English LCCC Newsbulletin For Lebanese, Lebanese Related, Global News & Editorials
For June 12/2023
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani
#elias_bejjani_news

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15 آذار/2023

Bible Quotations For today
I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going
John 16/05-11/ But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;1 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on June 11-12/2023
Patriarch Al-Rahi: The people are waiting for the election of a president, While rumors talk of disrupting the quorum
Bishop Aoudi’s homely text for today 11 June 2023: How much we need true synergy and partnership, which, if achieved, would turn our country into an earthly paradise of patriotism
Al-Rahi from Harissa: People are awaiting the election of a president, while talk prevails of disrupting the quorum
Frangieh: If I reach the presidency, I will be the president of all of Lebanon and all of Lebanese
Franjieh camp MP confirms blocking 2nd round quorum is an option
Franjieh: Problem lies not with "Hezbollah", but rather with any open-minded Christian who can take the country towards moderation
Azour's voice of resilience: Leading the mission to restore Lebanon's confidence and Arab identity
Jihad Azour to diaspora: 'I am not a confrontational candidate, ready for dialogue'
Presidential showdown: Frangieh vs. Azour as Lebanon's fate hangs in the balance
Lebanon’s Mikati Denies Discussing Issue of Hannibal Gaddafi with Dbeibeh
Geagea: June 14 is a decisive day
Hajj Hassan: Converging over a candidate for political purposes leads to more presidential impasse
"People's dignity a red line," tweets Abdallah
People of Al-Arqoub throw stones at an enemy vehicle in Kfar Shuba outskirts, enemy responds by firing gas bombs
Health Ministry announces end of cholera outbreak in Lebanon
Anfeh: A Journey Into Lebanon's Salt Heritage and Historical Grandeur
Are Public Sector Salaries at Risk Amid Quorum Concerns?
Makary mourns the passing of Lebanese writer George Yammine: His intellectual impact keeps him in the heart and mind
Fire breaks out aboard a tourist boat carrying 29 persons in Marsa Alam, Egypt
Minassian: We left the homeland abandoned, neglected

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on June 11-12/2023
Iran's Khamenei Says 'Nothing Wrong' with a Nuclear Deal with West
Iraq Releases 2.5 Bln Euros in Debt to Iran Following US Sanctions Waiver
Iran Confirms Holding Direct Talks with Malley in New York
Zelensky says 'counteroffensive, defensive actions' taking place in Ukraine
Ukraine Retakes Village in ‘First Results’ of Counterattack
Russia and Ukraine Announce Return of Prisoners
Zelensky appeals to the UAE to support the Ukrainian "peace formula"
35 people missing after Ukraine flood: minister
The end of Putin’s empire could be sudden
Fighting Resumes in Sudan's Capital after 24-hour Truce Expires
Sudanese army launches massive attack & intensive raids on the rapid support sites
Execution of 3 Saudis who established a terrorist cell
UAE Minister of Economy: Partnership with Turkey is growing in an unprecedented way
European Union offers Tunisia long-term assistance
Unleashing the power of collaboration: Saudi Arabia paves way for Arab-China economic integration
Two soldiers were killed in Yemen in an al-Qaeda attack
ISIS Militants Kill 2 Iraqi Soldiers, Wound 3 Others in Northern Iraq, Officials Say
1,220 drones light up the sky of Amman with a huge air show
Nigeria’s central bank chief arrested after being suspended by president
Canada Sanctions Ex-Ukrainian President
Syria Kurds to try IS fighters after home countries refuse to repatriate them
Trump lawyer: Docs were 'de-classified' or mementos
Trump blasts indictment as 'baseless' at first events since charges unsealed

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on June 11-12/2023
Lies, Damn Lies, and UFOs: Deciphering the Truth Hidden Amid Decades of Propaganda/J.B. Shurk/Gatestone Institute/June 11, 2023
Iraq and Tehran's Illusions/Amir Taheri/Asharq Al-Awsat/June 11/2023
Has Blinken's Saudi visit reset Washington-Riyadh ties, and what would that mean?/Raghida Dergham/The National/June 11/2023
The Arab Fund... for Environment and Climate/Najib Saab/Asharq Al Awsat/June 11/2023
Riyadh, Washington and the Language of Interests/Tariq Al-Homayed/Asharq Al Awsat/June 11/2023
Iraq Is Making Steady Progress/Ferhad Alaaddin/Asharq Al Awsat/June 11/2023

Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on June 11-12/2023
Patriarch Al-Rahi: The people are waiting for the election of a president, While rumors talk of disrupting the quorum
NNA/LCCC/June 11, 2023
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/119011/119011/
The Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Mar Beshara Boutros Al-Rahi, presided over the Liturgy for the renewal of the consecration of Lebanon and the East to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Basilica of Our Lady of Lebanon, Harissa. After the Holy gospel, he delivered a sermon entitled “He who loves me keeps my word, and my Father loves him, and I love him, and with him we will make home” (John 14: 21 and 24).
He said, The Lebanese residents and emigrants, as well as other countries that love Lebanon, are looking forward to next Wednesday, the fourteenth of June. It is a day when the deputies enter their parliament to elect a president  for the republic after an eight-month vacuum in the presidency, while the state is disintegrating, the people are starving, our living forces are migrating, and the world deplores this strange practice of politics in Lebanon, which was originally modeled in its constitution. The people are waiting for the election of a president, while the official talk, unfortunately, revolves around disrupting the quorum, which cancels the democratic movement, increases the rift in the country, and plunges the state into deeper crises.
Our quest for patriarchy among all parties aims to remove the spirit of challenge, enmity, and the method of imposing on others. We are keen to ensure that the presidential election remains a station in the course of the democratic process, marked by the spirit of national reconciliation and national brotherhood, which guarantees the unity of Lebanon with all its people, even if they differ in electoral choices, and this is a natural matter. What reinforces this concern is that all political parties and candidates for the presidency adopt the language of consensus and dialogue away from all forms of challenges and factional or sectarian divisions. We ask the social media to respect the truth and not to fuel the fire of sedition with lies, and to seize words out of context.
The renewal of the consecration of Lebanon and its people to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary fills us with confidence in the fruits of this devotion, glorifying the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the One God, now and forever, Amen.

Bishop Aoudi’s homely text for today 11 June 2023: How much we need true synergy and partnership, which, if achieved, would turn our country into an earthly paradise of patriotism
NNA/LCCC/June 11, 2023
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/119006/119006/
Text of Bishop Aoudi’s homily, which he delivered today, June 11, 2023, at the Divine Liturgy that he presided over in St. George’s Cathedra.
“How much we need in our country for true synergy and partnership, which, if achieved, would turn the country into a paradise on earth. The country’s problem is the rampant ego, which makes every person, be it an official or a citizen, care only about his personal interests, ignoring the other and relying on him.” Without any sense of responsibility towards him. Individualism and tribalism in Lebanon are two sides of the same coin called selfishness. Each one wants the interest of his group, and seeks to bring his leader to the helm of responsibility, while everyone should think about the fate of a people languishing in the darkness of poverty, humiliation and oppression. The lack of love and solidarity has made our country groups fear each other because of a lack of trust at times, a sense of superiority or power at others, and a different goal at each time. Each group has its own view, interest and purpose, and the homeland is a field of testing and the citizen a tool. Our constant prayer is that Lebanon be the only goal, that its interest and its desired role, and the dignity of its people and their safe and stable life are the goals. Therefore, we hope that the MP’s will return to their conscience and reflect on the criticality of the stage, and the country’s extreme need for salvation, and that they will reach in the next parliamentary session to election a president for the country who will open the way to salvation. Our hope is that the session will be conducted calmly, democratically and responsibly, as dictated by the constitution our country and the forest stage, and without any challenge, opportunism, obstruction or threat. Let the electoral process be conducted freely and democratically, and let us all congratulate the winner and start a new phase entitled Action and Rescue.”
Aoudi concluded: “Today we remembered the days of a great man from Lebanon who left us eleven years ago, but he is still present in the minds and hearts of many. Ghassan Tueni loved Lebanon and worked for it throughout the days of his life. He defended it as a country of freedom, democracy, openness and diversity. He wanted it as a country of thought, radiation and freedom of opinion.” And the word and the stance, so is it permissible to make it a country of isolation, suppression of freedoms, and the mouths of mouths? How can Beirut be the capital of the Arab media and prevent the entry of a female journalist to it? How can Lebanon be as Ghassan Tueni and his ilk wanted, in which it is disobeyed to elect a president? Politicians and all officials should improve their reading of history in order to chart the future accurately and responsibly. Our call today is to strive to live holiness through the application of divine commandments, and this matter cannot be achieved without synergy based on love, respect and striving to serve everyone in need with joy.”

Al-Rahi from Harissa: People are awaiting the election of a president, while talk prevails of disrupting the quorum
NNA/June 11/2023
Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Beshara Boutros Al-Rahi, presided this morning over the "Liturgy for the renewal of the consecration of Lebanon and the East to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary" in the Basilica of "Our Lady of Lebanon" in Harissa. In his religious sermon, al-Rahi shed light on the stalemate situation on the political scene, especially with regard to the presidential elections, considering that the people are eagerly waiting for the election of a president while there is talk of disrupting the quorum of the session scheduled for upcoming Wednesday. "Let the political officials know that they cannot continue neglecting God’s will regarding the good of every human being, as they continue their wars, disputes, the pursuit of personal and factional interests and abandoning their duties in terms of securing the basic rights of citizens and working for the growth and advancement of man and society," the Patriarch said. "Our quest within the patriarchy aims to extract the spirit of challenge, enmity, and imposition on others," he asserted. "We are keen to ensure that the presidential election remains a juncture in the course of the democratic process, marked by the spirit of national reconciliation and patriotic brotherhood, which guarantees the unity of Lebanon with all its components, even if they differ in electoral choices which is a natural thing," the Patriarch underlined. "What reinforces this keenness is that all political parties and candidates for the presidency adopt the language of consensus and dialogue away from all forms of challenges and factional or sectarian divisions," al-Rahi continued to affirm. He also called on social media sites to respect the truth and avoid fueling the fire of sedition with baseless information, and also to cease extracting words from their actual context.

Frangieh: If I reach the presidency, I will be the president of all of Lebanon and all of Lebanese
LBCI/June 11/2023
Head of Marada Movement Sleiman Frangieh delivered a speech on the anniversary of the Ehden massacre on Sunday. "On June 13, they came, and we were asleep, but today we are awake. What happened on June 13 will not happen on June 14. We are the children of a political house that is 100 years old, and the love of the people is the reason for our continuity. No one can surpass us, not with our Christianity, patriotism, or Arab identity," he continued. Frangieh emphasized that "it is time to reassure Christians that their partner in the homeland does not seek to eliminate them." "I am not ashamed to belong to a political project, but my allies and friends know I will be open to everyone if I become president."

Franjieh camp MP confirms blocking 2nd round quorum is an option
Naharnet/June 11, 2023
MP Qassem Hashem of Speaker Nabih Berri’s parliamentary bloc has criticized the camp that supports Jihad Azour’s nomination, wondering if “this camp possesses the ability to secure the election of its candidate as president.”“Efforts are underway to bolster Franjieh’s position and rally more votes for him as part of the democratic game that also allows blocking quorum in the second round” of voting in Wednesday’s presidential election session, Hashem added, in an interview with Radio All of Lebanon. “So far we have not considered blocking the session’s quorum and the decision might be taken on that day, seeing as Lebanon is the country of surprises and we might witness the election of a president in this session,” Hashem went on to say. Responding to a question, the MP said “the Democratic Gathering and the Free Patriotic Movement support the principle of dialogue and national consensus, contrary to the other forces.”

Franjieh: Problem lies not with "Hezbollah", but rather with any open-minded Christian who can take the country towards moderation
NNA/June 11/2023
Marada Movement Chief, Sleiman Franjieh, called for "putting all the names on one table of dialogue, without any preconditions from any side," stressing, "I do not impose myself on anyone."He added: "When a national candidate is agreed upon and there is a national consensus over him, then there is no problem for me."Franjieh warned against "this abolitionist mentality that was fabricated as with the Ehden massacre." He stressed that "our relationship with Patriarch Bshara Boutros Al-Rahi is excellent from the first day."Addressing Lebanese Forces Party Chief Samir Geagea, he said, "I ask Geagea, you are against the opposition candidate and it's your right, but you have previously allied with Hezbollah's candidate."He added, "They only boycotted me while nothing unites them," considering that "the Free Patriotic Movement does not want a candidate from the system, but it came forth with Jihad Azour from the heart of the system and the impossible acquittal." He stressed that in his dictionary there is no obstruction in political life, while in the dictionary of others lies the statement of hindrance. Franjieh affirmed that he has a clear vision for all constitutional, economic and other matters at the national level, stressing that he is committed to reforms, the Taif Agreement and the administrative centralization within it. He said, "The president is the one who takes a position during his term and not afterwards," vowing to be a president for all the Lebanese and not for a specific team if he reaches the presidency.
Franjieh stressed on the full national responsibility that is shouldered by all. Marada Movement Chief, Sleiman Franjieh, called for "putting all the names on one table of dialogue, without any preconditions from any side," stressing, "I do not impose myself on anyone."He added: "When a national candidate is agreed upon and there is a national consensus over him, then there is no problem for me."Franjieh warned against "this abolitionist mentality that was fabricated as with the Ehden massacre."He stressed that "our relationship with Patriarch Bshara Boutros Al-Rahi is excellent from the first day."Addressing Lebanese Forces Party Chief Samir Geagea, he said, "I ask Geagea, you are against the opposition candidate and it's your right, but you have previously allied with Hezbollah's candidate."He added, "They only boycotted me while nothing unites them," considering that "the Free Patriotic Movement does not want a candidate from the system, but it came forth with Jihad Azour from the heart of the system and the impossible acquittal." He stressed that in his dictionary there is no obstruction in political life, while in the dictionary of others lies the statement of hindrance. Franjieh affirmed that he has a clear vision for all constitutional, economic and other matters at the national level, stressing that he is committed to reforms, the Taif Agreement and the administrative centralization within it. He said, "The president is the one who takes a position during his term and not afterwards," vowing to be a president for all the Lebanese and not for a specific team if he reaches the presidency.  Franjieh stressed on the full national responsibility that is shouldered by all.

Azour's voice of resilience: Leading the mission to restore Lebanon's confidence and Arab identity
LBCI/June 11/2023
The political scene in Beirut appears to be more like a relentless confrontation rather than "a democratic exercise," as it should be in the process of electing a President for the Republic in the parliamentary session scheduled for next Wednesday. With the country experiencing a presidential vacancy for nearly eight months, the 12th session of the Parliament is being held in an intense political atmosphere filled with defamation, and threats, as if knives are being sharpened instead of resorting to the ballot box.
This article is originally published in, translated from al-Rai.

Jihad Azour to diaspora: 'I am not a confrontational candidate, ready for dialogue'
LBCI/June 11/2023
The Lebanese Diaspora Network (TLDN), in conjunction with cohost Mark Daou, held a 105-minute virtual meeting on Saturday, June 10th with various groups from the Lebanese diaspora and presidential candidate Jihad Azour. Among the groups invited were TeamHope, MCLM, Expatriates For Lebanon, Let's Talk About Lebanon, and LEN. During the meeting, Azour addressed several key points concerning his candidacy and future plans for the Lebanese political and economic landscape. Azour opened the discussion by confronting rumors regarding his financial integrity, describing them as "baseless character assassination." Emphasizing his readiness for open, transparent dialogue with any entity willing to question him. In an effort to enhance transparency, Azour promised to release a report outlining his achievements during his tenure. He highlighted his longstanding commitment to transparency, recalling his practice of issuing quarterly reports detailing every spending of the international funds received post-2006 war. Turning to the critical issue of the economic future of Lebanon, Azour underscored the urgent need to address the plight of elderly small depositors. He believes that immediate economic reform is crucial and stressed his experience and ability to mobilize funds and negotiate with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). When discussing potential reforms, Azour signaled a distinct shift in perspective. He insisted that the presidential role is that of a chairman, not a CEO. He advocates for merit-based appointments following transparent processes, aiming for a fully functioning cabinet. In response to questions about widening presidential powers, Azour stated, "We do not need to broaden the presidential power; rather, we need a president to assume his/her role. To represent us internationally and unite and inspire us locally."
Regarding his communication with powerful political figures such as Nabih Berri and Hassan Nasrallah, Azour asserted that the president's role serves all Lebanese, regardless of political affiliations. He clarified his stance by saying, "Meeting, talking, and debating does not constitute giving in, agreeing, or compromising." As for his candidacy, Azour emphasized his independence from political affiliations and his sole accountability to the mission and vision he commits to. He believes that his financial expertise and connections can help regain the trust of international investors by reducing the risk factor in the Lebanese market compared to other markets. The meeting concluded with an update on the presidential race, showing Azour leading with 62 votes. The TLDN and Daou stressed the potential influence of diaspora members in this pivotal moment, urging them to pressure their elected MPs towards supporting Azour, which could secure him the presidency.

Presidential showdown: Frangieh vs. Azour as Lebanon's fate hangs in the balance
LBCI/June 11/2023
As the presidential election session nears, the confrontation intensifies between the two factions supporting the head of the Marada Movement, Sleiman Frangieh, and former minister Jihad Azour, while the stalemate remains unchanged. According to the Moderation Bloc MP Sajih Attieh member, there is an effort to consolidate the ranks of 22 deputies to form a unified bloc, which will likely happen during the session. Attieh's number is not seen as feasible by sources within the independent parliamentary gathering, which includes independent deputies and the Moderation Bloc.
According to the sources, the meeting will convene on Monday to consult with the rest of the independent and Change MPs away from alignments. MP Nabil Bader emphasizes his refusal to form this gathering as a front against Christian consensus, and the Moderation Bloc tends to abstain from nominating anyone in the first round based on the previous positions of both factions in obstructing the second round. From within the gray circle, some are leaning towards voting for former minister Ziad Baroud. Deputy Elias Jradeh confirmed to LBCI that he would continue with the same approach, knowing that he voted for Baroud more than once, as Baroud met with several Independent and Change MPs who offered him their votes. Still, he made it clear that he is not interested in their votes, at least in the June 14 session. To this gray circle, a significant Sunnite bloc is added. The National Consensus Bloc, which includes Faysal Karameh, Mohammed Yehya, the deputies of Islamic projects, and Hassan Mrad, will meet with Grand Mufti and both Speaker Nabih Berri and Najib Mikati on Tuesday, with the intention of announcing a unified stance at the end of his tour. It should be noted that Karameh previously stated that between Jihad Azour and Frangieh, the bloc will choose Frangieh. At the same time, the tension between Azour's supporters and Frangieh's supporters continues to escalate. For the second time, Hezbollah confirms its participation in the session and its vote for Sleiman Frangieh. On the other hand, the Free Patriotic Movement is trying to consolidate its ranks until then. Its national council supported the position of the movement's leader Gebran Bassil, by unanimously nominating Azour and emphasizing the necessity for all deputies to vote for him. However, consultations among some opposition figures within the movement are ongoing to find an alternative option to Azour that would be viable in the next phase, away from the white ballot that Frangieh's team may exploit to their advantage. Thus, the focus shifts to what lies beyond June 14.

Lebanon’s Mikati Denies Discussing Issue of Hannibal Gaddafi with Dbeibeh
Asharq Al Awsat/June 11/2023
The Libyan interim Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid al-Dbeibeh, ignored an official denial issued by Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati regarding a recent contact between them to follow up on the developments of the Hannibal case. Hannibal, the son of the late Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, has been detained for years in Lebanon. In a statement issued by his media office, Mikati said he received no contact from any Libyan side pertaining to the case. "The file of Gaddafi's son is in the hands of a competent judiciary, and any follow-up to this file takes place through competent judicial methods," said Mikati. However, the Lebanese PM expressed Lebanon's keenness on what he described as "the best relations with the Libyan people." Dbeibeh had earlier said that telephone contacts were held with Mikati to discuss Hannibal Gaddafi’s case and that an “official Libyan committee is set to travel to Lebanon to follow up on the matter.”Separately, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed in a statement the Libyan Committee’s Agreement on Presidential and Parliamentary Election Law. The members of the Libyan 6 + 6 Joint Committee for the Preparation of Electoral Laws, which is mandated by the Libyan House of Representatives and the High Council of State, have agreed on laws regulating presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for the end of this year. The Saudi ministry expressed hopes that the Libyan parties would formally sign the electoral laws, being an “important step towards ending the crisis.”

Geagea: June 14 is a decisive day
NNA/June 11/2023
Head of the "Lebanese Forces" party, Samir Geagea, stressed that the date of June 14, 2023 is decisive, accusing "anyone who puts a white paper or a name other than the proposed candidates or slogans contributes with the axis of opposition to obstructing the presidential elections."Geagea's position came during the launch of the solar energy project, which will light the entire "Deir al-Ahmar" area, and work will start on it within a few weeks.

Hajj Hassan: Converging over a candidate for political purposes leads to more presidential impasse
NNA/June 11/2023
Head of the Baalbek-Hermel Parliamentary Bloc, MP Hussein Hajj Hassan, confirmed Sunday that bloc members will naturally vote in the session next Wednesday for their ally, former minister Sleiman Franjieh, "who enjoys many attributes, most importantly his knowledge of his position and political plan, and confidence that he has the capabilities to communicate with everyone and preserve the elements of Lebanon's strength." Speaking during his participation in a forum organized by the Imam Khomeini Cultural Center in Hermel in commemoration of the late Imam Khomeini, Hajj Hassan said: "Crossing paths over a person for political purposes leads to more presidential impasse." He referred herein to those who intersected over the nomination of forner minister Jihad Azour for presidency, wondering who actually engineered this intersection and over what political project, particularly since the parties involved do not trust each other and declare that publicly in the media.

"People's dignity a red line," tweets Abdallah
NNA/June 11/2023
MP Bilal Abdallah tweeted this morning: "The employee or retiree is not concerned with the Byzantine debate about the constitutionality and legality of the method to be followed in paying salaries and their appurtenances, in light of the worsening daily living and social crisis...It is the responsibility of the government and parliament to do what is necessary, even if circumstances require exceptional measures....People's dignity and decent living is a red line!"

People of Al-Arqoub throw stones at an enemy vehicle in Kfar Shuba outskirts, enemy responds by firing gas bombs
NNA/June 11/2023
Demonstrators from the villages of Al-Arqoub threw stones at an enemy military vehicle, which was protecting a bulldozer in the Barakat Ba'thael area in the outskirts of the town of Kfar Shuba this afternoon. As a result, the military vehicle's windows were shattered and the enemy army responded by firing dozens of gas bombs at the demonstrators, while a state of extreme tension prevailed at this border axis.

Health Ministry announces end of cholera outbreak in Lebanon
NNA/June 11/2023
The Health Emergency Program at the Ministry of Public Health announced today, "the end of the cholera outbreak in Lebanon," in a detailed statement outlining the measures taken to combat the epidemic, whereby no confirmed cases of the disease have been recorded since last February. “As Lebanon witnessed a cholera outbreak that lasted for several months, the Ministry of Public Health, under the directives of His Excellency the Minister of Public Health, unified all necessary efforts and measures to combat this epidemic in cooperation with all parties and relevant ministries, especially the World Health Organization and UNICEF, UNHCR, the International Organization for Migration and the Lebanese Association for Bacterial Diseases," the statement said. It added that these concerted efforts resulted in not recording any confirmed cases of cholera since the end of February 2023, i.e. more than 12 weeks have passed since the last confirmed case was recorded in Lebanon. "Whereas the World Health Organization recommends announcing the end of the outbreak at least 4 weeks after the last laboratory-confirmed recorded case, and based on the opinion of the National Committee for Communicable Diseases, the Ministry of Public Health announces the end of the cholera epidemic in Lebanon, starting from the date of issuing this statement, noting that the Ministry will continue to closely monitor acute watery diarrhea through active surveillance," the statement affirmed. It added that the Health Ministry will continue to intensify awareness campaigns against acute watery diarrhea in cooperation with the concerned parties, especially in the most vulnerable areas. Finally, the Public Health Ministry thanked all ministries, teams, and concerned authorities, especially international organizations that participated and supported it during the outbreak, thus reflecting positively on the speed and effectiveness of the response to the epidemic.

Anfeh: A Journey Into Lebanon's Salt Heritage and Historical Grandeur
LBCI/June 11/2023
If you ask someone from Anfeh, a town in northern Lebanon, they might tell you their town is home to 'white gold'. Why, you ask? It's the centuries-old tradition of salt extraction and sale that has been passed down from generation to generation. The salt pans, or 'melle7at' as they are known locally, are pools scattered along the beach. They are fed with seawater through air pumps operating via fans, an ingenious system that has become synonymous with Anfeh's industry. Sleiman, a local salt collector, inherited this occupation from his father, who learned it from his own. He offers insight into the process, showcasing gathered and refined salt, a labor of love that has defined Anfeh's identity. After visiting Anfeh's salt pans, one might be drawn to the town's rich religious tourism. Three churches sit beside the sea, representing the identities of civilizations that have passed through the region, including the Crusader and Byzantine eras.  Among them are the churches of Saint Catherine, Saint Simeon, Saint Michael, and Our Lady of the Wind, the oldest church in the Middle East, distinguished by its wall drawings that date back over 1,800 years. Not far from these historic churches lies the Monastery of Our Lady of El Natoor, with a story of its own. The monastery, also over a thousand years old, derives its name from a repentant thief who decided to seek forgiveness and became a 'natoor,' a guard of repentance.Just a few meters away, you can find a region that strongly resembles Greece with its blue and white chalets and houses, a place referred to as 'Under the Wind' or Lebanon's Santorini, as some like to call it. Here, you can choose to dine in one of the restaurants or cafes directly overlooking the sea and even take a dip in the waters of Anfeh. One of the most beautiful stops that you should visit at sunset is the historic castle of Anfeh. This hidden treasure in the northern town, dating back to the Crusades, offers a mesmerizing view at sunset. This summer, Anfeh awaits you, as do other regions of Lebanon, whether you're already here or coming from abroad. A journey into the country's rich past and an exploration of its cultural heritage, Anfeh offers a chance to experience Lebanon's 'white gold' and historical grandeur.

Are Public Sector Salaries at Risk Amid Quorum Concerns?
LBCI/June 11/2023
Roughly twenty days ago, a month before due, Lebanon's Ministry of Finance made a candid announcement from the Grand Serail: there would be no salaries if the Parliament did not approve the appropriations. This decision has implications for approximately 310,000 state employees, including retirees and military personnel, whose salaries hinge on a preoccupied Parliament tackling a presidential session on June 14. Two weeks following the Ministry of Finance's warning, it reiterated its position, confirming that nothing has changed and the salary problem is stuck pending a legislative session. Will the Speaker of the Parliament call a legislative session to solve the salary issue after the government approves it? Sources from Ain el-Tineh confirmed that the priority is the presidency, and no other issue will be discussed before Wednesday. So, what happens after the presidential session? The same sources hinted that the Speaker of the Parliament will not call a legislative session until it's assured that the legislative quorum—half plus one—is met.  This leads us back to the constitutional issue regarding the Parliament's ability to exercise its legislative powers, a problem that was put under the spotlight after the session concerning the extension for municipalities. Among those who oppose attending legislative sessions before the election of a president, opposition deputies, some independents, and the change-makers boycotted after 46 deputies signed a petition refusing to attend any session not dedicated to electing a president of the republic. However, the Free Patriotic Movement attended the session, considering that the country cannot be paralyzed with the local authorities' operations at a halt. What about the salary session? Will the goal of the session justify its convening this time?  The Strong Republic bloc, the Renewal bloc, and the Change deputies will not attend the session. The Kataeb deputies and other deputies, despite their clear stance of not attending any legislative parliamentary session before electing a president, have not yet decided on their position regarding the salary session. The Free Patriotic Movement's stance remains inaccessible. With around 20 days left until Eid al-Adha, will public sector employees have to celebrate without their salaries? The question remains open as Lebanon continues to navigate a multifaceted crisis.

Makary mourns the passing of Lebanese writer George Yammine: His intellectual impact keeps him in the heart and mind
NNA/June 11/2023
Caretaker Minister of Information, Ziad Al-Makary, mourned today the passing of Lebanese writer George Ibrahim Yammine, where he wrote on Twitter that on this sad day the Lebanese shed two tears, one for his painful passing and another because he died while in exile..."Our consolation is that his intellectual and literary impact will keep him forever in the heart, mind, and conscience, a true man from Zgharta and an abundant pen...May God have mercy on him and may his memory be eternal,” Makary added.

Fire breaks out aboard a tourist boat carrying 29 persons in Marsa Alam, Egypt
NNA/June 11/2023
Today, an official source told RT correspondent in Cairo that a fire broke out on board a tourist boat carrying 29 people, in the city of Marsa Alam, Red Sea Governorate. The incident began when the concerned authorities received a notification of a fire in a "tourist boat" named "Herken", carrying 29 people during a diving cruise, where 12 British tourists were rescued in addition to 14 Egyptians, who are the boat crew. The passengers were transported to the shore of the village of Marsa al-Shajara and all are in good health, while search continues around the boat for 3 missing persons.
The boat had sailed on the 6th of this month from Porto Ghalib Marina, and was scheduled to return today.

Minassian: We left the homeland abandoned, neglected
NNA/June 11/2023
Armenian Catholic Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian indicated during a Mass service in the city of Zahle this morning, that "our dear homeland is going through difficult days." He said, "I mention the name of the homeland because it is an integral part of our daily life, and we left it abandoned without a president and without officials to serve it with honesty and sacrifice." "We neglected it, while it is the only way to secure coexistence and spiritual and temporal principles for us," the Armenian Patriarch asserted.

Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on June 11-12/2023
Iran's Khamenei Says 'Nothing Wrong' with a Nuclear Deal with West
Asharq Al Awsat/June 11/2023
Iran's supreme leader said on Sunday that reaching a deal with the West over Tehran's disputed nuclear work was possible if the country's nuclear infrastructure remained intact, state media quoted Ali Khamenei as saying. "There is nothing wrong with the agreement (with the West), but the infrastructure of our nuclear industry should not be touched," he said, adding that Tehran should continue working with the UN nuclear watchdog under the framework of safeguards, said Reuters. Indirect talks between Tehran and Washington to revive Iran's 2015 nuclear accord with six major powers have been at a stalemate since September, with both sides accusing each other of making unreasonable demands. In 2019, Iran began breaching the deal's terms in response to a US withdrawal in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump. The 2015 agreement limited Iran’s uranium enrichment activity to make it harder for Tehran to develop nuclear arms, in return for lifting international sanctions. Iran denies wanting to acquire nuclear weapons. Both Tehran and Washington on Thursday denied a report that they were nearing an interim deal under which Tehran would curb its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief.

Iraq Releases 2.5 Bln Euros in Debt to Iran Following US Sanctions Waiver
Asharq Al Awsat/June 11/2023
Iraq on Saturday agreed to pay about $2.76 billion in gas and electricity debt to Iran after receiving a sanctions waiver from the United States. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein was given the clearance during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the Riyadh Conference on Thursday, a senior Iraqi foreign ministry official said, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the media, told Reuters. Due to decades of conflict and sanctions, Iraq is dependent on imports from Iran for a lot of its gas needs. However, US sanctions on Iranian oil and gas have hampered Iraq’s payments for imports, putting it in heavy arrears and leading Iran to retaliate by cutting gas flows regularly. Iraqi Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Al-Sahhaf said in a brief statement that Hussein had made progress “regarding financial dues between Iraq and Iran during his discussion with his American counterpart in Riyadh” when asked about the funds. He did not give further details. According to the Ministry’s Twitter post, Hussein “conducted continuous dialogues with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi for the same purpose.” Meanwhile, Iraq’s news agency, INA, quoted the media advisor to the Prime Minister, Diaa al-Nasseri, as saying that Iraq had released a total of 1.5 billion euros of Iranian funds and is preparing to release an additional 1 billion euros. Later, Yahya Al-e Eshaq, head of the Iran-Iraq chamber of commerce, was quoted by Iranian news agencies as saying that “Part of Iran’s blocked funds in Iraq has been earmarked for haj pilgrims and portions have been used for basic goods.” He added that it will definitely have a positive impact on the markets because the demands of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) will be met and basic goods needed in the country have been purchased using the assets.

Iran Confirms Holding Direct Talks with Malley in New York
Asharq Al Awsat/June 11/2023
An Iranian member of parliament confirmed Saturday that Iranian and US officials held direct unofficial talks in New York, also accusing the administration of President Joe Biden of hindering any agreement between the two sides. “Despite some negotiations in New York, there is no impending agreement soon because of US obstructions,” Mojataba Tavangar tweeted on Saturday. “America is trying to get more concessions from Iran in nuclear matters, in exchange for releasing frozen funds, a policy violating the law and in contradiction to Iran’s interests,” Tavangar added. His comments came two days after Washington and Tehran denied reports saying that the two sides were nearing a temporary deal under which Iran would commit to ceasing its 60 percent-and-beyond uranium enrichment activities in return of less US sanctions. Tavangar said the US is still attempting to “drag Iran into official direct talks.”
The Nour News website, close to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, wrote in a tweet that reports on progress in negotiations and the lifting of US sanctions, are used by the West to destabilize the markets inside Iran. In recent weeks, the Iranian Rial has risen against the US dollar amid news saying that talks on the release of Tehran’s frozen assets could result in a deal soon. The media reports had mentioned the release of some $27 billion in Iranian assets from frozen bank accounts outside of the country. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the US State Department refused to comment on reports saying Amir Saeed Iravani, Iran’s ambassador to the UN, and Robert Malley, the US special envoy on Iran, have had multiple meetings in person. Deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said: “I don’t have anything to announce on this front.”“As you’ve heard me say previously, we have the means to communicate with Iran and deliver messages to them that are in America’s interest to do so. We’re not going to detail the contents of those messages or the means of those deliveries. I don’t have anything additional to add there,” he stated, refusing to elaborate.
Two Iranian officials told Reuters there had been progress but no agreement was imminent. A third said Malley and Irvani met at least three times in the past weeks but gave no details. “There (has) been some progress and we have exchanged proposals and messages with Americans,” said a senior Iranian official. “Still, there are lots of details that we need to discuss.” On June 2, the Financial Times said Rob Malley, the US’s Iran envoy, has met several times with Iran’s UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, who was a senior official at the Supreme National Security Council before being posted to New York in September.
It said the discussions focused primarily on the possibility of a prisoner exchange with Iran. Since the beginning of 2023, this is the second time reports emerge about a meeting between Iranian officials and Malley in New York. In January, Iran rejected reports of unofficial talks between the US official in charge of the Iranian file and the top Iranian diplomat in its mission to the United Nations. According to the Financial Times, diplomats and analysts say potential options include some form of interim deal, or a de-escalatory move by both sides under which Iran reduces its enrichment levels in return for some sanctions relief.
“The prisoner swap is going to be an opener for the talks,” said another diplomat briefed on the talks. “It is unlikely there will be a nuclear deal, but there could be some sort of interim thing, or a freeze.” Meanwhile in Iran, the state-run ISNA news agency quoted on Wednesday analysts as saying that “the temporary agreement does not mean a return to the nuclear deal, but rather a movement forward for a broader agreement with Iran.” Also on Wednesday, Haaretz said that in an effort to reach an agreement on a nuclear deal, the contacts between the United States and Iran have made major progress in the past few days. Israel expects an agreement to be reached within a few weeks, with the understandings expected to include an Iranian agreement to stop uranium enrichment at high levels in return for easing sanctions. Reuters had also mentioned a report saying Iran would cease enriching uranium to purity of 60% or above and continue cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog in return for exporting up to 1 million barrels of oil per day and access to “income and other frozen funds abroad.” Later, Axios quoted three sources briefed on the issue as saying that Iranian and American officials held indirect talks in Oman in a bid to halt Iran’s nuclear program in return for releasing some of Iran’s frozen assets. Based on the report, White House Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk secretly flew to Oman on May 8 to meet with Omani authorities about potential diplomatic outreach to Iran on its nuclear program. The sources said that there was no meeting between McGurk and the Iranian officials. Omani authorities were standing between the two sides, passing messages as they were in different places. The sources claim that deterrence was one of the US’s key topics. The sources said that the US made it plain that Iran will pay a high price if it continues with uranium enrichment at the level required to make a nuclear bomb, which is 90%. Additionally, Axios purportedly said that the Biden administration and Iran engaged in an indirect message-exchange with the intention of “understanding” how to de-escalate the Iranian nuclear program, Iran’s regional actions, and its alleged involvement in the war in Ukraine.

Zelensky says 'counteroffensive, defensive actions' taking place in Ukraine
Associated Press/June 11/2023
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that counteroffensive and defensive actions are underway against Russian forces, asserting that his top commanders are in a "positive" mindset as their troops engaged in intense fighting along the front line.
The Ukrainian leader, at a Kyiv news conference alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, responded to a question about Russian President Vladimir Putin's comment a day earlier that Ukraine's counteroffensive had started — and Ukrainian forces were taking "significant losses."Zelensky said that "counteroffensive, defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine. I will not speak about which stage or phase they are in." Top Ukrainian authorities have stopped short of announcing a full-blown counteroffensive was underway, though some Western analysts have said fiercer fighting and reported use of reserve troops suggests it was. "I am in touch with our commanders of different directions every day," he added, citing the names of five of Ukraine's top military leaders. "Everyone is positive. Pass this on to Putin."Trudeau, the first foreign leader to visit Ukraine since devastating floods caused by a breach in a Dnieper River dam, offered up monetary, military and moral support. He pledged 500 million Canadian dollars ($375 million) in new military aid, on top of more than 8 billion Canadian dollars ($6 billion) that Canada has already provided since the war began in February 2022, and announced 10 million Canadian dollars ($7.5 million) for humanitarian assistance for the flood response.
Trudeau said the dam's collapse was "a direct consequence of Russia's war," but he didn't blame Moscow directly.
Ukraine's General Staff said Saturday that "heavy battles" were ongoing, with 34 clashes over the previous day in the country's industrial east. It gave no details but said Russian forces were "defending themselves" and launching air and artillery strikes in Ukraine's southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Recent Western injections of billions of dollars' worth of military equipment — some of it high-tech and top-of-the-line — to Ukraine has raised expectations about when it would be used, and to what effect against dug-in Russian lines.
For months, Ukrainian commanders in the eastern city of Bakhmut — which was largely devastated in a months-long fight that has been one of the bloodiest battles of the war — have used the language of counteroffensive and defensive operations to describe the activity there. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Friday that the epicenter of the fighting has been in the east, particularly in the Donetsk region, and cited "heavy battles" in Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Marinka.
Valerii Shershen, a spokesperson for Ukraine's armed forces in Zaporizhzhia, told Radio Liberty that they were searching for weaknesses in Russia's defense in that region, to the west. Ukraine's nuclear energy agency Energoatom said the last operating reactor at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, had been placed in "cold shutdown" mode. That's a process in which all control rods are inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure.
The plant's other five reactors already were in cold shutdown amid concerns about the plant's exposure to the fighting. Energoatom said in a statement late Friday that there was "no direct threat" to the Zaporizhzhia plant because of the breach of the Kakhovka dam further down the Dnieper River, which has forced thousands of people to flee flooding and also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility.
Water levels in the Kakhovka reservoir, which feed the Zaporizhzhia plant, remained stable on Saturday, Energoatom said. The site's power units have not been operating since September last year. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency is due to visit Ukraine in the coming days. Ukrainian authorities reported Saturday that at least six civilians have died across the country as Russian forces launched Iranian-made Shahed drones, missiles, and artillery and mortar strikes. Ukraine's State Emergency Service reported that three people were killed and more than two dozen wounded overnight in an attack targeting the Black Sea port of Odesa. A spokesperson for Ukraine's southern operational command, Natalia Humeniuk, said two children and a pregnant woman were among those wounded. Two people were killed in a Russian attack on the town of Orekhova in the Zaporizhzhia region, according to governor Yuriy Malashko. In Ukraine's northeast, a 29-year-old man was killed as more than 10 drones targeted the Kharkiv region, its governor, Oleh Syniehubov, reported Saturday. He added that at least three other civilians were wounded.
The Ukrainian air force said that during the night, it had shot down 20 out of 35 Shahed drones and two out of eight missiles "of various types" launched by Russian forces.
The fighting and civilian casualties took renewed attention as authorities in southern Ukraine said water levels have been declining in a vast area beneath the ruptured dam.
Nearly one-third of protected natural areas in the Kherson region could be obliterated by flooding following the breach of the Kakhovka dam, the Ukrainian environment minister warned Saturday.
The U.N.'s humanitarian aid chief, Martin Griffiths, said in an Associated Press interview Friday that an "extraordinary" 700,000 people were in need of drinking water.
In other developments:
On Saturday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he wants to continue speaking with Putin — whose order for Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been criticized by many Western leaders — and plans to do so again "soon." Scholz has spoken several times by phone with Putin since the invasion. The chancellor said the basis for a "fair peace" between Russia and Ukraine is the withdrawal of Russian troops. "That's needs to be understood," he said. The U.K. government said it will give 16 million pounds ($20 million) in humanitarian aid to those affected by the flooding. Most of the money is being channelled through international organizations such as the Red Cross and the United Nations, and the U.K. is also sending boats, community water filters, water pumps and waders to Ukraine. The U.K. has already given Ukraine 1.5 billion pounds in economic and humanitarian support since the war began, the government said, and has committed 4.6 billion pounds in military aid.

Ukraine Retakes Village in ‘First Results’ of Counterattack
Asharq Al Awsat/June 11/2023
Kyiv's troops said on Sunday they had recaptured a village from Russian forces in Ukraine's southeast, the first liberated settlement they have claimed since launching a counterattack this week.Soldiers hoisted the Ukrainian flag at a bombed-out building in an unverified video published by Ukraine's 68th Jaeger Brigade, which identified the settlement as Blahodatne in Donetsk region. "We're seeing the first results of the counter-offensive actions, localized results," Valeryi Shershen, spokesperson for Ukraine's "Tavria" military sector, said on television. He said the village lay on the edge of the Donetsk and Zaporizhzia regions a few kilometers south of the Kyiv-controlled village of Velyka Novosilka. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday gave his strongest signal yet that Kyiv has launched its long-awaited counterattack to seize back land in the east and south, confirming that "counteroffensive and defensive operations" were taking place. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that a Ukrainian military push was well underway, but that it had failed so far to breach Russian defensive lines and taken heavy casualties. Kyiv officials have imposed a strict period of operational silence and urged Ukrainians not to disclose any information that could compromise the operation.
'Kicking the enemy out'
With so little information out of Kyiv and scant independent reporting from the front lines, it has been almost impossible to assess the battlefield situation. The video from Blahodatne showed Ukrainian troops inside a heavily damaged building as the sound of artillery rumbled in the distance. "We're kicking the enemy out from our native lands. It's the warmest feeling there is. Ukraine is going to win, Ukraine above everything," an unidentified soldier said in the video on Facebook. Russia said at least twice this week that it had repelled Ukrainian attacks close by the nearby settlement of Velyka Novosilka. The occupied southeast is seen as a likely priority for Kyiv's forces that may aim to threaten Russia's land bridge to the annexed peninsula of Crimea and split Russian forces in half. Blahodatne is around 95km northwest of the city of Mariupol, which lies on the Sea of Azov on the southern rim of the land bridge. Russia captured the major city last year after besieging and bombarding it. Russia has built vast fortifications across occupied territory to prepare for a Ukrainian counterattack using thousands of troops trained and equipped by the West.

Russia and Ukraine Announce Return of Prisoners
Asharq Al Awsat/June 11/2023
Russia and Ukraine announced simultaneously on Sunday the return of nearly 100 soldiers from each side. Russia's Defense Ministry, quoted by the Tass news agency, said 94 Russians in Ukrainian captivity had been released and would be taken to a medical institution to be examined. Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential administration, said 95 Ukrainian service members had been returned, including some wounded.

Zelensky appeals to the UAE to support the Ukrainian "peace formula"
NNA/June 11/2023
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky appealed to UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Maryam Al Muhairi, who is currently visiting Kiev, to support the "peace formula" promoted by Kiev, according to "Russia Today". "We are interested in your country supporting our formula for peace," Zelensky said during his meeting with the Emirati minister. He added, "Environmental issues were another topic for negotiations," and thanked the UAE for its willingness to provide assistance to Kiev. The Ukrainian authorities drew attention to the "peace formula" they had prepared, but in return they rejected the peace proposals of the third parties. Zelensky said, commenting on the Vatican's settlement initiatives, that his country does not need mediators. As for Moscow, the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, considered that the so-called Zelensky peace plan is "another American evidence for provoking conflict in Europe."Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also pointed out that Zelensky's statements about a peace settlement do not take into account the existing realities.

35 people missing after Ukraine flood: minister
AFP/June 11/2023
Thirty five people, including seven children, were missing in southern Ukraine on Sunday following a devastating flood prosecutors called the "worst environmental catastrophe since Chernobyl."The Russian-controlled Kakhovka dam along the front line in the Kherson region was destroyed on June 6, forcing thousands to flee and sparking fears of humanitarian as well as environmental disasters. Ukraine accuses Russia of blowing up the dam on the Dnipro River, while Moscow says Kyiv fired upon the structure. Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klymenko said that 77 towns and villages had been flooded in the southern regions of Kherson and Mykolaiv.

The end of Putin’s empire could be sudden
Robert Tombs/The Telegraph/Sun, June 11, 2023
Experts did not predict the fall of the Soviet empire. Nor did its rulers. Millions of people brought it down by breaking through closed borders and defying what had previously seemed the invincible forces of the state. With hindsight it seems inevitable. But it was unimaginable for most people at the time—until it actually happened. This seems the almost invariable pattern, whether in the fall of far-flung empires or in revolutions within single states. No one expected a French Revolution that would bring Louis XVI to the guillotine. No one expected an upper-class rebellion in Palermo in 1848 to turn the whole of Europe upside down. Who thought the suicide of a street trader in Tunisia in 2010 could do the same to the Arab world? The German empire collapsed in 1918 only months after the end of the First World War. Despite emerging victorious from the Second World War, the French and British empires began unravelling just as Paris and London were planning new colonial partnerships. During the 1970s, when revolutions seemed on the cards – but weren’t – social scientists tried predictive models. Perhaps if one could identify the tipping point in popular discontent, or look for tell-tale signs of “disappointed expectations”, one could anticipate or prevent political collapse.  That never truly worked. Lenin, who knew a bit about such matters, gave a clue: “it is not enough for the lower classes to refuse to live in the old way; it is necessary also that the upper classes should be unable to live in the old way”. States – even medieval and early modern states such as Louis XVI’s France – can usually defeat internal dissent. Stone throwing mobs stood little chance against soldiers firing grapeshot, and even less against tear gas, water cannon and tanks.
So for states and empires to fail, it usually needs an external force that not only undermines their prestige and ability to intimidate, but weakens their repressive capacity. In most cases, this is military failure. Sometimes the effect is clear and direct, as when the Russian and German empires were brought down in 1917 and 1918 by their own soldiers refusing to fight and abandoning their rulers.
Sometimes it is more indirect, as when the British realised that, after an exhausting war, they could no longer govern a huge, diverse, and decreasingly acquiescent empire. The Viceroy of India, Lord Wavell, concluded in 1946 that “We have no longer the resources, nor I think the necessary prestige and confidence in ourselves”. The French took longer to reach that conclusion, and then it was the unwillingness of conscript soldiers and their families to fight a war in Algeria in the early 1960s that ended visions of a permanent French imperial “community”.
In all these cases it was not complete defeat or the physical destruction of armed forces that was decisive, but the perception that the struggle was not winnable or not for long. Soldiers and policemen will not willingly risk their lives, or their future careers, for a lost cause and a discredited regime. There comes a moment, often very sudden, when the Emperor’s nakedness becomes apparent, and the game changes. In Lenin’s phrase, the rulers “are unable” to carry on as before.  Russia seems evidently on that path: but when might the moment of truth come? It has gone through this before. In 1917, the mighty empire was fatally weakened by Germany, and in 1989, by the rigours of the Cold War. Twice it died, but soon resurrected in another form, under another emperor, even if large chunks (the Baltic states, the Central Asian colonies, the Eastern European dependencies) were missing. And now? Will Putin’s attempt to reconquer part of the empire precipitate its final demise? China is there to pick up Asian possessions conquered in the 19th century, and Japan, Turkey and others also have claims. The Russian people’s best chance of a brighter future would be as a post-imperial democratic nation-state, rejecting the imperial ambitions of Putin and his like. A fallen empire nevertheless leaves a long shadow. Part may be positive, as in the case of the Roman empire (and we might like to think, the British): language, culture, laws, infrastructure and institutions. But it also inevitably leaves chaos, violence and struggles for power. There is no painless outcome. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.

Fighting Resumes in Sudan's Capital after 24-hour Truce Expires
Asharq Al Awsat/June 11/2023
Sustained clashes and artillery fire were reported in parts of Sudan's capital Khartoum early on Sunday soon after the end of a 24-hour ceasefire that had brought a brief lull to eight weeks of fighting between rival military factions. Witnesses said fighting resumed after the ceasefire expired at 6 a.m. (0400 GMT) in the north of Omdurman, one of three adjoining cities, along with Khartoum and Bahri, that make up the capital around the confluence of the River Nile, Reuters said. Residents said there had been artillery fire in the Sharq el-Nil area on the eastern outskirts of the capital, and around a bridge linking Omdurman and Bahri. Blasts and clashes were also reported in Khartoum. War between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) broke out on April 15 over tensions linked to an internationally backed plan for a transition towards civilian rule. The conflict has displaced more than 1.9 million people, triggering a major humanitarian crisis that threatens to spill across a volatile region. Fighting has been concentrated in the capital, much of which has become a war zone plagued by looting and clashes. Unrest has also flared elsewhere including the western region of Darfur, already suffering from a conflict that peaked in the early 2000s. Residents and activists have reported a further deterioration in recent days in El Geneina, near the border with Chad, and new waves of attacks by Arab nomadic tribes with ties to the RSF. The city has been largely cut off from telephone networks for several weeks.
'LOOTING EVERYWHERE'
Another affected city is El Obeid, capital of North Kordofan State southwest of Khartoum and on a major route to Darfur. Residents say it is effectively under a state of siege due to the conflict, with supplies of food and medicine cut off. The wider Kordofan region is an important agricultural area and source of livestock, oilseeds and gum arabic. "The situation is difficult. The RSF are spread out on the roads between the villages and they are looting, and there are gangs looting everywhere. Moving from place to place became dangerous," North Kordofan resident Mohamed Salman told Reuters by phone. "We don't know how we'll plant or how we'll live in this situation." The RSF has said it is trying to counter looting, and has denied responsibility for the violence in Darfur. Some 400,000 of those who have fled their homes have crossed into neighboring countries, about half of them heading north to Egypt. On Saturday, Egypt tightened entry rules by extending a requirement for entry visas from men aged 16-50 to all Sudanese citizens. Even before the rule change, thousands of Sudanese had faced long waits near the border as they tried to obtain visas.

Sudanese army launches massive attack & intensive raids on the rapid support sites
NNA/June 11/2023 
"Russia Today" news correspondent reported that the Sudanese army launched a large-scale attack on all fronts of the fighting and carried out intense air raids on rapid support sites in the cities of the capital, Khartoum, after the end of the armistice. The Sudanese woke up this morning to the sounds of explosions, artillery and machine guns around the city of Al-Fatihab, south of Omdurman. Fighting and heavy exchange of fire continue in the East Nile region, east of the capital, while sources told RT about the deployment of infantry forces affiliated with the Sudanese army in the area. The movement of citizens has receded, while transportation witnessed a partial stop in the Haj Youssef area, east of the Nile, where there was relative calm during the period.

Execution of 3 Saudis who established a terrorist cell
NNA/June 11/2023 
Today, Sunday, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the implementation of the death sentence against two Saudi perpetrators and the death penalty against another citizen, for establishing a terrorist cell to target security men, financing terrorism and terrorist acts and their possession of weapons. The statement added that "the first accused had agreed and planned to target a security man while he was performing his duty, and the second deliberately and aggressively killed him by shooting while the third burned his body and set fire to the security patrol car," acording to the Saudi news agency.

UAE Minister of Economy: Partnership with Turkey is growing in an unprecedented way
NNA/June 11/2023
UAE Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Al-Marri said that the relations between the UAE and Turkey are witnessing a new phase of comprehensive strategic partnership, according to "Russia Today". In statements to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, Al-Marri said, "The visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan to Turkey gives a strong impetus to the path of the existing partnership towards unprecedented growth prospects in the history of bilateral relations between the two countries." He pointed out that "the UAE-Turkish economic relations have succeeded in continuing their growth and development over the past years, despite the various changes that the region and the world have witnessed, as a result of the promising economic potentials of the two countries' economies." He added, "With the two countries signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, we are looking forward to a promising future rich in trade, economic and investment opportunities, especially in light of the ambitious development plans adopted by the countries, which offer promising opportunities in priority sectors in trade and investment, industry, tourism, transport, energy, food, and technology."

European Union offers Tunisia long-term assistance
NNA/June 11/2023
The European Union proposed today to "strengthen the partnership" with Tunisia through a program that includes long-term financial assistance of 900 million euros and an additional aid of 150 million, to be pumped "immediately" into the budget, according to "Agence France-Presse".The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that she proposed to President Kais Saied a five-point program that includes support for combating clandestine immigration, and expressed her hope that an agreement would be signed between Tunisia and the European Union by the next European summit, which is supposed to be held at the end of this month.

Unleashing the power of collaboration: Saudi Arabia paves way for Arab-China economic integration
LBCI/June 11/2023 
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia leads the Arab world towards more significant investment and trade cooperation with China under the slogan of collaboration for prosperity. This has resulted in extensive participation and various discussions at the 10th China-Arab States Cooperation Forum held in Riyadh under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia serves as a bridge between the Arab world and China. The trade and investment figures between the two sides, particularly with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, are continuously growing. More than 3,000 interested participants from 23 countries are taking part in this conference. In addition to the opening session, numerous dialogues and discussions have been held, addressing various areas of cooperation between the Arab world and China, ranging from infrastructure to renewable energy and from investments in technology, information, and communication to the healthcare sector, especially in light of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Several memoranda of understanding in various fields have been exchanged between Saudi official institutions and Chinese companies. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims, through this conference, which is a continuation of the China-Arab Summit and the Gulf-China Summit, to ensure that the Silk Road passes through all Arab countries with China. The cooperation should be based on political, economic, and financial foundations that turn this collaboration into an economic force that influences the political destiny of the region.

Two soldiers were killed in Yemen in an al-Qaeda attack
NNA/June 11/2023 
Two Yemeni soldiers were killed in an attack by the extremist al-Qaeda organization on Sunday, targeting a military site in Shabwa, south of the center of the country mired in war, two security officials told AFP. A government security official in Shabwa said, "Two soldiers were killed in an al-Qaeda attack on a military point" in the province, adding, "The attack took place at dawn on Sunday, and resulted in the injury of a number of soldiers (...) and the attackers." In turn, another Yemeni official confirmed the attack and the killing of the two soldiers. Yemen, the poorest country in the Arabian Peninsula, has witnessed a bloody conflict since 2014 between pro-government forces and Houthi rebels. The conflict escalated with the intervention of Saudi Arabia at the head of a military coalition in March 2015 to halt the advance of the Iran-backed Houthis after they took control of the capital, Sana'a. Since then, the conflict has killed tens of thousands of Yemenis and caused a humanitarian crisis that the United Nations described as the worst in the world, with the displacement of millions of people. Al-Qaeda took advantage of the chaos in Yemen to expand there, targeting government forces and the Houthis with its operations. The United States considers Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula one of the most dangerous branches of the global jihadist network. However, the organization's attacks have declined in recent years, after operations launched by government forces and the Saudi-led coalition against it. --- Al-Quds

ISIS Militants Kill 2 Iraqi Soldiers, Wound 3 Others in Northern Iraq, Officials Say
Asharq Al Awsat/June 11/2023
ISIS group militants attacked an Iraqi army position in the northern governorate of Kirkuk, killing two military officers and wounding three soldiers, Iraq's security media office said in a statement Sunday. The Iraqi Security Media Cell said militants belonging to the extremist group late Saturday targeted the military position in the district of Dibis with light and medium weapons but did not provide further details. The statement said that Iraqi authorities held a meeting to investigate the attack. ISIS, in a late Saturday statement, claimed responsibility for the attack on their website. This comes as the Iraqi military has cracked down on ISIS sleeper cells near the country's borders over the past month. Iraq's Counter Terrorism Service launched airstrikes targeting the group's positions in the western desert of the Anbar province and in the Hamrin mountains near Kirkuk, killing 27 militants. The terrorist group in recent years has targeted Iraqi army positions in the governorate of Kirkuk. In November 2022, ISIS militants killed four Iraqi soldiers in the governorate's district of Dibis , and took their weapons and communications gear. Kirkuk's governor, Rakan Saeed al-Jiboury, told The Associated Press at the time that the attack happened in an area divided between the Iraqi army and Kurdish peshmerga forces who don't coordinate their actions "and (ISIS) takes advantage of this.” ISIS’s territorial control in Iraq and Syria was crushed by a years-long US-backed campaign, but its fighters continued with sleeper cells that have killed scores of Iraqis and Syrians.

1,220 drones light up the sky of Amman with a huge air show
Petra/June 11/2023 
The General Command of the Jordanian Armed Forces – the Arab Army announced to citizens that it will organize a huge air show in the sky of Amman on Saturday evening. The air show will be carried out using 1,220 drones, in celebration of the 77th Independence Day, the centenary of our armed forces being called the Arab Army, the Royal Enthronement Day, the anniversary of the Great Arab Revolt and Army Day. The General Command called on citizens to watch the air show, which will be presented by the drones, at exactly nine o’clock in the evening, Saturday, in the sky of the martyr / Amman. This parade comes within the national celebrations dear to the hearts of Jordanians.

Nigeria’s central bank chief arrested after being suspended by president
AP/June 11/2023
Nigeria’s central bank chief has been arrested hours after being suspended from office by the country’s new president, authorities said Saturday. Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, is in “custody for some investigative reasons,” Nigeria’s secret police said in a statement without providing further details. The country’s new president, Bola Tinubu, suspended Emefiele as the central bank governor on Friday night, nine years after he was appointed to office to oversee the monetary policy affairs of Africa’s biggest economy and most populous country. Emefiele’s suspension “is sequel to the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy,” according to a statement from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, a deputy governor at the bank, immediately took over as acting governor. ---

Canada Sanctions Ex-Ukrainian President
RT/June 11/2023
On Saturday, the Canadian government added former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich and his son Aleksandr to its sanctions list, accusing them of being connected to the “theft” of Ukrainian cultural objects and the Kremlin’s alleged efforts to “Russify” Ukrainian culture. In addition to Yanukovich, the list of sanctioned individuals includes the culture minister of the Kherson region, Alexander Kuzmenko, and former deputy information minister of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Daniil Bezsonov, and Ukrainian blogger Yury Podolyaka, among others. Among the blacklisted entities are the culture ministries of Crimea and the Kherson Region, the education and science ministries of the Zaporozhye and Kherson, and multiple museums and media outlets.

Syria Kurds to try IS fighters after home countries refuse to repatriate them
Associated Press/June 11, 2023
The Kurdish-led authority in northeast Syria has announced that hundreds of fighters with the Islamic State group held in prisons around the region will be put on trial after their home countries refused to repatriate them.
The statement by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria said it still calls for the creation of an international tribunal to put those fighters on trial. It called on the United Nations, international rights groups and local organizations to help facilitate the trials. The U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, is holding over 10,000 captured IS fighters in around two dozen detention facilities — including 2,000 foreigners whose home countries have refused to repatriate them. The statement said the fighters from about 60 nationalities had entered Syria years ago and were captured in battles against the extremists. "The terrorist organization carried out horrific crimes and mass massacres against people in the region," it said, adding that such acts are considered crimes against humanity and war crimes. It said the trials will be "fair and transparent in accordance with international and local laws related to terrorism." The SDF and the local Kurdish police force known as Asayesh also oversee some 51,000 family members of IS fighters, mostly women and children in the al-Hol camp. Many of those family members remain die-hard IS supporters, and killings by militants have taken place in the camp over the years.
Saturday's announcement came two days after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken co-hosted a meeting in Saudi Arabia of foreign ministers from the global coalition battling IS during which he announced nearly $150 million in new U.S. funding for stabilization efforts in Syria and Iraq. The extremist group no longer controls any territory, but its affiliates still carry out attacks across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, as IS is also known, includes more than 80 countries to coordinate action against the extremists, who at their height controlled large parts of Syria and Iraq. Blinken said the U.S. pledge is part of new funding amounting to more than $600 million. Blinken did not specify, but U.S. aid to Syria is expected to flow through Kurdish allies, the United Nations or international aid groups, as the U.S. and other Western countries maintain sanctions on Syrian President Bashar Assad's government. The Kurdish-led authority did not say where exactly the trials will be held or when they will start. They are believed to take place in areas controlled by the SDF in northeast and eastern Syria. The U.S. military has a presence in the region controlled by SDF fighters. On any given day there are at least 900 U.S. forces in Syria, along with an undisclosed number of contractors. U.S. forces advise and assist the SDF, including in securing the detention facilities, and they also conduct counterterror missions against IS.
The Kurdish-led authority said that years of fighting against IS has left 15,000 SDF fighters dead and 25,000 wounded. IS was officially defeated in Syria in March 2019, when the extremists lost the last sliver of land under their control but their sleeper cells still carry out deadly attacks. Last week, the SDF announced it handed over 50 Iraqi IS fighters to Baghdad. It also said that it repatriated 170 Iraqis who were living at the al-Hol camp.

Trump lawyer: Docs were 'de-classified' or mementos
LBCI/June 11, 2023
Donald Trump's lawyer hinted Sunday at the indicted ex-president's defense strategy in the classified documents case, saying the files were de-classified or personal mementos from his time in office and that the accusations are politically motivated. Trump is set to appear Tuesday in federal court in Miami on 37 charges, including violations of the Espionage act, making false statements and conspiracy regarding his mishandling of classified material, the latest bout of legal jeopardy facing the rebellious Republican. One of his lawyers, Alina Habba, argued Trump had done "nothing wrong" and would not take a plea deal to minimize fallout from the case as he seeks his party's nomination for the 2024 election. "He would never admit guilt, because there was nothing wrong with declassifying documents," Habba told the talk show "Fox News Sunday." "This is completely politically motivated. It's election interference at its best."Habba also portrayed Trump's opposition to federal agents rifling through his boxes during a search at his Mar-a-Lago home as frustration over officials going through his personal effects. "He has every right to have classified documents that he declassified... things that are mementos, things that he has a right to take. "So if I'm someone with documents that I have a right to have as the president who left the White House, do I want people rummaging through my personal items? No," she added.

Trump blasts indictment as 'baseless' at first events since charges unsealed
Associated Press/June 11, 2023
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has blasted his historic federal indictment as "ridiculous" and "baseless" during his first public appearances since the charges were unsealed, painting the 37 felony counts as an attack on his supporters as he tried to turn dire legal peril to political advantage and project a sense of normalcy. Speaking at Republican state conventions in Georgia and North Carolina, Trump cast his indictment by the Department of Justice as an attempt to damage his chances of returning to the White House as he campaigns for a second term.
"They've launched one witch hunt after another to try and stop our movement, to thwart the will of the American people," Trump alleged in Georgia, later telling the crowd that, "In the end, they're not coming after me. They're coming after you."
The strategy is a well-worn one for Trump, who remains the front-runner for the 2024 GOP nomination despite his mounting legal woes, which also include criminal charges filed against him in March in New York. Again and again, in the face of investigation, Trump has tried to delegitimize law enforcement officials and portray himself — and his supporters — as victims, even when he is accused of serious crimes. Trump also vowed to remain in the race, even if he is convicted in the case.
"I'll never leave," he told Politico in an interview aboard his plane after his speech in Georgia. He further predicted that he wouldn't be convicted and sidestepped questions about whether he would pardon himself if he wins a second term.
"I don't think I'll ever have to," Trump said. "I didn't do anything wrong."
The indictment unsealed Friday charges Trump with willfully defying Justice Department demands that he return classified documents, enlisting aides in his efforts to hide the records and even telling his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored at his residence.
The indictment includes allegations that he stored documents in a ballroom and bathroom at his Mar-a-Lago resort, among other places. Trump is due to make his first federal court appearance Tuesday in Miami. He was charged alongside valet Walt Nauta, a personal aide whom prosecutors say moved boxes from a storage room to Trump's residence for him to review and later lied to investigators about the movement. Nauta traveled with Trump on Saturday, appearing by his side at a Georgia Waffle House stop where the former president signed autographs, posed for photos and told supporters, "We did absolutely nothing wrong."
Earlier Saturday, Trump was given a hero's welcome at the party convention in Georgia, where he drew loud applause as he slammed the investigation as "a political hit job" and accused his political enemies of launching "one hoax and witch hunt after another" to prevent his reelection.
"The ridiculous and baseless indictment by the Biden administration's weaponized Department of Injustice will go down as among the most horrific abuses of power in the history of our country," he said. He also used his remarks to rail against President Joe Biden and his 2016 Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, accusing them of mishandling classified information and insisting he was treated unfairly because he is a Republican. But Trump overlooked a critical difference: Only he has been accused of intentionally trying to impede investigators by not returning the documents in question.
In the Clinton probe, for instance, FBI investigators concluded that although she was extremely careless in her handling of classified emails on a private server, there was no evidence that she intended to break the law. And though the Biden investigation is still ongoing, no evidence has emerged to suggest that he intentionally held onto the records or even knew that they were there, with his representatives turning over records after they were discovered and voluntarily consenting to FBI searches. Trump also lingered on Georgia's role in his 2020 defeat, repeating his lies that he had won the state and defending his efforts to overturn Biden's victory, which is the subject of another ongoing investigation, this one by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Willis has suggested that any indictments would likely come in August. At the heart of the investigation is a recorded phone conversation in which Trump urges Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to "find 11,780 votes" — just enough to overtake Biden and overturn Trump's narrow loss in the state. Trump has defended the phone call as "perfect," and on Saturday lashed out against both Willis and the special counsel in the Mar-a-Lago case.
But aside from reacting to the news, Trump's remarks in both states largely mirrored his pre-indictment rally speeches, lending a sense of normalcy to a campaign that is well-practiced in responding to crisis. And despite the latest criminal charges, attendees cheered him on in Georgia and in North Carolina, where he spoke at a state GOP convention dinner Saturday evening.
About 100 supporters, some waving "Witch Hunt" signs, showed up to the Columbus, Georgia, airfield to greet Trump as he arrived. Jan Plemmons, 66, wearing an oversize foam "Make America Great Again" hat, called the federal charges "absolutely ridiculous" and said she was ready to campaign with Trump. To Michael Sellers, 67, it was "criminal what they're doing to him." The indictment arrives as Trump is continuing to dominate the primary race. Among the various investigations Trump has faced, the documents case has long been considered the most perilous legal threat and the one most ripe for prosecution. But Trump's continued popularity among Republican voters is evident in how gingerly his primary rivals have treated the federal indictment. Mike Pence, whose appearance in North Carolina marked the first shared venue with his former boss since the ex-vice president announced his own campaign this past week, condemned the "politicization" of the Justice Department and urged Attorney General Merrick Garland "to stop hiding behind the special counsel and stand before the American people" to explain the basis for the federal investigation into Trump.
In an interview with The Associated Press after his speech, Pence said he had read the indictment but repeatedly declined to share his personal reaction to its contents — including the photographs of boxes with classified information stacked in a Mar-a-Lago bathroom and on a ballroom stage — or to criticize Trump. "The very nature of a grand jury is that there is no defense presented," Pence said. "That's why I said today I'm going to urge patience, encourage people to be prayerful for the former president, but also for all those in authority and for the country going forward."
At the North Carolina GOP gathering Friday night, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Trump's leading GOP rival, didn't mention Trump by name but compared his situation to that of Clinton."Is there a different standard for a Democratic secretary of state versus a former Republican president?" DeSantis asked. "I think there needs to be one standard of justice in this country. ... At the end of the day, we will once and for all end the weaponization of government under my administration." Among the declared Republican contenders, only Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has explicitly called for Trump to end his candidacy. Hutchinson told reporters in Georgia that the Republican Party "should not lose its soul" in defending Trump and said the evidence so far suggested that the former president treated national secrets "like entertainment tools."