A Bundle Of English Reports, News and Editorials For 06-07/2020 Addressing the On Going Mass Demonstrations & Sit In-ins In Iranian Occupied Lebanon in its 113th Day
Compiled By: Elias Bejjani
February 07/2020
Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on February 06-07/2020
Saint Maron: Life and Legacy
Lebanon cabinet approves political and economic plan/Policy statement reflects Hezbollah’s narrative.
Lebanon Cabinet Approves Financial Plan to Salvage Country
Lebanon must pursue “reform” in return for aid: UN special coordinator
Lebanon Fears Security Deterioration Under Economic Crisis Pressure
Berri Slams Govt Over Electricity File, Confirms Fund Transfers by Bank Officials
AlFakhouri’s trial on April 16
Aoun Calls Higher Defense Council Meeting
Berri tackles overall situation with Mikati, Teymour Jumblatt
Vote of Confidence in New Govt. Set for Feb. 11-12
STL: The Ayyash Case to Proceed in Absentia
Protesters Rally in Jounieh after Attack by Aswad Supporters
Jumblat Lashes Out at New Foreign Minister
‘The Call’ an Initiative Launched to ‘Salvage’ Lebanon
Politicians React as New Clash Involving Aswad Sparks Controversy
Man Arrested in Fatal Shooting in Dahiyeh
Rahi says will tackle Palestinians’ resettlement with Pope
Rahi arrives in Rome, recites peace prayer
Ali Khatib meets German, Algerian ambassadors
Fourth Ukrainian Film Festival in Lebanon
Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc: Lebanon faces tough deadlines
South Korean Ambassador visits Antonine Institute
KSA Ambassador tackles local, regional developments with ESCWA’s Dashti
Bassil: Violence in all its forms crime against homeland
Jumblatt: No immunity for whoever sows strife
In absentia arrest warrant against former director general of Casino du Liban
Confirmed indictment in the Ayyash case
Abdel Samad from Baabda: Ministerial statement of ‘challenges-facing’ government approved
Ohanian briefed on Ray Bassil’s preparations for Tokyo Olympiad
Walid Jumblatt to Asharq Al-Awsat: Reform Not Possible during Aoun’s Term/ Thaer Abbas/Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Switzerland examines Lebanese legal assistance request over transferred funds, Swiss Ambassador tells Annahar/Georgi Azar/Annahar/February 06/2020
Lebanon In The News/Tala Ramadan and Perla Kantarjian/Annahar/February 06/2020
The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on February 06-07/2020
Saint Maron: Life and Legacy
Our Lady Of Lebanon Toronto Parish
Saint Maroun, born in the middle of the 4th century, was a priest who latter became a hermit, retiring to a mountain of Taurus near Antioch. His holiness and miracles attracted many followers, and drew attention throughout the empire. St John of Chrysostom sent him a letter around 405 AD expressing his great love and respect asking St Maroun to pray for him. Saint Maroun spent all of his life on a mountain in the region of Cyrrhus in Syria. It is believed that the place was called “Kefar-Nabo” on the mountain of Al-Yambos, making it the cradle of the Maronite movement.
St Maroun embraced the quiet solitude of the mountain life. He lived his life in open air exposed to the forces of nature such as sun, rain, hail and snow. His extraordinary desire to come to know Gods presence in all things, allowed St Maroun to transcend such forces and discover that intimate union with God.
Accompanying his deeply spiritual and ascetic life, he was a zealous missionary with a passion to spread the message of Christ by preaching it to all he met. He sought not only to cure the physical ailments that people suffered, but had a great quest for nurturing and healing the “lost souls” of both pagans and Christians of his time.This missionary work came to fruition when in the mountains of Syria, St Maroun was able to convert a pagan temple into a Christian Church. This was to be the beginning of the conversion of Paganism to Christianity in Syria which would then influence and spread to Lebanon. After his death in the year 410 AD, his spirit and teachings lived on through his disciples. The Maronite movement reached Lebanon when St Maroun’s first disciple, Abraham of Cyrrhus, who was called the Apostle of Lebanon, realised that paganism was thriving in Lebanon, so he set out to convert the pagans to Christians by introducing them to the way of St Maroun. The followers of St Maroun, both monks and laity, always remained faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Lebanon cabinet approves political and economic plan/Policy statement reflects Hezbollah’s narrative.
The Arab Weekly/February 06/2020
Lebanon’s new cabinet Thursday approved a policy statement expected to outline a broad action plan to save the protest-hit country from one of the worst economic crises in decades. Information minister Manal Abdel Samad said the document was backed unanimously during a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace before it is due to be presented to parliament next week. Prime Minister Hassan Diab and his new government face the twin challenge of angry street protests and a collapsing economy, with Lebanon burdened with a debt of nearly 90 billion dollars, or more than 150% of GDP.
Diab, a 61-year-old computer engineering professor, formed a cabinet on January 21 after the previous government stepped down in October during unprecedented demonstrations. The premier on Thursday described the policy statement as “a working programme laying out our aspirations,” Abdel Samad said.
“It is the product of facts and studies” and was not influenced by individual interests, she reported him as saying. The policy statement maintained the “tripartite alliance between the army, the people and the Resistance,” she said, the third term referring to the pro-Iranian Shia Hezbollah movement. The phrasing reflects the domination of Hezbollah over the cabinet and has sparked controversy in the past after being included in previous government statements. Hezbollah is the only force not to have disarmed after Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil war, and calls the shots in Lebanese politics. It is listed as a “terrorist” group by the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. Local media said the statement would be presented to parliament for a confidence vote on Tuesday. The new statement comes as Lebanon grapples with a financial crisis, a liquidity crunch, and a fall in value of the Lebanese pound by a fourth on the parallel market.International donors have repeatedly urged Lebanon to implement reforms before they release billions of dollars in frozen aid. UN envoy to Lebanon Jan Kubis on Wednesday reiterated that the government must first take measures to redress the economy before any outside help. “The conditions are reforms, reforms, reforms,” he said. I hope “the new government will come with a clear action plan… with deadlines,” he said. “And then, we will try to help, but it must start with the work of the government,” Kubis said. On Friday, Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni is to meet a delegation from the World Bank, according to a statement from his office. Lebanon has been rocked by protests since October 17 demanding a complete overhaul of a political class which activists charge is inept, corrupt and motivated by personal gain. The demonstrations have petered out in size in recent weeks. (AFP)
Lebanon Cabinet Approves Financial Plan to Salvage Country
Beirut- Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Lebanon’s government on Thursday approved a rescue plan to pull the country from its worst economic and financial crisis in decades, which must now win a vote of confidence in parliament. According to Reuters, the draft policy statement outlined broad plans, including reducing interest rates, recapitalizing banks, restructuring the public sector, and seeking support from foreign donors. The information minister said on Thursday that the cabinet had approved the plan with some amendments, which ministerial sources said were minor. It was not immediately clear what changes were made to the 17-page statement, which is expected to be presented next week in parliament for the new government to secure a vote of confidence. Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s cabinet was formed last month by the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and its political allies, which hold a parliamentary majority. The cabinet took office nearly three months after Saad al-Hariri’s government resigned under pressure from sweeping protests against a ruling elite that oversaw decades of waste and corruption. Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc said on Thursday that decisions on the country’s debt maturities in coming months would need national consensus.
“Radical (moves)…require a national decision and popular understanding,” it said in a televised statement. Cash-strapped authorities are struggling to decide whether to repay a $1.2 billion Eurobond maturing in March, political and banking sources told Reuters this week.
Diab’s government faces a liquidity crunch, shattered confidence in banks- which have imposed informal controls-, a weakened Lebanese pound, and soaring inflation. “It is imperative to start work immediately to make up for lost time,” President Michel Aoun’s office quoted him as saying on Thursday. Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni will meet with a World Bank delegation on Friday, his office said.
Lebanon must pursue “reform” in return for aid: UN special coordinator
The Arab Weekly/February 06/2020
Jan Kubis called on Lebanon’s new government to provide the UN with a “clear action plan.”
LONDON – UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jan Kubis confirmed that international efforts are underway to provide financial aid to Lebanon but stressed that this would be conditional upon the implementation of reform. Speaking at a televised news conference on Wednesday, Kubis said: “The conditions are reforms, reforms, reforms,” adding that the International Support Group had provided “concrete and practical” indications regarding its willingness to mobilize international aid for Lebanon’s ailing economy. “I hope that the new government will come with a clear action plan… Not only intentions, but a clear action plan with deadlines, with timeframe, with responsibility and in a transparent way, including with the management bodies that are necessary to ensure the quality of the reform…. then the international community is ready to assist,” he said. “If we assume that there will be a vote of confidence [in the new cabinet], we, together with the rest of the friends of Lebanon, will be not only watching, but encouraging reforms. It’s obvious what the country needs, in which areas,” he added. Kubis, who has served as the UN’s Special Coordinator for Lebanon since January 2019, called on Lebanon’s new government to implement the needed reforms, adding that this would ultimately help the international community mobilize in order to provide assistance for Lebanon. “It must be the right set of reforms and their resolute implementation. If this is not going to happen, I’m sorry. If you don’t help yourselves, why do you expect assistance from the outside world?” he said. Commenting on the political instability in the country, Kubis, said that the UN was striving to keep in contact with players across the political spectrum, including the protesters, in order to reach workable solutions. “My colleagues and I are in constant touch with the political and constitutional leaders, but also with civil society, with experts. We try to garner their opinions to discuss with them their visions. I myself attended several meetings and my colleagues are in constant dialogue, including with those who are protesting, with different experts that are providing ideas for solutions, for change,” he said.
Lebanon Fears Security Deterioration Under Economic Crisis Pressure
Beirut – Mohammed Shukeir/Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Prominent political forces revealed that the leadership of Lebanese security apparatuses fear that Lebanon’s security situation may deteriorate, telling Asharq Al-Awsat that they submitted reports in this regard to the parties concerned, heads of the state and members of the government, asking how would they deal with these reports, and whether they would take them seriously and address the dangers that may arise, especially since it threatens the “social security” of most Lebanese.
The political sources warned that many of those who consider themselves consultants of prominent politicians are downplaying the dangers and dealing with them as though they aim to undermine the new government as it prepares to release its ministerial statement during Monday’s cabinet session ahead of appearing before parliament to request its confidence. The sources also stressed that the government should announce a plan for maximizing mobilization to confront the possibility of security deterioration facing the country immediately after gaining the confidence of parliament.
The same sources also said that the opposition, parties which “used to be part of March 14″ will not rush to undermine the government. This decision was taken despite the growing hostility between them and President Michel Aoun because they believe that this would make it impossible for him to blame their obstructive efforts for the government’s failure.
The opposition is now assessing the actions and decisions it had taken, where it made mistakes and where it acted correctly, throughout the time it spent as part of the government, which Saad Hariri is expected to do in his speech marking the 15th anniversary of his father’s death on February the 14th.
Expectedly, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement Gebran Bassil will be Harir’s primary target since he orchestrated the coup against the settlement, impaired the government’s work and damaged Lebanon’s relationship with the Arab world and the international community.
However, there are questions over whether or not President Aoun will also be addressed in the speech. The same questions apply to Lebanese Forces Leader Samir Geagea, who has been invited to attend but whose relationship with Hariri is very strained, especially after Geagea refused to name Hariri to head the government. Will they be able to repair their relationship since they both need each other, as Hariri needs a Christian and Geagea needs a Muslim ally? The Shiite duo, the Amal Movement and Hezbollah will not be ignored either. Their relationship is currently in a stage of positive coexistence, based on managing disputes on the grounds of “conflict solving”, although this process used to oscillate constantly in the past. Jumblatt, until further notice, is most capable of communicating with the Future Movement, the Lebanese Forces and the Kataeb, to maintain ties among the former coalition partners in light of the estrangement that dominates the Hariri-Geagea relationship. However, two things do bring these parties’ together politically: the first is making peace with the government for a period and testing its leader Hassan Diab’s ability to manage the economic decline, considering the ministerial statement to be merely for local consumption, and the second is assessing its performance based on its ability to compel the international community to meet its request for assistance, thereby preventing the situation from getting worse. To sum up, the opposition, though it is not unified, is postponing its confrontation with the government without walking back on its enmity to the president.
Berri Slams Govt Over Electricity File, Confirms Fund Transfers by Bank Officials
Beirut- Nazeer Rida/Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
The reform of the electricity sector has drawn local and international attention, amid criticism over the new government’s strategy to deal with the file, which was reflected in its policy statement. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Wednesday said the state should adopt the electricity plan that has been successfully implemented in the Zahle region. “Why is this file not being handled in the same way as in Zahle?” Berri asked during his weekly parliamentary bloc meeting in Ain el-Tineh. The Parliament speaker was referring to the Zahle Electricity Company, which obtained a concession from the state to operate the sector in the city, while undertaking collection and maintenance, in exchange for purchasing electricity from the government. Berri also revealed that the owners of five Lebanese banks have sent their “personal money” abroad, estimated at $2.3 billion, despite the informal banking restrictions that have been imposed on depositors since November. Berri emphasized that the current situation could not bear “putting more burdens on people, the homeland, and the institutions.”“The national duty obliges us all to appease the atmosphere and create the appropriate circumstances to restore normal political life in line with law and constitution,” he said, adding: “We are before a real chance for salvation. We either seize it, or we let it go and fail.”The policy statement, which was approved by the government on Thursday, hinted at postponing the formation of the Electricity Regulatory Authority until after the amendment of the law regulating this sector. Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni has tried in vain to adjust this item during the ministerial panel sessions that preceded the adoption of the statement, in order to separate the formation of the Authority from the law amendment. Meanwhile, United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jan Kubis said during a televised news conference Wednesday that reform was a necessary condition for the international community to aid Lebanon, adding that it is “shameful, for example, that the electricity situation remains the same.”
He added that the reforms “must be accompanied by deadlines for implementation.”
AlFakhouri’s trial on April 16
NNA/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Head of the Permanent Military Court, Brigadier Hussein Abdullah, set April 16, 2020, a date for the trial of Amer al-Fakhoury, who is accused of murders and attempts to kill Lebanese people inside Khiam detention camp. He’s also accused of kidnapping and torturing people when he was in charge of the aforementioned detention camp, before the liberation of south Lebanon in the year 2000. It is noteworthy that Military Investigative Judge, Najat Abu Shaqra, accused Al-Fakhouri of these crimes, for which he can get a death sentence; however, she dropped charges against Fakhoury’s collaboration with the Israeli enemy due to the time factor which automatically drops these charges.
Aoun Calls Higher Defense Council Meeting
Naharnet/February 06/2020
President Michel Aoun on Thursday called for a Higher Defense Council meeting on Friday morning. The meeting will tackle “the security situations and developments,” according to the Presidency. The meeting comes following two clashes involving anti-government protesters and supporters of the Aoun-founded Free Patriotic Movement.
Berri tackles overall situation with Mikati, Teymour Jumblatt
NNA/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Rahi said Thursday that he will tackle the issue of Palestinian refugees’ resettlement in Lebanon during his meeting with Pope Francis in Rome. “This is a crucial matter and it is included in the Constitution. We do not hope for the resettlement of the Palestinians nor the Syrians,” Rahi said from Beirut airport before he took off to Italy.
House Speaker, Nabih Berri, received on Thursday at his Ain Tienh residence former Prime Minister, Nejib Mikati, with whom he discussed the general situation especially at the monetary and economic level. On emerging, Mikati gave no statement to media representatives. Speaker berri also met with Head of the “Democratic Gathering”, MP Teymour Jumblatt, in the presence of former Minister Ghazi Al Aridi. Discussions reportedly dwelt on most recent developments in Lebanon at the various levels, esepcially with respect to the financial, economic and social crises. On the other hand, Speaker Berri cabled the Supreme Leader of Iran, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, and his counterpart Ali Larijani, congratulating them upon the 41st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
Vote of Confidence in New Govt. Set for Feb. 11-12
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/February 06/2020
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday scheduled a parliamentary session for February 11-12 to debate Cabinet’s policy statement and vote on confidence in the new government. The new Cabinet approved the policy statement earlier on Thursday during a meeting at the presidential palace.
Prime Minister Hassan Diab and his new government face the twin challenge of angry street protests and a collapsing economy, with Lebanon burdened with a debt of nearly 90 billion dollars, or more than 150 percent of GDP. Diab, a 61-year-old computer engineering professor, formed a Cabinet on January 21 after the previous government stepped down in October during unprecedented demonstrations. The premier on Thursday described the policy statement as “a working program laying out our aspirations.””It is the product of facts and studies” and was not influenced by individual interests, he added. The policy statement maintains the so-called army-people-resistance equation, according to the information minister. The phrasing confers legitimacy to Hizbullah as an armed force, and has sparked controversy in the past after being included in previous Cabinet statements. Hizbullah is the only force not to have disarmed after Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil war, and is credited with expelling Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. It is listed as a “terrorist” group by the United States and the European Union, but it is also a prominent player in politics with seats in parliament. The new statement comes as Lebanon grapples with a financial crisis, a liquidity crunch, and a fall in value of the Lebanese pound by a fourth on the parallel market. International donors have repeatedly urged Lebanon to implement reforms before they release billions of dollars in frozen aid.
U.N. envoy to Lebanon Jan Kubis on Wednesday reiterated that the government must first take measures to redress the economy before any outside help. “The conditions are reforms, reforms, reforms,” he said. I hope “the new government will come with a clear action plan… with deadlines,” he said. “And then, we will try to help, but it must start with the work of the government,” Kubis said. On Friday, Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni is to meet a delegation from the World Bank, according to a statement from his office. Lebanon has been rocked by protests since October 17 demanding a complete overhaul of a political class which activists charge is inept, corrupt and motivated by personal gain. The demonstrations have petered out in size in recent weeks.
STL: The Ayyash Case to Proceed in Absentia
Naharnet/February 06/2020
Trial Chamber II of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) issued a decision yesterday to proceed with a trial in absentia against Salim Jamil Ayyash, accused in the attacks against Marwan Hamade, Georges Hawi and Elias El-Murr, which occurred in Lebanon on 1 October 2004, 21 June and 12 July 2005, respectively. In reaching this decision, Trial Chamber II took into account oral and written submissions from the STL Prosecutor, Registrar and the Head of the Defence Office. It also examined numerous documents from the Lebanese authorities, which detail the steps they have taken to apprehend the Accused and inform Mr Ayyash about the proceedings initiated against him. These efforts included multiple attempts by the Lebanese authorities to find the Accused at his last known residences, as well as other locations. Trial Chamber II also took into consideration the fact that the indictment and the identity of the accused received intense media coverage in Lebanon. In addition, Trial Chamber II considered it relevant that the Lebanese authorities have unsuccessfully been searching for him since 2011 in connection to his indictment for the attack of 14 February 2005 against former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and others.
Trial Chamber II concluded that all reasonable steps have been taken to secure the appearance of the accused and to notify him of the charges against him. It nevertheless emphasized the accused’s right to a retrial should he appear before the Tribunal in the future. While the STL is the only international tribunal that can prosecute accused in their absence, it is a measure of last resort meant to ensure that those who flee from justice, cannot be found, have not been handed over, or have waived their right to be present, do not delay the course of justice. With this decision, the case Prosecutor v. Ayyash (STL 18-10) proceeds to the Pre Trial Phase.
Protesters Rally in Jounieh after Attack by Aswad Supporters
Naharnet/February 06/2020
Anti-government protesters from several regions gathered in Jounieh Thursday evening to denounce the overnight attack on demonstrators by supporters of MP Ziad Aswad. The protesters outside the Fouad Chehab Stadium especially condemned an attack on a young protester who hails from Tripoli that was filmed and distributed by Aswad’s supporters. The video shows the supporters beating up and insulting the young man and telling him he had no business being in Keserwan since he hails from Tripoli. “We were sitting in a (protest) tent and we learned that MP Ziad Aswad was present at a restaurant, so we headed there with full peacefulness where we were assaulted,” the young man, Walid Raad, told al-Jadeed TV on Thursday. Commenting on what he was told during the attack, Raad added: “You’re from Jezzine, what are you doing in Keserwan? Keserwan is open to all sects and it has proven that it is for everybody.”MTV meanwhile reported that the Internal Security Forces have arrested Naji al-Alam, the man who assaulted Raad. Earlier on Thursday, Aswad accused some media outlets of distorting facts in their reporting about the incident. “Three cars arrived at the place I was present at and one of my bodyguards was injured after being run over,” Aswad tweeted. He was having dinner at a seaside restaurant in Jounieh when the confrontation erupted. “They tried to storm the place and one was carrying a visible gun that was handed over to the Ghazir police station after which it turned out that it is semi-real,” Aswad said. “The issue is not sectarian but rather a pursuit and attack. Who came to whom and who attacked whom? Your media outlets’ incitement is suspicious,” the MP added.
Jumblat Lashes Out at New Foreign Minister
Naharnet/February 06/2020
Progressive Socialist Party leader ex-MP Walid Jumblat lashed out Thursday at Foreign Minister Nassif Hitti over a tweet related to the economic cost of the presence of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. “It seems that the new foreign minister, Mr. Nassif Hitti, likes to detonate large sound bombs in order to rise to the level of his predecessor in exaggeration, not to say well-known racism,” Jumblat tweeted. “It is better to cross-check the numbers, Mr. Minister, or perhaps replace the foreign minister post with electricity,” the PSP leader added. Hitti responded by tweeting a chart of a study prepared by the Finance Ministry and UNDP about the impact of the Syrian refugee crisis on Lebanon’s economy between the years 2011 and 2018. He had earlier tweeted that “the Syrian refugee crisis has so far cost Lebanon more than 30 billion dollars,” adding that “the swift return of the refugees to safe areas in Syria is the solution.”
‘The Call’ an Initiative Launched to ‘Salvage’ Lebanon
Naharnet/February 06/2020
Amid nationwide protests ongoing since October 17 and an unprecedented economic crisis in Lebanon, local and national initiatives have intensified recently in a bid to “salvage” Lebanon from collapse, MTV broadcaster reported. The “Call,” an initiative that has gained widespread popularity locally and among the Lebanese abroad. A large segment of the public opinion following the revolutionary movement have interacted with it since its inception, according to MTV. Behind this initiative is a group of activists who created a referendum and succeeded in delivering it to more than 33,000 Lebanese so far. They launched a website for this mission: www.nehnamichhenne.site, where people can place their votes. The proposed rescue plan includes a number of key points that guarantee the country’s transition to recovery, led by a transitional government program that has all the exceptional legislative powers to implement it, headed by Ambassador Nawaf Salam and composed of independent ministers. The program presented to referendum offers items that refer to “financial, economic, living and social reform, liberalization of the judiciary, accountability of the corrupt and the recovery of looted funds, approval and implementation of an election law that secures democratic representation, early parliamentary elections, activation of public services, and other structural and operational reforms at the state level.”
Politicians React as New Clash Involving Aswad Sparks Controversy
Naharnet/February 06/2020
Lebanese politicians on Thursday commented on the overnight clash between anti-government protesters and supporters of MP Ziad Aswad and the Free Patriotic Movement, as well as on a video of the violence that has sparked sectarian and regional tensions. “The hate speech has been raging for a while and the attacks on the FPM have become recurrent and systematic. We always confront campaigns with awareness and responsibility and we have not persevered for years so that we change our beliefs and approach today,” FPM chief Jebran Bassil said in a tweet. “Violence with all its forms is a crime against the country and no one should use it against anyone. The test is big and we are more keen on having a Lebanon that is reconciled with its diversity and embracing of all its sons,” Bassil added. Aswad himself reacted on Thursday, accusing some media outlets of distorting the facts. “Three cars arrived at the place I was present at and one of my bodyguards was injured after being run over,” Aswad tweeted. He was having dinner at a seaside restaurant in Jounieh when the confrontation erupted. “They tried to storm the place and one was carrying a visible gun that was handed over to the Ghazir police station after which it turned out that it is semi-real,” Aswad said. “The issue is not sectarian but rather a pursuit and attack. Who came to whom and who attacked whom? Your media outlets’ incitement is suspicious,” the MP added. The tensions had further surged overnight after a circulated video showed supporters of Aswad beating up and insulting a young man and telling him he had no business being in Keserwan since he hails from Tripoli.
“After I watched the video of the attack on the citizen in Keserwan at the hands of some thugs, I tell the sons of the heart of Lebanon (Keserwan), the rational and patriotic Lebanese, not to allow the worthless thug who is morally, patriotically and humanitarianly corrupt to steal your voice or to practice thuggery against people in your name,” Tripoli politician ex-MP Mustafa Alloush tweeted, in an apparent jab at Aswad. Mufti of Tripoli and the North Sheikh Malek al-Shaar for his part condemned the attack on the young man and the use of “blasphemous slurs,” warning against “the militia-like practices that threaten civil peace.” MP Shawqi al-Daccache of the Lebanese Forces-led Strong Republic bloc also condemned the assault, saying Keserwan “opens its heart to all honorable and free Lebanese.”And as MP Georges Atallah of the FPM defended the behavior of Aswad’s supporters, describing it as self-defense, the incidents and the video were condemned by the MPs Michel Mouawad, Neamat Frem and Chamel Roukoz. A group of lawyers meanwhile filed a lawsuit against Aswad’s bodyguards and supporters, accusing them of “inciting hatred and sectarian and regional strife” and calling for their arrest and prosecution. Protesters had overnight ransacked the FPM’s office in the Akkar town of Halba in response to the video.
Man Arrested in Fatal Shooting in Dahiyeh
Naharnet/February 06/2020
A suspect has been arrested in the fatal shooting of a man in south Beirut’s neighborhood of al-Jamous, the Internal Security Forces said in a statement.
A dispute erupted after midnight between two men in a residential building in al-Jamous. The suspect (K.H,) opened gunfire at Firas Samaha killing him instantly and ran away, said ISF in a statement. Police ran investigations and were able to locate his whereabouts. They found him hiding inside the attic of an old building in Hay el-Sellom neighborhood.
Rahi says will tackle Palestinians’ resettlement with Pope
NNA/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Rahi said Thursday that he will tackle the issue of Palestinian refugees’ resettlement in Lebanon during his meeting with Pope Francis in Rome. “This is a crucial matter and it is included in the Constitution. We do not hope for the resettlement of the Palestinians nor the Syrians,” Rahi said from Beirut airport before he took off to Italy.
Rahi arrives in Rome, recites peace prayer
NNA/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, arrived in Rome on Thursday where he was welcomed by Ambassador of Lebanon to the Holy See, Dr. Farid Al-Khazen, and other senior religious figures and dignitaries. Upon his arrival in Rome, Rahi headed to the Maronite Pontifical Institute, where he recited a gratitude prayer to God at Saint Maroun church. In the evening, he performed rosary prayers, in conjunction with those taking place in Bkerki, with the intention of peace in Lebanon and the countries of the Middle East. Rahi called for praying for Lebanon, especially for the unity of the Lebanese people. He stressed that Lebanon’s value was based on its cultural and sectarian diversity. Moreover, the Maronite Patriarch expressed his dismay and regret for the ill-fated scuffles that took place outside Al-Jazeera restaurant last night. He highlighted herein the need to preserve Lebanon’s internal and national unity. “We always feel that Lebanon’s entire value lies in its coexistence,” he added, calling for prayers for the country’s resurrection and for political, economic, and financial stability. Rahi also hoped that Lebanon’s new political family will be able to tailor a road map for the country’s resurrection and advancement through the newly adopted ministerial policy. “In the face of the grave situation that Lebanon is enduring nowadays, we must forget all our differences for the salvation of our homeland, which represents all our dignity, our destiny, and the meaning of our existence,” Rahi added. “If we do not help each other for the advancement of our homeland, no foreign country will be willing to help us,” he added.
Ali Khatib meets German, Algerian ambassadors
NNA/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Vice Head of the Islamic Supreme Shiite Council, Shiekh Ali Al Khatib, welcomed German Ambassador to Lebanon, Georg Birgelen,, with whom he discussed the general situation in Lebanon and the region. Sheikh Al Khatib wished Ambassador Bergelen success in his mission to boslter the bilateral relations between Lebanon and Germany in the various domains. The senior cleric also thanked Germany for its support and stand by Lebanon in the international forums. Sheikh Al Khatib also met with Algerian Ambassador to Lebanon, Abdel-Karim Al-Rakaybe, who came on a courtesy visit. Talks reportedly touched on the bailteral relations and measn to bolster them in a way that serves the interests of both countries. Al Khatib wished the newly accredited Ambassador success in his mission, hailing Algeria’s supportive stance towards Lebanon and the Palestinian cause.
Fourth Ukrainian Film Festival in Lebanon
NNA/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
From February 21, to March 4, 2020 there will be held the Fourth Ukrainian Film Festival in Lebanon. The purpose of the festival is the presentation of Ukraine and acquaintance the Lebanese audience with the best examples of Ukrainian contemporary cinematic art.
The festival aims to promote the enrichment of Ukrainian and Lebanese cultures, as well as to strengthen bilateral relations. The Lebanese viewer will be offered new popular Ukrainian films “The Gendelyk”, “Adventures of S Nicolas”, “Dzidzio first time” and “11 children from Morshyn”. The premiere screening of the documentary “Ukrainian Lebanon” by the Ambassador of Ukraine in Lebanon Ihor Ostash will take place within the festival. This is the story about 2000-years history of cultural and humanitarian relations between Ukraine and Lebanon from Saint Barbara to present times.
The festival will be preceded by the screening of the short film “In the Field” by Oleksandr Shkrabak in Tyre as part of the International Short Film Festival (February 15-16). This story is about a father who is looking for his son in the fields of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Within the framework of the Third Ukrainian Film Festival in Lebanon in 2018, the film “Cyborgs” was also dedicated to the subject on heroic defense of Donetsk airport by Ukrainian soldiers. The event is organized under the patronage of the Embassy of Ukraine in Lebanon and under the support of the the State Film Agency of Ukraine, Alpha Production Studios, Lebanese Cultural Center in Kyiv, Lebanese Cinemas “Grand Cinemas”, Municipality of Zahle, Maalaka and Taanayel, NGO “Ukrainian Community in Lebanon” and “Ukrainian Universities Graduate Club in Lebanon”. As it is known, in 2016, 2017 and 2018, three film festivals were successfully held in Lebanon. Among other things, the Lebanese audience got acquainted with famous Ukrainian films “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors”, “The Guide”, “Cyborgs”, “The Nest of the Turtledove”, “Bitter Harvests”. This year’s event, which has already arisen significant interest among in the Lebanese public, will be held in Beirut, Saida, Zahle and Anfeh.
Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc: Lebanon faces tough deadlines
NNA/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Loyalty to the Resistance Parliamentary Bloc held its regular meeting on Thursday headed by MP Mohammad Raad.
During its meeting, the bloc followed up on the efforts made “to draft a realistic ministerial statement.””Lebanon endures difficult financial and economic conditions, not to mention faces looming financial deadlines within the coming few months; this is of course the outcome of the borrowing policy and the accumulation of public debt,” a statement issued in the wake of the meeting said. “Addressing these inherited deadlines requires a kind of national consensus. The fundamental paths in financial, economic, and monetary treatment require a national decision and popular understanding,” the statement added. Moreover, the bloc affirmed its strong condemnation of the so-called deal of the century. “It is intended to make the Palestinian people unaware in a bid to forget their homeland and cause. (…) This deal will multiply the strength, unity, and will of the Palestinian people.”
South Korean Ambassador visits Antonine Institute
NNA/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Lebanon, Young Dae Kwon, on Thursday visited the Antonine Technical Institute in Dekwaneh, where he was received by the Institute’s Director, Father Charbel Bou Abboud. Kwon praised the institute’s role and its valued mission spreading art and culture in Lebanon and creating job opportunities for all the Lebanese and students who participate in these courses. He finally expressed keenness on continued cooperation between the institute and the Korean embassy.
KSA Ambassador tackles local, regional developments with ESCWA’s Dashti
NNA/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid bin Abdullah Bukhari, on Thursday welcomed at his Yarzeh residence, Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Rola Dashti, with whom he broached the most recent developments on the local and regional scenes. The pair also seized the occasion to exchange views on a number of issues of mutual concern.
Bassil: Violence in all its forms crime against homeland
NNA/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Free Patriotic Movement leader, MP Gebran Bassil, tweeted this Thursday: “The hate speech has been rampant for a while now, and attacks on the FPM have been recurring and systematic. We have always handled such campaigns consciously and responsibly. We have not struggled all those years only to change our convictions and approaches today. Violence in all its forms is a crime against the homeland. No one should resort to violence against others. The exam is difficult, and our determination is on the rise to make Lebanon reconciled with its diversity and embracing of all its people.”
Jumblatt: No immunity for whoever sows strife
NNA/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Progressive Socialist Party leader, Walid Jumblatt, tweeted this Thursday: “I denounce the attack on activists be it by supporters of deputies who threaten and sow discord or by supporters of other ostracized employees. The judiciary remains the best means to stop such violations, and how great the joy if those employees, governors, and those who appointed them are dismissed from their posts. There should be no immunity for anyone who incites sedition.”
In absentia arrest warrant against former director general of Casino du Liban
NNA/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Investigating judge in Mount Lebanon, Nadim Al-Nashef, issued an arrest warrant in absentia against former director general of Casino du Liban, Hamid Kreidy, against the background of the claim submitted by lawyer Wadih Akel with accusations of corruption and financial violations.
Kreidy, who is in Switzerland, was absent from attendance for three consecutive sessions, including that intended for face-t-face confrontation with lawyer Akel, who had included in the file documents proving Kreidy’s involvement in files of financial corruption. The file was referred to Public Appellate in Mount Lebanon, Judge Ghada Aoun.
Confirmed indictment in the Ayyash case
NNA/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
STL Pre-Trial Judge Daniel Fransen confirmed an indictment against Mr Salim Jamil Ayyash relating to the attacks against Mr Marwan Hamadeh, Mr Georges Hawi and Mr Elias El-Murr. The indictment and an arrest warrant were transmitted to the Lebanese authorities who have an obligation to search for, arrest and transfer the accused to the STL’s custody. An international arrest warrant has also been issued for Mr Ayyash. The confirmation of the indictment marks the opening of a new case before the STL. — STL
Abdel Samad from Baabda: Ministerial statement of ‘challenges-facing’ government approved
NNA/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Minister of Information Manal Abdel Samad announced in the wake of the Cabinet session held in Baabda that the government unanimously approved the ministerial policy, with the introduction of some amendments in accordance with specialists’ observations.
“The electricity plan that was approved in 2019 will be implemented, with few amendments to it if need be,” she said, noting that Prime Minister Hassan Diab labeled this government a ‘challenges’ facing’ one. “President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, has said that, after the government gains confidence, it is necessary to kick off work immediately so as to compensate for lost time. He also asked to add a clause on the repatriation of the displaced to the text of the statement, especially since the majority of displaced [persons] entered [the country] to escape the dreadful security conditions, and they must return since those conditions no longer exist,” she went on to say. “President Aoun has said that some countries opposed to the return of the displaced, and we wonder about the reasons behind such an objection,” Abdel Samad added. “PM Diab believes the ministerial policy is a plan of action that defines our aspirations; it is not reproduced, and will in fact be a model for the governments to follow. This statement is the product of facts and studies, and does not meet any individual considerations,” she asserted. Abdel Samad finally said that “the army-people-resistance clause was undisputed,” stressing that “the main confidence we seek is that of the people, and the Parliament is elected by the people.”
Ohanian briefed on Ray Bassil’s preparations for Tokyo Olympiad
NNA/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
Minister of Youth and Sports Vartine Ohanian welcomed the President of the Lebanese Federation for Shooting and Hunting, Pierre Jalakh, and trapshooter Ray Bassil who won the Asian Championship title and qualified for the Summer Olympics, which will be held in the Japanese capital, Tokyo next summer. Bassil briefed Ohanian on her preparations to participate in the next Olympiad, pledging to work hard to achieve a good result of Lebanon.
Walid Jumblatt to Asharq Al-Awsat: Reform Not Possible during Aoun’s Term
Beirut – Thaer Abbas/Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 6 February, 2020
For the first time since 2005, head of Lebanon’s Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) Walid Jumblatt finds himself in the opposition. He stands “alone” as he awaits what is to unfold in Lebanon after what has been tumultuous months that saw the resignation of Saad Hariri’s government in wake of massive anti-government protests, the near collapse of the economy and the appointment of Hassan Diab as prime minister at the head of a “one-sided” cabinet.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Jumblatt said he was willing to give Diab’s government a “chance” despite the appointment of some figures who are loyal to the Syrian regime and who were part of the Syrian-Lebanese security apparatus that was present in Lebanon in 2005. He also expected tensions with President Michel Aoun to come to a head, saying that cooperation with him was “no longer possible”, criticizing his son-in-law and former Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil.
Caught between US and Iran
Jumblatt said that Lebanon is now caught between sanctions and pressure from the United States and between Iran and its allies. The protests, which have evolved into a movement calling for the overhaul of the entire political elite, are caught in the middle. The protesters, noted Jumblatt, reject the current status quo, corruption, government and ruling class “and they are right.” However, they have not yet offered a mechanism on how to change the regime.
The only way to do so lies through elections that are not tied to sectarian conditions, he suggested. Lebanon should also be transformed as a single electoral district.
Commenting on the deteriorating economy and strict bank measures, the former MP said that the people’s reaction “was not spontaneous”. He acknowledged their suffering due to the banks imposing strict capital controls, “but we are awaiting measures that the central bank governor pledged to introduce in order to better serve the people.”
“Some banks and some employees are acting harshly against depositors, who have nothing to do with the American-Iranian clash,” he remarked.
He cited recent “hurtful” comments by Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who boasted that the party obtains its money and weapons from Iran and will continue to do so even if the Lebanese state collapses. Jumblatt said Nasrallah was exaggerating because the collapse of the state will impact everyone.
The new government must take firm and “decisive” measures to avert the collapse, especially in reforming the electricity sector that accounts for 40 percent of the deficit, he said.
Change is only possible through an independent judiciary, he stressed. “Can such a political class and regime and such a semi-one-sided government form an independent judiciary?” he wondered.
He acknowledged that some protest demands are justified, while others are complicated, such as holding corrupt officials to account and recovering looted funds. What can be achieved, is holding violators of marine properties to account.
Unresolved electricity problems
Addressing Aoun’s term in office, Jumblatt believed that it was “not possible” to cooperate with him. Such a term is driven by spite, he noted, citing toxic actions which left the country on the verge of civil war after the Qabr Shmoun incident months before the eruption of the protests in October.
“We miraculously made it. Some local and foreign pressure helped and perhaps Aoun realized at some point that his son-in-law’s policies are destructive,” he noted. “This is however, just one incident amid many accumulating political issues.”
As for the Diab government, the PSP chief remarked how some of the ministers were selected by some figures who played a prominent role when the Syrian-Lebanese security apparatus was active in the country.
Addressing the government’s policy statement, which has yet to be approved, Jumblatt said the document should not drone out pledges that will never be fulfilled. “We need serious reform measures, starting with the electricity sector,” he demanded. This was specifically requested by the international community at the 2018 CEDRE conference in Paris.
Lebanon was presented with “golden opportunities” that were all wasted, he lamented. He recalled how Kuwait once offered to build power plants, but Lebanon refused. Another company made the same offer and Lebanon again refused. Yet another offer was made and it too was turned down “all because those who control the energy ministry are opportunistic and do not take their job seriously”. “They would rather keep power being generated in Lebanon through ships, which I believe have now become generators for officials at the ministry or those who oversee its affairs,” Jumblatt said. He said the ministry today is comprised of a minister and general director, without a board of directors. He added that all of Hariri’s efforts to form a regulatory authority were rejected. “They want to monitor themselves because they are acting in complete freedom,” remarked Jumblatt, noting the “major corruption” in the energy file.
Divisive presidential term
“The open campaign against politicians is selective. I do not hear enough criticism against the president’s term, but I only hear criticism against Hariri, [parliament Speaker] Nabih Berri and Walid Jumblatt. Since its eruption, the protesters had singled out Gebran Bassil, today however, this has changed. How can reform be introduced under such a president? This is a crucial question,” he stressed. Asked if he had a problem with the presidential term or the president himself, Jumblatt replied: “Hariri believed that he could work with Aoun alone, but he failed. The president is surrounded by an intimidating team. It is not important to name names, but some judicial and political decrees were made by this team and the president complies.”
“Three more years remain. Hariri tried the diplomatic route and failed. We will see what this new government will bring,” he said when asked if efforts had reached a dead end.
“We have experience in combating presidential terms. We fought against Emile Lahoud and Beirut became divided into rival camps and then came the developments of May 7, 2008. The economic situation, however, was better back then,” he added. “How can we deal with the crisis knowing that no one will come to save us and that Rafik Hariri is no longer here?”
Returning to the new government, Jumblatt said its “looks can be deceiving, but it does include some positive elements. I have given it time, but I still place myself in the opposition. We will not give it confidence.” Asked if he will join other parties in the opposition, he replied: “I will oppose in my own way.”
“We will not return to old alliances. No one should be led to believe that we will return to the March 14 camp. The conditions that led to formation of the alliance are no more,” he explained, but revealed that coordination was ongoing with Hariri’s Mustaqbal Movement and others.
Amid such a precarious scene, how could Lebanon be kept away from regional conflicts? Jumblatt said: “We can’t do anything for a simple reason and that is the absence of a united Arab entity, Arab coordination and Arab League. The invasion of Iraq allowed Iran to expand and the Syrian regime greatly facilitated its arrival to Lebanon.”On the role Russia could play in Lebanon, Jumblatt said that Moscow has “not advanced much”.
“The Russians must make practical advances in Lebanon,” he added, suggesting that it can play a role in renting part of the “destroyed” Tripoli refinery. They must rebuild it and keep it away from the clutches of businessmen.
Switzerland examines Lebanese legal assistance request over transferred funds, Swiss Ambassador tells Annahar
Georgi Azar/Annahar/February 06/2020
“This request [sent in January 2020] is currently being examined by the competent authority, the Federal Office of Justice,” Monika Schmutz told Annahar.
BEIRUT: As accusations of politicians and bank owners transferring their money abroad under bizarre circumstances gained traction, the Swiss Ambassador to Lebanon confirmed to Annahar that Switzerland has received a request for mutual legal assistance issued by the Lebanese authorities.
“This request [sent in January 2020] is currently being examined by the competent authority, the Federal Office of Justice,” Monika Schmutz told Annahar. A mutual legal assistance treaty (MLAT) is an agreement between two or more countries for the purpose of gathering and exchanging information in an effort to enforce public or criminal laws.
On Wednesday, Speaker Nabih Berri confirmed that five Lebanese bank owners managed to transfer their “personal money” abroad, estimated at $2.3 billion, despite the informal banking restrictions that have been imposed on depositors since November.
This follows the accusations of a renowned Lebanese economist who alleged that nine politicians also wired the majority of their wealth to Switzerland in a span of two weeks in December 2019. Last month, Dr. Marwan Iskandar argued that information he obtained from a Swiss journalist revealed the transfer of $2 billion to the banking and finance hub. In response, Iskandar gave his testimony to Lebanese authorities, prompting the judiciary to launch an investigation into the allegations with media reports indicating that State Prosecutor Ghassan Ouweidat sought assistance from Switzerland. Schmutz stopped short from confirming the existence of such evidence at the moment, telling Annahar that “it has no indication that large sums of money were transferred from Lebanon to Swiss banks in December 2019. We cannot confirm the allegations stated in Lebanese media, that a Swiss official or a Swiss journalist has such evidence,” she added.
Given the lack of formal capital controls, restrictions placed by government authorities on the flow of capital, any transfer abroad remains legal. Yet the issue lies in the preferential treatment showed to Lebanese higher-ups, with ordinary Lebanese having to foot the bill for the dollar liquidity crisis.
Banks have imposed informal capital controls since nationwide erupted in mid-October, limiting dollar withdrawals and almost completely barring transfers abroad. As the crisis escalates, Lebanon’s Central Bank is expected to introduce official capital controls, sources told Annahar, limiting monthly Lebanese lira withdrawals to 25 million while capping dollar transfers abroad to 50,000 per year in certain cases.
Another facet of the accusations lies in the origin of these funds and whether they stem from the state’s treasury.
Lebanese protestors and activists have long accused the ruling political class of illegal enrichment, with Lebanon ranking as the 43rd most corrupt country worldwide with a score of 28 over 100 according to Transparency International.
Looting of public funds, coupled with gross mismanagement, has depleted the state’s coffers and led to massive public debt now estimated at 160 percent of GDP. This week, a group of Lebanese activists sent a letter to Swiss authorities, asking them to investigate and freeze Lebanese politician’s money in Switzerland. “On Wednesday, January 29th, protestors gathered in front of the Swiss Embassy demanding to investigate, lift the bank secrecy, freeze and recover the public funds that were stolen,” the letter read. Schmutz extended her appreciation to the protesters, saying that the “Swiss authorities understand the concerns of the Lebanese people about the allegations that illicitly acquired funds might have been transferred from Lebanon to Switzerland.”“Switzerland has an established policy on freezing, confiscating and returning illicitly acquired assets through Mutual Legal Assistance,” Schmutz said, adding that it can act on the basis of a respective request for mutual legal assistance if the necessary prerequisites are given. “In particular, it is vital that the Lebanese authorities provide concrete indications to the Swiss authorities relating to the presumed unlawful origin of assets and indicate where these assets have been deposited in Switzerland,” she said. Without Lebanese authorities doing their due diligence, their Swiss counterparts can do little to nothing, Schmutz said.
Paula Naoufal contributed to this report.*
Lebanon In The News
Tala Ramadan and Perla Kantarjian/Annahar/February 06/2020
The Independence of the Judiciary: An essential element for Lebanon
Lebanon’s judiciary system and its interference and encroachment with multiple elements hinder its ability to function effectively.
BEIRUT: An independent, impartial, and competent judiciary is integral to upholding the rule of law and dispensing justice.
In an effort to dig into the criteria for an independent judiciary system and highlight the challenges it faces, Coffee and Politics hosted a public discussion with Judge Jean Fahd, former head of the Supreme Judicial Council.
Fahd kicked off by highlighting that a critical element in achieving and preserving fair and impartial justice is judicial independence, which involves the principle of the separation of powers. Therefore, the judiciary would resolve disputes free from improper outside influence, self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism. Fahd explained that the judiciary must prioritize the issue of its independence for the sake of building a better society based on the rule of law.
According to the UN Human Rights, “A situation where the functions and competencies of the judiciary and the executive are not clearly distinguishable or where the latter is able to control or direct the former is incompatible with the notion of an independent tribunal.”
Lebanon’s judiciary system and its interference and encroachment with multiple elements hinder its ability to function effectively. Fahd explained that under the current framework, the system is influenced by executive and political actors. He then shared the potential solutions required in order to achieve a level of judicial independence that falls in accordance with international standards.
One of the proposed solutions that could help in consolidating and supporting the independence of judges is the interaction and coordination between the judicial branch and the Ministry of Justice in a manner that serves the best interest of both parties.
Fahd’s recommendations were primarily directed towards the Lebanese authorities, but can also be taken into account by civil society organizations that take part in actively engaging in the process of promotion and strengthening judicial independence.
Coffee and Politics is a community built to allow citizens to be informed on legislative policies, municipality ordinances, and county regulations. As Tracy Nehme, founder of Coffee and Politics, puts it, “the goal of the community is to promote the discussion of politics among Lebanese citizens in a way that can benefit everyone.” Nehme told Annahar that in light of the October 17 revolution,
‘Coffee and Politics’ has been attempting to get figures from within the power system, and not only university professors or experts from civil society. “We believe in giving the public all the information and knowledge they can have in order to form a conscious opinion,” she said.
