Press review 23-12-2013
Transcription
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.