see a shuffling of roles
and a rearrangement of the current political structure, something that could
be of serious concern to Christians as this may further weaken their already
dwindling powers.
The same sources also said the information available reaffirms that
Sleiman seeks to remain in his post, and a team of those close to him were
advocating for his extension. This team includes former Ambassador Naji
Abi Assi, who is in contact with foreign diplomatic missions; former Minister
Khalil Hrawi, who is contacting local political leaders; and former minister
Naji Boustani, who has been designated to maintain relations with the
Syrian leadership.
The sources also found a decline in Bkirki’s power in determining the fate
of the Lebanese presidency, an influence enjoyed by the Maronite Church
when Lebanon was under Syrian tutelage, but which has steadily
diminished since the Taif Accord.
The sources gave other examples that point to the diminishing influence of
Bkirki – the seat of the Maronite Church – in the political arena, including its
failure to unite over a common electoral law. Most Christians parties
believe the current law puts them at a disadvantage and that most Christian
MPs were not actually elected by Christians.
The sources indicated that Rai’s inability to bring Christians together was
the reason he left Lebanon at the height of the crisis among Christians
regarding the Orthodox law, which the patriarch supported.
The sources said that Bkirki’s declining role could be felt during former
Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir’s time, when then-French Foreign Minister
Bernard Kouchner had asked him to suggest five presidential candidates
and none of them were elected.
In fact, Sfeir had refused to nominate or elect a military official to represent
the highest Maronite power in the government, and Sleiman was not on his
list.
A presidential extension would require the same parliamentary majority as
the election of a new president, and it would require that a consensus be
reached between the March 8 and March 14 coalitions, so that 86 MPs can
elect a president or amend the Constitution in order to extend his mandate.
March 14 powers, with Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid
Jumblatt as a possible ally, would not be enough to account for a two-thirds
quorum, making the option of extension, for now at least, elusive, if not
impossible, for both constitutional and political reasons.
But the same sources admitted that from now until the presidential election,
if the countries with vested interests in Lebanon do no desire to see it
divided, and if talk of an Iranian-American or Iranian-Saudi dialogue bears
fruit, this could lead to an agreement to keep Lebanon stable by electing an
independent Christian figure or by extending the current president’s
mandate.
The current state of the presidential debate can be summed up thus: The
March 8 forces are acting with the notion that they have two potential
presidential candidates, while the March 14 group doesn’t have a set
criterion for a candidate.
The sources confirm that there is an understanding between Aoun and
Marada Movement MP Suleiman Franjieh that one will renounce his
candidacy if the other receives more parliamentary votes.
In the March 14 camp, there are four potential candidates, which include
MP Butros Harb, a persistent candidate since 1995, who presented the
program for elections with the late MP Nassib Lahoud in 1998; MP Robert
Ghanem, which the Future Movement has repeatedly promoted since
2007; Kataeb party leader Amine Gemayel; and Lebanese Forces leader
Samir Geagea.
Coming to an agreement on one candidate by both the March 8 and March
14 camps seems to be a far-fetched goal at this moment, and will not be
any easier by the time the election comes five months from now.
Now Lebanon
10 things Lebanon should avoid next year
http://bit.ly/1idnKeJ
December 20, 2013 10) Borders | Don't go north. Also, don't go south. Or
east, for that matter. Lebanon's borders are no longer safe, and there aren't
any indications that the US's recently-gifted Cessna is really going to do
much about that. Indiscriminate rocket attacks originating in Syria are
landing just inside Lebanon's eastern border, so it's probably safer to avoid
that area if you can. If you're heading to the Israeli-Lebanese border, you
might encounter a weak-bladdered Israeli soldier relieving himself – and
then get caught in the ensuing firefight. And the north doesn't sound too
safe, either: shooting in Tripoli, shelling, and violations of Lebanese territory
are rife. My suggestion? Stay equidistant from all three border areas.
9) Concerts | There were some major disappointments in the music scene
in Lebanon this year that I really wouldn't care to repeat. Remember when
PSY was supposed to come to Lebanon, and it turned out he was fake?
And then the cancellations of Creamfields, which infuriated Lebanese
concert-goers? Save the cash and buy yourself some Dr. Dre Beats
headphones. 8) Being racist | Newsflash for the modern, iPad-toting,
Chanel-sporting Lebanese fashionistas: bigotry and racism aren't hip
anymore. I guess you stopped reading VOGUE in 1957. Oh, did I hurt your
feelings? Then don't do this. Or this. Welcome to the 21st century, where
we're all going to make a conscious effort to leave racism – and those
hideous glitter pumps – in the past.
7) Snipers. No, really. | There was a time when your friends used to play
Call of Duty and you'd joke, "This looks like Lebanon!" Yeah, not a joke
anymore. Sniping in Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli has become
common, and hundreds of kids have missed out on weeks of school
because the snipers take up posts right on their streets. The army has
posted these handy signs, so I'd caution you to listen to them.
6) Pretending refugees don't exist | Earth to Lebanese politicians and
government officials: refugees are people, too. Pretending that we can ship
them back to Syria or let them live in makeshift camps forever is more than
just unrealistic – it's delusional. It also denies them the dignity and
humanity they so deeply deserve. We've got a refugee population that has
almost reached one-fourth of Lebanon's total population, and we need to
deal with these human beings compassionately and responsibly.
5) Fresh food | You've walked through Karantina. You know that smell.
That smell should have nothing to do with your food. I'm all for being
organic, eating from the earth, doing yoga in a poppy field and stuff. But
Lebanon's got some very worrying food practices, starting with irrigating
with contaminated sewage water. If that doesn't gross you out enough,
Karantina's slaughterhouse is where cattle go to die inhumanely, and also
where some people live. And then that goes into your shish taouk. Not cool.
If you don't want to spend the majority of 2014 in the restroom, stay away.
4) Public spaces | If Leila Abdul Latif is to be believed (she is, after all, the
pinnacle of legitimacy), we probably shouldn't go anywhere near anybody
else ever again. The Bible says, "For where two or three gather together as
my followers, Jesus is there among them." Lebanon says, "For where two
or three gather together in my streets, a bomb just may be among them."
With every group promising violent retaliation for the most recent attacks
against them, I know where I'm spending my Friday nights in 2014: alone.
In my house. So no one can retaliate against me. 3) Extending government
positions | You know when you go to an amusement park, and your friends
bet you that you can't eat 14 hot dogs and then ride the biggest roller
coaster? And you do it, just to "see what happens?" Then you quickly
realize it was probably a bad idea? Yeah, extending your government is
like that. It sends you into a weird place of possible unconstitutionality. It
pisses off a lot of people. Instead of giving parliamentarians extra time to
deal with the country's myriad security, social, and economic issues, it just
extends their paralysis – while paying them. So, guys, let's not do that
again. Please. I threw up everywhere.
2) Letting the government design your currency | "Hammoudi, what do you
want to be when you grow up?" "Well, I can't draw, so I'm going to be a
politician!" The most hideous currency ever hit the Lebanese markets this
November, and the Central Bank was adamant that it would change neither
the design nor the spelling mistake on the bank note. For any new designs
next year, let's hope the Central Bank sticks to what it's done for other bills:
holding an open competition in which designers submit their own
proposals. 1) "Protests" | We learned this year that the only things that'll get
the Lebanese in the streets are free drinks and hot women in athletic gear.
Remember the paltry demonstrations after the Lebanese parliament
extended their own term? Laughable. What about Rami Ollaik's October 10
Revolution? I think my grandma had more people show up for her 80th
birthday. Oh, and let's not forget the 50,000 LL protests – where the
organizers didn't even show up. Civil action clearly isn't our thing. So to
refrain from getting laughed at by real protestors (and from getting shot),
steer clear of civic activism next year, my friends.
10 things Lebanon should avoid next year
Kataeb official: Maronite consensus
over next president unlikely
http://bit.ly/1c1XPy2
BEIRUT - Kataeb Party deputy leader Sejaan Azzi cast doubt over the
possibility of consensus among Maronite leaders over a candidate for the
presidential election.
“I doubt there will be an agreement among the Maronite parties ahead of
the presidential election,” Azzi said in remarks published by An-Nahar
newspaper on Monday.
“Their convictions and alliances are stronger than their will to be united.”
He added that another reason behind the lack of consensus among the
Maronite top political leaders was the fact that “they are all presidential
candidates.”
The Kataeb official also called on the Maronite leaders to sign a
memorandum in which they vow to create “the appropriate political
environment that would allow for the presidential election to take place and
avert political vacuum.”
He added that the memorandum should include a conclusion compelling
the leaders to agree on a “strong national figure” as a presidential
candidate if none of the Maronite party leaders was nominated.
Azzi also said that the new president, a Maronite as stated by the
constitution, should vow to refrain from serving any internal or external
powers at the expense of the Lebanon and its constitution.
The debate concerning the presidential elections has gained pace recently,
with President Michel Suleiman announcing, on several occasions, that he
is against the extension of his term, which expires in May 2014.
Gemayel warns against
hostile political rhetoric
http://bit.ly/1l8SZVp
BEIRUT - Kataeb Party leader Amine Gemayel said, in an implicit response
to the latest speech by the leader of the Shiite group Hezbollah, that
threatening political opponents was a destructive undertaking.
“The threats waged by any political party against its national partners is not
acceptable or allowed,” Gemayel said in remarks published by Kuwaiti daily
As-Seyassah on Monday.
“No national component can threaten another component, since the
possibility of working in partnership is inevitable.”
“The only choice we have is to recognize each other, otherwise destruction
will reach [those who aim to eliminate others].”
Gemayel also warned that lack of political consensus in Lebanon was
reaching dangerous levels and could ultimately affect the presidential
elections in 2014.
In a speech delivered last week, Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed
Hassan Nasrallah broached the political deadlock that has gripped
Lebanon and left the country’s political parties unable to form a cabinet
since Najib Miqati’s resignation as premier on March 22.
“Hezbollah does not advise anyone to form a fait accompli government,” he
warned in reference to reports March 14 has been pushing President
Michel Suleiman and Premier-designate Tammam Salam to form a
government without March 8’s consensus.
He reiterated his support for a political, and not neutral, cabinet that would
give nine ministers each to the March 14 and 8 coalitions, while centrists
would receive six seats.
Berri: 9-9-6 cabinet only viable option
http://bit.ly/1l8T2R0
BEIRUT - Speaker Nabih Berri voiced his full support for the proposed
government formula giving equal share to the opposed March 8 and March
14 groups, warning that any other option would have detrimental effects on
Lebanon.
“Any option other than the national unity government on the basis of the 99-6 formula will not benefit Lebanon,” Berri said in remarks published by
As-Safir newspaper on Monday.
“The government that is to be formed without consensus and agreement
among the political forces will transform into a burden on its members and
on the country.”
The speaker also voiced his support for the stance of former speaker
Hussein al-Husseini, who said that the current government could not be
considered resigned if decrees accepting its resignation and forming a
replacement cabinet were not signed.
“The current government should convene to address a most vital issue, one
that is under Israeli threat, and that is the oil [exploration] issue.”
Meanwhile, the paper reported that sources close to Prime Ministerdesignate Tammam Salam said that contacts were still being made to
facilitate the formation of a new government, “especially that time is running
out ahead of the looming presidential elections.”
“It is imperative to make a decision that could save the country.”
Salam is struggling to achieve the formation of his cabinet months after the
resignation of caretaker PM Najib Miqati. He cited the pre-conditions
imposed by the opposing March 14 and March 8 as a reason behind the
delay in the formation process.
The 9-9-6 proposal, backed by Hezbollah and the March 8 to which Berri’s
Amal Movement is affiliated, calls for the March 8 and 14 alliances to
receive nine ministers each, while centrists would hold six seats in the
cabinet. March 14 parties have rejected the proposal.
March 8 parties, in turn, have rejected the notion of a fait accompli cabinet
that could be formed by President Michel Suleiman and Salam without the
consensus of the country’s political parties.
No ambition to extend presidential
term, Suleiman says
http://bit.ly/JY7Qa7
BEIRUT - President Michel Suleiman reiterated his refusal to allow for the
extension of his presidential term in office.
“They accuse me of seeking the extension of my term, but this is the last
thing I think of,” Suleiman said in remarks published by An-Nahar
newspaper on Monday.
“It doesn’t matter if those who doubt [my stance] believed [me] or not.”
“If they knew what I am after in all the contacts I make, and which have not
stopped, for the sake of Lebanon and its survival, they would stop
doubting,” he added.
The president also said that he will speak “with all honesty” about all the
current issues and will answer “all” questions in a meeting with reporters at
the Baabda Presidential Palace on December 29th.
The debate concerning the presidential elections has gained pace recently,
with Suleiman announcing, on several occasions, that he is against the
extension of his term, which expires in May 2014.
Aoun: Political work in
universities essential
http://bit.ly/1fU8Kz0
BEIRUT - Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun said that
universities in Lebanon should allow students the freedom to express their
political opinions.
“The political work under the supervision of the universities is important,
since it teaches students to engage in dialogue between them,” Aoun said
on Saturday during a meeting with a delegation from the Antonine
University.
“I am preparing a memorandum to be distributed to universities, in which I
hold the university administrations that prevent official political expression
responsible for the disputes that emerge [within their institutions].”
Aoun’s remarks came after the Antonine University cancelled the student
union elections scheduled for Saturday.
The university decision followed a move by the Kataeb Party students in
which they planned to demonstrate near the campus in support of students’
right to political work within universities.
Jumblatt: Let parliament convene
to elect new president
http://bit.ly/18HyFtS
BEIRUT - Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt said that
parliament should convene to elect a new president in due time to avert
political vacuum.
“Vacuum is the most dangerous thing,” Al-Manar television quoted Jumblatt
as saying on Saturday.
“It is imperative for the parliament to convene and elect a new president.”
The PSP leader also renewed his call for the formation of a new
government on the basis of the 9-9-6 formula, which calls for the March 8
and 14 alliances to receive nine ministers each, while centrists would hold
six seats in the cabinet. March 14 parties have rejected the proposal.
The debate concerning the presidential elections has gained pace recently,
as President Michel Suleiman has repeatedly announced that he is against
the extension of his term, which expires in May, 2014.
Meanwhile, Lebanon is struggling to form a new government months after
the resignation of caretaker PM Najib Miqati. PM-designate Tammam
Salam cited the pre-conditions imposed by the opposing March 14 and
March 8 blocs as a reason behind the delays in the process.
L’Orient Le Jour
L’Europe « mécontente » du manque de coopération du Hezbollah à la
stabilité du Liban
http://bit.ly/19lJHWp
C'est la première fois qu'un responsable occidental critique si ouvertement
et sans détour le Hezbollah lors d'une visite au Liban. Elmar Brok,
président de la commission des Affaires étrangères du Parlement
européen, s'est dit samedi « mécontent » après le discours prononcé la
veille par le secrétaire général du Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah concernant
la formation du gouvernement.
« J'ai entendu hier le secrétaire général du Hezbollah affirmer qu'il n'était
pas prêt à discuter de la formation d'un gouvernement neutre, alors que
cette affaire est indispensable au pays, a-t-il déclaré. Je suis mécontent de
voir qu'une partie ne désire pas coopérer ni garantir les conditions
adéquates pour maintenir la stabilité au Liban, alors qu'elle est
ouvertement active en Syrie. Le Hezbollah assume une grande
responsabilité dans l'avenir de ce pays. »
M. Brok s'exprimait à l'issue d'une réunion qu'il a tenue avec le Premier
ministre démissionnaire Nagib Mikati, samedi au Grand Sérail, en présence
de l'ambassadrice de l'Union européenne (UE) à Beyrouth, Angelina
Eichhorst, et de deux députés allemands Frank Heinrich et Tobias Zech. Il
a été reçu après cet entretien par le président de la République Michel
Sleiman à Baabda. Il a également eu un entretien avec le président du
Parlement Nabih Berry.
La présidentielle et les législatives
Le député a réitéré l'intérêt de l'Europe dans la stabilité du Liban. « Nous
espérons que la situation ne se dégradera pas et que le Liban pourra
passer avec succès l'étape de l'échéance présidentielle, dans les délais
constitutionnels, a-t-il dit. Nous espérons également qu'un gouvernement
sera formé dans le but d'organiser des élections législatives en fin d'année
prochaine. Il est très évident pour moi que toutes les parties devront
contribuer à cette évolution. Les ministres des Affaires étrangères de
l'Union européenne ont appelé cette semaine toutes les parties, dont le
Hezbollah, à s'engager totalement dans la politique de distanciation
adoptée par le Liban à l'encontre du conflit en Syrie et à soutenir les efforts
du président Michel Sleiman par l'application des articles de la déclaration
de Baabda. »
M. Brok a espéré que « la conférence de Genève 2, qui se tiendra le 22
janvier prochain, sera couronnée de succès, même si nous savons que les
chances sont minimes et que cette conférence n'apportera pas de
solutions radicales à la crise de Syrie ». « Mais du fait même que ces
négociations seront en cours, elles représenteront une chance pour le
Liban et la Syrie qui souffrent du conflit entre l'Arabie saoudite et l'Iran sur
un plan politique, a-t-il ajouté. Nous espérons que la situation s'améliorera
à partir de là. »
Le député a rappelé que l'UE est un partenaire dans ces négociations et
qu'elle débloquera la somme de deux millions d'euros pour des aides
internationales. La plupart de ces aides sont versées directement aux
communautés par le biais des Nations unies, dans l'objectif d'aider le
peuple syrien et les réfugiés syriens, « afin d'alléger le fardeau qu'ils
représentent et de réduire les risques de déstabilisation autant au Liban
qu'en Jordanie et en Turquie ».
Les députés européens ont par ailleurs été reçus par l'ancien Premier
ministre Fouad Siniora, chef du bloc parlementaire du Futur. La discussion
a porté sur la situation au Liban et dans la région.
Les députés se sont ensuite rendus à Meerab où ils ont eu un entretien
avec Samir Geagea, chef des Forces libanaises (FL). Cet entretien a duré
deux heures selon un communiqué du bureau de communication de M.
Geagea. À l'issue de l'entretien, M. Brok a souligné l'importance du
congrès pour les chrétiens du Liban et du Moyen-Orient, qui s'est tenu
depuis peu à Meerab. Il a souhaité « un avenir brillant » aux chrétiens de
ce pays, dans l'espoir que leur situation déteindra sur les chrétiens des
autres pays arabes comme la Syrie et l'Irak, afin qu'ils restent dans leurs
pays. « Il est de notre devoir, en tant que peuples et que Parlement
européens, de nous assurer de cela », a-t-il poursuivi.
À Meerab, M. Brok est revenu à la charge en soulignant l'importance de
tenir une élection présidentielle dans les délais constitutionnels, « afin que
le président élu puisse former un gouvernment qui, après avoir obtenu la
confiance du Parlement, aura la capacité de demander à toutes les
organisations terroristes de livrer leurs armes ».
La course vers l’abîme se poursuit ; émoi de la communauté internationale
http://bit.ly/1dxz5QY
Fady NOUN | OLJ23/12/2013
La course vers l'abîme se poursuit. Défiée des toutes parts, l'autorité
politique s'affaiblit de jour en jour, alors que les incidents, isolés ou non, se
multiplient, faisant des morts et des blessés. À Sawiri, dans la BékaaOuest, à Ersal, dans la Békaa et au Akkar, on a dénombré hier huit morts
et bien plus de blessés, dans des incidents apparemment isolés. C'est tout
naturel dans un pays surarmé, en termes d'armes individuelles, où chaque
règlement de comptes peut finir en fusillade.
Certes, on ne peut reprocher au chef de l'État et à ses invités d'assister,
comme ils l'ont fait hier soir, à un concert de Noël donné à Baabda par
Joumana Medawar et des « Petits Chanteurs de Saint-Marc », mais on ne
peut s'empêcher non plus de relever le contraste entre un pays où gicle
tous les jours la boue et le sang, et un autre où le champagne circule dans
une atmosphère polie et pleine de mondanités.
S'il le pouvait, peut-être que Hassan Nasrallah se serait joint aux invités,
mais il lui faudrait d'abord sortir de la clandestinité, ensuite ouvrir la porte
qu'il vient de claquer non seulement en face des autres, mais aussi sur luimême, avec un « point à la ligne » menaçant qui est peut-être un bluff...
mais dont personne n'est prêt à relever le défi, au cas où il ne le serait pas.
Dans cette situation, qu'ont pu se dire hier, au sujet de la possibilité de
former un nouveau gouvernement, le chef de l'État, le général Michel
Sleiman, et le Premier ministre désigné, Tammam Salam, d'une part, et le
patriarche maronite Béchara Raï, venu en soirée à Baabda, d'autre part ?
Comment sortir du cercle vicieux, quand aucun des joueurs sur la scène
interne n'est vraiment libre de ses décisions et doit coordonner son action
interne avec une partie qui se joue sur le plan régional, dont les enjeux
dépassent notre petit pays ? Comment former ce cabinet « neutre » sans
qu'il ne paraisse être un « cabinet de fait accompli » ? Comment mettre au
service du Liban tant de brillantes personnalités qui ne demandent qu'à le
servir, mais qui sont incapables de forcer la porte verrouillée de la scène
politique ?
Balancier
Face à des positions aussi fossilisées que le sont celles du 14 et du 8
Mars, le PSP continue d'essayer de jouer les balanciers. C'est ainsi qu'en
bon député de la Békaa-Ouest, Waël Abou Faour a passé sa journée à
éteindre le feu d'une amorce de discorde à Sawiri, entre chiites de la
famille Chouman et sunnites de la famille Janbein, tout en admettant que
des voyous, eux, cherchaient à attiser les flammes, ce qui va dans le sens
de la désintégration qui affecte le pays, à mesure que se relâche l'autorité
politique, sous les défis qui lui sont lancés, à commencer par un Hezbollah
passé maître dans l'art de l'intimidation.
C'est en effet le temps des extrêmes, des excès, comme le montre bien le
dernier en date des discours du sayyed, dont les défis appellent des défis
en retour, bloquant tout retour en arrière et figeant le pays dans une
impasse politique mortelle qui affecte, à ce jour, le gouvernement et le
Parlement, en attendant qu'elle en vienne aussi, peut-être, à torpiller la
présidence de la République.
Sachant par ailleurs que la discorde sociale, la criminalité ne sont qu'un
petit défi comparé à celui, bien plus grave par ses conséquences, du
terrorisme salafiste, qui, pas plus tard que dimanche 15 décembre, a
frappé à Saïda et, pour la première fois, l'armée libanaise, et dont certains
redoutent l'extension à des espaces politiques encore plus larges, comme
le prouvent ces transports de troupes grondant aux abords des grands «
malls ». Des mesures de sécurité exceptionnelles auraient été prises, en
effet, par les FSI et l'armée, pour la période des fêtes, par crainte
d'attentats terroristes.
Un rôle à la France ?
Le salut viendrait-il de Paris ? C'est ce qu'affirment des sources informées,
qui affirment que la gestion des échéances libanaises aurait été confiée par
la communauté européenne et occidentale en général à la diplomatie
française, qui aurait formé à cette fin une « cellule de crise ».
Il reste que la France devra nécessairement coordonner son action avec
d'autres États ayant leur mot à dire au Liban, comme la Syrie, l'Iran ou
encore l'Arabie saoudite. Avec ce dernier pays, ce sera probablement fait
lors de la visite que doit effectuer le président Hollande dans le royaume
wahhabite, les 29 et 30 janvier 2014.
L'engagement du Hezbollah en Syrie, lui, est considéré d'un mauvais œil
par la communauté internationale, comme l'a bien montré hier Elmar Brok,
président de la commission des Affaires étrangères du Parlement
européen. M. Brok, d'un ton agacé, s'est dit samedi « mécontent » («
unhappy ») du discours prononcé la veille par le secrétaire général du
Hezbollah concernant la formation du gouvernement.. Les observateurs ont
noté que c'est la première fois qu'un responsable occidental critique si
ouvertement et sans détour le Hezbollah lors d'une visite au Liban.
Comment ce mécontentement se traduirait-il sur la scène locale ? Reste à
voir.
Raï : Les vrais handicapés sont ceux qui empêchent la formation d’un
gouvernement
http://bit.ly/1hysatO
Le patriarche maronite Béchara Raï a été reçu par le président de la
République Michel Sleiman à Baabda hier en soirée.
Plus tôt dans la journée, il a abordé, dans son homélie dominicale, le
thème du handicap, à l'occasion de la présence de membres de
l'Association libanaise pour les non-voyants et les malentendants parmi
quatre associations qui ont assisté à la messe. Il a estimé que les
handicapés ont droit, en tant que citoyens, à voir leurs compétences
reconnues et à contribuer à la société, à l'État et aux organisations
publiques. « Leur handicap se limite au physique, alors que de leurs esprits
émanent la vérité, de leur volonté le bien, de leur cœur l'humanisme, a-t-il
dit. Bien au contraire, certains de ceux qui ne souffrent d'aucun handicap
sont frappés en fait du handicap, du mensonge et du mal. »
Et de poursuivre : « Les véritables handicapés ne sont-ils pas ceux qui,
pour satisfaire leurs intérêts, empêchent la formation d'un gouvernement
capable de relever les défis économiques, sociaux et sécuritaires ? Ceux
qui sont incapables de prendre des décisions nationales et font la
promotion du vide constitutionnel au niveau de la présidence ? Les
véritables handicapés ne sont-ils pas ceux qui n'arrivent pas à se libérer de
leurs haines et de leurs conflits ? Ne sont-ils pas ceux qui, pour satisfaire
leurs calculs étroits, se trouvent incapables de voter une nouvelle loi
électorale qui consoliderait la coexistence ? Ne sont-ils pas ceux qui, du
fait de leur aliénation à des forces intérieures ou étrangères, n'arrivent pas
à abandonner leurs armes, leur terrorisme et leur violence ? Ne sont-ils pas
ceux qui s'abandonnent au vol du denier public, à la corruption et au
mensonge ? »
Par ailleurs, dans son homélie, le patriarche maronite a lancé le message
de l'association Apostolica, fondée par Mgr Aad Abi Karam, ancien évêque
maronite d'Australie. Cette association se donne pour objectif de
disséminer la culture de l'Évangile comme outil de transformation dans la
vie des chrétiens du Liban et du Moyen-Orient.
Les milieux diplomatiques mettent en garde contre un vide constitutionnel
Khalil FLEYHANE | OLJ23/12/2013
http://bit.ly/1gRvhiY
La récente recrudescence de la tension politique dans le pays, sur fond de
polémiques et de surenchères portant sur la formation du nouveau
gouvernement, a suscité une vive inquiétude dans certains milieux
diplomatiques à Beyrouth. Le marasme et la paralysie ayant atteint la
plupart des institutions de l'État, les hauts responsables américains,
européens et même russes, ainsi que le secrétaire général des Nations
unies, Ban Ki-moon, ont adressé au président Michel Sleiman, au Premier
ministre désigné Tammam Salam et au chef du gouvernement
démissionnaire Nagib Mikati des messages à diverses occasions, les
exhortant de tout mettre en œuvre afin de trouver une issue, dans les
délais les plus brefs, à la profonde crise gouvernementale qui ébranle le
pays depuis de longs mois.
Les milieux diplomatiques soulignent dans ce cadre dans leurs rapports à
leurs gouvernements respectifs que le Liban traverse actuellement la crise
politique sans doute la plus grave de ces vingt-cinq dernières années. De
même source, on estime que les premières semaines de la nouvelle année
pourraient être particulièrement délicates au double plan politique et
sécuritaire. L'ambassadeur d'une grande puissance en poste à Beyrouth
aurait mis en garde contre un vide qui risque d'atteindre les institutions
constitutionnelles du pays, notamment au niveau de la première
magistrature de l'État.
Le mandat du président Michel Sleiman vient à expiration le 25 mai
prochain, et pour l'heure, le chef de l'État continue de souligner qu'il est
opposé à une quelconque prorogation de son mandat. À l'ombre du
marasme présent et du profond clivage qui oppose les deux camps
politiques en présence, l'ambassadeur susmentionné ne cache pas sa
crainte que le pays soit entraîné sur la voie d'une vacance présidentielle.
Certaines factions locales ne cessent en effet de faire monter les enchères,
de provoquer une crispation croissante sur la scène locale et de proférer
moult menaces, sans se soucier outre mesure des graves retombées de
leur comportement aventurier.
Certains milieux n'écartent pas la thèse d'une manigance de la part du
régime syrien sur ce plan, le pouvoir en place à Damas voulant sans doute,
en s'appuyant sur ses alliés locaux, apporter la preuve que l'élection
présidentielle au Liban ne saurait se dérouler sans un quelconque rôle
syrien, ce qui signifierait un retour à la case départ. Ou, en termes plus
clairs, à une situation semblable à celle qui prévalait avant 2005. Mais pour
le camp souverainiste du 14 Mars, une telle hypothèse est totalement à
écarter.