|
|
| by Christopher
Spencer |
Former Senior
Advisor International Organizations,
Canadian Department of
Foreign Affairs and International Trade |
| Updated: 20 FEB
10 | |
Here's a guide to the variety of good material that is being written about some very strong political
emotions in an Arab state. Lebanon is geographically small, relatively rich again after its terrible civil war,
and lived in by a wide number of (sub)religions and (recent)arrivals. Its worst recent problems have been
its two bigger neighbours: Israel and Syria. Both have militarily occupied parts of Lebanon. Hence strong
feelings. As background, you might read about US and Islamist views generally: "Anonymous"Imperial
Hubris: Why the West Is Losing the War on Terror(DullesVA: Brassey's 04):-author is a senior US
intelligence official with nearly 20 years experience in national security issues related to Afghanistan and
South Asia. This strong critique of arrogant US/allies' policies towards Osama bin Laden/al Qaeda, and
military action against Afghanistan/Iraq, proved quickly influential in many respects, and advocates less
US loyalty to Israel/corrupt Muslim regimes or presence in Mideast. Motivation of Muslim terrorists is
identified not as hatred/fear of Western national systems but of their broadly negative actions against
Islamic peoples. All complex chapter titles: (1)Some Thoughts on the Power of Focused, Principled
Hatred. (2) An Unprepared and Ignorant Lunge to Defeat - The US in Afghanistan. (3) Not Down, Not Out:
Al Qaeda's Resiliency, Expansion, and Momentum. (4) The World's View of bin Laden: A Muslim Leader
and Hero Coming into Focus? (5) Bin Laden Views the World: Some Old, Some New, and a Twist. (6)
Blinding Hubris Abounding: Inflicting Defeat on Ourselves - Non-War, Leaks, and Missionary Democracy.
(7) When the Enemy Sets the Stage: How US's Stubborn Obtuseness Aids Its Foes. (8) The Way Ahead:
A Few Suggestions for Debate. Epilogue: No Basis for Optimism. More specifically, you might read:
Esther Pan et al."Q&A: Syria and Lebanon"Council on Foreign Relations 18 Feb 05:-explosive 14 Feb 05
assassination of recent Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri (plus many others) brought strong and widespread
accusation/ movement against big neighbour Syria. The extraordinary Lebanese anti-Syrian reaction, and
excellent media reporting/analysis, of this unhappy relationship justify a study. This well-informed
analysis (including interviews with local experts) has following questions answered: What is Syria's role
in Lebanon? Was Syria responsible for assassination of Rafik Hariri? How long have Syrian troops been
in Lebanon? What caused the war[bringing in Syrian troops]? What ended the war? What impact did the
Taif Accords have on the Syrian-Lebanon relationship? What has happened in Lebanon since the war
ended in 1990? What is the US position on Syria? What has UN's attitude been toward Syria? What does
[UN] Resolution 1559 say? What impact will Hariri's assassination have on the Syria-Lebanon
relationship? Was Hariri's death the main cause of anti-Syrian agitation? What role did Hariri play in the
opposition? What are the chances of another civil war if Syria pulls out? What's next on the political
agenda? Steven A.Cook"Q&A: Cook on Syria and Hariri's Assassination"Council on Foreign Relations
22 Feb 05:-Cook, a CFR expert on Syria, says Syria must be suspected of Hariri's assassination as
Damascus has history of killing political opponents in Lebanon. He responded inter alia along following
lines: Brief run-down on relations between Syria and Lebanon; both under French control after 1919
Versailles Conference. Under Turks the two nations were under same jurisdiction. Who wanted Syria and
Lebanon divided? At that time, Christians were larger percentage of Lebanese population than now. Well
known that Syrians sent troops into Lebanon in 1970s to put down/take sides in a civil war. Still, with
Israeli invasions of Lebanon in 1978 and 1982, and to its own economic benefit, Syria keeps thousands
of troops/workers in Lebanon. An update of Syrian and Syrian-Lebanese events of the last few years(Hafez
al-Assad died 2000; Bashar al-Assad inherited). Lebanese constitution recently amended under Syrian
pressure to extend term of the obedient President Emile Lahoud. Syria may be willing to talk peace with
Israel but would insist on total return of Golan Heights. PM Hariri key economic rebuilder of Lebanon, but
resigned when Lahoud extended and had planned to run on anti-Syrian policy in May. Strong anti-Syrian
demonstrations after assassination, but counter-demonstration by powerful Hezbollah. Baathists of Syrian
Assads and Iraqi Hussein were traditional rivals, but former both traditional friend of Iran and willing to
permit anti-US insurgents into Iraq. Suspicion Syria responsible for Hariri death; Hezbollah independent
but unlikely. The Economist 19 Feb 05"Lebanon: Death of a Statesman"(43):-"Hariri was, in many ways,
central pillar of post-war Lebanon. Not only did he serve as PM for 10 of past 12 years; he invested his
charm and cunning, as well as vast fortune...into rebuilding his shattered homeland.[E]qually crucial to
country's political reconstruction...Recently, his ties to Damascus looked strained...With parliamentary
elections scheduled for May, possibility of Hariri throwing his weight behind opposition emerged as threat
to Syria's ambition to retain its slipping grip. Street opinion in Beirut blames Syria for his death...Popular
anger against Syria and its stooges has reinvigorated Lebanon's opposition. Thomas L.Friedman"When
Camels Fly"New York Times 20 Feb 05:-Along with stresses on recent'people power'in Iraq, Palestinian
election of Abbas, willingness of some Egyptians to run against Mubarak,"No one should take lightly the
willingness of opposition forces in Lebanon to stand up and point finger at Syrian regime and say
'J'accuse!' for murder of opposition leader Rafik Hariri...These are things you have not seen in Arab world
before. They are really, really unusual - like watching camels fly. Something really is going on with
proverbial'Arab street'...But we have to be very sober about what is ahead...Old order in this part of world
will not go quietly...There is still, throughout Arab world, a very weak notion of statehood/citizenship.[S]till
very few civil society institutions outside mosque, and little experience with free press, free markets or
real parliamentary democracy...Overcoming that challenge was what Rafik Hariri... stood for[, w]hy so
many people, particularly young Arabs, are so upset by his murder.[R]ead just one editorial...in Lebanon's
leading newspaper, An Nahar, by Samir Kassir...'Today, the nationalist cause has shrunk into the single
aim of getting rid of regimes of terrorism and coups, and regaining the peoples' freedom as prelude to
a new Arab renaissance.[With Hariri funeral] Beirut was the beating heart of a new Arab nationalism...This
nationalism is based on free will of citizens, male and female. And this is what tyrannical[Syrian]regime
should fear more than anything else if it tarries about ending its hegemony over Beirut and Lebanon'".
The developing positions in both Beirut and Damascus are covered in Reuters"Syria Indicates It May
Withdraw Some Troops From Lebanon"in NYT 21 Feb 05; Hassan M.Fattah"Syria Pledges Pullout Again
Amid Protests by Lebanese"NYT 22 Feb 05; Reuters"Syria Says It's Ready to Work with UN on Lebanon
Pullout"in NYT 24 Feb 05. Valuable update/analysis of situation: Joel Brinkley[& Hassan M.Fattah]"Syria
Vows to Quit Lebanon but Declines to Say When"NYT 25 Feb 05:-Syria announced 24 Feb"that would
move its military forces throughout Lebanon to Bekaa region near Syrian border and eventually out of
Lebanon altogether.'Decision to withdraw has been taken',Defense Minister...told Syrian TV.'What remains
is exact timing'." Bush/Chirac both demanded Syrian withdrawal; UNSG Annan urged Syria to withdraw
by Apr."Latest announcement likely to affect only fraction of troops. In addition,...military ...only most
visible element of Syrian control..'Syria cannot withstand this tremendous international pressure, from
US, France',said Imad Moustapha, Syrian ambassador to US. 'We will leave Lebanon, but...not do it in
disorganized way. What our enemies really want is...immediate withdrawal...humiliating for Syria... We do
not interfere in Lebanese elections,...but we do use our influence to form our own party lists,' which
dominate Lebanese Parliament. That, he said, is not likely to change...Up to 600,000 Syrians work in
Lebanon, filling menial roles...Money they send home critical for Syrian economy...Syrian businessmen...
borrow/invest in Lebanese banks...[US]Congress Research Service:...'Lebanese economy vital to Syria's
own economic health'." Steven Cook,CFR:"'Clear that over...last 15 years, Syria has used Lebanon as its
outlet to rest of world, as its economic lifeboat'...Syria richly rewarded politicians who remained loyal and
threatened others...Three-member UN team to investigate assassination...arrived in Beirut...Syrian
government officials and allies in Damascus insisting Syria get some form of guarantee in exchange for
a withdrawal...Many officials...see withdrawing from Lebanon as tantamount to capitulation, a move sure
to bring about fall of President Assad and those about him...Biggest risk now that Syria may panic,
making already bad situation worse.[H]ead of Syrian Press[:'T]here's new world out there and new
reality'." Susanne Koelbl"A 101 Course in Mideast Dictatorships" Der Spiegel via NYT 21 Feb 05:-excellent
and in-depth description of origin and current status of the Syrian dictatorship. Text is particularly
strengthened through interviews with influential and/or representative Syrians in Damascus. Economist
26 Feb 05 "Lebanon: Time For Syria To Go"(Edit.10):-useful summary of complex/ironic relationship
between little, peeled-off Lebanon and traditional but hence sea-less Syria followed by valid concern
about a serious non-bilateral issue. "Restoration of Lebanese sovereignty would be a wonderful thing.
However, [UNSC's Syria-get-out] Resolution 1559 contains a second, less remarked-upon demand. This
calls for disarming of all Lebanon's private militias, only one of which - Hizbullah, Iranian-inspired 'Party
of God' - is in fact still under arms. Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon that left Hizbullah with its weapons
could be dangerous in the extreme...Disarming of Hizbullah - or if necessary its incorporation into official
army of a democratic Lebanon, free from foreign occupiers - is an aim all region's well-wishers ought to
support." Economist 26 Feb 05"Arab Satellite Television: The World Through Their Eyes"(23-5):-item finds
a new and credible source for the anti-dictator movements taking place now not just in Lebanon against
Damascus(see Friedman above)."With 150 channels to choose from, Arabs are arguing, comparing and
questioning as never before. Will this burst of freer speech bring democracy any closer?" Hence items
reporting so much, they must be very briefly identified. Reuters"Pressure Mounts on Syria, from Streets
and Foes"NYT 28 Feb 05:-"Thousands of demonstrators in Beirut defied official ban/hundreds of soldiers
to protest against Syrian domination of Lebanon."Fattah"Lebanon's Pro-Syria Government Is Dissolved
After Protests"NYT 01 Mar 05:-"Lebanon's PM, Omar Karami, resigned.,.dissolving country's pro-Syrian
government and setting stage for intense struggle over relationship between Syria and Lebanon." Steven
R.WeismanNews Analysis:"Mideast Mix: New Promise of Democracy and Threat of Instability"NYT 01 Mar
05:-"[R]egion churning with fresh demands for democracy, fresh opportunities and fresh potential for
instability...By almost any measure, there is an unusual amount of turbulence throughout Mideast right
now, and administration experts are not sure whether all of it will work in US favor." Associated
Press"Syria Scrambles to Ease Mounting Pressure"NYT 01 Mar 05:-Syria, lately on losing side of
international public opinion, is scrambling to ease mounting pressure against it by sacrificing its allied
Lebanese PM, turning Saddam Hussein's half-brother over to Iraq and shifting around its troops in
Lebanon." AP"Lebanese President to Form New Government"NYT 01 Mar 05:-"Hundreds of protesters
blowing whistles and chanting anti-Syrian slogans returned to central Beirut...after forcing out pro-Damascus PM, and Lebanon's president sought candidates for a new government." AP"Rice Calls Syria
'Out of Step' in Mideast"NYT 02 Mar 05:-"Bush administration is applying its strongest pressure to date
on Syria, insisting on an immediate withdrawal from neighbouring Lebanon and blaming terrorist based
in Syria for last week's deadly suicide attack in Israel." Brinkley & Alan Cowell"U.S. and France Join to
Urge Syria to Pull Out of Lebanon"NYT 02 Mar 05:-"US and France together called on Syria to withdraw
its troops from Lebanon, just day after pro-Syrian government of Lebanon collapsed under popular
pressure."Fattah News Analysis: "Syria Under Pressure: Worse Trouble May Lie Ahead"NYT 03 Mar 05:-"After decades of controlling Lebanon's political/economic life, Syria facing prospect of political/economic
tumult as hold over Lebanon grows weaker. Under increasing pressure to withdraw its troops from
Lebanon, Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad is showing signs of siege mentality." Reuters"Lebanese
Opposition Demands Total Syrian Pullout" NYT 03 Mar 05:-"Lebanon's opposition demanded Syrian
troops and intelligence agents leave their country and Syrian-backed Lebanese society security chiefs
resign." AP"Thousands of Syrian Workers Leave Lebanon"NYT 03 Mar 05:-"[H]undreds of thousands of
Syrian workers - mainly farmers and construction workers - [were]lured to Lebanon by promise of higher
pay. But their numbers have noticeably dwindled since some have become targets after Hariri's death,
which many Lebanese blame on Syria and their own country's pro-Damascus authorities. Despite official
Syrian and Lebanese denials, anti-Syrian sentiment has reached fever pitch throughout this country."
AP"Arabs Try to Control Storm Over Syria"NYT 03 Mar 05:-"Arab leaders launched flurry of diplomatic
activity, including trip by Syrian President Bashar Assad to Saudi Arabia, as they sought to control
political storm over Syria's role in neighbouring Lebanon." Reuters"Syria's Assad Discusses Lebanon
Crisis with Saudis"NYT 03 Mar 05:- "Assad flew to Saudi Arabia for crisis talks on future of Syrian troops
in Lebanon as Russia and Germany joined international demands for their speedy withdrawal. Damascus
has faced mounting calls to end its military and political dominance of Lebanon since last month's
assassination of former Lebanese PM." Friedman Op-Ed Columnist:"Brave, Young and Muslim"NYT 03
Mar 05:-On 9/11 we got hit with everything that was going on 'out back'[i.e.under existing Arab/Muslim
regimes]. Since then, it's been clear to me that unless we partner with Arabs/Muslims to change their
context, unless we help them create free space for war of ideas that will allow for new discussion out
front/out back, we're just begging for another 9/11. I always knew we had partners there, but democratic
movements that have now emerged have shown me just how many young people there want to give voice
to their aspirations and achieve their full potential - something their governments and spiritual leaders
have been blocking. "[Read: Irshad Manji The Trouble With Islam Today. www.muslim-refusenik.com]
Fattah "Saudis Join Call for Syrian Force to Quit Lebanon" NYT 04 Mar 05:-Saudi Arabia told Syria to
withdraw its troops from Lebanon, adding substantially to Syria's international isolation just a day after
Russia joined Western nations in making similar call...Crown Prince Abdullah had delivered unusually
blunt rebuff. Egypt, the other key Arab player, has also called for withdrawal of Syria from Lebanon."
Reuters"Int'l Peacekeepers May Help Syria Quit Lebanon - UK"NYT 04 Mar 05:-Britain urged Syria to
withdraw its troops from Lebanon and said international peacekeeping troops could be sent to ease the
way. Pressure from US, Europe and Arab nations for Syria to leave Lebanon has mounted since...Hariri
assassinated." AP"U.N. Peacekeepers May Be Headed to Lebanon"NYT 04 Mar 05:-"Members of UN
Security Council have discussed possibility of deploying peacekeeping forces in Lebanon to cover
withdrawal of Syrian troops, British Foreign Secretary said." Reuters"Suicide Bomb Probably Killed Hariri
- Lebanon Source"NYT 04 Mar 05:-Lebanon's investigations show that ex-PM Rafik al-Hariri was almost
certainly killed by suicide car bomb, a judicial source to the probe said." Reuters "Syrian - Backed
President Vows Free Polls in Lebanon"NYT 04 Mar 05:-Lebanon's Syrian-backed President Emile Lahoud
pledged...that general elections in May would be free and fair and invited broad participation in a
government to oversee the poll. Lebanese anti-Syrian opposition, buoyed by toppling pro-Syrian
government this week after large protests, has demanded a 'neutral government' composed of figures
from neither side of political divide." Fattah"Syria May Announce Partial Pullout of Troops" NYT 04 Mar
05:-"Syria said its president, Bashar al-Assad, would convene session of Parliament to deliver a speech,
raising expectations [Beirut]that he would announce partial pullout of troops from Lebanon in effort to
ease growing international pressure on his government. Political analysts in Damascus and Beirut said
the session...was notable for its timing/suddenness." Reuters"Assad: Syria Troops to Pullback Gradually
from Lebanon"NYT 05 Mar 05:-"Syria will gradually start to pull its troops out of Lebanon but withdrawal
from its tiny neighbour would not mean absence of a Syrian role there, President Bashar al- Assad said.
Under growing Lebanese, Arab and international pressure to quit Lebanon, Assad told his parliament
Syrian troops would initially pullback to the Bekaa Valley in east Lebanon and then to the border area."
AP "Syria Plans Two-Stage Lebanese Pullback"NYT 05 Mar 05:-President Bashar Assad announced a two-stage pullback of Syrian forces to Lebanese border[but]failed to address broad international demands that
he completely withdraw Syria's 15,000 troops after nearly 30 years in country...Also did not respond to
President Bush's demand just a day earlier that Syria have all its troops and intelligence agents out of
Lebanon before its parliamentary elections in May. Instead, Assad said his plan would put Syria in full
compliance with international agreements and UN demands."Economist 05 Mar 05"Democracy Stirs in
the Middle East"(9);"Middle East: Something Stirs"(24-6):-both Editorial/Special Report describe recent
elections in Iraq and Palestine, and political developments in Lebanon, Egypt and Saudi Arabia as being
of broad regional significance and importance."[T]ens of thousands of Lebanese people, from a
kaleidoscope of religious groups, have been marching together on streets of... Beirut, calling for
democracy and removal of their anti-democratic occupiers, Syrians. Syria's government is plainly
nonplussed by this outburst of people power and may even risk losing its clammy grip back
home...Without a doubt, something exciting is in the air. Democracy for Arabs can no longer be dismissed
as the stuff of foolish dreamers...Arab rulers must realise, as many of them now seem reluctantly to do,
that they cannot remain deaf to the democracy call. [T]he era of despotic stagnation is steadily drawing
to an end." Fattah & David E.Sanger"Syria Offers Gradual Pullback of Its Troops From Lebanon"NYT 06
Mar 05:-"President Bashar al-Assad of Syria refused to comply with President Bush's demand that he
withdraw all of his country's troops and intelligence agents from Lebanon, telling Syrian Parliament that
he planned instead to order a gradual pullback to Lebanese territory near Syria's borders. President Assad
insisted that his 'gradual and organizational withdrawal' would fulfill Syria's obligations under UN
mandate drafted by US/France in Sep and under the Taif accord, a 15-year-old agreement that was
negotiated with Arab nations and that Syria has never put into effect." Fattah "Hezbollah Backs Syria,
Challenging Lebanese Opposition"NYT 06 Mar 05:-Lebanese faction Hezbollah declared its full support
for Syria on [06 Mar], directly challenging opposition groups day after Syria promised to gradually
withdraw troops from Lebanon. Hezbollah's leader, Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, spoke to reporters in his
stronghold in southern Beirut, breaking weeks of relative silence over the crisis concerning Syria's
presence in Lebanon. He called for Lebanese to'express their gratitude'to Syria by joining demonstration
on[08Mar] against UN Resolution 1559, which calls for Syria's withdrawal and Hezbollah's
disarmament...Although he acknowledged that Syrian pullout was reality, he emphasized that Syria must
be able to leave with honor - reaction to repeated statements by the Bush administration and Lebanese
opposition groups calling for a quick and complete pullout of Syrian forces." Reuters"Syrians to Pull Back
to Eastern Lebanon This Month"NYT 07 Mar 05:-Syrian forces, under world pressure to quit Lebanon, will
pull back to eastern areas this month and Damascus and Beirut will then decide how long the troops stay,
the leaders of the two countries agreed Monday(06 Mar). Pullback would be the biggest single such move
since Syrian forces intervened in Lebanon's civil war in 1976. It now has some 14,000 troops there, down
from 40,000...Assad said Saturday he would withdraw his troops but declared Damascus would still play
a role in its much smaller neighbour." Reuters"Lebanon's Palestinians Hold on to Arms, Fear Future"NYT
07 Mar 05:-In teeming Ain el-Hilweh refugee camp, political tensions are rekindling memories of
massacres of Palestinians by right-wing Christian militias during the 1975-90 civil war." Volker Windfuhr
& Bernhard Zand"Lebanon: A Wave of Disobedience"Der Spiegle via NYT 07 Mar 05:-"In the wake of the
ouster of Lebanese government, rulers of Syria and Egypt are under pressure to allow reforms...Many
Lebanese are still adjusting to new realities in their country. Lebanon, a small country that has garnered
sympathy from the Maghreb to the Persian Gulf, but is consistently pitied as an ungovernable multiethnic
state, has set an example. Without bloodshed, demonstrators managed to topple the country's Syrian-controlled government, overcoming internal differences previously considered insurmountable. Jad
Mouawad"Protests in Beirut Grow as Assad Gives No Date for Pullout" NYT 07 Mar 05:-"Two days after
president of Syria left vague the extent of a promised troop withdrawal, he clarified his plan somewhat
on[07 Mar]: by end of Mar, Syria will move its soldiers in Lebanon closer to the border. But he offered no
public timetable to remove any troops from the country...The eclectic opposition - composed of Christian,
Druse and Sunni Muslim politicians, although notably lacking in Shiite Muslims - believes that it has
already scored precious points against Syria and is eager to press its advantage before parliamentary
elections, to be held in May...[07 Mar]announcement increases likehihood Syrian troops will still be in the
country when Lebanese go to the polls...[D]uring rare speech to Syrian Parliament on[05 Mar, President
Assad] noted presence of hundred of thousands of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, and said Lebanese
resistence movement - a reference to Hezbollah, militant Shiite group labeled terrorist by US - had right
to keep its weapons. He also warned against a separate peace between Lebanon and Israel that would
not include Syria." AP "Pro-Syria Demonstrators Gather in Lebanon"NYT 08 Mar 05:-"Pro-Syrian
protesters gathered in central Beirut square[08 Mar], answering a nationwide call by militant Shiite Muslim
Hezbollah group for demonstration to counter weeks of massive rallies demanding Syrian forces leave
Lebanon. Loudspeakers blared songs of resistance and organizers handed out Lebanese flags...Black-clad Hezbollah guards handled security, lining perimeter of square and taking position on rooftops.
Trained dogs sniffed for bombs...Hezbollah...been mobilizing its followers from across country for protest,
also meant to denounce UN resolution that, in addition to...Syrian withdrawal, called for dismantling
militias -point Hezbollah sees as aimed at its well-armed military wing...Under plan announced[07 Mar],
all Syrian troops in Lebanon would fall back to eastern regions near Syrian border by 31 Mar. Military
officers will decide by end of Apr on duration and size of Syrian forces to remain in that region. After that
period, the two governments would decide on date for pullout." Reuters"Syria Says Lebanon Pullout to
Include Intelligence"NYT 08 Mar 05:-"Syria's promised troop pullout from Lebanon will include intelligence
and security personnel, Syrian official source said[08 Mar]. Source gave no timetable for second phase
of pullout announced [07 Mar], but said'This doesn't mean it won't be soon. Fact that security forces were
not mentioned in statement is merely because they move along with armed forces. It is a given.
Withdrawal is of all Syrian forces,' source told Reuters." Fattah"Pro-Syria Party in Beirut Holds a Huge
Protest"NYT 08 Mar 05:-"Enormous crowd, in which many had been bused in from Shiite slums of
southern Beirut, was far larger than anti-Syrian demonstrations of recent weeks...It offered defiant
challenge to Lebanese opposition forces that have insisted on Syrian withdrawal, and exposed fault lines
of class and ideology...Banners held aloft read:'No to US-Zionist intervention. Yes to Lebanese-Syrian
brotherhood'...Participants...represented, by and large, a very different Lebanon from educated, better-off
Christians, Druse and Sunni Muslims[in]anti-Syrian opposition[that also]included far more women with
covered heads and many men in traditional dress. Hezbollah...now Lebanon's best-organized political
party[which]maintains militia of some 20,000 men...To Hezbollah/followers, foreign threat...comes not from
Syria but from Israel, and its ally US...Many Lebanese Shiites say Israel still has designs on their land and
US-backed democracy movement simply another form of US imperialism". Some claim opposition wants
to open door to US/foreign intervention. Opposition leader, Jibran Tuweini, editor of daily An Nahar,
states:"This is a goodbye party, not show of support for Syria...If they wanted this to be challenge to us,
they would have brought their party's yellow flags. But Hezbollah doesn't want to burn its bridges with
anyone,...[U]ltimately they will have to return to Lebanese people once everything over...This is delicate
situation, but not dangerous one...I'm not worried about unity of Lebanese."Joshua M.Landis"Q&A: A
Blogger's Report From Damascus"Council on Foreign Relations 08 Mar 05:-"Landis, a Fulbright scholar
spending a year in Damascus, says international and foreign pressure will eventually force President
Bashar al-Assad to pull all Syrian troops out of Lebanon. But he said Assad trying to make deal that would
allow Syria to station devices in Lebanon to warn of impending attack from Israel."Also assistant
professor Mideast studies Univ. of Oklahoma/writes weblog called syriacomment.com about Syrian
politics. Questions(about 20 by CFR Bernard Gwertzman)raise all the natural issues raised in or by the
above material. Landis is well informed and seems objective. Reuters"Lebanon Set to Return Pro-Syria
Government After Protest"NYT 09 Mar 05:-"Majority in Lebanon parliament nominated recently-resigned
pro-Syrian PM Omar Karami [09 Mar]to form a new government. Opposition MPs did not nominate anyone
to lead government, handing [President Emile]Lahoud a list of demands instead, including resignation
of country's security chiefs/demand for authorities to reveal who was behind assassination of Hariri
...Karami will have difficult task of forming a government of national unity, bringing in a number of
opposition figures." AP"Bush Calls Syrian Withdrawal a 'Half Measure'"NYT 09 Mar 05:-"President Bush
said [09 Mar] that Syria's withdrawal plans in Lebanon are just a 'half measure' and that Syrian intelligence
services exercise 'heavy-handed' influence in Lebanon's government. Bush reiterated his call on Syria
to remove all its soldiers and intelligence forces from Lebanon and said US was consulting with allies
about possible steps if Damascus refuses." Jad Mouawad"Lebanese Assembly Re-elects Pro-Syria
Premier Who Quit"NYT 09 Mar 05:-"Nine days after Lebanon's pro-Syrian PM, Omar Karami, was forced
to quit under pressure by opponents of Syria's occupation, he was voted back into the post [09 Mar] by
Lebanese Parliament. Karami was chosen by 71 deputies out of a current total of 126. President Emile
Lahoud is bound by the choice of Parliament - which is dominated by pro-Syrian deputies - and will
appoint him[10 Mar]. Nomination of a Syrian supporter angered those who have sought end to influence
of Damascus in Lebanon and threw political system into deeper turmoil. Opposition members of
Parliament have said they would not join a government that failed to meet their demands, which include
dismissal of Lebanese security chiefs and full withdrawal of Syrian troops...But Syria seems now to have
regained the initiative, emboldened by a huge pro-Syrian rally in downtown Beirut on [08 Mar] led by
Hezbollah, militant Shiite Muslim group...Karami will form cabinet that will serve until election. His
supporters say they wish to build a government of national unity with the opposition...Opposition leaders
wanted a transitional government of technocrats to prepare the elections." AP"Lebanon May Reinstate
Pro-Syria PM"NYT 09 Mar 05:-[additional info to above:] Syria keen to keep hold on neighbour's decision-making as it pulls 14,000 forces back to Lebanon's Bekaa Valley and negotiates with government in Beirut
on troops' full removal at later date. As part of pullback...Syrian soldiers evacuated Lebanese positions
in north and central mountains [09 Mar]. Long convoys of Syrian trucks and buses headed east on
mountain roads and soldiers evacuated northern port of Tripoli...Lebanese soldiers quickly took over
[some] Syrian bases...UNSG Kofi Annan called for full troop withdrawal and said sending an envoy to
region to discuss the matter...Opposition member...described Karami's reappointment as government
effort to scuttle any attempts at dialogue...He did not say how opposition plans to react...[Lahoud] said
investigation into Hariri's assassination was already priority for Lebanese government. Number of Syrian
military positions stood empty after late [08 Mar] withdrawals in Batroun, northern Lebanon, and at
mountain base of Dahr al-Wahash east of Beirut. AP"Syrians Fill Streets to Support President"NYT 09 Mar
05:-"Hundreds of thousands of Syrians took over[Damascus]main streets[09 Mar], singing and
proclaiming their loyalty to President Bashar Assad in face of intensifying foreign pressure to pull out of
Lebanon. Reuters"Syria Takes Heart After Battering Over Lebanon"NYT 09 Mar 05:-"Under renewed US
fire for its involvement in Lebanon, Syria sought to regain ground on [09 Mar],staging a loyalist
demonstration in Damascus amid moves to reappoint a pro-Syrian prime minister in Beirut. Tens of
thousands of Syrians thronged central Damascus to proclaim support for President Bashar al-Assad, a
day after a Beirut rally called for by Syrian-backed Hizbollah group drew hundreds of thousands of
Lebanese to thank Syria for its role." Todd S.Purdum"For Bush, a Taste of Vindication in Mideast"NYT
09 Mar 05:-"At the very least, Bush is feeling glow of the recent flurry of impulses toward democracy in
Iraq, the Palestinian territories, Lebanon and even Egypt and Saudi Arabia, where events have put him on
a bit of a roll and some of his sharpest critics on the defensive." Steven R.Weisman"U.S. Called Ready
to See Hezbollah in Lebanon Role"NYT 09 Mar 05:-"After years of campaigning against Hezbollah, radical
Shiite Muslim party in Lebanon, as terrorist pariah, Bush administration is grudgingly going along with
efforts by France and UN to steer party into Lebanese political mainstream. Administration's shift
described by US, European and UN officials as a reluctant recognition that Hezbollah, besides having
militia and sponsoring attacks on Israelis, is an enormous political force in Lebanon that could block
Western efforts to get Syria to withdraw its troops...A special UN envoy, Terje Roed-Larsen, is to press
for troop withdrawal. Officially, Roed-Larsen's mission is also to demand disarmament of Hezbollah, but
as practical matter that objective has receded." Friedman Op-Ed Columnist:"The Beirut Tea Party"NYT
10 Mar 05:-"What we have been seeing in outbursts of democracy in streets of Beirut, Baghdad, Cairo and
even Riyadh is something real and authenic. It is driven both in response to particular events...and in
response to a deep longing in this part of the world for a different future, particularly among young
people, who know what is going on elsewhere and want their own piece of the freedom pie...Nawaf
Salam's...recent book, 'Options for Lebanon', is best road map you will find for thinking through how
democracy may emerge there...Fact that Hezbollah had to resort to mass rally...is itself victory for
democrats. Hezbollah clearly felt that it must prove it is as popular a force as democratic opposition. But
something tells me that those Hezbollah demonstrators who were waving picture of Syria's president,
Bashar al-Assad, were uncomfortable. And this is Hezbollah's weak spot: deep down, it and its supporters
know that when they raise the pictures of Syria's president, they are raising question of whose interests
they have at heart." AP"Pro-Syrian Lebanese Leader Is Reappointed"NYT 10 Mar 05:-"Karami, who
continued to lead caretaker government, immediately invited opposition to join him in national unity
government. He said he will begin consultations early next week with lawmakers to form Cabinet...But
opposition, who orchestrated protests that led to Karami's 28 Feb resignation, rejected the reappointment
even before it became official. They have complained national unity proposal was trap to bring opposition
members into Cabinet without [gaining] say in policymaking. Karami suggested he might not proceed if
he fails in bringing all factions together." Reuters"Karami Comeback Risks More Turmoil in Lebanon"NYT
10 Mar 05:-"PM Omar Karami[,reappointed on 10 Mar,] risking a fresh battle with opposition, which had
forced the Sunni Muslim politician to quit only 10 days ago... Syrian troops continued to move eastwards
in line with a phased withdrawal plan agreed this week, and Lebanon's defense minister said thousands
were already flowing across the border. Karami, who had resigned amid a storm of anti-Syrian protests
in Beirut, said his new mission was to form a national unity government to save Lebanon from
destruction...'Only way to confront all difficulties facing nation is government of national unity,' Karami
told reporters". Mouawad "Peacefully, Lebanese Recapture Their North" NYT 10 Mar 05:-description of
Lebanese unit in north taking over Syrian army facilities that had been left empty. [Additional info not
included elsewhere:]"In [Beirut] Syria appeared to be tightening its grip on Lebanese politics, sharply
dividing the country between opponents and supporters...Lebanon's defense minister, Abdul Rahim Mrad,
said'thousands'of troops were getting ready[sic] to cross back into Syria...Opposition called for another
demonstration in Martyrs' Square in Beirut on[14 Mar], which will also be the one-month anniversary of
Hariri's death...'Karami's reinstatement is extension of crisis and fails to open door to dialogue,'Walid
Jumblatt, one of leaders of the opposition, said during a visit to Moscow[sic].'After all, Karami does not
control anything. It is [President]Lahoud who controls the state,...and behind him the Syrian
intelligence'...Opposition has been bolstered by popular demonstrations and unrelenting pressure from
foreign countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, as well as US and European countries...While
in some corners of country, Syrian soldiers could now be seen moving, in other places there were few
signs that troops were in a rush to pack up. In Bois de Boulogne, a resort on a strategic hilltop linking
Beirut and the Bekaa region, Syrian soldiers could be seen peering from the balconies in most of the
fancy villas that line main street." Rami G.Khouri"Q&A: The View From Beirut"Council on Foreign
Relations 10 Mar 05:-interview with editor of Beirut Daily Star and syndicated Arab columnist. Says that
political atmosphere in Lebanon"is unique in modern Arab world...that Syria's agreement to withdraw its
troops from Lebanon quite unprecedented, but there are many key questions to be answered: Is Syria's
withdrawal really going to be clean and complete? What will happen when Syrians pull out? How will
Lebanese political system adjust? How will internal forces confront each other? Will they compete
through political process, make coalitions, vie for power?" Khouri, Palestinian-Jordanian and US citizen,
also states"Bush has decided that[election] has got to be done by May. George Bush is not morally,
legally, politically, or divinely mandated to set election deadlines and draw deadlines for anybody in the
world...I think it is historically incorrect, politically audacious, and morally insulting for US president to
go around trying to claim credit for Arabs who are striving for democracy and freedom." AP"Hezbollah
Official: Group Not Syrian Tool"NYT 11 Mar 05:-Sheik Naim Kassem, Hezbollah deputy leader, on 11 Mar
offered militant group's general views at time of demands for Syrian withdrawl and it own disarmament.
"Hezbollah...trying to present itself as Lebanese nationalist group despite its ties to Iran and Syria. 'We
are not an arm for anyone. We are Lebanese party with its own convictions and aspirations. We don't take
orders from anyone[or] follow any state in the world'. [Group]involved in Lebanese politics for over a
decade and has nine members in current legislature...But it steered away from major decision-making as
its guerrilla army focused on fighting Israel, earning itself wide respect among Lebanese." Since Hariri's
death,"'Party has decided to be more active in entering internal political life so that its experience could
be used to save Lebanon after all complexities which have emerged on political level. We have realized
that (recent) developments have brought Lebanon to a situation where we are required to speak out on
everything on the internal (political) level'...This week Hezbollah sided with the pro-Syrian government [by
massive demonstration] to protest international calls led by US for Syria to withdraw its [troops] from
Lebanon. Rally dwarfed anti-Syrian and anti-government protests[of]past three weeks. Kassem said by
throwing Hezbollah's weight into central area of Lebanese politics, group would be able 'to influence the
general political vision and general picture' in the country. 'We felt Lebanon today is at crossroad, and
this requires that we be more active internally.'" AP"U.N. Envoy Expects Timetable From Syria"NYT 11 Mar
05:-UN expects Syrian President Assad to produce timetable for full withdrawal of Syrian troops and
intelligence officers from Lebanon, UN envoy Roed-Larsen said[11 Mar]. 'I expect we will get commitment
and timetables for full implementation of [UNSC Resolution]1559'.Lebanese officials have said first phase
of [Syrian troops] pullback, including of Syrian intelligence, would be completed by 23 Mar...In last two
days, troops have left most of their positions in northern port of Tripoli and two hilltop positions above
that city. UN Security Council is due to consider implementation of resolution next month. It could impose
sanctions on Syria if it deems country to have flouted the resolution". AP"Last Syrian Troops Leave
Northern Lebanon"NYT 11 Mar 05:-"Syrian troops left northern Lebanon [11 Mar], but left behind
intelligence officers in nine offices...Convoys of Syrian trucks, some towing artillery pieces, were seen
driving [10 Mar] night toward northern Syria. Empty trucks and buses arrived in central Lebanon [10 Mar],
apparently to pick up Syrian supplies and soldiers who are headed east...[PM] Karami said...international
observers welcome to monitor parlamentary elections scheduled to start next month, first time Lebanon
signaled acceptance of foreign monitors.[Later said] he would welcome international independent
delegation...to observe... elections, even though he warned polls may have to be postponed...Christian
opposition group...rejected Karami's reappointment [10 Mar] calling it 'an escalation that confirms Syria's
insistence on policy of tutelage which Lebanese have refused, and consequently increases doubts about
Syria's seriousness in withdrawing its troops from Lebanon. In Gaza Strip on [11 Mar], masked gunmen
from militant Islamic Jihad group held pro-Syrian rally, marching through Gaza...and burning Israeli and
US flags. About 2,000 took part." Reuters"Syrians Quit North Lebanon, Crisis Threatens Polls"NYT 11 Mar
05:-"Thousands of soldiers/hundreds of vehicles streamed across Syrian border after overnight
pullout...Some intelligence offices evacuated, although one still maintained in Tripoli, a security source
said...It was not clear how many Syrian soldiers have gone home since redeployment began on[08 Mar]...A
pro-Syrian political source[not to be identified] warned of power vacuum that could force authorities to
postpone election. 'Initial reactions of opposition indicate refusal to join government and thus we're
heading to a government crisis... which would indirectly scrap the elections.' A government must be
formed soon to allow parliament to issue a law organizing elections at least a month before they begin.
Otherwise polls have to be rescheduled...Karami will start consulting political/religious leaders, including
some in opposition, on[14 Mar]...Pro-Syrian ministers dominated his last cabinet. US...criticized Karami's
reappointment." Fattah"U.N. Envoy to Urge Timetable for Syrian Pullout"NYT 11Mar 05:-Terje Roed-Larsen, UN envoy who is to meet with President Assad[12 Mar],expected Syrian leader to outline timetable
for final withdrawal of troops from Bekaa region of Lebanon after all Syrian troops pulled back to that
strategic area. [Envoy] arrived in Beirut [11Mar] and paid respects to family of Rafik Hariri, former PM
whose assassination on 14 Feb set off firestorm over Syria's presence in Lebanon.'Issue on[12 Mar]will
be time and only time'said Samir al-Taqi, researcher with Damascus Center for Strategic Studies. Syria's
goal is to pull out according to terms of 1989 Taif agreement that ended Lebanon's civil war and set terms
for Syria's withdrawal, rather than hew to terms of UN Resolution 1559. Syria may also seek to buy time
in order to sign a final withdrawal with elected Lebanese government, instead of interim government
currently being assembled in Beirut, to ensure that its interests firmly protected. 'They want to make sure
that they don't pull out with their backs bare, and with Lebanese Army not in place,' Taqi said. Marwan
al-Kabalan, professor at Damascus University, said,'Syrians might feel now they are not really in hurry to
withdraw from Bekaa Valley'. He said UN envoy was under significant pressure from international
community to seek complete withdrawal of Syrian troops, especially before Lebanon's parliamentary
elections in May. 'US is interested in one thing and one thing only, a complete withdrawal before end of
May, and [envoy] will have to give strong message to Syrians tomorrow." AP"Hezbollah Stakes Out Bigger
Political Role"NYT 11 Mar 05:- Hezbollah intends to take more active role in Lebanese politics but won't
disarm as long as Palestinian-Israeli conflict persists...By [11 Mar]evening, almost all Syria's troops had
moved into eastern Bekaa Valley - almost three weeks ahead of 31 Mar target date to complete
redeployment. Only a few bases and outposts remained in mountains northeast of Beirut. Troops in north
Lebanon left country completely. However, Syrian intelligence agents - widely feared and resented among
Lebanese - remained in place in all vacated areas. Agents are Syrian authorities who deal most directly
with Lebanese, setting up checkpoints and carrying out arrests. People must go to them to get permits
and licenses or even to resolve family disputes. Their offices are in apartment buildings, plainly visible
with armed officers outside. [Remainder similar to"Hezbollah Official:..." above.] Fattah"Syria Reported
to Accept Demand to Pull All Forces From Lebanon"NYT 12 Mar 05:-"President Bashar al-Assad of Syria
agreed to carry out UNSC resolution calling for complete Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon, and offered
to set timetable for pullout as well, according to official Syrian news agency/UN envoy[Terje Roed-Larsen]".President and envoy met in Aleppo 12 Mar. "Commitment to full troop withdrawal would be shift
in policy. Just over week ago, Assad committed to moving Syrian troops toward border but left time frame
vague. Then he issued joint statement with Lebanese president Emile Lahoud saying Syrian pullout would
have to wait for further negotiations with a future Lebanese government. Roed-Larsen arrived with tough
words for Assad from UNSC. Washington Post quoted envoy on [11 Mar]as warning Syria risked punitive
sanctions if it did not meet terms of resolution, which calls for complete Syrian troop withdrawal and
disarming Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. Roed-Larsen said in statement [12 Mar]Assad's commitment
'promising', adding that he would provide UNSG Kofi Annan with further details about pullout. He said
Assad promised timetable for pullout once Syrian Lebanese Supreme Council, made up of top officials
from the two countries, meets in coming week...Bush administration, European and UN officials say joint
effort to press for disarming of Hezbollah is to be deferred until after Syrian withdrawal is carried out and
elections can occur in Lebanon in May. But UN official said Roed-Larsen would discuss eventual
disarming of Hezbollah with Lebanese leaders on [13 Mar]." AP"U.N. to Get Syria's Timetable for Lebanon
Pullout"NYT 12 Mar 05:-"Assad reiterated his commitment to withdrawing all Syrian troops and
intelligence agents from Lebanon, UN envoy said [12 Mar], adding he would present timetable for pullout
at UN next week...Roed-Larsen said meeting was'very constructive' and he was'much encouraged
by...Assad's commitment to full implementation of UNSC resolution calling for Syria's immediate
withdrawal from Lebanon...[Envoy] said redeployment to Bekaa Valley before end of this month will
include withdrawal of 'significant number of these Syrian troops, including intelligence,' from Lebanon
into Syria. 'Second stage will lead to complete/full withdrawal of all Syrian military personnal and
intelligence apparatus,' said UN envoy, who added that he will continue his dialogue with Assad/other
concerned parties. [Envoy will repeat recent visits to Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon.] Meanwhile in Beirut,
around 11,000 protesters from opposition groups carrying colored paper boards gathered across street
from Hariri's tomb in central Martyrs Square to form huge Lebanese red, white and green flag. They
chanted 'freedom, truth, national unity'." Reuters"Russia Is for Syria Withdrawal But Without Threats"NYT
12 Mar 05:-"Russia advocates withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon, including intelligence, despite
having abstained on UNSC resolution. But Moscow reluctant to take punitive action if Syria does not pull
out quickly... UN officials said [UN envoy] could not give Syria ultimatum or threaten punitive sanctions
UNSC might not approve...Resolution, adopted 02 Sep, calls all foreign troops to leave Lebanon and for
disarmament of militia, such as Hizbollah group, backed by Syria and Iran...Six out of 15 UNSC members
abstained in Sep, indication punitive action in case of non-compliance would be difficult...[Russian UN
representative] said Russia abstained because 'we were not sure that was most constructive and positive
way to solve that problem.' But he said Moscow was 'committed to the resolution'." UN official said
Russian Foreign Minister had offered Roed-Larsen Moscow's support, by phone. "[FM] said in Moscow
that Syrian withdrawal'should be gradual and...not undermine ethnic or religious situation in region...This
especially important in light of upcoming...election in Lebanon, which we hope will be held without
outside interference." AP"Lebanon's Political Turmoil Hurts Its Economy"NYT 12 Mar 05:-"Downtown
Beirut's once-bustling cafes and restaurants are all but empty, hotel occupancy rates have dropped
sharply and Central Bank is intervening daily in the market to keep up with demand for dollars. Lebanon
economy is suffering after nearly a month of political instability set off by assassination of former PM,
Rafik Hariri, in a bombing in center of capital...Bankers said downturn began with assassination and
worsened during turmoil that followed...Hariri, a wealthy businessman, led reconstruction effort after
Lebanon's 1975-90 civil war, attracting billions of dollars in investment during his 10 years as
PM...Financial sector...is also under strong pressure. Since bombing, Lebanese have been switching their
savings from Lebanese pounds to safety of dollar...A top fear in business world is that confrontation
between anti-Syrian opposition and Syrian-allied government will deepen. [Reappointment of Karami as
PM]'was not positive sign for markets...Authorities must find a political solution in order to ease the
economic situation." Neil MacFarquhar"Hezbollah Leader's New Fray: Lebanese Politics"NYT 12 Mar 05:-"When Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah leader, addressed the hundreds of thousands of party faithful
who gathered in largest rally in Lebanon's modern history on[08 Mar],his usual theme of liberating
Jerusalem went unmentioned. [He]focused uncharacteristically on future of Lebanon. Speech also
remarkable for its venue - downtown Beirut - and absence of trademark: Hezbollah green and yellow
banner with fist brandishing Kalashnikiv. [Nasrallah stood]in front of Lebanese flag...Question whether
anyone can fill[Hariri's] shoes as kind of national arbitrator. Huge march served as Nasrallah's opening
bid for job...'We have never seen him as a Lebanese leader,' said Amal Saad-Ghorayeb, professor at
Lebanese American University and author of book [Hizbu'Llah: Politics and Religion]. 'Hezbollah might
emerge as the new power broker in Lebanon outside Syria'...To some extent, he has stayed above
endlessly bickering fray of Lebanese politics. He gained national stature by directing Hezbollah's
considerable firepower...against Israeli Army...Once he punges fully into political fray, however, he
becomes less of pro-Arab, pan-Islamic figurehead and may be considered just one more Lebanese ward
boss, albeit...largest Shiite bloc. Also questionable how his support for Syria...will play in country where
many are sick of what they see as its exploitive neighbour. Becoming 'more Lebanese' could well prove
necessary. Hani Hammoud, one of Hariri's closest advisors, said,'Before [extraordinary Hezbollah march,]
you had at least 50% of all Lebanese [against UN's militia disarmament, as]national resistance movement.'
Next phase could be markedly different [if Hezbollah] 'keeps repeating "We want Syria".'[Nezrallah has
strong support from Shiites, but] Lebanese population means no sect is big enough to dominate[,and he
claimed,]'We don't think in a sectarian manner'...Even Shiite critics argue that Hezbollah must reconcile
its long-held stand as a body of persecuted outsiders with its yearning for more stature before it tries to
lead nation...On larger scale, Lebanon's potential will be hobbled as long as Hezbollah remains possible
source of instability." Economist 12 Mar 05"Lebanon: Now For the Counter-Revolution"47:-"This
week...Syria's allies recovered balance. Most powerful...by far, Shiite party-cum-militia Hezbollah, called
out demonstration dwarfing previous displays of people power. Hezbollah charismatic leader, Hassan
Nazrallah, declared resoundingly...Lebanon would never renounce resistance to Israel. Supporters, many
black-shirted or veiled, working-class Shiites, presented stark contrast to young/jeans-clad/largely
Christian anti-Syrian protesters who had enlivened Lebanese TV previous month. Hezbollah's 500,000
turnout was blunk reminder of changing demographics.[O]nce-marginalized Shiites were largest of
country's sects[.;.]not only well-organized[but]armed. Hezbollah's 20,000 militia exempted from general
disarmament agreed by other parties at 1990 conclusion of civil war...Ominously,..intimidation ...including
threats/gunshots aimed at suspected opposition supporters. Yet optimism survives. Pro- and anti-Syrian
camps less polarised than appear. Both declare importance of Lebanese sovereignty. Even Nasrallah
accepts need for Syrian troops to go. Both camps say they forswear force and committed to democracy
and Taif Accords which ended war by reapportioning powers among 18 religious confessions. Only one
issue really divides them. UNSC resolution calls...for disbanding all local militias. To many.,.this obviously
includes Hezbollah's'resistance'forces, but to others.,.maintenance of armed deterrant[-once successful
against Israel,]is non-negotiable...Yet even Hezbollah must eventually realise times have changed. Syria,
linchpin of Arab resistance, is economically, militarily and strategically weak, not to mention ideologically
bankrupt. All other Arab governments, many Palestinians and a good half of Lebanese are weary of
resisting what is, ultimately, rest of the world's desire for peace. Perhaps Lebanon needs formula that
allows it to retain its Arabism while being part of that dreaded US[democracy]project." Economist 12 Mar
05"Foreign Policy: A Gentle Glow"(32-3):-examines how much credit should US President Bush get for
recent democracy-related changes in Middle East. Officials think"region's changes validate Bush's
decision to trumpet 'promoting democracy',..but here US influence is split into three categories: one
where it was direct; one where it was indirect/vestigial; and those(majority)in between".Iraq: US influence
on election was decisive, but not typical case precisely because of use of force. Palestine: opposite end
of spectrum(Arafat death was followed by election). In other countries, US influence lies between these
two extremes. Lebanon: US policy largely opportunistic, adding - with others - external pressure on Syria
through UNSC, and in many ways counter-productive. Jordan: plans for regional elections response in
part for US pressure. Saudi Arabia: held municipal elections since US forces withdrawn and hence not
issue. Egypt: after domestic political crackdown drew US criticism, Mubarak to allow competition in his
re-election. Bush's "claim of a 'critical mass' in favour of reform probably premature." AP"Syria to Decide
on Withdrawal in April"NYT 13 Mar 05:-"Syria has withdrawn nearly a third of its troops from Lebanon,
a senior officer said [13 Mar], but Lebanese Foreign Minister Mahmoud Hammoud said date for complete
withdrawal would not be set until meeting of military leadership of two countries 07 Apr. Meanwhile, pro-Syrian rally organized by Hezbollah drew at least 100,000 protesters in southern market town of Nabatiyeh.
They burned Israeli flags and waved posters of Syrian president, Assad - second such rally...Senior Syrian
officer said about 4,000 soldiers had crossed border into Syria since pullout began on [08 Mar], and
remaining 10,000 were in Bekaa Valley[:i.e.]'Another 4,000 soldiers in central mountains redeployed to
Bekaa region, in addition to 6,000 already in Bekaa'.Fate of 10,000 troops in Bekaa would be discussed
by 07 Apr military commission. FM Hammoud also said commission would set 'duration, time and location
in these matters'.[He] made remarks after meeting with UN envoy...President Bush...wants Syria to move
out before Lebanon's elections scheduled Apr and May. Asked if...before elections, Hammoud said it was
up to joint military commission to decide. Roed-Larsen indicated had extracted timetable for full
withdrawal from Assad during their meeting [12 Mar] but would not reveal it until he meets with UNSG
Annan in NY this week...'Commission will present proposals to Lebanese and Syrian governments about
status of Syrian forces in Bekaa and define these forces' relationship with local authorities', Syrian official
said. Syria also has about 1,000 intelligence agents in Lebanon, according to a Lebanese military
official,..but it wasn't clear if their fate would be part of discussions. Syria has been main power broker
in Lebanon for nearly three decades...The 1989 Arab-brokered Taif Accord - never implemented - called
for Syria to move its troops to Lebanese border and for both countries to then negotiate withdrawal.
Pressure on Syria to remove its troops gathered strength when Lebanese presidential elections were
upended by Parliament's renewal of Lahoud's six-year term [last] Sep, under Syrian pressure. [Hence UN
Resolution 1559.] UN envoy met with several Lebanese officials [13 Mar] and said his mission was to
ensure resolution's implementation. Lahoud told envoy that Lebanese and Syrian leaderships have agreed
on series of military measures to secure Syrian troop withdrawal in line with the Taif agreement. On [12
Mar]Lahoud said Lebanon will not accept resolution's demand that Hezbollah group be disarmed ... UNSC
is to receive report next month from Annan on Syria's implementation of resolution. It then will consider
next steps, which could include sanctions on Syria". Reuters"Report: Syria to Pull Third of Troops by
March 31"NYT 13 Mar 05:-[unique info:] Syrian President...promised to move the remaining forces to the
eastern Bekaa Valley and shut down its intelligence headquarters in Beirut by the end of
month.[Washington Post, citing anonymous US and UN sources.] Reuters"Syrian - Backed Hizbollah
Rallies Against U.S."NYT 13 Mar 05:-"Hundreds of thousands of people turned out for Hizbollah rally
against US [on 13 Mar]in Nabatiyah, even as UN envoy met Lebanese president to press demands for a
Syrian pullout... Demonstration demanded an end to 'foreign intervention' but was clearly aimed at US and
Israel, not Syria. 'America out!' yelled supporters of Syrian-backed Shiite Muslim group at rally...Many
placards at...rally read 'No to foreign intervention'. Crowd, waving Lebanese flags, chanted 'Death to
America, death to Israel'...Rally organized by Hizbollah and smaller Shiite Amal party...Hizbollah, main
guerrilla group which fought Israeli occupation of Lebanon's south, was allowed to keep its arms when
militias were disarmed after the war. It claimed credit for driving Israeli forces out in 2000. FM Hammoud
told reporters Lebanon's leaders had told Roed-Larsen they rejected part of 1559 calling for militias in
Lebanon to be disarmed. 'We said to him: We don't have any militias; we have a resistance that is
supported by all Lebanese people', he said. Protesters, who were mostly Shiites but were joined by some
Druze and others, came from across southern Lebanon to support Hizbullah's armed 'Islamic resistance',
witnesses said. Some burned Israeli and US flags....Lebanon's opposition movement plans to hold a big
demonstration in central Beirut [14 Mar], a month to the day since Hariri was killed. They demand an
international investigation into his assassination...A few thousand protesters held a candlelit vigil in
Beirut's central Martyrs Square evening [13 Mar]. Hundreds of flickering flames formed the word 'Truth'."
AP"Mubarak: Democracy Can't Come From Outside"NYT 13 Mar 05:-"Democratic reform in the Arab world
cannot be imposed from outside, Egyptian President Hosni Mubabak said [13 Mar] in apparent rebuke of
US-led efforts to speed up change in the region. Mubarak, Egypt's leader since 1981 and an ally of US, told
regional conference on reform that his order last month to change constitution to let more than one
candidate stand in presidential elections this Sep 'crowned efforts we have already exerted to achieve
political reforms'. In another indication of change, Egypt on [12 Mar] released Ayman Nour, an opposition
leader who announced his presidential bid while in jail after US raised concerns about his imprisonment.
Nour's jailing also called into question Egypt's pledges of democratic reform...But Mohammed Faiek, a
political activist who heads Arab Organization for Human Rights, [at conference] called upon Arab
governments and opposition to not be 'intolerant toward reforms coming from abroad, because this is
trend of the day'." AP"Syrian Official Says Troops Will Leave Before Lebanese Elections" NYT 13 Mar 05:-[new info only:] "[Syrian] Cabinet minister, Boutaina Shaaban, told CNN: 'The[Lebanese Parliamentary]
elections will take place and I think the troops will move out of Lebanon probably before then.' [Nabatiyah]
damonstrators - some estimates put their number as high as 300,000 - shouted... slogans denouncing UN
resolution, under which Syria is now moving its forces. Syria's official news agency claimed hundreds
of thousands of flag-waving Syrians rallied in the northwestern city of Lattakia in support of Assad. There
was no way to independently verify crowd's size...After his meetings with Lebanese officials, Roed-Larsen
said 'very encouraged by(Lebanese opposition leader Walid Jumblatt's) attitude', adding that 'dialogue
is the only way forward'. UN envoy said he and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri focused on'necessity of
having free and fair elections in Lebanon according to established time and schedule'. Opposition
members met delegation of European socialist parties at Jumblatt's home to relay European demands for
a free Lebanon and complete Syrian troop withdrawal before elections. Despite troop pullouts, Jumblatt
said 'Anjar still governs', reference to Syrian intelligence HQ in eastern Lebanese town of Anjar." Steven
R.Weisman"Lebanon Needs to Act First for Syria to Exit, Envoy Says"NYT 13 Mar 05:-[new info only:]
Initially highlights Karami's difficulty in forming government that can meet with Syria on 07 Apr to arrange
final Syrian troop withdrawal. "Roed-Larsen said [13 Mar] that those negotiations could not proceed
without a new, permanent government established in Beirut. [His] clarifying comments came even as top
Bush officials welcomed his [12 Mar] announcement 'positive' and 'encouraging'. In multiple appearances
on [13 Mar], Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and...national security advisor, concentrated their
comments on Syrian troop presence in Lebanon...'Obviously there are some positive elements to this'...US
would continue to press for'full compliance' with UNSC resolution that calls for all troops to be removed
in time for Lebanon's elections in May...Syria has had troops in Lebanon since civil war [1990, and]
accords that ended civil war also called for disarming of all militias in conflict. All complied except
Hezbollah, militant Shiite party allied with Syria and Iran...US priority was to get Syrian troops out of
Lebanon,[so]willing to defer issue of dismantling or disarming Hezbollah,which US lists as terrorist group.
'First things first,' Ms. Rice said. 'When Syrians go, you will see what balance of forces really looks like
in Lebanon. Lebanese will be able to deal with their differences'." Roed-Larsen will go to New York [14
Mar] to present briefing at UN; then return to Lebanon."'It's important that there is confirmation here of
Syrian intention', he said [13 Mar]. 'It's important that all parties concerned are ready to continue their
dialogue with me...It's important there is an interlocutor they can all talk to'. Ms.Rice said it was not clear
what steps US might support in event of Syrian pullout, but she left open possibility international force
could fill ensuing security vacuum and prevent the kind of sectarian fighting in Lebanon Syria used to
justify military deployment there."MacFarquhar"Hundreds of Thousands of Lebanese Rally Against Syria"
NYT 14 Mar 05:-"Hundreds of thousands of Lebanese jammed center of downtown Beirut today, packing
its central square and spilling out into surrounding roads in largest demonstration yet demanding
withdrawal of all Syrian forces from country. Nearly every available space around square was filled with
people flying Lebanese flag, in what was probably largest demonstration ever seen in Lebanon. In main
mosque, still under construction, demonstrators crammed tiny balconies high up on the four
minarets...Organizers were determined to make this[rally] especially large as answer to pro-Syrian march
that also filled downtown, with hundreds of thousands of mostly Shiite demonstrators...Presence of such
huge number of Lebanese put added pressure on government of Syria to announce serious timetable for
withdrawal of both...troops and estimated 5,000 secret police officers in country. Although
President...Assad gave UN envoy limited timetable, full extent of withdrawal remains unclear. But
marchers today were convinced that size of opposition to Syria meant that withdrawal only matter of
time...[Traditionally pro-Syrian] President Lahoud incensed many by suggesting demonstrations should
end, because someone might throw a hand grenade, possibly setting off renewed civil war. 'Who is going
to fight who? All factions are here'." All major groups, including Shiites, seemed represented, and varied
in dress. Many participants felt assassinated PM "was able to unify far more people in death than he had
in life." AP"Opposition Launches Protest in Beirut"NYT 14 Mar 05:-[additions only:]"[This] protest easily
topped pro-government rally of hundreds of thousands of people last week by Shiite Muslim militant
group Hezbollah. That show of strength forced opposition to try to regain its momentum. Syria's military
withdrawal continued [14 Mar], with intelligence agents closing two offices in northern town...Intelligence
agents also dismantled two checkpoints in Akkar area. About 50 intelligence agents in all departed for
unknown destinations, believed to be northern Syria. Most intelligence offices, widely resented arm
through which Syria has controlled many aspects of Lebanese life, remained in northern and central
Lebanon after Syrian troops moved east. 'They are challenging us, and we are here to show them that we
will not accept. We are determined to liberate our country and we will not stop.' In addition to packing
Martyrs Square, thousands of other protesters spilled into nearby Riad Solh Square and outlying streets.
No official count, but crowd appeared to...be easily bigger than last week's pro-government, anti-US rally
called by Hezbollah, estimated...at 500,000 people. Also requires Lebanese government to be in place to
negotiate with Syria on a full troop withdrawal, since Karami is leading caretaker government and cannot
negotiate foreign agreements. Final agreement on a Syrian withdrawal will have to wait for Cabinet to be
formed/approved by Parliament. Political process is deadlocked, with opposition refusing to join any
government before demands are met, and Karami insisting on'national unity' government. Some
opposition members accuse Karami of stalling to kill the chances of holding an election they believe pro-Syrian camp, which has majority in legislature, will lose. Karami is expected to begin consultations [15
Mar] on forming Cabinet...Former Lebanese PM Gen. Michel Aoun said [14 Mar] will return from
exile,...with plans to help foster national reconciliation." Reuters"Anti - Syrian Protecters Flood Lebanese
Capital"NYT 14 Mar 05:-[additions only:]"Organizers said million people had joined protest. No
independent estimate was available, but witnesses said rally looked even bigger than last week's pro-Syrian demonstration organized by Hizbollah...Protesters in trucks, buses and cars jammed Beirut's
eastern and northern entrances as they headed for city center near sea front. Some even arrived by
boat...Beirut protest could be last of series of rallies used by each side of Lebanon's political divide to
show their strength. Political sources said fears were growing that street agitation, though peaceful so
far, could spill into violence amid rifts over Syria's role since Hariri's assassination. They said authorities
were pondering ban on future demonstrations to be enforced by Lebanese army." MacFarquhar"Huge
Demonstration in Lebanon Demand End to Syrian Control"NYT 14 Mar 05:-amplified version of his earlier
report on the huge opposition rally, adding summaries of a few speeches and interviews. Most significant
is the speech by Bahiya Hariri, the assassinated leader's sister who is also a member of Parliament.
She"used speech to reach out to both Hezbollah and its godparent Syria, which has long seen Lebanon
as its last negotiating card to retrieve occupied Golan Heights from Israel. 'We will stand by Syria until its
land is liberated and it regains its sovereignty on occupied Golan Heights,' she said, prompting boos from
the crowd. As for Hezbollah, she said,'We insist on building together with them the future of a great
Lebanon'." While not claiming the numbers exceeded those at the "easily rivaled" Hezbollah
rally,"Seemingly every available space in the heart of the city overflowed with people waving the red-and-white Lebanese flag...[I]t represented an exceedingly rare moment in which a broad cross section of
Lebanese from every main sect - Christian, Druse, Shiite and Sunni Muslims - were all rubbing shoulders
in the same space...Much of the attention about political developments will probably shift to UN [-including UN assessment of] the investigation into Hariri's assassination."AP "Lebanese in Beirut for Anti
- Syrian Protest"NYT 15 Mar 05:-[another amplification of previous version] "Hezbollah last week brought
out half-million people...And by all accounts, opposition showed its pull on the street. More than 1m
people joined the rally, according to Lebanon's leading LBC TV station and some police officials. AP
estimate put number at over 800,000...Lebanese soldiers stood idly watching the protest, taking no action
to stop demonstrators...'It was as if they were part of the protesters,' opposition MP said." AP"Syrian
Military Intelligence Vacate Office"NYT 15 Mar 05:-"After the country's biggest opposition demonstration,
Syrian military intelligence[on 15 Mar] was vacating an office in Beirut... However, Syrian agents remained
at their main office for Lebanese capital...Despite Syria's troop withdrawal last week, most intelligence
offices, widely resented arm through which Syria has controlled many aspects of Lebanese life,
remained...On Beirut's seafront corniche, workers removed...giant portrait of Syrian President Bashar
Assad in symbolic move...Syrian laborers have been attacked and bust of late Syrian President Hafez
Assad vandalized recently amid rising anti-Syrian sentiment. In Syria, Assad...discussed situation with
Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak.,.who had said earlier this month that he had long encouraged Assad
to withdraw his troops from Lebanon." Reuters"Lebanon's PM - Designate Begins Talks on New Govt"NYT
15 Mar 05:-Omar Karami"started talks[15 Mar] on forming a unity government. [He]opened consultations
with politicians and various parliamentary blocs on the shape and make-up of a new cabinet that would
lead country to general elections in May. Karami has vowed only to seek a government that brings in some
opposition figures, but country's political crisis... makes such a mission almost impossible...Several
opposition leaders...called for resignation of Syrian-backed President Emile Lahoud and country's
security chiefs, whom they accuse of playing part in assassination of Hariri...Bahiya Hariri, sister of slain
ex-premier and MP, had [in addition to points reported above,] harsh words for Syrian-backed officials".
AP"Lebanon Flag Is Hoisted as Syrians Slip Away"NYT 15 Mar 05:-After several thousand pro-Syrian
demonstrators denounced US interference in Lebanon during march toward US Embassy, President
Bush[15 Mar]said"'We view Hezbollah as terrorist organization, and I would hope Hezbollah would prove
that they are not, by laying down arms and not threatening peace'." Meanwhile Syrian intelligence agents
packed at their offices in Ramlet el-Baida on edge of Beirut, and two dozen Syrian agents left theirs in
Hamra district escorted by Lebanese police officers. It then had Lebanese flag hoisted. AP"Syrian Military
Intel Leaves Beirut Office"NYT 16 Mar 05:-"Syrian military intelligence agents abandoned Beirut office[16
Mar],ending their 18-year presence in Lebanese capital by driving away in buses and cars. Withdrawal was
in line with international demands - including US/UN - and Lebanese opposition. President Bush[on 16
Mar]again pressed for complete withdrawal of Syrian troops/intelligence organizations from Lebanon.'I
am concerned and the world should be concerned that (Syrian) intelligence organizations embedded in
a lot of government functions in Lebanon. And there needs to be a complete withdrawal of those services
in order for there to be a free election. I believe we'll be able to convince Syria to fully withdraw or else
she'll be isolated.' In Beirut, intelligence agents/officers left their head office before noon[on 16 Mar] ...Like
all Syrian military positions, the Beirut compound had been taken over - but not purchased - when Syrian
intelligence agents moved there in 1987.[B]asement of one of the buildings has been used by Syrians as
a jail...The agents dealt most directly with Lebanese, setting up checkpoints and arresting
people,..hand[ing]out permits and licenses,..resolv[ing] differences among Lebanese politicians. Also[16
Mar]UN team appointed to investigate Hariri's assassination left country a day after it ended its mission.
The team... hoped to report to UNSG Kofi Annan within four weeks. Having earlier withdrawn military from
northern and central Lebanon, [on 16 Mar Syria]shut down intelligence offices in northern towns several
miles from Syrian border,..was packing up offices in Tripoli, their last presence in northern/western
Lebanon,[and] evacuated their posts in the mountain resort of Hammana east of Beirut. Lebanese troops
took over evacuated posts". Reuters"Hizbollah Vows to Keep Weapons, Syria Withdraws"NYT 16 Mar 05:-"Shiite Muslim Hizbollah group said[16 Mar]it would not lay down its weapons despite US
pressure...Leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah[:..]'I think resistance...is best formula to protect Lebanon and
deter any Israeli aggression...Hizbollah's arms will not be used domestically. Their only role is against
Israel'...Comments came as President Bush tried to clarify remarks in which left door open for Hizbollah
to have political role in Lebanon if disarmed...Nasrallah also said that between 20 and 30 Syrian workers
had been killed in anti-Syrian attacks since 14 Feb assassination of ex-premier Hariri. 'This is a disgrace.'
Tens of thousands of Syrian workers have fled back to Syria since Hariri's death...But in Washington,
State Department...questioned whether Syrian agents were actually leaving Lebanon...'It's kind of hard
to know' if all intelligence agents being moved back to Syria. Syria's often feared intelligence apparatus
has been a key element in its political/military influence on Lebanon."AP"Hezbollah Rejects Bush
Suggestion"NYT 16 Mar 05:-"Nasrallah criticized Bush for not standing up to Lebanese demands that
Israeli warplanes stop flying over Lebanon, and for not calling on Israel to release Lebanese detainees.
'He (Bush)does nothing to stop overflights/its aggression or for release of prisoners. Instead, he provides
it(Israel) with protection...We are ready to remain until end of time a terrorist organization in Bush's view,
but we are not ready to give up protection of our country/people, their blood/honor,' Nasrallah said. US
long condemned Hezbollah, but Bush [said 15 Mar]that Iranian-backed militant group could shed its
terrorist label and win US recognition if it disarms and stays out of Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Nasrallah
said it was'very big fallacy'Hezbollah sought to disrupt Palestinian-Israeli peace.'We don't carry out
operations in occupied Palestine...Israelis say Hezbollah is behind operations by Palestinian factions. This
is not true...Real[US/Israeli]goal...is undermining most important elements Lebanon possesses...What is
required is that Hezbollah be disarmed so Lebanon can be left without protection'. Nasrallah's strong
statements contrasted sharply with more moderate comments made earlier in the day by member of
Hezbollah's political bureau, Nawaf Moussawi...Hezbollah repeatedly spurned calls to disarm...Draw[ing]
support from Lebanon's 1.2m Shiites, [it] is widely admired in the country and Arab world for its military
role in forcing Israel to leave southern Lebanon in 2000 after an 18-year occupation...At the same time,
there have been calls for US to support moves to nudge Hezbollah into mainstream political life in
Lebanon. US and many other Western nations have linked Hezbollah to the pro-Iranian militants that
carried out the suicide bombings of US Embassy and US Marine base, killing about 270 during 1980s.
Hezbollah was also widely blamed for kidnapping of Americans in Beirut during 1975-90 civil war.
Hezbollah denies links to those militants and kidnappers." Fattah "Syria's Young Leader Moves to
Consolidate His Power"NYT 16 Mar 05:-"Recent[signs in Damascus that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad], 39, has shifted tactics, starting a campaign to consolidate power and shore up his position in
midst of the international crisis over Syria's three-decade domination of Lebanon...Beginning last summer
Assad purged ranks of military, sidelined prospective opponents and wrested control of foreign policy
from his vice-president...Clearly a gamble, Assad decided last fall to extend term of Emile Lahoud, pro-Syrian president. Rafik Hariri, Lebanon's longtime PM, quit and began to ally himself more solidly with
growing anti-Syrian opposition. Assassination of Hariri produced political explosion, [and since] Assad
had promised to do so, he began withdrawal. Whether he will complete it and whether Syria will simply
maintain its control through other means, remain matters of keen debate[in Damascus]. It is widely felt
that maintaining control is central to his long-term survival, because of Lebanon's importance to Syria's
economy. At same time, there is no real challenge to Assad from Syrian opposition." Both regime and
opposition are weak - creating a vacuum outside forces could enter to solve problems. In Jul 04"Assad
had reached for power. He began enforcing longstanding age limit in military, sending 440 senior officers
into retirement. He also managed to push out his army chief of staff, [yet]kept confidants and young
friends on margins of government, awaiting an entry, while actively playing last remnants of old guard
against new guard. Result, many say, is a more inward-looking stance, less focused on strategic
implications of foreign policy - a change from his father. 'We are generation that doesn't feel we have to
justify what is happening in entire Middle East,' said one prominent insider.'But there are still forces in
Syria who don't understand what is happening in the world',[and this] has led to numerous errors in
judgment, epitomized by events in Lebanon... In latest crisis, [Syrian]government has shown signs of
siege mentality, cracking down on hard-won freedoms, censoring publications and communicating in
words that kept much of international community wondering real intentions. Crisis appears to have helped
Assad frame his campaign more clearly. Despite his foot-dragging, pullout - if it occurs - may end up being
one of his less fraught decisions. Assad/advisers are betting Lahoud and Hezbollah...will oversee Syria's
interests even after it withdraws. Meanwhile, Damascus will have staved off international sanctions. In
announcing Syria's eventual pullout from Lebanon, Assad aimed a few barbs at his advisers, blaming
them for some of his mistakes and pointedly announcing new regional conference of governing Baath
Party - [perhaps] start of a shake-up. In effect, Annan must devise a split between party and government,
cutting party's control over government. But since party is now his prime base of support, Assad must
tread carefully; invent new loyalty mechanism outside party. Ultimately, he must build his personal
leadership and strengthen his rule enough to be ready for negotiations with Israel over Golan Heights."
AP"Syria Ends First Phase of Lebanon Pullout" NYT 17 Mar 05:-"Of 14,000[Syrian] troops that were in
Lebanon, at least 4,000 crossed into Syria in past week and rest remain in Bekaa...Intelligence officers in
Bekaa Valley town of Anjar, which has been Syrian intelligence HQ in Lebanon since 2000. Syrian
withdrawal comes ahead of[22 Mar]summit of Arab leaders in Algeria... Lebanese opposition...called on
Lebanese security chiefs to resign, alleging[Hariri] negligence...Jamil Sayyed, head of powerful General
Security Department and a close aide of President Emile Lahoud, said [17 Mar] he and other officials were
willing to stand trial to clear their names...Retired army major general who has been in post since
1998,[Sayyed]is considered one of Lebanon's most influential security chiefs [and his GSD]is in charge
of border points, issuing passports and censorship of publications[ -the] nerve center of Lebanese
security and intelligence network." Reuters"Syria Withdraws Up to 6,000 Troops from Lebanon"NYT 17
Mar 05:-"Lebanese security source said 4,000 to 6,000 Syrian troops had returned home since pullout
plan announced on 05 Mar, leaving 8,000 to 10,000 in eastern Lebanon...Many Maronite Christians would
like to see Hezbollah disarmed, but Jumblatt said anti-Syrian camp was not discussing subject, best left
to national dialogue. 'No one's talking about weapons,' he said." AP"Annan Wants Syria to Pull Out of
Lebanon"NYT 17 Mar 05:-"UNSG Kofi Annan demanded [17 Mar] that Syria withdraw all its troops from
Lebanon before Lebanese parliamentary elections in Apr/May, marking first time he has set a specific
timetable for Damascus. Annan's demand was released...after[UNSG]met with special[UN] envoy, Terje
Roed-Larsen, who recently visited region." Annan made explicit in statement that withdrawal would
include'intelligence apparatus/military assets'." AP"Arabs Wonder at Shift Away From Autocracy" NYT
17 Mar 05:-"Many asking whether US actually opened doors of democracy in Middle East[Iraqi elections;
Palestinian elections; Saudi elections; Lebanese anti-Syrian protests; Egyptian multi-candidate election].
Drama being watched in Arabic-speaking households worldwide on increasingly free/borderless Arab TV
stations. But many question how much democratic stirrings result from Iraq war and Bush's proclaimed
ambition of bringing democracy to Arab world. Some ask whether elections in Iraq are worth bloodshed
that US military can't end. Others wonder whether events they are seeing are only superficial or will truly
lead to greater freedom...Veteran Lebanese columnist:'I warn[Bush]this democracy will bring forces who
fiercely oppose US and Israel.'Referring to Muslim fundamentalists -even armed Islamic groups -who
many believe would do well in any fully free and open election in most Middle East countries. Lebanese
opposition leader admits Iraqi people now free. However, in Lebanon/elsewhere other factors also critical
[Hariri assassination/Ukraine revolution]. Palestinian election/peace effort in large part an event beyond
US control: Arafat death. Egypt critical to democratic hopes; many in opposition see Mubarak reform as
little more than trick to escape US pressure or ensure succession. Egyptian FM: dismissed idea of
democratic reform wave across Middle East, and pointed to turmoil in Iraq still raging after election.
Egyptian political analyst: 'Bush wants to credit himself with things that have nothing to do with
democracy at all.' Still, Arabs experiencing thrilling ride. Fawaz Gerges, Sarah Lawrence College NY:
'There is no going back; democratic genie is out of the box in Arab world.' AP"Hezbollah Grows As
Lebanon Political Force"NYT 18 Mar 05:-"Hezbollah...could emerge even stronger in parliamentary
elections in Apr/May, and presents a conundrum for Bush. US has frozen Hezbollah's assets;...yet
president this week subtly raised possibility Shiite group could be viewed as something other than a
terrorist organization. David Walker, president of [US]Middle East Institute, sees it as almost inevitable
that Hezbollah someday will be taken off State Department list of terror groups...He believes desire to be
participants in new, more democratic environment will require group to give first loyalty to people it
represents, who don't want constant warfare. 'Lebanese are becoming more and more nationalistic, and
that doesn't work to advantage of political faction that depends on outsiders,' mainly Iran and Syria...
Walker said [Hezrollah's leader,] Nasrallah, has to straggle a complicated problem: [Some] believe he will
lose support if he gives up his military, and confrontation with Israel, and yet Lebanese people tired of
violence. 'Hezbollah more popular in Lebanon today, but popularity is fragile,' he said. Hezbollah, which
means Party of God, was formed in 1982 to respond to Israeli invasion of Lebanon and advocate for the
establishment of an Islamic government...Its role in Iraq insurgency remains debated issue. One
possibility is that Hezbollah representatives are there to follow political fortunes of their fellow Shiites.
In Lebanon, however, Hezbollah is considered an influential/legitimate political force, with seats in
parliament, along with schools and clinics aimed at supporting 1.2m Shiite Muslims...Question for US
government is whether Hezbollah understands that participating in electoral politics means abandoning
terrorism." AP "Lebanese Leader Stays Amid Calls to Quit"NYT 18 Mar 05:-"Lebanon is in throes of worst
political crisis since civil war, but [President Emile Lahourd's] response so far mostly silence. Last week,
however, this former army commander shot back at critics with rare televised appearance, saying will not
allow political repercussions to degenerate into violence...'As long as he is in place, truth cannot be
revealed,' said Jumblatt, main political leader of Lebanon's Druse community...Lahoud has rejected firing
security chiefs until Lebanese investigation is over. Tough, uncompromising general has said his
government is cooperating with UN fact-finding mission, although Lebanon refuses full-fledged
international inquiry... Jumblatt's demand is consistent with his opposition to Lahoud, Maronite
Catholic...But Patriarch Nasrallah Sfier, head of Maronite Church, indicated it was premature to demand
Lahoud's resignation...In Lebanese political system, President is Maronite, PM a Sunni Muslim and
Speaker of Parliament a Shiite Muslim, with Cabinet/legislative seats split equally: Christians/Muslims.
Fears over a power vacuum also might be working in Lahoud's favor...Opposition, spanning groups from
extreme right to left and including Christians/Muslims, has not decided whether to seek president's
ouster. Some members... say current legislature, where pro-Syrians/pro-government members are
majority, might elect another pro-Syrian if Lahoud resigns...Before being president,...officer had led army
since end of civil war, rebuilding military that split along sectarian lines during conflict while also bringing
it closer to Syria. Lahoud's opponents blame him/Syrian backers for creating police state. They say
military/civilian intelligence agencies run parallel government, influencing politicians/taking key decisions
out of politicians' hands...There is no political mechanism to force president from office. His pro-Syrian
backers still majority in parliament and he controls military. Also, Lahoud, staunch anti-Israeli politician,
has backing of Hezbollah, which emerged as powerful force...by orchestrating massive protest in Beirut
last week. Hariri's relatives have snubbed president. Anti-government protesters...have broken all taboos,
ridiculing president." AP "Nations Seek Syria Pullout From Lebanon"NYT 18 Mar 05:-"France, Russia,
Germany and Spain called [18 Mar]for Syria to withdraw its troops/intelligence services in accordance
with UN resolution. [Same day,] UNSG Kofi Annan said he expects Syria to withdraw all its troops from
Lebanon before Lebanese elections Apr and May. The four leaders called for 'total withdrawal of Syrian
armed forces and security services, who must quickly leave Lebanese territory. [Also] necessary...that
government capable of acting in interest of all Lebanese people is quickly formed...We will be attentive
to make sure electoral process runs smoothly'. They hoped independent observers will monitor
elections." Reuters"Car Bomb Explodes in Lebanese Capital, Six Rounded"NYT 18 Mar 05:-"Car bomb
exploded in Christian suburb of eastern Beirut at night, wounding at least six people and raising fresh
fears of return to Lebanon's violent past. Blast devastated ground and first floors of an apartment block,
blowing out balconies, shattering windows in surrounding buildings and wrecking dozens of vehicles.
Vehicle containing the bomb exploded in an adjacent car park, gouging out a crater...Unclear whether
attack was politically motivated, but residents gathering at scene...blamed Syria...Nearby bingo hall may
have been the target...Soldiers and other security forces sealed off area...Many warn strains are evident
in precarious political, religious, communal balance achieved since Lebanon's civil war. Political tensions
could spill into violence...UN envoy worried another leading leading Lebanese figure could be killed
unless there was cooling-off period in country. Maronite Christians, about one-fifth of population and long
Syria's most vocal opponents, have dominated past few weeks' protests demanding withdrawal of Syrian
troops."AP"Car Bomb Rocks Beirut Christian Area"NYT 18 Mar 05:-"Explosion played to concerns among
some Lebanese that pro-Syrian elements might resort to violence to show, on their view, need for
continued presence by Damascus forces". Opposition member's attitude: Message to Lebanese 'if there
is a Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon, look what Lebanon will face'...Car attempted to stop in front of a
bingo hall, but security guards asked driver to move along. Driver then parked the car short way down
road. Minutes later it exploded." MacFarquhar"Behind Lebanon Upheaval, 2 Men's Fateful Clash"NYT 20
Mar 05:-"PM Rafik Hariri's closest political allies[feel] something awful happened in Damascus 26 Aug 04
where he had been summoned to meeting with President Assad. [On return, a shocked Hariri told allies
]how Assad had threatened him, curtly ordering him to amend Lebanon Constitution to give President
Lahoud - man Syria used to block Hariri's every move - another three years in office". Allies identify
Damascus encounter as fateful: linked to Hariri's slaying 14 Feb 05. "After meeting, Hariri - real estate
tycoon turned politician who had run Lebanon for...12 years - decided he had to join movement to uproot
both Syrian Army and...robust tentacles of its secret police.-.without reigniting civil war. Whether Hariri
would have succeeded cannot be known,[but] Assad's decision to force Lahoud onto Lebanon again, now
widely seen as huge political blunder, uniting many Lebanese communities in opposition and bringing
France-US in concerted effort... Syrians were furious at what they took to be solely Hariri's[French-US]work." Four cabinet ministers voted against Lahoud extension and then quit government; Marwan
Hamade almost killed 01 Oct by bomb against his car - seen as harsh Syrian warning. "Acknowledging
Hariri might be able to defuse gathering international storm,[Syrians]asked PM to form new government.
Hariri started drawing up lists of potential ministers, but most were rejected by Damascus...Slowly
throughout Sep and Oct, Hariri edged closer to opposition. He could no longer stomach another three
years battling Lahoud, whom he considered not only lightweight but also Syrian pawn undermining
Lebanese institution by backing encroachment of secret police agencies that mirrored one running
Syria..Opposition convinced key reason Lahoud extended was that family had close business ties with
Assad clan in Damascus ...Lahoud proved Syria's main insurance for keeping Hariri in check. Syria
considered Hariri a threat both because he was Sunni Muslim figure admired in both countries, and
because he had important friends in West. [Every cabinet meeting an ordeal between Hariri and Lahoud.]
End for Hariri as PM came in Oct after Syrians sent him message to step aside. He resigned 20 Oct,
somewhat relieved. Next months were consumed mostly with planning for parliamentary elections;
wrangling over election law. Syrians were trying to gerrymander districts...to weaken opposition. But
Christian-Sunni Muslim-Druse coalition appeared ever more formidable. By late Jan 05, Hariri feeling
confident enough that decided not accept any Syrian-nominated members on his election list...Beginning
to look like opposition could capture about 60 seats in 128-seat Parliament, enough to elect president
other than Lahoud. [On 14 Feb 05]huge bomb that rocked all of Beirut struck Hariri's motorcade. He, along
with 18 others, died..Lingering question: whether he can accomplish in death, goal that eluded him while
alive". AP"Threats Alienate Syrians From Lebanon"NYT 19 Mar 05:- Damascus businessman [claims] he
no longer makes 50-mile trip to Beirut to shop, dine, see movies. He's turned off by anti-Syrian curses
from Lebanese protesters and reports of Syrians being murdered. Syrian hotel executive did go back, but
only to withdraw his life's savings from Lebanese bank because he has lost trust in Lebanon's economy.
Cabbie, who has been shuttling passengers between Syria and Lebanon for 10 years, says times are bad.
"I used to make up to three trips a day before. Now I barely make a couple a week'. Many Syrians suddenly
feel embittered and insecure in a country where they saw themselves as privileged. During 29 years in
control of their tiny neighbour, Syrians looked at Lebanon as engine of wealth, place to play and source
of jobs for Syria's many unemployed. They were always told by their government/media that Syrian troops
were in Lebanon as peacekeepers preserving stability in an ethnically fractured nation...Now Syrians are
seeing sneering banners, jibes and obsenities directed at them during street rallies and heard e-mail and
phone text messages. One Syrian confirmed killed and several injured in stabbings and scuffles.
Damascus media reports say 35 Syrians killed, but no official confirmation. Shopkeepers in Damascus
report a huge drop in Lebanese coming to shop for cheap clothes and food on weekends. Tensions likely
to hurt both closely integrated economies. Lebanon relies on hundreds of thousands of Syrian workers
for manual labor, but numbers dwindled in recent weeks as many scared to venture back. That adds to
20% unemployment rate in Syria, while fewer migrant workers means less cash being sent home. Syrian
run on Lebanese banks could also be a problem." Reuters "Lebanese Political Divisions Deepen After
Bombing"NYT 19 Mar 05:-"Lebanon's anti-Syrian opposition dismissed president's call for talks [19
Mar],deepening political divisions after bomb raised fresh fears... They held Syrian-backed security
agencies responsible for bombing, and were unimpressed with pro-Syrian Lahoud's first personal bid to
break deadlock over Syria's influence in its tiny neighbour...Emplosion comes amid acute political
tension,...prompting Lahoud to offer presidential palace as possible venue for talks. [He]also canceled
his plans to attend [21 Mar] Arab Summit in Algeria.[Chief opposition leader Walid] Jumblatt renewed calls
for Lahoud to resign, saying opposition members would not join a new unity government unless he
stepped down. That stance threatens efforts to form new cabinet[as]opposition wants neutral cabinet to
lead Lebanon to elections. No one claimed responsibility for [bomb]attack, and it was unclear if any
political motive, but top Lebanese politicians said it aimed to sow sectarian strife in a country whose civil
war made car bombs a weapon of choice. Locals say no politicians lived nearby, and there was no
obvious target...Army said there had been several violent incidents...Hizbollah called for national dialogue,
and warned that opposition was making mistake by rejecting talks, although civil war not imminent. 'We
back any national dialogue that takes place...We will not tire of calling for national dialogue,' said
Hizbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah." Economist 19 Mar 05"Lebanon and its Media: Battle of the
Airwaves"(52):-Illustrates why anti-Syrian opposition is"winning the war for hearts and minds... Street
democracy may be working[so well that]Syria has abruptly stopped bluffing...The Syrian-infiltrated
Lebanese state is now desperately casting about for ways to survive opposition wave...If Lebanese are
two-to-one in favour of change, the media greatly amplify this advantage".Only two out of the eight TV
channels support pro-Syrian government. All the others"tilt strongly or slightly to the opposition. It is not
for want of trying that pro-Syrians' voice is weak. It was at Syria's behest that licensing rules [from]1990s
reduced number of private TV and radio channels from scores to a handful. More recently,bogus lawsuits
pushed by Syria's friends closed one surviving TV station and nearly ruined another.[But,]country's
educated elite - kind of people who work for and talk to the media - came to despise corruption/police-state tactics that Syrian meddling encouraged. Biggest press patron of all Rafik Hariri, the billionaire
politician whose assassination sparked recent protests. He sponsored his own TV channel and paper
and may have spent some $100m over years...to keep dozens of favoured voices from falling silent...His
investment now paying off with a vengeance. Local coverage of funeral, of protest rallies and of
opposition politicians have been relentlessly dramatic. Opposition...has been quick to grab limelight with
catchy banners, slogans and gimmicks...Syria's president , Assad, ...might do well to reflect on his
country's own state TV monopoly." Reuters"Syria Angles for Support at Arab Summit"NYT 20 Mar 05:-"Syria said[20 Mar] it wanted Arab Summit to show solidarity with it and with pro-Syrian government of
Lebanon against US pressures. Syria proposing to revive old Arab League resolutions, one opposing
threat of US sanctions against Syria, and one expressing solidarity with Lebanon on Shebaa Farms area
occupied by Israel. But resolutions do not address UNSC resolution 1559. Arab FMs, meeting to prepare
for Algiers summit [22-3 Mar],have steered clear of US and UN demand that Syria withdraw from
Lebanon... Arab governments reluctant to take a stand in dispute between Syria and US over withdrawal,
for fear of antagonizing Washington or appearing to challenge authority of UNSC...Not clear how much
support Syria could muster for resolution, especially at time when Lebanese public appears deeply
divided over relations with Syria...Individual ministers said they saw implementation of Taif Agreement,
ending Lebanese 1975-90 civil war with Syrian support , as way to carry out UN resolution. Fattah"Arab
Leaders to Show Solidarity With Syria at Summit Meeting"NYT 21 Mar 05:-"Arab leaders arrived [21 Mar]
in Algerian capital for summit meeting that will include statement of solidarity with Syria and rejection of
any further 'foreign intervention' in that country's promised pullout from Lebanon. The proposal, which
was completed [20 Mar] and is expected to be ratified by Arab League during its meeting, which opens
[22 Mar], is most definitive stand yet by Arab leaders in monthlong crisis over Syria's role in Lebanon.
While league deplored international pressure on Syria, its FMs, who set meeting's agenda over weekend,
also encouraged President Bashar al-Assad to continue with planned withdrawal, which is based on
existing agreements between Syria and Lebanon...An Arab League spokesman...said proposal on Syria
mirrored similar statement made shortly after US Congress passed Syria Accountability Act in 2003. Act
placed sanctions on Syria for suspected support of terrorism and for its occupation of Lebanon. Most
Arab FMs agreed that Syria's withdrawal should follow the Taif Agreement brokered by Arab League and
signed by Syria and Lebanon's warring factions in 1989. Syria says it has been putting into effect terms
of that agreement which calls for two-stage withdrawal in consultation with Lebanese government. Last
week, Assad also agreed to follow demands of UN resolution passed last year that calls for immediate
pullout. Until now most Arab leaders have avoided taking sides in dispute...[They] will also have to decide
on measures to overhaul league itself this week, including considering proposal to form 'Arab parliament'
similar to parliament of African Union." Dexter Filkins Beirut Journal:"Banner Days for the Lebanese (Ask
the Flag Makers)"NYT 21 Mar 05:-"In Lebanon's short, turbulent history, Lebanese flag has often seemed
a sad and misbegotten thing, outshone by more popular banners of militia and sect. Like most countries
of Middle East, Lebanon formed from ruins of Ottoman Empire at close of WWI, with boundaries drawn
by whims of conquering French and British armies, with little thought about ethnic and sectarian rivalries.
During Lebanon's civil war, lasting from 1975 to 1990, leaving more than 100,000 dead, country
fragmented into array of armed groups, each with its own leader and flag. Until quite recently, popular
gatherings usually included unfurling of battle flags - Christian, Muslim, Druse - or raising of a portrait.
That changed abruptly with killing of Hariri, multimillionaire who led rebuilding of country after civil war.
His death came just as public sentiment was hardening against decades-old presence of Syrian troops,
and bombing that killed him widely suspected of being engineered by Syria. In a single moment, it
seemed, Lebanese nationalism flowered. At giant popular rallies that followed Hariri's death, protesters
who began to wave communal flags were told by organizers to put them away. In place rose tens of
thousands of Lebanese flags. If Lebanese could not always agree on nature and direction of their own
nation, they came together over a common enemy. 'What is going on today is forming of a nation,'
said...editor...for The Daily Star. Along with Hariri's photograph, Lebanese flag has become symbol of
revolt against Syrian domination and desire for more democratic politics. In streets, protesters wave
Lebanese flags by tens of thousands. Flags hang in office windows, flutter from car antennas, cover front
doors. They adorn all manner of clothing...That is good for business. Since 14 Feb, flags have sold by
hundreds of thousands...For now, many Lebanese are convinced national feeling will endure."
Reuters"U.S. Fomenting Division in Lebanon, Says Hizbollah"NYT 22 Mar 05:-"Lebanon's Hizbollah
guerrillas accused US [22 Mar] of pitting Lebanese factions against each other under banner of anti-Syrian
opposition demands for 'freedom, sovereignty and independence'.'US really contradicts itself: it says it
is helping Lebanon to achieve freedom, sovereignty and independence, and that's a lie, a deceit, a
slander,' Shiite Muslim group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah[said].'[US is] helping some Lebanese to put
pressure on Syria to get out of Lebanon and trying to give some Lebanese upper hand...and incite some
Lebanese against each other. It is carrying out actions that will not lead to freedom, sovereignty and
independence'..Nasrallah called again for dialogue and defended Hizbollah's right to bear the arms it kept
when other militias disarmed at end of civil war so it could fight Israel. 'We...are concerned with protecting
our country, as are all Lebanese, against Israeli aggression'...Main opposition leader Walid Jumblatt said
on [20 Mar] the opposition was in dialogue with Hizbollah, and also said disarming guerrillas was a
domestic issue.'On subject of Hizbollah's weapons, this is an internal subject. We hope that we will reach
a result through dialogue in time, but, at this time, this subject of weapons is not under discussion'."
AP"Blast at Anti-Syrian Stronghold Kills 3"NYT 23 Mar 05:-"A bomb killed three people in a Christian
commercial center early[23 Mar], second attack in an anti-Syrian stronghold in five days, raising fears
agitators were trying to show a need for Syria's military presence in Lebanon. A main opposition group,
Qornet Shehwan, accused pro-Damascus authorities of seeking to 'terrorize' people through blasts. Local
member of parliament called on constituents to resist attempts to draw them into sectarian strife.'They
have organized attacks against some citizens and their motorcades, then they moved on to chain of
explosions from Jdeideh to Kaslik,' Qornet Shehwan said. Group urged people who suffered losses in
explosions to sue interior and defense ministers for 'their failure to guarantee security for the people'. [23
Mar] explosion at Alta Vista center in Kaslik, Jounieh, about 10 miles north of Beirut, is said to have killed
a Sri Lankan and an Indian. Bomb wounded four other people treated at hospital. A third body was found
in rubble hours later. Police said believed to be that of another worker from Indian subcontinent. The 45-pound bomb is believed to have been placed in a leather bag at building's back entrance. European Union
summit told Syria [23 Mar] it must promptly withdraw its troops and intelligence officers. The 25 EU
leaders said Syrian President Bashar Assad should 'quickly implement commitments...to remove all
Syrian troops and security services from Lebanon'...Magistrate investigating 14 Feb assassination of
former PM Rafik Hariri...has asked to step down. Move comes ahead of report by UN investigators
reportedly accusing authorities of negligence and tampering with evidence in aftermath of blast that killed
Hariri.[Lebanese]judicial council can accept [magistrate's] request/ appoint another magistrate, decline
to act, or reject it outright. Move will certainly delay investigation. [Syrian president Assad told Arab
League summit 23 Mar]that UN inquiry into Hariri's killing might not be sufficient. [He]said he expects to
release report in next few days on it, but'I believe more comprehensive investigation may also be
necessary.' A newspaper owned by Hariri's family has reported UN team found that Lebanese authorities
had tampered and were negligent in their handling of blast...On[21 Mar]about 1,000 pro-Syrian students
marched on US Embassy, shouting 'Death to America!' Students tore up photograph of Bush and
denounced what they said was Washington's interference in Lebanon." Reuters "U.S. Calls for Monitors
for Lebanese Elections"NYT 24 Mar 05:-"US called on Lebanon on [24 Mar] to hold general elections on
time...despite government crisis that threatens to delay May polls. 'Elections must move forward - free and
fair elections in presence of international observers - in their scheduled time.That should be priority,'
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Satterfield said on visit to Beirut. After meeting with spiritual
leader of Maronite Christians, he also said quick poll was needed to create a'different political
environment'in Lebanon...Top Lebanese officials questioned motives of Satterfield's visit, second in
weeks, hinting that he was coming to help opposition topple pro-Syrian authorities...But day after bomb
killed three Asian workers...he warned 'outside forces' against sowing strife in country... which fought
bloody civil war along sectarian lines. 'There may be those parties and governments who are interested
in promoting violence and instability. They will be held directly accountable for their actions,' Satterfield
said. 'We have utmost confidence in stability and peacefulness of Lebanese situation so long as outside
forces do not seek to create problems and do not seek to promote violence. That is what must stop."
Warren Hoge"U.N. Cites Syria as Factor in Lebanese Assassination"NYT 25 Mar 05:-"Toughly worded UN
report into assassination of Hariri concluded [24 Mar] that heavy-handed Syrian interference in Lebanese
affairs created polarizing tensions that led to his death, and that a deeply-flawed local investigation
obstructed efforts to find his killers. Author of report, Patrick Fitzgerald, a deputy police commissioner
of Ireland, called for investigation by an independent international commission as only way of uncovering
truth behind Hariri's killing. Syrian-backed Lebanese government previously rejected such an inquiry,
saying it would violate national sovereignty, but Lebanon's president, Lahoud, issued statement in Beirut
on [24 Mar] after speaking with UNSG Kofi Annan by phone that appeared to give approval for
international investigation. 'President Lahoud asked UNSG to do what's necessary to reveal truth in crime
as soon as possible,' statement said. In a covering letter to UNSC, Annan endorsed call for an
international investigation, saying report raised 'very serious and troubling allegations'...While it said it
could not assign direct blame for the killing, mission's 19p report said government of Syria'bears primary
responsibility for the political tension that preceded the assassination.' It said Syria's interference in
Lebanon was'heavy-handed/inflexible' which, combined with inept Lebanese security, was responsible
for 'political polarization' that 'provided the backdrop' for the assassination. Mission said it had been told
by number of people close to Hariri that he had reported that in meeting with President Assad, the Syrian
leader had threatened him with physical harm if he continued his campaign to assert Lebanese
independence from Syria. Report said Syrians had refused to discuss the meeting with the mission's
investigators.'Clear assassination took place in political/security context marked by acute polarization
around Syrian influence in Lebanon and failure of Lebanese state to provide adequate protection for its
citizens,' it said. It accused Lebanese security services of 'serious/systematic negligence' and implied that
authorities obstructed team's work. 'Distinct lack of commitment on part of Lebanese authorities to
investigate crime effectively,' report said. Lebanese-Syrian security combine, it said, bred in Lebanon 'a
culture of intimidation/impunity.' It said too that Lebanese investigators inspired no trust in Lebanese
people, and asserted current leadership of Lebanese security services would have to be replaced before
any credible international investigation could take place. At UN, Syrian ambassador was dismissive of
report, saying Fitzgerald had spent too much time talking to opponents of Syria. 'It seems to me he deals
only with opposition and those who want to accuse Syria of something,'he said.'He should have been
more objective in analyzing overall situation.' He disputed Fitzgerald's theory that Syria had created
atmosphere of tension leading to assassination and said that it was instead UNSC's resolution this fall
calling on Syrian troops to leave Lebanon that was responsible. 'We think that things were going on well
in Lebanon until a certain development that has taken place here when one or two countries pushed
UNSC to adopt a resolution...not called for, he said...Report said explosion was caused by ton of TNT,
detonated most likely above ground. It said Hariri was unanimously described to investigators as most
important figure in Lebanese public life and his assassination was therefore indictment of the poor
protection offered by Lebanese security services. It said that security survices ignored threats on life of
Hariri and other political figures. In what it called a case of 'stark negligence', it noted Hariri's security
detail was cut to 8 people from 40 after he left [PM] office. Report provided a breakdown of security offices
and said that, contrary to assurances of its leaders, Syrian services played a commanding role in
management of security affairs in Lebanon. In detailing repeated errors/breakdowns in policing, report
said investigation was deeply flawed, noting that crime scene not properly managed; crater created by
bomb allowed to fill with water from broken main, destroying evidence; people were permitted to move
freely in/out of crime scene and remove objects; vehicles involved in blast were removed, preventing
proper ballistic analysis. Examples of failure to perform even most fundamental police tasks, report said
one body was not recovered until next day, another a week later, and a third two weeks later. Report said
body of person missing believed to be unrecovered at scene. Report said no effort to establish
origins/pre-bombing route of a truck critical to the case, and arrest of a young Palestinian was based on
glaringly unsubstantial evidence." The next four items, identified only by titles, offer essentially the same
important information as the long previous summary: AP"U.N. Report Says Investigation Is Needed in
Hariri Assassination"NYT 24 Mar 05; Reuters"UN Team Urges Independent Probe of Hariri Death"NYT 24
Mar 05; AP"U.N.:Hariri Assassination Probe Flawed"NYT 25 Mar 05;Reuters"Lebanese Officials on
Defensive Over U.N. Report"NYT 25 Mar 05. AP"Lebanon Criticizes U.N.Report on Hariri"NYT 25 Mar 05:-adds some additional points:"Asked [25 Mar] how Lebanon's justice system would deal with an enquiry
if established by UNSC, Lebanese Justice Minister Addoum had list of technical and legal
concerns,..though he insisted Lebanon will abide by international decisions...FM Mahmoud Hammoud
said [25 Mar]government 'welcomes all means' to find truth about bombing that killed Hariri. [Also on]UN
inquiry, Mallat, an international law professor in Beirut, told TV: 'under international law, immunity no
longer applies to anyone, including presidents of Lebanon or Syria, if they are asked to testify or in case
they were indicted.' Government ministers were defensive [25 Mar]as they held news conferences to
dispute report's findings their government had botched, if not outright manipulated, its own investigation
into Harari's killing. Defense Minister Murad was visibly angry over claims Syria and Lebanon were lax
in security...FM said UN mission overstepped its mandate in accusing government of negligence[and it
reached conclusions not based on evidence]. Opposition legislator Hamadeh said ministers' action
emanated from'panic'. [A]nother said it showed 'they lost their nerves'. FM rejected Syrian responsibility
for tension, blaming it instead on UN resolution 1559. 'This... pushed atmosphere toward political
polarization'. Interior Minister Franjieh acknowledged 'flaws' in security system, but said report did not
directly accuse government, [and] supported international investigation. Syria's UN Ambassador Mekdad
said report contained 'too much rhetoric'. He, too, blamed tensions on UN resolution...Apart from the
defensive action by government officials, there was little public reaction to report, whose contents were
matter of public discussion and media reports in recent weeks." AP"3 Foreign Workers Hurt in Lebanon
Blast"NYT 26 Mar 05:-"A bomb set off a raging inferno in an industrial area of a mainly Christian
neighbourhood of Beirut on [26 Mar], injuring at least three foreign workers. Mayor of Bouchrieh said
explosion caused by bomb placed near buildings in industrial area... Blast on eve of Easter holiday
occurred three hours before Catholics were to head to midnight mass...At least six buildings [set]
ablaze...Firefighters battled desperately to contain huge orange flames. A military officer said at least three
Asian workers were wounded.[D]ifficult to know nature of explosion because of fire; some of factories
in area contained highly flammable material. Explosives expert said bomb about 55 pounds placed betwen
car and building containing wood-working factory. Civil Defense officers and Red Cross calling on people
to stay away from area, fearing spread of fire/more explosions caused by flammable materials/fuels in
factories...Opposition leader Jumblatt held pro-Syrian security agents responsible, saying they were trying
to intimidate people. Druse leader said expected more car bombs in coming days/run-up to parliamentary
elections due May. Another opposition leader said explosions 'a political message from authorities and
those behind them' aimed at 'terrorizing' Lebanese people who are demanding freedom and sovereignty."
Reuters"Lebanese Figure Urges Pro-Syria Security to Resign"NYT 26 Mar 05:-"Leading opposition figure
[Jumblatt] urged country's Syrian-backed security chiefs to resign to make way for international probe
into killing of former PM Hariri. 'Not possible to carry out a just, clear and transparent investigation if
heads of agencies remain in place'...Opposition figures say [UN fact-finding team's report] bolsters their
repeated calls for international probe and for security chiefs to go...Jumblatt said of Lebanon's justice,
interior and foreign ministers: 'Tomorrow they will no doubt be brought to court, to investigation'."
Reuters"U.S. Reaches Out to Syrian Opposition - Officials"NYT 26 Mar 05:-"Bush administration is
stepping up contacts with Syrian opposition amid concerns that unrest in Lebanon could cause wider
instability, US officials said on [26 Mar]. Senior US officials involved in Middle East policymaking met in
Washington[24 Mar]with prominent Syrian Americans, including activists, community leaders, academics
and an opposition group...Condoleezza Rice told Washington Post administration was reaching out to
as many people as possible on developments in Syria and Lebanon. Administration officials want to
ensure that US government is prepared in event of sudden political upheaval. Post reported
administration reaching out because of growing concerns that unrest in Lebanon could spill over and
suddenly destabilize Syria...'What we're trying to do is to assess situation so that nobody is blindsided,
because events moving so fast and in such unpredictable directions that it is only prudent at this point
to know what's going on,' Rice told Post." Economist 26 Mar 05"Lebanon: Fill That Vacuum":-"As nerves
fray? could Arab world's first female PM emerge?...Where demonstrations elsewhere in Arab world are
guided by men with beards, in Beirut front lines are still being manned by fashion queens with Pekinese
dogs wrapped in Lebanon's flag, along with suave bankers accompanied by Sri Lankan maids...Jobless
Lebanese are keenly awaiting day when an independent government will impose work visas on Syrian
migrants they accuse of stealing their jobs...But Central Bank economists say exodus of migrant workers
will push up salaries,...spike inflation and cut profits. An injection of Kuwaiti and Saudi capital has so far
matched flight of Syrian capital, but bankers fear that angry rulers in Damascus may block Lebanon's
trade routes to Arab world. In any event, street protests have...left a political vacuum...[m]aking regime
change a complex business...So Christian Maronite leaders...have rallied to prevent Druze leader
[Jumblatt] anointing his own man as president, a post constitution allots to one of their own, even though
uneasy about the continuing rule of their co-religionist, President Lahoud...whose remaining men fanning
sectarian flames...Lahoud can no longer count on the army, [but]his security chiefs continuing their reign.
Lebanon exhausted by war, but ingredients for violence are still very much there....They can rush arms
into Lebanon within hours...Opposition solely needs unifying figure. Hariri's sister Bahia, an MP, has
impressed with her moderation, courage and non-sectarian embrace... And she has reached out to the
restless followers of Hizbullah. If she were made PM,..it would at least give all Lebanon's communities
respected PM to fill vacuum." Reuters"Jazeera TV Says Threatened Over Beirut Blast Report"NYT 27 Mar
05:-"Popular Arab TV Al Jazeera said [27 Mar] it had received a bomb threat against its Beirut office over
its coverage of a Beirut blast, which indicated interviews with leading anti-Syrian politicians...It said
security had since been tightened around its office. Leading anti-Syrian opposition figure Walid Jumblatt
blamed Damascus-backed security authorities for blast during interview with Al Jazeera. Last month,
competing TV station Al Arabiya said its staff had received death threats from Syrian security bodies over
interview with UNSG Kofi Annan in which he urged Syria to withdraw from Lebanon by Apr." AP"Lebanese
Opposition Blames Syria for Blast"NYT 27 Mar 05:-"Bomb blast set off huge fires in mainly Christian
suburb of Beirut [26 Mar], injuring five people in the third such attack in eight days...A Lebanese woman
and two Indian workers injured, as were two civil defense workers working on extinguishing fire that
engulfed at least six buildings...Motive behind latest attacks wasn't clear, but Lebanese opposition leaders
blamed Syrian security agents and pro-Damascus Lebanese authorities for trying to show a need for
Syria's military presence in Lebanon in midst of Syrian troop withdrawal. Each attack has targeted
Christian, anti-Syrian strongholds, raising fears of return of sectarian violence that plagued Lebanon
during 1975-90 civil war...Defense Minister Murad, who hails from the Bekaa [which covers 45% of
Lebanese territory], said US ambassador asked Lebanon's army commander recently about Lebanese
army readiness to replace Syrian forces in eastern Lebanon. Murad said commander replied that
'conditions of military establishment do not permit new role in Bekaa because numerically army is not
enough'...Pro-Syrian camp, however, accused opposition forces of seeking instability to invite
international intervention in Lebanon. 'I think going on is attempt to internationalize Lebanese situation
to allow for sending troops to Lebanon', said Pakradouni, leader of pro-government Christian Phalange
party, adding he did not believe security agencies to blame." Dexter Filkins"Baghdad and Beirut: What
Set Loose the Voice of the People"NYT 27 Mar 05:-correspondent spent his past two years in Baghdad,
saw the national Iraqi election, and heard many arguments that it would influence democracy in Middle
East. Since Lebanon's anti-Syrian movement closely followed Iraqi election and seems to have some
democratic relevance, he examines inter-related attitudes and factors - and seems to conclude that US
support for the situation in Lebanon relates to UNSC resolution that makes Syrian forces more likely to
get/stay out. AP"Lebanese President Pledges to End Violence"NYT 27 Mar 05:-"Pro-Syrian President
Lahoud pledged on [27 Mar] to fight violence gripping country after three bombings in eight days raised
fears of renewed sectarian bloodshed...UNSG Kofi Annan and a senior US envoy condemned the attacks.
Syrian troops, meanwhile, continued dismantling positions in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa Valley on [27 Mar]
and headed home - a key demand of US, UN and Lebanese opposition. Some 35 military trucks loaded
with soldiers, equipment, ammunition and towing anti-aircraft guns entered Syria. Convoys left...hills near
Anjar in valley close to the border and near Syrian army radar station...Syrian soldiers also were
dismantling eight other positions near Baalbek and were expected to leave after midnight. Previous troop
withdrawals have proceeded in same fashion. Leaders of anti- and pro-Syrian camps also held their first
talks in seven months. Meeting between Druse leader Walid Jumblatt and Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, of
powerful Syrian-backed Hezbollah militant group, came amid a political deadlock hampering formation
of a Cabinet to arrange parliamentary elections before 31 May expiration of current legislature's term.
Lebanon's anti-Syran opposition has been courting Hezbollah, which is widely admired in country for its
social assistance and its military role[against Israel]. For its part Hezbollah seeking opposition assurances
that it won't push for group's disarmament following Syria's final troop withdrawal. 'Issue of weapons not
under discussion today', Jumblatt said, adding he will not let any new parliament be 'hostile' to Syria or
Hezbollah...'We will do all we can. We should all be united because this is how we can save the
country',Lahoud...vowed...Anti-Syrian leaders also have blamed Damascus and allied Lebanese security
authorities for recent bombings that they say are aimed at proving Syrian troops are needed to maintain
security...Meanwhile, Al-Arabiya TV on 27 Mar aired footage taken minutes before massive bomb blast
killed Harari and 17 others. It showed'suspect'white pickup truck UN team has linked to assassination.
Footage, taken by bank camera, showed open-backed 95 or 96 model Mitsubishi Canter pickup truck
driving six times slower than other vehicles near central Beirut's seafront St. Georges Hotel, scene of
explosion. Shortly after truck passed out of camera's view, Hariri's motorcade was taped entering area.
Seconds later, camera's view finder is obscured by clouds of dust and debris from blast. UN fact-finding
mission's report...said authorities had found out little about truck, despite having access to bank camera's
tape...UNSG called on Lebanese government to 'rapidly' prevent security from deteriorating further. 'This
latest violence must stop and...Lebanese should be allowed to decide future of country free of violence
and intimidation', UNSG said in UN statement. US official, Sutterfield, said attacks were'aimed directly at
people of Lebanon and I think people of Lebanon confident in ability to proceed in manner that tells those
responsible they will not be frightened'."Reuters"Bombing Overshadows Easter in Beirut"NYT 27 Mar 05:-Patriarch Nasrallah Butrous Sfeir, spiritual leader of Lebanon's Maronite Christians and long-time critic
of Syria grip on Lebanon, told worshippers Easter mass: Lebanese must now choose between freedom
and violence. 'Incidents...put(people)at crossroads: either independence/sovereignty/freedom - and that
is what most Lebanese want - or turmoil/difficulties', Sfeir said. 'We must be united. This is what will save
the nation', [President Lahoud told TV] after meeting Sfeir...Druze opposition leader Jumblatt said after
his meeting with Hezbollah leader Nasrallah that group should keep its weapons until Israel withdrew from
disputed border area. 'When our ambitions are met, in agreement with resistance, over Shebaa Farms.
then we will talk about arms', Jumblatt said, referring to disputed strip on border between Lebanon, Israel
and Syria's Israeli-occupied land." AP"Syria Pulls 2,000 More Troops From Lebanon" NYT 28 Mar 05:-"Two
thousand more Syrian troops have left Lebanon, lowering Syria's military presence to 8,000 soldiers,
smallest deployment it's had here since second year of country's 1975-90 civil war, military official said.
More troops expected to leave this week. Seen dismantling eight positions near Baalbek [28 Mar]. In
Chaat, AP saw Syrian soldiers loading goods onto 10 trucks, each of which had anti-aircraft gun in tow.
Lebanese military official said 2,000 Syrian soldiers had left Bekaa Valley and returned home during past
few days. Lebanese-Syrian Technical Committee would meet next week to agree on second phase of
Syria's withdrawal from Lebanon, official said. Second phase expected to see complete removal of Syrian
forces in Lebanon. FM's acting SG, Asaker, left Beirut [28 Mar] for NY, where he will meet UN officials and
attend UNSC meeting that is expected to set up UN commission of inquiry into assassination of Hariri...'He
has instructions from Lebanese government to inform officials at UN that Lebanon accepts international
investigation', FM official said. UNSG expected to discuss Hariri's killing this week." AP"Dozens of
Lebanese Still Held in Syria" NYT 28 Mar 05:-Human rights groups say "[D]ozens of Lebanese...still being
held as political prisoners in Syrian jails, something Syria's government denies. [Some] taken by Syrian
army 13 Oct 90, day Lebanon's long civil war ended as Syrian troops crushed forces of [Lebanese
army]...Syrian regime and Lebanon's pro-Syrian government led by President Lahoud deny anyone from
Lebanon in Syrian jail, saying 46 Lebanese freed Dec 2000 were last batch. However, when Syrian
authorities released 55 political prisoners last month [Feb 05], mostly members of banned Muslim
Brotherhood, there were two Lebanese among them. Syrian President Bashar Assad has closed Mazzeh
prison and ordered release of many political prisoners since succeeding late father in 2000, but reports
have said some of detainees were transferred to Saidnaya prison. Human rights groups/families say they
have evidence of at least 176 Lebanese in Syrian jails, many of whom have been there for more than a
decade. List includes dozens of soldiers, two Maronite Christian monks and at least one politician.
[Director of human rights group claims there are hundreds of detainees.] Lebanese legislator on human
rights committee also disputed Syria's denial...Hundreds of Lebanese have been taken to Syria since it
first sent troops into Lebanon in 76. Detainees were from various Muslim and Christian sects and different
political factions...Arrests...by Syrian military intelligence [have] sharply dropped since civil war. People
were snatched for anti-Syrian activity or for belonging to groups that disagreed with Syrian policy. Others
were taken for allegedly working for Israel." Reuters"Syria Denies Brushing Aside Hariri Killing Probe"
NYT 28 Mar 05:-"Washington Post quoted [Condoleezza]Rice [25 Mar]as saying that Syria did not see a
need for an international probe into the killing of...Hariri...'Best thing we can do is to get a full-scale
investigation that is an international investigation', Rice told Post. 'Only slightly different tone I heard was
the Syrians and they've said they don't see why one is needed. Well, I think one is clearly needed'. [Syrian
official said] Damascus did not reject the idea of an investigation. 'Agreeing[to have](an international
investigation) is a Lebanese sovereign decision...Damascus emphasized that it would approve of any
decision that Lebanon takes in this regard'." Reuters"Lebanon PM Expected to Resign in Two Days"NYT
29 Mar 05:-"Lebanon's pro-Syrian PM [,Omar Karami,] expected to step down this week after he failed to
persuade opposition figures to join a government that could run country until elections in May. [He]
resigned a month ago after coming under immense popular pressure from Lebanese angered by killing
of his predecessor Rafik al-Hariri. But he was reappointed by parliament to form a national unity
government bringing together both anti-Syrian opposition members and pro-Syrian loyalists. Lebanon's
opposition...has refused to join any government until after elections it believes will give it a majority in
chamber now largely allied to Damascus...If PM resigns, President Lahoud would have to consult with
deputies once again to choose a new PM, a process that could delay the general election. Opposition
figures accuse Karami of procrastinating to avoid elections and have urged him to form a government
without them. His old cabinet still holds office in caretaker capacity...Karami has said he wanted to form
only a broad national unity cabinet. He has not officially been approached about leading possible smaller
cabinet of relatively non-partisan figures both sides could accept...But Environment Minister Wahhab said
he did not believe a new government would be formed any time soon. 'We have entered a long stage', he
said. 'No one has to give them a government they are comfortable with...If they want elections they must
enter a national unity cabinet'." AP"Karami Said Likely to Quit Lebanon Gov't"NYT 29 Mar 05:-"Some
opposition members have accused Karami and his pro-Syrian allies of stalling over the formation of a
Cabinet in order to scuttle the chances of holding elections on time. Staggered polls are due to begin late
Apr and continue into May. Opposition is expected to triumph in the elections." Reuters"Syria Says
Troops Out of Lebanon Before Election"NYT 29 Mar 05:-"Syria said for first time on[29 Mar]that it would
withdraw all its military and intelligence forces from Lebanon before elections due to be held there in May.
FM Farouq al-Shara made pledge in letter to UNSG Kofi Annan dated [29 Mar]. Letter said longtime close
cooperation between Syria and Lebanon had enabled Syria to decrease its troops to 10,000 from 40,000,
'coupled with full withdrawal of these troops before the forthcoming elections in Lebanon'. Syrian UN
Ambassador Mekdad told Reuters a joint Syrian-Lebanese coordinating committee would meet before [02
Apr] to set a timetable for the withdrawal. Meeting would take place just before expected [re-]arrival in
region of [UN] special envoy Roed-Larsen...UNSC met in closed session to discuss resolution, drafted
by US and France, that would authorize an independent international investigation into 14 Feb killing of
former Lebanese PM Hariri...UN fact-finding mission led by...Fitzgerald [had said]Lebanese inquiry into
the killing 'suffers from serious flaws and has neither the capacity nor commitment to reach satisfactory
and credible conclusion'." FM al-Shara in his letter took strong issue with mission's findings, particularly
its description of Hariri's relations with Syrian leaders. Dexter Filkins"Pro-Syrian Premier Expected to
Resign in Lebanon Today"NYT 30 Mar 05:-"Opposition gained ground on [29 Mar] with both PM and chief
of country's powerful military intellignece agency signaling intention to quit...Karami's pending
resignation appeared to clear way for opposition to try to form government that would try to ensure
elections held by end of May...General manager of newspaper, An Nahar, said opposition putting forward
two possible candidates for PM: former PM Rashid Solh, and former Amb. to Britain Ahmed al-Haj.
Another promising sign, one of most powerful figures in Lebanon's Syrian-backed intelligence service,
Gen. Raymond Azar, signaled that he was stepping down." Reuters"More Syrian Troops Leave Lebanon,
Karami to Quit"NYT 30 Mar 05:-"Two dozen Syrian military trucks drove eastwards across the border
overnight, while intelligence men burned papers at several Syrian offices in Bekaa Valley, witnesses said.
PM Karami met President Lahoud to inform him of his plan to step down. Karami told reporters afterwards
he would submit his formal resignation after meeting of his loyalist supporters." Reuters"More Syrian
Troops Leave Eastern Lebanon"NYT 31 Mar 05:-"Syrian forces evacuated positions near their main
military and Intelligence HQ in Lebanon on [31 Mar] after night of bomb scares in Beirut. Witnesses said
troops had dismantled two military posts near Anjar, nerve center of Syria's presence in Lebanon. About
18 trucks loaded with soldiers and equipment from the posts near village in Bekaa Valley drove into Syria
overnight. Troops in southern Bekaa were also seen preparing to abandon their posts as pace of a Syrian
pullout from Lebanon appeared to quicken...'We had a long night in the operations room', military source
said. 'We received 130 calls about suspected bombs, but we didn't find any. Most related to badly parked
cars'... It appears unlikely that a new PM can be found, a government formed and an electoral law passed
by parliament in time to allow elections to go ahead on schedule. Opposition leaders ...due to meet to
discuss how the government crisis can be resolved to enable the polls to take place." AP"Opposition
Accuses Syria in Elections"NYT 31 Mar 05:-"On [31 Mar] opposition accusing Damascus of seeking to
delay elections to keep a loyal legislature in place. Syria apparently wants to ensure that it continues to
wield influence in Lebanon despite accelerating pace of troop withdrawals from country ...But elections
may be threatened because of deadlock over forming new government, which must be completed before
a vote can take place. Speaking after meeting of 70 legislators/members from anti-Syrian opposition,
lawmaker Khoury called on pro-Syrian caretaker PM Karami to step down as promised and allow
President Lahoud to appoint someone else to try to form new Cabinet. 'Lebanese-Syrian security
authority...is working to scuttle elections in serious attempt to extend current legislature's mandate in
illegitimate/unconstitutional manner', extract of statement by opposition meeting...More Syrian troops left
Lebanon overnight as pace of withdrawal picked up. Convoy of 30 Syrian trucks, loaded with
equipment/ammunition, left...southern part of Bekaa Valley on [31 Mar] night for Syrian border...Second
convoy - of 14 vehicles - headed out from eastern town of Anjar, where Syrian military intelligence has
Lebanese HQ...However, military intelligence units remained in town. UN envoy Roed-Larsen expected
to visit Lebanon and Syria this week to discuss implementation of 2004 UNSC resolution[1559]on Syrian
withdrawal...Syrian President Assad has said he will be able to provide 'concrete date' for Syria's complete
withdrawal by time of the visit. [Lebanon] elections cannot be called until a government is formed to steer
a new electoral law through parliament. If they're not held by 31 May, opposition fears pro-Syrian majority
in parliament will extend the current legislature's life for months." Reuters"Hizbollah Challenges U.S. to
Take Away Its Weapons"NYT 31 Mar 05:-"Defiant Hezbollah leader challenged US [31 Mar] to send troops
to Lebanon to carry out its call to disarm Shiite Muslim guerrilla group. 'We tell US and all those who want
to disarm resistance in Lebanon and resistance in Palestine to safeguard Israel:...This is forbidden. It is
not possible.', Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah told a rally in Beirut. 'What is left for them is that Americans come
themselves to disarm resistance and (Palestinian refugee)camps in Lebanon. I wish they would come, I
wish they would come', he said to applause...US-backed UNSC resolution [1559] calls for disarming of
Hezbollah and Palestinian groups in refugee camps in Lebanon. [In fact, operative para 3. of 1559 reads:
Calls for the disbanding and disarmament of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias;.] 'All of us will
protect the resistance, protect its role and its duty', Nasrallah said." AP"Lebanon Shopping Center Blast
Injures 7"NYT 01 Apr 05:-"A bomb damaged shopping center in Christian area northeast of Beirut [01 Apr],
fourth attack against anti-Syrian target in two weeks. Blast lightly injured seven people, one of them an
American, police said. Explosion in resort town of Broummana, 10 miles northeast of capital, started a
fire and shattered glass in several buildings, blew out store shutters and smashed several cars.
Firefighters working in a steady downpour evacuated residents at posh complex. Broummana is lightly
populated in winter but packed in summer with Arab and other tourists...Police said bomb was placed in
underground parking lot at center. Police estimated explosive at 44 pounds...Anti-Syrian leaders have
blamed Damascus and allied Lebanese security authorities for bombings they say are aimed at proving
Syrian troops needed to maintain security in Lebanon. Pro-Syrian camp blames saboteurs for
destabilizing country in order to invite international intervention." Reuters"Bomb Wounds 12 in Lebanese
Christian Village"NYT 01 Apr 05:-"...Blast occurred shortly after Lebanon's parliament speaker said pro-Syrian PM Omar Karami would try again to form a government to supervise elections due in May, rather
than step down as he had previously said...Parliament's speaker Nabih Berri said after a meeting of pro-Syrian politicians that Karami had agreed to stay on to form a cabinet 'as soon as possible'. 'Those
meeting have unanimously declared their refusal to give up on their demand for a government of national
unity led by Karami', Berri said. Lebanese opposition leaders accused Syria and its local allies on [01 Apr]
of trying to delay elections to prolong the life of the chamber that is largely loyal to Damascus...Berri said
any new government would draw up a draft law organizing elections based on large constituencies -
which some analysts say would favor pro-Syrian candidates. A prominent Christian politician said the
opposition would contest and win the elections even if they were delayed. [E]ven a technical delay is the
first step to destroying the parliamentary democratic system that we have in Lebanon', Maronite Christian
deputy Boutros Harb told Reuters. Thirty-five opposition deputies signed a petition demanding prompt
elections and accusing Karami/Berri of procrastinating to avoid defeat at the polls." Economist 02 Apr 05
"Lebanon and Syria: Who Will Blink First?"(40-1):-"...Syrians have yet to give up their satellite: it is
dangerous for a dictator to look weak...Even if Syria's old mukhabarat (intelligence service)slinks away,
most Lebanese expect new ones back in different guise. Syria's allies, including Hizbullah,...will still work
as Syria's (and also Iran's) eyes and ears. In addition, many Lebanese, loyal to Syria because they owe
their jobs to it, may be less ready to ditch their backer. The heavily pro-Syrian parliament, in which only
35 or so of 128 MPs are in outright opposition, is flinching from prospect of general election. So one
proposal is to lower voting age from 21 to 19, to enfranchise more Shias, who tend to be more pro-Syrian
and who have been breeding faster than their other compatriots. But a lot of pro-Syrian MPs would like
simply to postpone poll by filibustering until 15 Apr: thereafter, they say, too late to hold election in
current parliamentary term...'Elections now would be suicidal for pro-Syrians', says a presidential adviser.
'The opposition would sweep 70%.' But should government hold out for another six months, pro-Syrians'
chances might improve. Longer the delay, the greater the likelihood that fragile alliance of Sunnis, Druze
and Maronite Christians would crumble. If Lebanon's pro-Syrian politicians are refusing to buckle without
fight, so too are their ruling friends in Damascus. Many Syrians, affronted by what they see as Lebanon's
anti-Syrian invective and apparent ingratitude for the 15,000 Syrian troops who have died trying to rescue
their squabbling neighbour from civil war, have rallied to government's cause. Besides, Syria's opposition
is much feebler than Lebanon's. Pro-US exiles have no local constituency, intellectuals in Damascus have
little nerve, and -to delight of many in Syrian establishment- Syria's Sunni jihadis, who have long been
hostile to secular Assad dynasty, have been killing themselves in Iraq. In addition, Assad has been
strengthening his own hand at expense of some of his father's old friends...In [their] place, Assad has
surrounded himself with family friends from his minority Alawite sect...Of his father's advisers, only Ghazi
Kenan, Syria's ruthless viceroy in Lebanon for two decades, has been brought back from lesser job of
overseeing Syria's Kurds, to take over the interior minister and muzzle the opposition. But perhaps
Assad's best - and most unlikely - hope for survival, at any rate for a bit longer, is that US administration
will lessen its pressure. Still bogged down badly in Iraq, George Bush may be wary of encouraging regime
change across border in Damascus, until and unless there is clear plan for an alternative. So far, there
is no sign of one." Reuters"All Syrian Forces to Leave Lebanon by April 30"NYT 03 Apr 05:-"Syria has
promised to withdraw all forces from Lebanon by 30 Apr and will let UN team verify pullout, UN envoy said
[03 Apr]. Damascus ordered withdrawal, demanded by UNSC resolution[1559], after coming under intense
international pressure over 14 Feb assassination of Lebanese former PM Hariri. UN envoy Roed-Larsen
said Syrian FM Farouq al-Shara had told him 'all Syrian troops, military assets and intelligence apparatus
will have been withdrawn fully and completely...by 30 Apr 05.' Envoy was speaking at joint news
conference with Shara after talks with President Assad in Damascus. Syria has agreed that, subject to
acceptance of Lebanese authorities, UN verification team will be dispatched to verify the(full withdrawal)',
said envoy. Syrian source said team would report to UN envoy. Lebanese opposition figures hailed
announcement, which fulfilled one of their key demands...Declared timetable means all Syrian forces will
have left before Lebanon holds parliamentary elections. Polls were due to have taken place in May, but
might be pushed back because of political turmoil since Hariri's killing...'Declaration...is decisive positive
development in Lebanese crisis', opposition member of parliament Nassib Lahoud said. 'We hope that
it opens new chapter in Lebanese-Syrian relations marked by highest level of cooperation between two
independent states'... 'I do hope that agreement and understandings we've reached today in Damascus
will give positive impetus into Lebanon in sense that elections will take place speedily and...these
elections should be free and fair', said Roed-Larsen. Dozens of Syrian military trucks and some tanks on
transporters rolled out of Lebanon [03 Apr], witnesses said. Troops had evacuated seven positions in and
round village of Anjar close to the border. But Syrian intelligence HQ in village and a large army base in
ancient castle were still manned by Syrian personnel. Lebanese-Syrian military committee met in Beirut
and Damascus in past few days to agree on withdrawal timetable; Lebanese army chief General Michel
Suleiman met Assad in Damascus." Dexter Filkins"Syrians Promise to Quit Lebanon by Month's End"NYT
03 Apr 05:- "Announcement on[03 Apr]was overshadowed by continuing political deadlock[in Beirut],
which seemed increasingly likely to result in a delay in nationwide elections, Lebanese opposition leaders
said. Many Lebanese accuse Syrian leadership of causing deadlock to prolong reign of current
government, which has supported Syrian occupation. Popularity of sitting government leaders has
declined sharply since Hariri's death. [Syrian]FM Sharaa, speaking at a news conference, said that'by its
full withdrawal from Lebanon, Syria would have implemented' requirements of UN resolution. He
suggested, however, that pullout would not end his country's influence in Lebanon, which has been
dominated by Syria for more than quarter-century. Close ties between Syria and Lebanon, Sharaa said,
'cannot be annulled by withdrawal of forces or by incitement for purpose of breaking Syria-Lebanese
relations' ...Withdrawal of Syrian troops would remove one of main concerns of Lebanese opposition; that
Syrian security networks would try to influence outcome of elections if held next month...Under Lebanese
law, elections have to be called at least 30 days before held. With legal mandate of current Lebanese
Parliament expiring at end of May, by most interpretations, Parliament has only couple of weeks left to
call elections. If Parliament fails to do that, then it will have to extend its term. Members of Lebanese
opposition contend real objective of PM Karami and his Syrian backers is to put off elections as long as
possible and extend life of current pro-Syrian Parliament... Growing violence, which has revived memories
of civil war here, has prompted Lebanese to call on leaders to break deadlock before things get worse.
'In the Middle East, all political impasses end in violence', Chibli Mallat, law professor/opposition leader,
said in recent interview." Reuters "Lebanese Troops Take Over Key Syrian Checkpoint"NYT 04 Apr 05:-"Lebanese troops took over a key Syrian checkpoint on Beirut-Damascus highway on[04 Apr], and
Syrians, now committed to leaving Lebanon by 30 Apr, prepared to abandon nearby intelligence building.
Witnesses said Lebanese soldiers were manning roadblock at eastern town of Shtoura in Bekaa Valley,
replacing Syrian intelligence agents who held it for nearly three decades. Syrians also vacated their
military hospital in Shtoura, moving out in 15 trucks and other vehicles, witnesses said. Senior Syrian and
Lebanese military officers were meeting in Bekaa to agree on details of Syria's plan to withdraw remaining
forces from Lebanon by end of month ...Pro-Syrian PM Karami... is due to try again this week to form
government to organize parliamentary elections due in May...Another possible delay to emergence of new
government loomed after officials said Karami/President Lahoud/Parliament Speaker Berri, all close to
Damascus, attend Pope's funeral." AP "U.N., Lebanese Leaders Meet After Pledge"NYT 04 Apr 05:-"Syria's
official SANA news agency reported [04 Apr] final phase of ongoing withdrawal begins [07 Apr]...Roed-Larsen met Lebanese President Lahoud and FM Hammoud on [04 Apr]; sounded upbeat on prospects of
Syria complying with UNSC demands for full withdrawal. 'I have very good hopes I can go back to NY and
report to UNSG...to prepare report on implementation of UNSC Resolution 1559 for UNSC in middle of
month', [said] after meeting Hammoud. UN envoy said he was sure UNSC would find results of his
conversations [03 Apr] with Assad and Syrian FM 'satisfactory'. Lebanese officials said talks...Roed-Larsen/Hammoud focused on: Syrian withdrawal; holding Lebanese parliamentary elections by 31 May;
possibility of UN team being dispatched to Lebanon to verify Syrian pullout...Not yet clear...Lebanon will
agree to UN team...After meeting Lahoud, UN envoy said Lebanon must maintain security and prevent
attempts to destabilize it, officials said. Four Mar bombings in Christian areas killed three people and
injured 24. Roed-Larsen/Lahoud discussed other Resolution 1559 requirements regarding presence of
militias in Lebanon, officials said in clear reference to calls to disarm militant group Hezbollah, which US
regards as terrorist organization but Lebanon considers legitimate resistance movement." Reuters"EU
Trade Pact with Syria Stalled Over Lebanon" NYT 04 Apr 05:-"European Union will not sign much-delayed
trade/aid pact with Syria unless Damascus pulls all forces out of Lebanon and does not interfere in
neighbour's elections, EU ambassador said on [04 Apr]. Hesske told Reuters EU unlikely to sign
Association Agreement[AA], which will widen Syrian access to its markets, until Syria complies with UN
resolution demanding end to foreign meddling in Lebanon. AA has already been delayed by wrangling
over weapons of mass destruction...Hesske said EU would want to ensure Syria not interfering in
Lebanese parliamentary elections...which anti-Syrian opposition politicians believe will give them
majority...Syria says it supports free elections in Lebanon. 'Objective of AA is to bring parties much closer
together, so...very much interested that cooperating... with partner behaving in way...acceptable for
international law', Hesske said. 'So country...targeted by resolution 1559...has to comply'...Syria has hoped
EU pact would counterbalance sanctions imposed last year by US, which demanded Syria quit backing
anti-Israeli groups, stop foreign militants crossing its border to fight US troops in Iraq, and pull out of
Lebanon. AA,...after months of wrangling over...clause renouncing weapons of mass destruction, will give
Arab state greater access to EU markets in exchange for progress in areas such as democracy and human
rights." Reuters"UN Envoy Presses Lebanon on Hizbollah Disarmament"NYT 04 Apr 05:-"UN envoy
discussed UN demand for disarmament of Lebanon's Shiite Muslim Hizbollah guerrillas with...President
Lahoud[04 Apr]but reported no agreement. [US/ French-sponsored UNSC Resolution1559 adopted Sep[04]
calls for disarming all militias in Lebanon, as well as departure of foreign forces.] 'We have decided to
continue our dialogue', he said, adding that he expected to meet president again before leaving Beirut.
Lebanon officially opposes disarming Hizbollah, saying guerrilla group is not militia but resistance force,
fighting Israeli occupation of Shebaa Farms, a sliver of border land. UN views [this] territory as Syrian,
not Lebanese, and has certified that Israel, then under frequent Hizbollah attack, completed its pullout
from Lebanon in 2000. Hizbollah, only Lebanese faction permitted openly to keep its weapons since 1975-90 civil war, is also powerful political group, with 12 seats in 128-member parliament and wide support
among Shiites, Lebanon's biggest community. Syrian FM Shara said[03 Apr]his country's troop withdrawal
from Lebanon meant it had met its obligations under UN resolution, apparently disavowing any
responsibility for disarmament of its ally Hizbollah." Dexter Filkins"Families Yearn for News of Syria's
Lebanese Prisoners"NYT 04 Apr 05:-"For years, [Lebanese families of Syrian prisoners] have been
thwarted not just by Syrians, who deny existence of prisoners, but also by Lebanon's leaders, who have
responded with passivity/silence. Apathy of both Syrian and Lebanese governments before families of
the disappeared has long stood as testament to how thoroughly Syrian government came to dominate
the tiny country...But Lebanese leaders say that may be coming to an end. With Syrian Army compelled
by Lebanese public opinion and international pressure to end its 29-year military occupation, calls are
rising for Lebanese leaders to demand an accounting of their citizens held in Syrian jails. Issue is likely
to be one of the first tests of Lebanese opposition, which is expected to win parliamentary elections in
May[?] and take over government. By then, Syrian troops...are supposed to be gone. 'Times are changing',
said Fouad Saad, a member of Lebanese opposition and of Parliament. 'It's very possible that a new
government will reopen this issue and say to the Syrians, "Where are these people?"' Two years ago,
Saad headed a commission that looked into the Lebanese prisoners in Syria and determined that 120
Lebanese were probably either in Syrian jails or had died there. Yet so intimidating was Syrian presence,
Saad said, commission's report was rejected by President Lahoud and Rafik Hariri, then PM...Report was
never published...Through doggedness/bribes, a few mothers...have found their sons and purchased a
few moments together. Other families have been left to wonder whether their sons and husbands are alive
or dead, and, if they are alive, whether they are among the many who, according to human rights groups,
are being tortured in Syrian jails...Syrian government has continued to turn over Lebanese prisoners even
as it denies that it is holding any, human rights groups say. Since 2000, Syrian government has quietly
released at least a dozen more prisoners, according to Ghazi Aad, director of Families of Lebanese Held
in Syria. Aad said there was good reason to believe that Syrians were holding even more than the 280
people whose names his organization had compiled. Most of the Lebanese who Syrians have released,
he said, are not on the organization's list. 'That tells us there are more Lebanese in those prisons than
we know about', he said." Reuters"Christian Youths Watch Beirut Streets After Bombs"NYT 05 Apr 05:-"Spate of bombings has brought Christian youths onto the streets of east Beirut, checking each night for
parked cars from outside the neighbourhood and occasionally stopping drivers to ask where they are
heading...But the groups of youths, some of which follow duty rotas through the night, have not gone
down well with security forces who see in them uncomfortable reminders of wartime militias which almost
tore country apart...UN envoy said bombings and 'embryo' vigilante groups could undermine Lebanon's
stability. 'Distance from forming a vigilante group to establishing a militia is extremely short', he told
Reuters...Youths are too young to remember much of Lebanon's war, and certainly not initial emergence
of sectarian militias who fought some of fiercest Beirut battles a few hundred meters from where one
stands watch now. But other Lebanese have longer memories and worry the unarmed groups could turn
into something more menacing." Lebanese army expected to crack down on these groups soon since they
are located near the so-called Green Line, which during the bloody civil war marked the mutual frontline
area between Christian east Beirut and mainly Muslim west of city. "In the neighbouring mainly Shiite
Muslim district, a group of Shiite youths [also] gathered close to former Green Line. Indistinguishable in
their hip jackets and jeans from their Christian counterparts, they said they were not watching for
bombers, only hanging out together as usual." Reuters "UN Envoy Urges Syria, Lebanon to Open
Embassies"NYT 06 Apr 05:-"Syria and Lebanon ought to establish normal diplomatic ties, including
embassies in each other's capitals, UN envoy said [06 Apr]. ..'It's indeed my hope that shortly there will
be establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and that will lead to establishment
of embassies'. Syrian and Lebanese foreign ministry officials declined to comment on Roed-Larsen's
remarks. Syria has not had a diplomatic mission in Lebanon since the two countries won independence
from France in the 1940s. Many Lebanese say establishment of normal diplomatic relations is necessary
to show that Damascus has finally recognized Lebanon's full sovereignty/independence. Lebanon was
carved from Greater Syria in 1920 after collapse of Ottoman empire in WWI...More than 100 Syrian military
trucks left Lebanon [06 Apr], carrying troops, weapons, equipment and furniture, witnesses said. One
truck was even carrying cows. It was among the biggest movements of Syrian forces across the border
in single day since Damascus began withdrawing the 14,000 troops it had in its neighbour on 8
Mar...UNSG believes elections are primary instrument for safeguarding continued stability of country', [UN
envoy] said. [He added that] militia disarmament would move up the agenda in next six months."
Reuters"Lebanon PM to List Cabinet Soon, as Syria Leaving" NYT 07 Apr 05:-"Lebanon's caretaker PM,
Omar Karami, is expected to announce a new cabinet [11 Apr], political sources said.[It is expected to
consist of pro-Syrian loyalists. Now is also] six weeks after PM's previous pro-Syrian government was
forced to quit in face of huge anti-Syrian demonstrations,[but when] he was asked[ -officially by pro-Syrian
President -] to stay on to form a new cabinet. PM initially insisted on creating a government of national
unity, but the opposition refused to join in, prompting weeks of bickering [and making a delay to the
constitutionally-due elections almost inevitable. Indeed,] anti-Syrian opposition has accused Karami of
dragging his feet over forming a cabinet to delay elections and prolong the life of the mainly pro-Syrian
parliament. Polls are due to take place before [the current] parliament's term expires on 31 May. 'New
government will work on a new election law before the polls, and this will take some time. I think a
technical delay of the election is now almost inevitable', one source told Reuters. The new government
must seek a confidence vote in parliament before drafting a new [reflecting?] law organizing an election.
Only after parliament passes that law can the government call an election, after a period of at least one
month [ahead], officials say...Christian opposition gathering said in statement that they stuck by calls for
elections to be held 'by the legal deadline without any delay', and held authorities in Lebanon and Syria
'responsible for delaying them for whatever excuse'. Lebanon usually holds its elections over a period
of several consecutive weekends. Officials said new cabinet will seek to divide Lebanon into eight or nine
constituencies with proportional representation. Opposition backs a draft law already with parliament
dividing Lebanon into 26 electoral constituencies. Small ones seen to favor the mainly anti-Syrian
Christian minority, while large constituencies believed to tip the balance in favor of pro-Syrians." AP"U.N.
OKs Probe of Lebanon Ex - PM's Killing"NYT 07 Apr 05:-"UN Security Council voted unanimously [07 Apr]
to authorize international investigation into assassination of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri. Resolution
- co-sponsored by US, France and Britain - urged the independent commission to complete its work in
three months, but gave UNSG Kofi Annan authority to extend its mandate for an additional three months
if necessary...It follows last month's UN report by a fact-finding team which concluded that a Lebanese
probe did not meet international standards." Prior AP item on Resolution reported Russian UN
Ambassador stressed "We must be very precise in dealing with such issues as national [i.e. Lebanese]
sovereignty", adding that the probe could set a precedent for future, similar action. Thomas L.
Friedman"Arabs Lift Their Voices"NYT OP-ED COLUMNIST 07 Apr 05:-"Until recently, the modern Arab
world was largely immune to the winds of democracy that have blown everywhere else in the world.
Why?...Arab peoples were told by their own leaders/state-owned intellectuals that democracy had to come
later - after nationalist struggle against colonialism or liberation of Palestine or creation of Islamic state.
Well, combination of 9/11, [global] policies, and flattening of the world, whereby everyone can increasingly
see how everyone else is living, changed all that - as evidenced this week with publication of third Arab
Human Development Report, written by courageous group Arab social scientists under auspices of UNDP.
This is one of finest UN products under Kofi Annan. First report, in 2002, was about poor state of Arab
human development. Second, in 2003, was about poor state of Arab education and science. New one
focuses on'acute deficit of freedom/good governance'in Arab world. Underscores how much Arab peoples
crave, and need, freedom and good government - as much as any other people...[I]t couldn't appear at
better time. Report notes most Arab states today resemble'"black hole", which converts surrounding
social environment into a setting in which nothing moves and from which nothing escapes.' All political
parties, institutions, courts, intelligence services, police and media are centralized in the hands of the
Arab leader - that's why'modern-day Arab state frequently dubbed "the intelligence state".' What all these
states have in common, the report says, 'is that power is concentrated at tip of executive pyramid and that
margin of freedom permitted (which can be swiftly reduced) has no effect on state's firm/absolute grip on
power.' But without a majority of people behind them, all these Arab regimes lack legitimacy. Arab societal
structures tend to reinforce these autocratic trends, the report says: 'Family, primary unit of Arab society,
is based on clannism, which implants submission, and is considered enemy of personal independence,
intellectual daring, flowering of unique and authentic human entity. Once children enter school, they find
educational institution/curricula/teaching/evaluation methods which tend to rely on dictation/instill
submissiveness. Learning environment...does not open doors to freedom of thought and criticism.' Chain
constricting freedom, report notes, 'completes its circle in political realm, squeezing Arab public life into
small and constricted space... Complicated process has led Arab citizens, including some among
intelligentsia, to state of submission fed by fear/marked by denial of subjugation.' Report's authors
conclude with their hope for broad, peaceful redistribution of power in Arab world, their fear that nothing
will change - which they predict could lead to 'chaotic upheavals' - and their expectation of some
externally induced change and muddling through. But important thing about report is that political reform
now being put on Arab agenda by Arabs." [Attempted democratic revolt in Lebanon seems relevant.]
AP"U.N. OKs Probe of Lebanon Ex - PM's Killing"NYT 07 Apr 05:-"Lebanon promised to cooperate with
independent investigation, but UNSC rejected amendments proposed by government that would have
given it major role in inquiry. Resolution authorized international commission to assist Lebanese
authorities in their investigation, but left commission to decide what role Lebanese authorities would play.
'Very important facts of this tragic event known and we are pleased UNSC has adopted this resolution',US
Deputy Ambassador Stuart Holliday said. 'We have commitment from government of Lebanon to
cooperate with commisson. We would be very surprised if they didn't honor their commitment'... Also
called on Lebanese officials to give investigators access to all their documents/evidence. Commission
also given authority to collect additional information/evidence and'to interview all officials/other persons
in Lebanon that commission deems relevant to inquiry...Late[07 Apr], scores of Syrian military trucks
carrying 50 tanks/30 armored personnel carriers/dozens of trucks carrying ammunition/scores of soldiers
crossed into Syria from Lebanon, witnesses said. Most of the forces that pulled out based on hills of Dahr
al-Baidar, around town of Qabb Elias and western Bekaa Valley, they added." AP"U.S., France Back U.N.'s
Hariri Probe"NYT 08 Apr 05:-"France's UN Ambassador Jean-Marc de La Sabliere told reporters [07 Apr]
unanimous UNSC approval of resolution authorizing investigation underlined how strongly UNSC"wants
truth established".' UNSC's 15-0 vote came two weeks after UN fact-finding team issued report saying
Lebanese investigation riddled with flaws and didn't meet international standards. Team...said
international probe was needed...Russia/China/Algeria wanted to make sure that resolution reaffirmed
Lebanon's sovereignty while giving probe enough independence to be effective... Size of commission
hasn't been determined, though authors of [earlier UN] report recommended group of 50, acting US
Ambassador Patterson said [06 Apr]. She said mission would include experts focused solely on
explosives/forensics/other highly technical fields." Reuters"Hizbollah Outlines Arms Talks Conditions -
Report"NYT 08 Apr 05:-"Hizbollah would be prepared to discuss fate of its armed wing if Israel withdrew
from disputed border area, Lebanese guerrilla group's deputy leader said [06 Apr]. Sheikh Naim Kassem
said one alternative could involve Hizbollah's fighters becoming a kind of 'reservist army' working with
Lebanese authorities, FT reported. US and UN have called for Hizbollah to be disarmed. Kassem said no
talks could take place while Israel remained in Shebaa Farms area...'[D]iscuss (Hizbollah's) arms after
Shebaa but on condition that credible alternative found to protect Lebanon', Kassem added...In later
statement, Hizbollah said did not mean guerrilla group would be subject to Lebanese Army orders, though
might coordinate to defend Lebanon. Details of any such scheme still to be negotiated... Most of
Lebanon's anti-Syrian opposition say should start after Shebaa Farms issue resolved and say it is
domestic Lebanese issue. Some have called for talks sooner." Dexter Filkins"Some Lebanese Villagers
Won't Cheer as Syrians Leave" NYT 08 Apr 05:-"As Lebanese demonstrators in Beirut demand withdrawal
of Syrian troops from country, those who lived among them in villages overlooking the capital have been
a little slower to celebrate their exit. [C]aretaker of house abandoned by Syrian troops [said] 'Syria came
to take care of kids, to make sure they didn't hurt each other, because the parents had failed'. [He] does
not speak for whole of Lebanon, nor even necessarily for majority of people in [his village]. Size of anti-Syrian demonstrations in Beirut suggests that majority of Lebanese people, whatever they thought of
Syrians three decaes ago, now regard them as malevolent force. As Syrian occupation dragged on, more
and more Lebanese grew angry over treatment they said their country suffered at hands of Syrians, who
were said to exercise veto power over nearly every important political decision. Yet...in some
predominantly Christian villages of Mount Lebanon where many of Syrians lived, more difficult to find
denunciations heard in capital. Here, assessments more guarded, and sometimes offered with shrug, as
if Syrian troops/intelligence officers who billeted here were no more than passing unpleasantness. In
some ways, ambivalence understandable. Many people on each side of border regard Lebanon and Syria
as more or less a single country, united by language and culture. Under Ottoman Empire, parts of
Lebanon and Syria were joined... While many Lebanese appear to regard Syrian presence here as
pernicious and overbearing, with tales of corruption and relatives who have disappeared, residents of
mountain villages say that, in recent years, Syrians not confronted by armed resistance from Lebanese.
Both sides, they say, had reached accomodation. 'Whatever I asked for to benefit town, it was
accomplished,' said [village mayor who] worked regularly with Syrian officers. [He claimed] Syrians
helped stop bloodletting in area... It is hard to determine how much of relatively sanguine comments about
the Syrians are inspired by fear... Asked about Syrians many Lebanese in villages...declined to speak at
all...Whatever their fears, some Lebanese celebrated when Syrians left. In [one] village, group of Lebanese
stood at intersection and gave cartons of pineapple juice/Lebanese flags to passersby, few days after
several dozen Syrian intelligence officers pulled out. Most exultant Lebanese were those...whose homes
had been confiscated by Syrian soldiers decades ago, and who were only now being allowed to reclaim
them...When, a few days ago, one [owner] was finally able to enter her house, [she]found a filthy wreck,
with everything of value ripped from the walls. [Rooms] were black with soot and dirt...Even...the caretaker
agreed that Syrians, however useful they were for a time, would not be needed in Lebanon again. 'In the
past 25 years, Lebanese have become cultured people',he said.'We can live by ourselves now'."
AP"Lebanon wants Quick Hariri Investigation"NYT 08 Apr 05:-"Lebanon said [08 Apr] it will cooperate with
UN probe into assassination of former PM Hariri, but Lebanese authorities want it finished as soon as
possible...'It is in Lebanon's interest that international investigation team into the terrorist crime of
assassination of Rafik Hariri, called for by UNSC, be completed as soon as possible in order to know
truth', said Lebanese FM Hammoud... 'Without (uncovering) truth of who assassinated PM Hariri we
cannot dream of stability, freedom and sovereignty in Lebanon', said Bahiya Hariri, former PM's sister
[and] lawmaker. On [08 Apr] hand grenade lobbed at bank in Christian town northest of Beirut, police said.
No casualties were reported. Explosion in Dhour Shweir, about 12 miles northeast of Beirut, was fifth in
Christian areas of Lebanon since 19 Mar... Security forces have been taking precautionary measures,
conducting night patrols and deploying fire engines on major highways in case of possible attack.
Lebanon's anti-Syrian opposition has blamed government security agencies and their Syrian backers for
bombings, while pro-Syrian camp blames saboteurs bent on destabilizing country in order to invite
international intervention...On [08 Apr] some 70 Syrian tanks and other trucks loaded with ammunition,
equipment and soldiers, including some towing 10 howitzer guns, crossed into Syria in eastern Lebanon,
according to witnesses in area." Reuters"Analysis: Syria Eyes Reform to Deflect U.S. Pressure"NYT 08
Apr 05:-"Forced to rush out of Lebanon, Syria may turn to domestic reform to deflect further US-led
pressure, but diplomats say its past record suggests any changes to autocratic system will be modest
at best. President Bashar al-Assad said he hoped for 'great leap' in internal affairs when he told parliament
last month Syria would end its 29-year military presence in tiny neighbour. But Assad gave no clues as
to what those changes would bring. While climate of fear has dissipated since youthful president took
office in 2000, reforms pledged at time have been piecemeal and no clear program has emerged.
Diplomats say Syria maybe shocked into introducing more political freedom after losing military grip over
Lebanon, which it long viewed as buffer against arch-foe Israel and economic outlet for Syrian
labor/capital. 'Syria under pressure/facing changed international situation which maybe give impetus to
be more forceful moving ahead with internal reform', said one Western diplomat. All eyes now turning to
two Baath Party conferences in May and Jun widely expected to loosen ruling party's grip and allow
independent political parties in Syria. That would be radical change for Syria, which has long faced
international calls to democratise system that allows only 10 parties under auspices of ruling Baath. But
falls short of growing demands from opposition activists for end to emergency laws in place since
Baathists took power in 1963. Western diplomats and activists...say any law to open up to more parties
could take at least year to implement and unlikely to guarantee competitive elections. 'I suspect they will
try some relatively moderate political reform at this conference, and trumpet it as major reform',said
another Western diplomat...Facing shrinking regional role, Syria, like other Arab governments that keep
power with armies/secret police, worries fast reform upset internal stability, diplomats say. 'Source of
reforms Syria talking about will not be enough to allay US pressure', said another Western diplomat. 'Still,
any reasonable steps toward internal reform would have to take bite out of international pressure'. Syria
has already begun to open up, albeit at a crawl. On succeeding his late father, Assad freed hundreds of
political prisoners, many behind bars for years without trial. He introduced a modicum of freedom,
allowing political debate forums where dissidents criticized government in what was known as 'Damascus
Spring'. Those forums later closed and their leading members jailed. Despite lingering fears, ordinary
Syrians air their opinions now in a way that was unthinkable under late President Hafez al-Assad and
dissident voices have not fallen silent. Some 140 Syrian intellectuals signed petition last month urging
Syria to leave Lebanon. Activists often hold unauthorized protests demanding emergency laws be lifted
and any remaining political prisoners freed, but these tend to draw only dozens. Activists say controls
on local media, almost entirely state-run, have loosened and articles openly raising prospect of reforms
in Baath Party have appeared. 'Emergency law has effectively almost been lifted. They hardly use it for
small incidents any more', [said a] reform activist; 'They have started to reduce pressure on people, but
these isolated measures, not part of a big reform agenda with timetable/vision of where going... Early
hopes that regional Baath conference would at least raise issue of officially ending emergency laws have
faded. Syria sees conflict with Israel, which occupies Golan Heights, as reason why it cannot lift laws. Few
see Syria introducing direct presidential elections - president now chosen by Baath Party - let alone
allowing more than one candidate to contest poll... Any new pluralism could exclude parties based on
ethnic or religious grounds [since] targets Kurdish groups and Muslim Brotherhood, whose revolt Syria
crushed in 1980s. 'There seems to be tendency toward relaunching reforms', said Western diplomat.'But
only thing we can do is wait and see what they come up with'." Reuters"Syrian Tanks Roll Out of Lebanon;
New Govt Monday" NYT 09 Apr 05:-"...Witnesses said [09 Apr] at least 75 tanks had vacated positions in
southern end of Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon and were being driven on military transporters across
border. More troops/military vehicles of Syrian army's 10th division were preparing to leave posts in same
area...Syrian forces, now in final phases of withdrawal, had abandoned many positions in central Bekaa
and strategic mountainous area east of Beirut this week... 'God willing, will announce government [11 Apr]
as promised', PM Karami told reporters...He said new government's first task was to draw up draft law
organizing elections which should see Lebanon divided into at least five large constituencies. Work on
draft is expected to take weeks, forcing delay in polls, political sources say...Karami's new government
set to be made up of mainly pro-Syrian politicians and about half of members are from previous cabinet,
political sources said." AP"Thousands Jam Beirut to Revive City"NYT 09 Apr 05:-"Thousands of people
jammed downtown Beirut [09 Apr], jamming restaurants and sidewalks in answer to call to stop mourning
and revive city buffeted by nearly two months of political and economic turmoil. Beirut's once-bustling
sidewalk cafes and shops been empty for weeks, and city's main square has been dominated by mourners
visiting nearby grave of former PM Rafik Hariri, killed 14 Feb in bombing of motorcade...Bahiya Hariri, the
slain leader's sister, has launched campaign to revive downtown district. Campaign began [08 Apr] and
timed to continue through [13 Apr], anniversary of beginning of 15-year civil war three decades ago.
'Message to all is: Lebanon will stay alive, just like Rafik Hariri wanted it', she said...Activities came amid
relaxation of political pressure.[E]fforts to break political deadlock to form government appear to be
making some headway." Economist 09 Apr 05"Arab Democracy: A Long Way To Go"(36-7):-the brief and
introductory summary of this cautious article:(1)highlights the Iraqi more than the Lebanese-Syrian
situation as a possible source of regional influence; and (2) uses new UN Arab Human Development
Report (Thomas L.Friedman offers thorough survey of it) as basis for gloominess: "Iraq's fledgling
democracy may be back on course. But spreading democracy to other Arabs will not be easy." Some
excerpts: "In recent months, notion that democracy might be breaking out in Arab world has buoyed
spirits in the region and beyond." Prime exhibits then named include only Iraq, Palestine and
Lebanon('people-power' protests against Syria's occupation) followed by disappointment at Egyptian
situation. UN Report is then summarized. "But momentum for reform, amplified by new forms of
communication such as satellite TV and the internet, is beginning to have an impact. Lebanon, for
example, is heading towards legislative elections that many expect will produce significant change.
Taking a cue from Beirut marches, Bahraini Shias have launched their own mass, peaceful street
demonstrations demanding a bigger share of power." And so on. Reuters"Jumblatt Says No Lebanon Vote
Delay, Wants Program"NYT 10 Apr 05:- Lebanese Druze opposition leader Walid Jumblatt rejected delay
in upcoming elections and urged opposition factions [10 Apr] to draw up political program for Lebanon
after May general election. Pro-Syrian PM Omar Karami expected to unveil long-awaited new government
[11 Apr] to lead country into election, but his insistence on new law organizing the poll makes delay
almost inevitable. 'Of course we insist on elections on schedule', Jumblatt told news conference,
predicting opposition win regardless of shape of electoral law. 'I call on opposition to meet and come up
with program, because it's not enough that we reach elections and vote. We should have clear and
ambitious answer to what's next'...Opposition should agree on economic plan and common stance on Iraq
and Palestinian issue, Jumblatt said." AP"Hezbollah Seeks Legitimacy"NYT 10 Apr 05:-"As its Syrian
backers leave, Hezbollah is seeking to transform its image domestically and in the West - from guerrilla
group condemned as terrorist by US to political party respected for playing serious, productive role in
Lebanese politics...Hezbollah sent senior representative to meeting in Beirut last month with US/ British
intellectuals, including former government/intelligence officials, to talk about group, which US accuses
of killing hundreds of Americans in terror attacks in 80s. 'It was opportunity for us to present our views
and break stereotypical image Israel has propagated of group' said Nawaf al-Mussawi, member in charge
of international relations, who fielded questions for 3 hours at meeting. Attend[ing] were about 8
Americans, including Graham Fuller, former deputy head of CIA National Intelligence Council, and Robert
Muller, head of Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, [plus] about 6 Europeans, who also included
former officials, said Alastair Crooke, director of Britain-based Conflicts Forum. Gathering 'not intended
to produce recommendations and conclusions', said Crooke, whose group organized meeting. 'It was
about listening'. [For Hezbollah, meeting ] is part of strategy to gain international legitimacy and domestic
recognition as major player in complex politics... Media adviser to Saudi ambassador to London, present
at discussions, said [it] offered chance to 'build tiny bridges' with factions West rarely talks to. Whether
attempt is genuine or just political opportunism remains to be seen. But even President Bush suggested
Hezbollah could change its image [if] lay down its arms and prove not terrorist group. US blames
Hezbollah for numerous attacks since 80s, including bombings of US Marine barracks and US Embassy
in Beirut. Also been accused of striking Israeli Embassy and Jewish center in bombing in Argentina in
early 90s. Hezbollah denies claims. In public addresses, Hezbollah's belligerent anti-Israel/anti-US rhetoric
has not abated. But away from domestic audience, group's shrewd, savvy leader, Nasrallah, has said
ready to discuss current arrangements party has had for years with Lebanese army - formula to continue
bearing arms protecting Lebanon from Israeli aggression...One solution - members of Hezbollah into army
and deploying in south - could satisfy UN call for disarmament while retaining Hezbollah's firepower. Even
Israel noted change in tactics, one official saying militant group is scaling back support of attacks by
radical Palestinian groups. He said rollback in activity linked to Israel's planned withdrawal from Gaza
Strip/part of West Bank [while] Palestinian factions realize attacks against Israel could delay/scuttle it.
Some analysts say group wants to ensure sinificant presence in any new Cabinet after elections...Syrian
pullout left Hezbollah with political challenge since formed as resistance group with Iranian backing in
82...US has been pushing Syria to disarm group, a price for a rappochment between countries - and
indeed for improvement of relations between Iran and US. Both Syria and Iran back Hezbollah, Tehran
reportedly providing estimated $10m-20m monthly. Political turmoil...presented Hezbollah with
opportunity to project itself as capable conciliator and indispensable player." AP"Thousands Run
Through Beirut for Unity"NYT 10 Apr 05:-People in wheelchairs, fathers pushing strollers, young men in
T-shirts: all in all at least 20,000 took part in [Beirut] run [10 Apr] to demonstrate unity...Three-mile course
passed near where former PM Hariri and 19 others were killed in massive bomb attack [and] finished at
Martyrs' Square, scene of demonstration that brought down government and numerous other protests
during past seven weeks. Lawmaker Bahiya Hariri released 50 white pigeons to start event dubbed 'United
We Run'. 'No fear for country as long as this great people adamant on upholding national unity, civil
peace, independence, freedom and sovereignty' she said in speech. Activities..include concerts,
exhibitions of art/photography. Most participants wore white for peace; some wore Hariri's picture; some
carried Lebanese flags. Loudspeakers encouraged runners with patriotic music and national anthem;
soldiers stopped all traffic from route...Organizing Beirut Marathon Association said...run 'aimed at
strengthening national unity, preserving civil peace (and) highlighting Lebanon's cultural and civilized
face'." NYT"Thousands Run a Race to Invigorate a Battered Beirut" 11 Apr 05:-"...[P]articipants...chanting
slogans in favor of Hariri's oldest son and possible political heir, Bahaa...After race olive tree planted next
to Hariri tomb in Martyrs' Square using earth from various areas of Lebanon. All through week, local
celebrities/TV personalities keep crowds entertained from stage in Square." Reuters"Israel Confirms
Hizbollah Drone Entered Its Air Space"NYT 11 Apr 05:-"Unmanned drone sent across Israel-Lebanon
border by Hizbollah was spotted over northern Israel [11 Apr]...Israeli sources said the small aircraft flew
for several minutes over Israeli territory and then returned to Lebanon before Israeli aircraft could
intercept it. Hizbollah source said earlier 'Islamic Resistance surveillance plane Mersad 1' flew over Israel
and then returned safely to base....Just after Hizbollah announced overflight, Israeli warplanes broke
sound barrier over southern port of Tyre and nearby Palestinian refugee camp. Hizbollah said in Nov it
had flown reconnaissance drone into Israel for first time in response to repeated Israeli violations of
Lebanese airspace." AP"Disputes Delay Naming of Lebanese Cabinet"NYT 11 Apr 05:-"Differences over
election bill and choice of ministers are delaying formation of Cabinet, official said [11 Apr] as country
endured sixth week without government. Delay threatens already-tight timetable for installing government,
getting electoral bill passed by parliament, and holding elections before current legislature's mandate
expires 13 May. PM Karami had promised to announce his new Cabinet [11 Apr] after meeting with
President Lahoud, but meeting was cancelled. 'Formation of new Cabinet delayed by differences over
election law and the interior portfolio', official said. Later disclosed that Karami would meet Lahoud [pm
11 Apr], but official played down significance of that meeting saying it 'does not mean stage has been set
for formation of Cabinet. Opposition, favored to win majority in elections, has accused pro-Syrian Karami
and his parliamentary allies of stalling formation of a government in a bid to extend life of
legislature...Official said there were serious differences over electoral bill presented to parliament before
14 Feb assassination of Hariri. Bill proposed small electoral districts, which are seen as favoring Christian
community of opposition. 'That draft law seems now in jeopardy', official said. Although outgoing
government of Karami proposed bill, PM-designate has now shifted toward large electoral districts.
Karami said new government's priority would be to withdraw existing bill and introduce a new one based
on larger districts. Parliamentary Speaker Nanih Berri, who also supports a Syrian role in Lebanon, has
said he wants to see large electoral boundaries. Official said there also was dispute over who would
become interior minister in new Cabinet. Karami wants outgoing Interior Minister Suleiman Franjieh to
retain position in which he supervises elections. But Franjieh has said he does not want the job because
he proposed the bill with small electoral districts and is not going to change his mind. 'Karami is working
to overcome these obstacles', official said, adding that does not know when a Cabinet will be
formed...Convoy of about 150 Syrian soldiers, with 15 tanks on flatbed trucks, evacuated eastern Bekaa
Valley on [11 Apr], residents said. Convoy headed east toward Syria." Reuters"Lebanon Political Impasse
Puts May Polls in Doubt"NYT 12 Apr 05:-"Lebanon slipped deeper into a political vacuum [12 Apr] after
bickering among officials held back formation of new government and made delay in general elections
set for May almost inevitable. Political sources said polls would now probably be postponed for anything
from few weeks to several months - move certain to anger anti-Syrian opposition keen to capitalize on
public sympathy after the 14 Feb assassination of Hariri. UN and US have led calls for polls to be held on
schedule after Syria finishes withdrawing its military/intelligence forces from Liberia by end of Apr. Top
pro-Syrian officials failed again [11 Apr] to form government, 6 weeks after PM Karami resigned under
popular pressure over killing of his predecessor. But he was reappointed days later and tried, but failed,
to persuade Lebanon's anti-Syrian opposition to join unity cabinet alongside pro-Syrian loyalists. Last
minute squabbles among loyalists over key cabinet posts thwarted renewed efforts by Karami, President
Lahoud and Parliament Speaker Berri to unveil [11 Apr] government charged with drafting electoral
law/organising polls. Karami, whose resigned government has stayed on in caretaker capacity, was
angered by his allies' last-minute angling for more influential portfolios, and refused to speak to
officials/politicians [12 Apr], pro-Syrian political sources said. Pro-Syrian Interior Minister Franjieh
declined offer to return to ministry that organizes elections, demanding he get health ministry and an ally
be appointed to cabinet too, they said. Parliament's 4-year term ends 31 May. Constitution requires
elections to be called at least one month before voting day. Lebanon, citing shortage of election officials,
says unable to hold elections in whole country on one day, usually staggering the poll over several
weekends. If elections are not held in May, parliament, now dominated by pro-Syrian legislators, can
extend own term by several months to avoid total political vacuum. New cabinet's main task will be to
draft electoral law and supervise poll. But process of agreeing draft bill and parliament passing it, is
expected to take several weeks, making delay in holding election almost inevitable. Lebanon's anti-Syrian
opposition, which expects to win majority in chamber, has accused government of purposely delaying
formation of government to put off elections. Karami's outgoing government had proposed electoral law
based on smaller constituencies, but veteran Sunni politician now says new cabinet would draft law
dividing Lebanon into at least five large electoral districts."AP"War Anniversary Marks Unity in Lebanon"
NYT 12 Apr 05:-"Three decades after gun attack on bus triggered the 15-year sectarian conflict, Lebanon
once again in throes of violence/political turmoil, after more than decade of relative calm/rebuilding. Still,
this year's anniversary is marked for first time by Christian-Muslim unity, and by imminent dawning of an
era when Lebanon will be free of foreign armies...Israeli forces withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000,
and most Palestinian guerrillas - key players in early battles of civil war - also have left. Remaining
gunmen largely confined to refugee camps with their light weapons, unlike in 1975 when they were
running separate state within Lebanon...13 Apr 75 marked day that country's festering political and
sectarian tensions exploded into civil war. In the end, 15-year war killed 150,000, ravaged
neighbourhoods/towns, and wrecked country's infrastructure. Hardly person escaped losing family or
property; about half-million people -out of 3.5m - left country altogether, to settle abroad. On day it started,
right-wing Christians opened fire on bus packed with Palestinians in low-income neighbourhood after
drive-by attack earlier in the day on nearby church. The attacks killed 27 Palestinians and three Lebanese
Christians. They also set off sectarian bloodshed that raged until Arab League cease-fire/political
settlement gave majority Muslims equal share of power with long-dominant Christians. Yet to large extent,
those sectarian divisions that bedeviled Lebanon, nation of 18 recognized religious sects, were cast aside
with outpouring of nationalism in wake of Hariri assassination. Political differences now cut across
sectarian lines, with Christians and Muslims in both the pro-Syrian and the anti-Syrian camps...A statue
of the Virgin Mary now stands where the Palestinian bus was ambushed. Most buildings have been
repaired, although some still bear scars of bullets and shells. A few blocks up the road, what was once
Green Line that divided Beirut into Christian and Muslim sectors is now major traffic artery. Martyrs'
Square, once killing field, is now surrounded by gleaming buildings in city's rebuilt downtown district.
On that square about a million people demonstrated 14 Mar in support of independence and national unity
- and against Syria." AP"Syrian Troops in Lebanon Down to 4,000"NYT 12 Apr 05:-"Remaining 4,000
[Syrian] soldiers likely to be out within 10 days...-a hurried exit that comes amid deepening political crisis
and renewed tension along border with Israel...Elections that opposition expects will end pro-Syrian
parties' control of parliament are increasingly threatened with postponement because of weekslong
deadlock over forming a government...Accelerated Syrian pullout means troops will be out of country a
week ahead of 30 Apr target set by Syrian President Assad under pressure from UN...From a force that
stood at 14,000 troops in Feb, some 4,000 remain... Syria also has withdrawn many intelligence officials,
who exercised wide powers of control in the country. Swift pullout removes forces that were foundation
of Syria's power in Lebanon ever since military first crossed into Lebanon in 1976 during...civil war.
Lebanon can envisage an imminent era without foreign armies on its soil for first time since the
war...Potential for trouble remains in southern Lebanon, where militant Hezbollah guerrillas - made up of
Lebanese Shiite Muslims - wield control...But Hezbollah could be just seeking to boost its standing at
home as its Syrian allies leave country and it tries to chart bigger political role for itself... 'Today, we
declare war against the war', opposition lawmaker Marwan Hamadeh told a forum discussing Lebanon
in post-Syrian withdrawal era...Political battle in Lebanon now over elections that are supposed to be held
before parliament's term ends 31 May... A Cabinet is needed before elections can be held...In sign
deadlock not close to ending, PM-designate Karami left Beirut [12 Apr] for his northern hometown of
Tripoli as politicians tried to bridge differences." Reuters"Lebanon PM Resigns, Says Still Time for
Elections"NYT 13 Apr 05:-"Pro-Syrian PM quit [13 Apr], abandoning efforts to form government to lead
[Lebanon] to general elections, but added there was still time to hold poll on time in May. PM Omar Karami
said he had hit wall in trying to form cabinet, whose main task would be to supervise elections which
US/UN say must go ahead on time.'We have once again reached dead end', Karami told reporters. 'That
is why I have invited you today to present my resignation'. Political sources have said elections could be
pushed back by weeks or months by delay in forming government. But Karami said there was still time
for poll to be held on time. Lebanese opposition accuse pro-Syrian officials of trying to delay vote, in
which opposition expected to benefit from popular sympathy over Feb killing of former PM Harari. A
prominent opposition Christian said ahead of Karami's resignation that opposition might call
demonstrations to protest against what he said were deliberate moves to push back the elections. 'The
delaying tactic is going strong', parliamentarian told Reuters. 'If they go on, we might revert to popular
pressure. We might go back to street to force them to get on with it'...Lawmaker Lahoud, also a Maronite,
said delay was deliberate. 'It's not innocent. It's part of a scheme loyalist camp have to delay elections
because they feel they are going to a big defeat', he said. Pro-Syrian officials were banking on opposition
fragmenting, but added;'I don't expect divisions." Reuters"Turkish President Visits Syria Amid U.S.
Unease"NYT 13 Apr 05:-"Leaders of Syria and Turkey tackled Lebanon and Iraq [13 Apr] during a state
visit by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, which has stirred unease in Turkey's top ally, US. Sezer...said after
talks with his host that he was happy with Syria's pledge to pull out its troops from Lebanon. Turkey,
which has seen a big thaw in ties with Syria after years of tension, stayed relatively quiet as US and EU
piled pressure on Damascus to withdraw. 'The importance of continuation of efforts toward preserving
Lebanese stability and national unity has been emphasized', Sezer said after official talks with President
Bashar al-Assad...Turkish media said president would deliver strong message to his Syrian hosts. Assad
has publicly hailed Sezer's decision to go ahead with his trip as evidence that NATO member Turkey is
ready to stand up to US on issues of national interest...Assad and Sezer said they were in agreement on
preservation of territorial and national unity of mutual neighbour Iraq. Turkey, Syria and Iran share the
same concerns about the turmoil in Iraq and fear it could lead eventually to creation of a Kurdish state
in the north of the country. This, they say, would fan separatism among their own Kurdish populations,
leading to regional instability." AP"Lebanon Prime Minister - Designate Withdraws"NYT 13 Apr 05:-"'We
must have elections. If we don't, we're moving to the unknown. People may decide to return to the
squares', top opposition figure Walid Jumblatt said, referring to past protests on main squares of
Beirut...Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice called Karami's resignation 'an opportunity to move forward'
and called for a new government to be formed as quickly as possible to allow elections on time. 'Further
delays are unnecessary. Lebanon must be allowed to determine its own future, free of intimidation and
all foreign interference', Rice said...Opposition official Samir Franjieh told AP opposition could call new
protests or go to Arab League and UN to force government to hold election. So far the tensions have not
split along religious lines." Hassan M.Fattah"Lebanon's Prime minister Resigns, Putting Parliament Vote
in Doubt"NYT 14 Apr 05:-"PM stepped down [13 Apr], raising doubts parliamentary elections would be
held before end of May, when current legislature's term ends. Karami said he had not been able to form
government that could call election/supervise polls. Deadlock between pro-Syrian leadership and
opposition, and later divisions in pro-Syrian camp itself over cabinet seats were reported. Calling
elections /putting in place new election law would take at least several weeks. Lebanese Constitution says
elections must be announced month in advance. Unless a new government is appointed in next few days,
earliest date for vote would be after 31 May. Parliament, dominated by pro-Syrian members, could vote
to extend its term...'Fact that we don't have a government and that law is in Parliament awaiting a
government says lots', said Jibran Tuweini, an opposition leader/editor of Lebanese daily Al Nahar.
Resignation deepens a political crisis set off by assassination of Hariri...Some in Lebanon said political
stalemate particularly dangerous now...'In past, this sort of thing par for course in Lebanon's politics, but
now there's real sense of urgency', said Rami G.Khouri, editor Daily Star, Beirut-based daily. 'This may
create backlash and damage government's efforts to rebuild legitimacy'. Tuweini said opposition likely
to begin shifting from negotiation in its quest to accelerate election process, moving to strikes and street
demonstrations. A chance remains that a government involving opposition will be formed. President Emile
Lahoud is expected to hold consultation to appoint a new PM in days; that person may be more flexible
in negotiations." Reuters"Lebanon's Pro-Syria Political Coalition in Disarray"NYT 14 Apr 05:-"Lebanon's
pro-Syrian political coalition in disarray [14 Apr]...after PM Karami stepped down...'I'm for holding
elections ...It's not that important if we win or lose, [Franjieh] told reporters. 'If we don't reach stage of
election that would reflect public's will, then we might arrive at situation...that would lead to violence'...'I
will certainly not enter another government during term of President Emile Lahoud', Franjieh, a Maronite
Christian, said. '...US State Department official [said] 'Our worry is that all kinds of people would like to
find an excuse to not do this, to not withdraw, to not have the election. So at every juncture we want to
be very vocal on how the fact is that it is doable and must be done." Reuters"Lebanon Holds Talks on New
PM, U.S. Urges Speed"NYT 15 Apr 05:-"Political sources said selection of new PM [to follow Karami]was
now two-horse race between outgoing Defense Minister Mrad, staunch ally of Damascus, and more
moderate former minister Najib Mikati, wealthy businessman with close ties to Syria...US leading
international calls for elections to be held on time in May. 'It's in the interest of Lebanon, of the people,
of our view, that these elections take place quickly, and we hope cabinet formation will take place quickly',
US ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey Feltman said after talks with FM Hammoud. 'Government of Lebanon
needs to have mandate. Can only take place through free/fair/democratic elections'. [President] Lahoud
met representatives of parliamentary blocs and independent MPs who named their choices for PM.
President must appoint candidate who gets most nominations. Anti-Syrian opposition deputies, minority
in 128-member house, decided after meeting to name Mikati as their candidate. Three opposition
lawmakers, from around 40, refused to back Mikati but would instead urge Lahoud to hold elections on
time. New PM, who must be Sunni Muslim, must quickly form government, win confidence vote in
parliament, draft election law, and get it passed by assembly, all in under two weeks to have any chance
of holding polls before end of May... Opposition renewed warnings [15 Apr] against delaying polls, and
has said it could call for street protests if government situation not resolved next week...Syrian military
and intelligence forces left number of positions in eastern Bekaa Valley overnight, witnesses said.
Lebanese army brought extra troops to village of Anjar ready to take over Syrian intelligence HQ there."
Hassan M.Fattah"Pro-Syrian Legislator Is Named Lebanon's Next Prime Minister"NYT 15 Apr 05:-"President Lahoud [15 Apr] appointed pro-Syrian businessman and MP as PM-designate, breaking weeks
of deadlock over formation of Lebanese government and paving way for parliamentary elections to be held
on schedule in late May or Jun. New PM, Najib Mikati, has strong ties to President Assad of Syria, but still
won broad support from opposition movement in consultations between government and parliament over
choice. That cleared way for Lahoud to appoint Mikati, edging out departing defense minister, Abdelrahim
Mrad. 'I hope I can embody national unity', Mikati, former minister of public works, said in TV statement
after he was appointed [15 Apr] evening. He commended opposition for agreeing to break its almost three-month boycott of government, and said he intended to focus on holding elections on time and promised
to support international inquiry into killing of former PM Hariri. He said he also intended to take steps to
revive trust in Lebanon's government and confidence in its economy...Most notable support from
opposition for Mikati came from Bahia Hariri, sister of slain former PM. That proved decisive, some
analysts say. 'Not a little thing that Bahia Hariri gave him her blessing', said Joseph Samaha, editor of
Bahia daily As Safir. 'Difficult these days for any PM to come into job with opposition by Hariri family'.
Several opposition members told reporters that Mikati had won them over by promising to refrain from
running for election, to hold elections on time and, most importantly, to shake up Lebanon's Syrian-controlled security services. But opposition said it would take no position in interim government. Samaha
noted that even Syria may have supported Mikati after his opponent, Mrad, seemed to have become
troubling choice. 'He's their friend - he's Bashar's friend', Samaha said of Mikati. 'If Syrians are leaving
and know that Mikati is head of government, they may think it limits their losses." Reuters"Lebanon
Appoints Moderate Ally of Syria as New PM"NYT 15 Apr 05:-"Mikati won nomination of country's 128-member parliament as compromise candidate in close race with outgoing Defense Minister Mrad...He said
he could begin consultations to form government on [16 Apr] . 'We are facing important stage...the return
of democracy', said Mikati...Unlike Karami, Mikati does not hail from one of Lebanon's political dynasties
and so carries less political baggage, rendering him a compromise choice palatable to both anti-Syrian
opposition figures and pro-Syrian loyalists...'We welcome naming of PM. We expect to see both
expeditious formation of Lebanese cabinet as well as parliamentary elections being held by end of May
without delays', said State Department spokesman. 'Lebanon must be allowed to determine own future
free of intimidation and all foreign interference'. [Mikati,] Muslim former transport minister, did not say
whether he expected elections to take place on time. [Syrian] forces are now streaming out of Lebanon
in line with promise to end 29-year-old Syrian military and intelligence presence by 30 Apr, leaving Syria's
allies in Beirut squabbling over what to do next." AP"Pro-Syrian Lawmaker Named Lebanese PM"NYT 16
Apr 05:-"US has increased pressure on Lebanon to hold vote without delay. Focus now should be on
holding 'free elections as soon as possible on schedule', US Ambassador Feltman said after meeting with
FM Hammoud [15 Apr]...Mikati, 49, who was first elected to parliament in 2000, has recently distanced
himself from pro-Syrian camp. He still maintains business ties to Syria as well as personal relationship
with Syrian President Bashar Assad. Mikati boycotted Karami's ill-fated consultations to form a Cabinet
last month in parliament. Instead, he prayed at the nearby grave of former PM Hariri...Mikati served as
Hariri's minister of public works and transport. He is Sunni Muslim - as all PMs must be under Lebanon's
sectarian-based political system...'We will be symbol of moderation and national unity', Mikati declared
from presidential palace after his appointment. 'I say from here that hand is extended and heart is open
so that we all cooperate in Lebanese interest', he said. His first act after leaving palace was to pray at
Hariri's grave, saying he came to 'show loyalty to great martyr'. Mikati was appointed after Lahoud polled
legislators or their representatives from 128-member parliament, winning backing of anti-Syrian
opposition members and some of ardent supporters of Syria...Mikati said he gained support of 57
lawmakers. Another 38 backed his opponent, staunchly pro-Syrian Mrad, officials said. Seven others did
not name candidate... Mikati set three main priorities: parliamentary elections; following up on
international investigation into Hariri's assassination; reviving flagging economy. Mikati said he wanted
to restore confidence in Lebanon and encourage domestic and foreign investment.[He also] said he would
start talks to form a Cabinet within days. Cabinet must be confirmed by parliament before it drafts an
electoral bill - a highly divisive issue - than call election based on new law. Mikati thanked opposition for
its backing. 'We benefit today from opposition's wide decision', he said...Opposition broke boycott and
backed Mikati apparently to block candidacy of hardline Mrad. Legislator Bahiya Hariri weighed in to
dramatically improve Mikati's chances. He also won support from caretaker interior minister Franjieh.
Opposition lawmakers said they named Mikati because he favors timely vote and pledges to remove heads
of Lebanon's security agencies...Syrian troops vacated three positions in central part of Bekaa Valley in
eastern Lebanon late [15 Apr]. About 30 trucks and armored vehicles towing cannons and rocket
launchers crossed into Syria at Masnaa border point, witnesses said." Reuters"Lebanon Ex - Minister Dies
from Wounds in Hariri Blast"NYT 18 Apr 05:-"Lebanese former economy minister, who was badly [injured]
in blast that killed Hariri, died from his injuries 18 Apr. Basil Fuleihan was in the car with Hariri when large
bomb ripped through motorcade 14 Feb. Hariri died instantly, but Fuleihan survived despite bad burns
to more than 90% of his body...Held British passport, was one of Hariri's top aides, and was credited for
the success of many of his economic policies." Reuters"Lebanon PM in Race Against Time to Hold May
Election"NYT 18 Apr 05:-"PM-designate Najib Mikati met parliament members [18 Apr] to discuss make-up
of a new government to lead Lebanon to crucial elections set for May. Mikati, telecoms tycoon with close
business and political ties to Syria, has under two weeks to form cabinet, win confidence vote in
parliament and draft and steer through assembly an electoral law, if polls are to be held on time. US, EU
and UN are leading international calls for elections to take place next month as Lebanon's best way out
of political crisis. Disparate anti-Syrian opposition, which suprisingly backed Mikati's nomination as
compromise, hinted it could be ready to back his government or even join it if its demands were met.
Opposition MPs said after talks with Mikati that cabinet should promise to hold elections as soon as
possible, and sack or suspend pro-Syrian chiefs of security services. Local media quoted Mikati as saying
he would seek small cabinet of ministers who are not members of political parties and preferably not
running in election. He told As-Safir newspaper his top priority 'is to hold parliamentary elections as soon
as possible. But yet to be seen if he could get his wish of small, independent cabinet. The 128-member
assembly is made up of mainly pro-Syrian loyalists. Some 2,500 Syrian troops have quit eastern Lebanon
in recent days, leaving only about 1,500 soldiers in country, senior Lebanese security source said.
Lebanon's myriad religious communities, both opposition and loyalist, disagree over whether Lebanon
should be divided into smaller or larger constituencies for the poll. An electoral law deciding one way or
the other must be passed for the poll to take place. Opposition figures have said they are willing to be
flexible over legislation if it means elections could go ahead." AP"Lebanon's PM - Designate Consults on
Cabinet"NYT 18 Apr 05:-"...Nabil Mikati, who is second PM to be asked to form a cabinet since government
fell 28 Feb, told reporters he hopes to form small cabinet, made up of ministers not running for
election...He said would meet with President Lahoud [19 Apr], adding that cabinet would be announced
as soon as possible...Mikati...consulted with legislators on formation of a new cabinet on [18 Apr],
meeting first with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, then with other lawmakers, including opposition
members. US officials and Lebanese opposition groups have called for free elections with international
observers and without foreign interference - a reference to Syria, main power broker in Lebanon since
1976...Pro-Syrian legislators, who command majority, want districts to be large, as that would favor them
politically. Opposition favors small districts.[With delayed death of Bassel Fleihan, who was in Hariri's
car at time of explosion,] death toll from the attack[reaches] 21 [,with] wounded more than 220 others".
Reuters"Lebanon's Prime Minister Forms Cabinet"NYT 19 Apr 05:-"Lebanon's PM formed new government
[19 Apr], boosting chances that general election can be held on time, in line with demands by international
community and anti-Syrian opposition...'I demanded resignation of security chiefs when I was (just) Najib
Mikati. Now I'm PM, and I will relay my point of view to cabinet...and I promise that it will agree with me',
Mikati told reporters. Comprising several businessmen/technocrats, 14-member cabinet must now win
confidence vote in parliament and draft/steer through assembly an electoral law, all within 10 days, if polls
to be held by end of May. President Bush repeated calls for elections to be held on time without
interference.'There will be monitors, hopefully international monitors, to make sure they are free and fair',
Bush told LBC TV. Mikati promised to try to meet deadline. 'Government will...begin shaping future in this
short period', he said. 'Government will hold parliamentary elections in fastest possible time and, God
willing, within constitutional period.' None of ministers will run in election... Opposition figures cautiously
welcomed cabinet, though some reserved judgment until after it declares its program. Maronite Christian
Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir, vocal critic of Syria, welcomed cabinet peppered with political newcomers...UN
fact-finding mission into Hariri's killing reported that international investigators would probably not be
able to do job if security chiefs stayed in power.In sign Mikati serious about holding timely
polls/cooperating with investigators, he named retired security official Hassan al-Sabaa, a moderate, as
interior minister and respected judge Khaled Qabbani to head justice ministry. President Emile Lahoud
said Lebanon would fully cooperate. 'Lebanon has urged UNSG Annan to establish team as soon as
possible, and give green light to start investigations immediately', he said in a statement. Annan
postponed for a week UN report on whether Syria has fully complied with UNSC resolution demanding
it leave Lebanon, both because document not ready and Syrians still pulling out last remaining troops...
Syrian military police also left border, but Syria's intelligence chief in Lebanon said it would still maintain
'excellent ties' with Lebanon, and Hizbollah guerrilla group." AP"Lebanon's PM - Designate Forms
Cabinet"NYT 19 Apr 05:-"...Mikati announced formation of exceptionally small cabinet, with only 14
ministers instead of outgoing 30. None will run in elections - condition Milati sought to show neutrality
in bitter polarization between pro- and anti-Syrian factions...Mikati is only minister in new cabinet who is
legislator. The 13 other ministers come from outside parliament, although four previously served in
cabinet. Newcomers to politics took two sensitive portfolios - Interior and Justice ministries. Hassan
Sabei, retired security officer, became interior minister and will supervise the elections. Judge Khaled
Kabbani is justice minister. Both are considered close to Hariri's family and will be working with
international team mandated by UNSC to investigate Hariri's killing. FM Mahmoud Hammoud and Health
minister Mohammed Jawad Khalife, both pro-Syrian politicians, retain posts they held in previous cabinet.
Opposition has accused Hammoud of trying to impede UN investigation into Hariri's assassination - a
charge he denies. Elias Murr, president's son-in-law and an interior minister in 2000-04, becomes deputy
PM and defense minister. Murr has been criticized for using his powers as interior minister against
political opponents." AP"Lebanese Leaders Appoint a New Government"NYT 19 Apr 05:-"...President Bush
kept pressure on Syria to follow through with its departure, and pushed for Lebanon's elections to be held
before 31 May deadline. 'US can join with rest of the world, like we've done, and say to Syria, get out - not
only get out with your military forces, but get out with your intelligence services too; get completely out
of Lebanon, so Lebanon can be free and the people can be free', Bush said in interview with Lebanese
Broadcasting Corp. TV. Reuters"Exiled Syrian Coup Leader Returns After 40 Years"NYT 19 Apr 05:-"Syria
has allowed return of exiled army officer who had been sentenced to death for heading failed coup bid
against ruling Baath party [just months after it assumed power] in 1963, rights activists said on [19 Apr].
'Colonel Jasem Elwan returned today, and I was one (of the activists) who greeted him at the airport', said
Hassan Abdul-Azim, a lawyer/human rights activist. [Elwan] is one of hundreds of dissidents sentenced
to death or long prison terms who returned to Syria in recent weeks after Arab state signaled they would
not be arrested, source familiar with government thinking said. Human rights activists said Damascus last
month ordered [Syria's] embassies to issue passports to all Syrians, including political fugitives, applying
for travel document. Thousands of Syrians expected to return home after embassies were instructed to
'facilitate return of all Syrians wishing to come home'. Move is widely seen as de facto pardon, although
official amnesty not announced. 'Hope this will lead to return of all exiled Syrians, and also release of all
political prisoners... who were not able to elope like those returning', said lawyer/human rights activist
Anwar al-Bunni. Activists also hope it is sign authorities may finally start introducing wide-ranging
reforms promised by President Bashar al-Assad when he assumed power in 2000. Sources close to
government thinking said state was considering several reforms, that activists hope would include:
ending emergency law in force since 1963, releasing all political prisoners and allowing greater political
freedom. Syria last month freed 312 Syrian Kurds accused of taking part in riots in 2004. Assad has
released hundreds of political prisoners in last five years. Diplomats say Syria appears more willing to
press ahead with political reform following its pledge to relinquish its military grip over neighboring
Lebanon." Reuters"Hizbollah Chief Vows to Keep Arms"NYT 19 Apr 05:-"Leader of Lebanon's Hizbollah
group,...Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, in rare interview with an international news organizations, said Syrian-backed movement was recognized as legitimate resistance group by Lebanese, and was not militia as
described in US-sponsored resolution. 'That article has no meaning', Nasrallah said in interview, which
followed formation of a new government to take Lebanon to parliamentary election set for May. 'I say
clearly, there are two reasons for resistance: occupied land and threat of aggression. When threat of
aggression ceases to exist and no occupied land, there is no reason for resistance', Nasrallah told
Reuters. Shiite Muslim movement was ready to discuss disarmament with other Lebanese players,
Nasrallah said, but he rejected resolution as foreign interference inspired by Israel to strip Hizbollah of
weapons 'so it can do whatever it wants'. UN resolution 1559 [called]'for the disbanding and disarmament
of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militia'. Focus on Hizbollah's arms likely to grow after Syria agreed...to
end its 29-year-old military presence by 30 Apr. US calls Hizbollah as terrorist group and Bush said in
interview broadcast [19 Apr] it had to be disarmed. 'You can't have free country if group of people are like
armed militia', Bush told Lebanese broadcaster LBC. He said Hizbollah, which is also backed by Iran, was
trying not only to destabilize Israeli-Palestinian peace process but 'to impose their will on free society'.
Syria reiterated backing for Hizbollah on [19 Apr] when its departing military/intelligence chiefs met
Nasrallah. 'No matter how severe the trials get, nothing divides Syria and Lebanon, and Syria and
resistance', Syria's security chief in Lebanon said after meeting ...Nasrallah welcomed [Mikati] government
move, saying it would help Lebanon resolve its political crisis, but he would not be drawn on whether
election should go ahead on time, saying only that it should take place 'as soon as possible'. Hizbollah
is largest single political force in Lebanon but has never joined a government'...Nasrallah said Israeli air
force regularly violated Lebanese airspace and questioned whether world would do anything to stop Israel
if it decided to attack Lebanon. 'We appreciate role of UN but not all UN resolutions are just', Nasrallah
said. 'Whole world knows that UNSC has double standards'. Lebanon's anti-Syrian opposition...is divided
over how to press Hizbollah to disarm. 'This is an internal Lebanese matter...There is a number of
sensitive issues that need dialogue/discussion. We don't reject any internal dialogue but we reject any
foreign interference', Nasrallah said." AP"Police: Bomb Injures Three in Beirut"NYT 20 Apr 05:-"Bomb
exploded in street-side cafeteria known as hangout for low-income laborers, wounding at least three
people, including two Syrians, police and witnesses said. The bomb, apparently a stun grenade, was
thrown from car around [21:30] in Muslim neighbourhood of Cola, police official said...Cola district was
long a center for Syrian laborers seeking daily jobs along with Lebanese workers, though vast majority
of Syrians have left Lebanon amid its current upheaval. A waiter said bomb tossed from overpass,
exploding and punching hole in large plastic tent that covered 'Ali Mohammed Rest Stop' cafeteria in low-income neighbourhood. Damage minor and workers quickly set back up cafeteria's plastic tables/chairs.
Waiter...said three customers and one waiter, a Syrian national, injured. Police officials put toll of
wounded at three, including two Syrians. About two hours later, dynamite stick thrown in empty lot in
south Beirut neighbourhood of Maamoura, causing no damage or injuries, police said. Syrian laborers,
who at times numbered about a million and worked mainly in construction/farming, have been attacked
in many parts of Lebanon amid rising anti-Syrian sentiment and at least two reported killed. It was latest
bomb blast in country that has seen two months of political turmoil. Five explosions - most from bombs
planted under cars - detonated in mainly Christian neighbourhoods considered centers for anti-Syrian
opposition, killing three people/wounding 24 in late Mar. No bombings since 08 Apr. Blasts also come
amid political wrangling between Lebanon's pro-Syrian leadership and anti-Syrian opposition as Syria
withdraws troops...Earlier in the day, new government of PM Najib Mikati met to start laying ground for
parliamentary elections. Formation of a cabinet on [18 Apr] broke seven-week political deadlock."
Reuters"Sharon Criticizes Russia on Syria Missile Deal"NYT 21 Apr 05:-"PM Ariel Sharon said [21 Apr]
Russia's plan to sell anti-aircraft missiles to Syria posed danger to Israel and he intended to bring it up
during President Vladimir Putin's historic visit next week. Israel long opposed arms deal with Damascus,
Israel's arch-foe, fearing missiles could fall into hands of Lebanese guerrilla group Hizbollah, or
Palestinian militant factions, for use against Israeli aircraft. Issue could be source of tension when Putin
visits [27-8 Apr] in first trip to Jewish state by a Kremlin leader. 'We cannot interfere in Russia's arms
sales to other countries', Sharon told Israel Radio. 'What bothers us about sale of shoulder-held anti-aircraft missiles is that these weapons could be transferred to terrorist organizations - Hizbollah or
others'. Russian officials insist that Strelet missiles involved in deal are vehicle-mounted and cannot be
converted into shoulder-fired rockets. But Israeli officials dismissed Russia's explanation. Western
defense analysts say Strelets, a twinned version of Russia's Igla missiles similar to US-made shoulder-held Stingers, could be dismantled easily to make them portable. US, Israel's closent ally, has also raised
concerns about sale, though Russia maintained it carries out arms exports in accordance with
international law, and would do nothing that would destabilize Middle East. 'We see (missile sale) as
danger to Israel', Sharon said. 'He (Putin) always repeats one thing - that he would take no step to
endanger Israel... It will certainly arise in my talks with Putin'. Israel remains officially in state of war with
Syria, which for decades has sought to recover Golan Heights, Israel captured in 67 war. Though two
countries have mostly avoided hostilities in recent years, Israeli warplanes carried out air raid inside Syria
in 03 against suspected Palestinian militant training camp following suicide bombing in Haifa that killed
23. Israeli, which recently accused Syria of trying to disrupt Israeli-Palestinian truce, said Syrian forces
must first pull out of Lebanon/stop supporting Hizbollah/Palestinian militants as conditions for renewed
peace talks." AP"Sharon Against Russian Arms Sale to Syria"NYT 21 Apr 05:-"...Sharon dismissed Putin's
explanation that missiles vehicle-mounted, and cannot be converted into shoulder-fired rockets that could
fall into hands of Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas/Palestinian militants Syria sponsors. 'We don't accept
this explanation', he said.'We see it danger to Israel'. Syria believed interested in acquiring missiles, in
part, because wants to beef up its air defenses. Syrian President Bashar Assad reportedly furious when
Israeli jets buzzed one of his palaces as a warning while he was in residence. Putin appeared to validate
this [20 Apr] when he told Channel 1, according to the Haaretz daily, that the missiles sale 'would of
course make it difficult to fly over residence of Syrian president.' Moscow recently wrote off nearly three-quarters of Syria's $13.4b debt owed largely to Soviet Union for military purchases." Reuters"Lebanon
Security Chiefs Step Aside for UN Probe"NYT 22 Apr 05:-"Two powerful Lebanese security chiefs allied
to Syria will step aside during UN probe into killing of former PM Rafik al-Hariri, key demand of anti-Syrian
opposition, officials said [22 Apr]. Jamil Sayyed, head of General Security, said he had asked to step down
during inquiry into Hariri's death, blamed by many Lebanese on Damascus. Syria has denied any
involvement... 'I have put forward request to put myself at disposal of PM's office for duration of work of
inquiry committee in Lebanon', Sayyed said after meeting with [PM] Mikati who has won opposition
support despite ties to Syria. Ali al-Hajj, head of Lebanon's internal security, would also step aside during
investigation...Mikati said move would facilitate work of international inquiry ordered by UNSC...It was not
clear when investigation team would start work in Lebanon...Pro-Syrian head of Lebanese military
intelligence, General Raymond Azar, took month's leave of absence in Mar...'We demand their resignation.
But this step is transitional step toward this goal. It will facilitate work of international inquiry and this is
what we demand', said opposition MP... Mikati said his government had agreed mechanism to hold the
poll on time. [Parliament] scheduled to discuss proposal [25-6 Apr] and hold a confidence vote. Local
media said government proposed forming ministerial committee to draft an electoral law within 10 days.
Cabinet would also call for legal changes allowing it to call elections 15 days before first day of voting.
Government currently has to call elections a month before polls. 'If honorable parliament does not agree,
we will be forced to call electoral authorities a month before 29 May." AP"Lebanon Security Chief Steps
Down"NYT 22 Apr 05:-"Resignations by Maj.Gen.Sayyad, considered the most powerful security chief in
Lebanon, and Maj.Gen.Hajj, top police commander, comes before a UN team investigating 14 Feb [Hariri
death] expected to travel to Lebanon. Anti-Syrian opposition has been demanding their removal, along
with four other security commanders - all close Syrian allies. UN has backed demand, without specifying
who must go, saying a proper investigation can't be carried out while commanders hold their posts.
Opposition also wants the top prosecutor out... Meanwhile, PM Mikati said key elections will be held by
29 May, two days before parliament's term ends - first time a government leader has given a specific date
for vote. He told reporters he was sending legislature a proposed mechanism to hold elections within the
constitutional deadline. If parliament does not approve mechanism, his cabinet will call election on its
own, he said...But clock is ticking for a vote to be held on time. Parliament must confirm Mikati's
government next week and debate and approve an election bill... Election proposal, which Mikati did not
disclose, appears to serve as compromise between demands of the pro- and anti-Syrian camps. To call
election, government must win approval for an election law that, among other things, defines voting
districts - but that issue has been subject of sharp dispute between the two sides. Anti-Syrian opposition
wants a law setting small districts, while pro-Syrian camp favors larger districts where they expect to fare
better. Mikati told reporters government will cooperate with UN investigation team, which is expected in
Lebanon in next few weeks. He welcomed decision by security chiefs, saying generals chose to take high
moral ground in such delicate situation. Sayyed, army general, was director-general of Interior Ministry's
General Security Department. He was moved to ministry when President Lahoud elected 1998. Sayyed and
Hajj said they were placing themselves 'at disposal' of PM, which means they are stepping aside and will
have no executive power, but it stops short of an outright resignation. Hajj, commander of Internal
Security Forces, told AP that he was taking step 'to facilitate work of international investigation
commission until end of its mission.' He said it was up to cabinet to decide whether to reinstate him later."
Economist 23 Apr 05"Syria: Sitting tight; Beset With Headaches at Home and Abroad, Syria's President
Has Apparently Decided to Remove His Troops from Lebanon, Then Play for Time - And Do Nothing"(45-6):-"Something new on crowded streets of [Damascus is]mood of suspense, a sense of inevitable change
or, some say, impending doom. One reason is drama unfolding in next-door Lebanon since the murder
[of Rafik Hariri]. Lebanese have clamoured for, and won, removal of Syrian forces - a spectacle that has
both exhilarated and dismayed Syrian neighbours... Lebanese PM Najib Mikati's government has short
brief: to hold elections that, under eye of outside world, are expected to reflect Syria's diminished ability
to dictate results. Syrian influence has faded on other fronts too... Despite ceasing support for Iraqi rebels,
[Syria] remains subject to some US sanctions. Meanwhile, French anger over Lebanon, plus Syria's failure
to lobby EU's newer members, have set back hopes of trade deal with Europe. Syria's loneliness has
allowed Israel to ignore President Bashar Assad's repeated peace overtures. Most Syrians hope
withdrawal from Lebanon augurs renewed focus on fixing their country's own problems. Pullout does
appear briefly to have boosted Assad's appeal. He needed the boost. Since succeeding his father five
years ago, his credibility has waned as promised reforms, both political and economic, have failed to
materialise...Regime has freed all but few hundred political prisoners, invited some exiles back and let
opponents talk without fear of immediate arrest. But activists remain stifled by controls on the press and
other forms of public life. Ordinary folk complain of corruption and of a resurgence of sectarian tensions...
Majority Sunnis' growing resentment [is related to] Assad's still-dominant Alawite sect, which makes up
less than 15% of Syria's 18m people... A few years back, Syria earned useful bonuses from smuggled Iraqi
oil, aid from friendly Gulf countries and the take from Lebanon. The first two sources have evaporated.
The last, which some Lebanese reckon brought in well over $1b a year...is likely to dwindle. Lebanon has
stopped absorbing Syria's unemployed. Ugly chauvinism, including attacks on Syrian labourers, has
prompted as many as a quarter of Syria's estimated 400,000 migrant workers to leave Lebanon. More
serious, however, is a projected steep fall in Syria's own oil production, which accounts for 70% of its
exports and around half of government revenue. Experts differ as to when the crunch will come, but one
guess is that within seven years Syria will be net importer of oil... Assad has thinned top-heavy ranks of
Syria's army.;. many new appointees are Alawites... Some pin hopes on [ruling] Baath party, which is to
hold a long-delayed congress in June. Hinted reforms include allowing free local and even presidential
elections, and letting rival parties form. Such promises have been heard before, however. It is six months,
for example, since officials floated the idea of doing something for the tens of thousands of Kurds...Some
Kurdish political prisoners released, but they and their kin remain stateless. Regime may have failed to
realise that change is its best hope of survival." Economist 23 Apr 05"Lebanon [and Iraq]: The Influence
of Shia Clergymen; Shia Clergy Spread Their Message, From Iraq and Iran to Syria and Lebanon"(46):-"Vast mansions and religious colleges built by Lebanon's...exiles, stud the land that Hizbullah, Lebanon's
Islamist Shia movement, took back from Israel five years ago. Najaf College for Islamic Studies, named
after the Shias' holiest city 1,000km away in southern Iraq, is one of dozens of religious Shia colleges to
sprout in Lebanese villages over past decade. They pay pupils stipends, teach their own curricula and
build up separate identities that put religion above nationality... Before civil war 1975-90 less than a third
of Lebanese students went to private, mainly sectarian, schools. Now 60% do. State increasingly relies
on party institutions and religious foundations to provide basic services. Lebanese look to their
confessional leaders to provide work... Confessional rule in sectarian wars have left Lebanon a patchwork
of rival communities... Sectarian factions operate like states within states, with multi-billion-dollar
concerns. Youngest and most zealous, Hizbullah, inspects foreigners' passports and openly runs its own
army, bucking UN resolution that told it to disarm. But outside pressure on Hizbullah to disarm has
recently coincided with growing dissent among Shias themselves. Sparked by US liberation of the hawza
in Najaf itself, historic nerve-centre of world's 170m or so Shias, Lebanese Shias are re-examining their
attitudes to clerical power... Najaf's spiritual leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, calls on Lebanon's
clerics to apply his fatwa to abstain from political office and says that Lebanon's Shias should choose
their own future without truckling to Iran, foremost Shia state... Member of Higher Shia Council in
Lebanon insists that Hizbullah should disarm as soon as Israel withdraws from disputed Shebaa Farms.
But Hizbullah has so far turned a deaf ear to such advice. Iran's leaders loom large over southern Lebanon
and party faithful still hail Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei... Iran gives Hizbullah some $200m a year.
[Yet] even Hizbullah... shows signs of reconsidering. Over past decade, it has watered down its slogans...
In return for international security guarantees, movement is... talking about integrating itself into
Lebanon's regular army and body politic. It long ago stopped boycotting Lebanese elections, and now
controls 60% of country's Shia municipalities. In Lebanon's next government, it might accept ministerial
posts... Hizbullah's leaders not alone in dreaming of creating their own confessional state. Many Maronite
Christians yearn for one too. But recent demonstrations in Beirut proved that more Lebanese want end
to victor-or-vanquished mentality. 'Lebanon is a blessing from God, a small experiment of 18 sects to
teach the world how to live together'." Economist 23 Apr 05"Syria: Son of a Gun; US Ties with Syria Have
Long Been Tricky. Two New Books Explain Why the Relationship Needs To Be Made Coherent Before It
Can Become More Harmonious" (46):-Books to be Reviewed: Flynt Leverett"Inheriting Syria: Bashar's
Trial by Fire"(Washington: Brookings Press 05) & "Hizbullah: The Story from Within"(New York: Saqi
Books 05). "Bashar Assad, improbable successor [to Hafez Assad], promised to make the family
enterprise legitimate but operates in an environment that obstructs any such transformation. Five years
into Bashar's reign, there is still little consensus about his beliefs on important issues or how much real
power he exercises...US disinclined to give him the benefit of the doubt. Syria has long been an awkward
customer: smallish, militarily weak country with no resources to speak of but with disproportionate ability
to annoy... US policy towards Syria is incoherent, according to Leverett...'Terrorism', in US parlance,
includes Hizbullah, the Syrian-supported Shia Muslim Lebanese party-cum-militia... Hizbullah itself puts
faith in the mutual need that Syria and Hizbullah have of each other. Sheikh Naim Qassem, who claims
confidence in the solidarity of the Syria-Hizbullah link, is very much an insider. He was a founding member
of Hizbullah in 1982 and has been its deputy secretary-general since 1991. [He] insists that... the party of
God should be seen as an Islamic party first and resistance group second: ideological commitment is
what spurs it to refuse occupation." Reuters"Last Syrian Forces to Quit Lebanon in Days - - Source"NYT
23 Apr 05:-"Syria's military will complete its withdrawal from eastern Lebanon in next 48 hours, earlier
than planned, and its security chiefs will go a day later, a senior security source said on [23 Apr]. Source
said Rustum Ghazaleh, Syrian intelligence chief in Lebanon, would be last to leave after farewell ceremony
in Bekaa Valley [26 Apr]. Special military road that links the two countries will be closed behind him, and
Lebanese Army will take over Syrian intelligence HQ in town of Anjar. Syria racing to end 29-year
military/intelligence presence in Lebanon in line with UNSC resolution passed in Sep. Promised to be out
by 30 Apr, but set to beat deadline by four days. On [23 Apr], Syrian troops left three positions in Bekaa
Valley, witnesses said; at least 35 military vehicles crossed border out of Lebanon, showered with flowers
and rice by Lebanese bidding them farewell...UNSG Annan overrode US objections to delay for a week
until [26 Apr] a report on whether Syria was complying with demand that it withdraw." AP"Syria to
Complete Withdrawal From Lebanon"NYT 23 Apr 05:-"Last Syrian troops will leave Lebanon [24 Apr] after
29 years, a senior Lebanese military officer said, as Damascus yields to fierce international/domestic
pressure after assassination of Hariri. Announcement came as largest number of Syrian troops to leave
Lebanon in one batch vacated at least 10 positions in northern part of Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon
[23 Apr]. Under pouring rain, dozens of trucks carrying hundreds of soldiers and at least 150 armored
vehicles towing cannons/rocket launchers seen heading to Lebanese-Syrian Masnaa border point,
witnesses said. 'Tomorrow everything will be over', military officer told [AP 23 Apr]on condition
anonymity. Lebanese military officers rarely speak on record. He did not elaborate but appeared
withdrawal would include Anjar base in eastern Lebanon occupied by Syria's chief of military intelligence
in Lebanon, Maj.Gen. Rustom Ghazale. Same officer had said earlier this week that Ghazale would
evacuate Anjar by [26 Apr]. Withdrawal of Syrian intelligence officers, along with military, key demand of
Lebanese opposition. Hariri's son, meanwhile, said he will run in Lebanese general elections scheduled
to take place by end of May. In interview with CNN, Saad Hariri also said he had 'full confidence' in UN
investigation into 14 Feb assassination of his father. 'I do intend to run', Hariri replied, answering question
about parliamentary elections set to be held by [29 May]. 'I do intend to prove myself, ...work
hard,...achieve my father's cause.' Syria began withdrawing troops from Lebanon last month in wake of
Hariri's killing...Syria and Lebanese authorities denied involvement in killing...UNSG said this week he was
delaying release of report on Syria's withdrawal from Lebanon until [26 Apr] so UN could confirm pullout
of all Syrian forces. Annan's chief of staff said [20 Apr] that UNSG had spoken to Syrian President Bashar
Assad and was 'very optimistic' all troops/intelligence operatives out of Lebanon by [26 Apr]...US has been
pushing Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon and stop interfering in country's politics." AP"Syrian
Military Presence in Lebanon Coming to an End"NYT 24 Apr 05:-"Syrian troops burned
documents/dismantled military posts in final hours in Lebanon [24 Apr], before deploying toward border
and effectively ending 29 years of military presence. A few score Syrian troops will remain in Lebanon for
farewell ceremony [26 Apr] that Lebanese Army plans to hold in town close to Syrian border. In Damascus,
government official said: 'Within next few hours, all troops will be out of Lebanon'. 'What will be left are
those who will take part in official farewell' [26 Apr], official said...In border town of Anjar, home of Syria's
chief of military intelligence in Lebanon, Syrian officials appeared to be going about their business as
usual [24 Apr]. But at Deir el-Ahmar base, Syria's last major garrison in Bekaa Valley, 15 tanks rolled on
to flatbed trucks, ready for drive home, witnesses told AP. Soldiers burned papers, knocked down walls
and loaded ammunition on to trucks. Syrian troops had already vacated at least 10 positions in northern
part of Bekaa Valley on [23 Apr]. Dozens of trucks carrying hundreds of soldiers and at least 150 armored
vehicles, towing artillery pieces/rocket launchers, crossed border into Syria, witnesses said. 'Tomorrow
everything will be over', Lebanese military officer said [23 Apr]... On [26 Apr], Lebanese troops at base in
Rayak, few miles from Syrian border, will conduct ceremony to pay tribute to Syrian Army's role in
Lebanon, a Lebanese military officer said. Afterward, token Syrian force will leave, and there will not be
single Syrian soldier left in Lebanon." Reuters"Son of Lebanon's Hariri to Run in Election"NYT 24 Apr 05:-"Son of Lebanon's slain former PM Rafik al-Hariri plans to run in parliamentary elections due next month,
in bid to keep family's political influence alive. 'I do intend to run. I do intend to prove myself. I do intend
to work hard. I do intend to achieve my father's goals', Saad al-Hariri said in weekend interview on CNN
TV. 'Now, my political agenda is to continue father's legacy. He wanted free and sovereign Lebanon. He
wanted elections to happen in timely fashion. He wanted observers to come to the country to make sure
they are free'... Hariri family chose 37-year-old Saad [20 Apr] to wear mantle of his father, who was
Lebanon's PM for much of post-war period, and is credited with rebuilding central Beirut from ruins of
war. Saad has won backing from his father's parliamentary bloc. Popular sympathy over the killing,
combined with family's wealth, will probably secure Saad's success in coming elections, but does not
mean he will automatically follow his father to the post of PM. Saad was vague about his aspirations, but
said he would tap his father's network of international connections. 'If I can do it without being PM or with
being PM, that is something time will tell', Saad said, according to transcript of interview...Saad said
confident international probe ordered by UN would uncover truth behind bombing in Beirut that killed his
father and 20 others. UN advance team due in Lebanon any day, to lay groundwork for inquiry. 'I have full
confidence in UN process', Saad said. 'I really believe that one day truth will come out and we will know
who killed my father, who plotted, who decided, who pulled trigger'." Reuters"Syrian Troops Head Out
of Lebanon as Deadline Nears"NYT 24 Apr 05:-"Latest withdrawals will leave only a few hundred Syrian
troops in Lebanon, security sources said. They will follow on [25 Apr], effectively completing Syria's
military withdrawal from its smaller neighbour. Syria...had promised to be out by 30 Apr, but will beat its
deadline by at least four days. Rustum Ghazaleh, Syrian intelligence chief in Lebanon, and a token Syrian
force would be last to leave after farewell ceremony in Bekaa [26 Apr], sources said. Military road that
links the two countries will be closed behind them, and Lebanese Army will take over Syrian intelligence
HQ in town Anjar. Around 100 Syrian military vehicles, including tanks/personnel carriers, crossed border
out of Lebanon overnight, witnesses said. Syrian intelligence left checkpoint in eastern Bakaa Valley that
they have occupied since 1976. Lebanese army took over the checkpoint, scene of battle between Syrian
and Israeli troops 1982, year Jewish state invaded Beirut." AP"Syria Ends 29 - Year Presence in Lebanon"
NYT 24 Apr 05:-"As soon as truckloads of Syrian soldiers had left for home, Mariam Majzoub started
dishing out paint to erase last vestiges of their 29-year presence. Her children, nephews, nieces and
neighbours stuck Lebanese flags on top of abandoned posts near her home in tiny Bekaa Valley village,
slapped whitewash on walls and celebrated departure date in green paint: 'Independence 2005, Sunday
April 17'. 'We started dancing in street even before they turned corner', said Mazjoub, glowing with joy.
'We could finally express ourselves, and there was nothing they could do about it'... Syria leaves behind
staunch allies who benefited from its presence. At least until parliament elections, supposed to be held
by 31 May, its military personnel free to move at will between the two countries. Last month, only hours
after Syrians evacuated their Beirut intelligence offices, their intelligence chief showed up at site, as if to
signal they could be back anytime they want. Even if anti-Syrian government takes power, its leaders are
hesitant to do anything to antagonize Damascus, such as entering into peace talks with Israel. Foretaste
of possible instability came in five bombings in Mar and Apr in mainly anti-Syrian Christian areas in which
two people killed and 25 wounded. Also been several attacks targeting Syrian laborers in country. But
Syria has to tread carefully too, especially where US, France and Saudi Arabia concerned. Those three
governments exerted most pressure on Syria to pull out, and would likely react furiously to any sign it is
trying to move back in. Damascus will have to keep up its 'good behaviour' in Lebanon, as well as rethink
its policies regarding US presence in Iraq, and Arab-Israeli peace efforts, said Paul Salem, a Lebanese
political analyst... But two countries remain linked by 1991 treaty that calls for close cooperation on
security, foreign policy and economy. They don't even have diplomatic relations - a sign, opposition says,
that Syria doesn't recognize Lebanon's sovereignty. Even members of staunchly anti-Syrian opposition
have called for good relations with Damascus, including former rebel Christian army leader Gen Michel
Aoun. He waged quixotic war on Syria in 1989 that ended with his exile in France. He now hopes to return
to Lebanon. On Lebanon's side, 'there's a commitment to maintain strategic relations on big issues with
Syria', said analyst Salem. Eastern Lebanese Bekaa Valley was strategically important region for Syria's
own security, particularly in facing arch-foe Israel. But to Bekaa villagers, strategy and high diplomacy
can wait; right now they're savoring such simple pleasures as grazing their sheep by Syrian military
installations that were long off-limits to them. 'Freedom is beautiful', said retired merchant who lives 500
yards from abandoned Syrian checkpoint. Among a group of young men smoking waterpipes, consensus
was economy would improve, because jobs would no longer go to Syrians with contacts in the military.
'Good riddance', said a baker. But a farmer felt that retreat lacked dignity. 'Syrians helped stop Lebanese
civil war. They were important for country's stability', he said, articulating official line. 'We wanted them
to leave, but they should have left in a more honorable manner." Hassan M.Fattah"Last Syrian Units Pack
to Pull Out Of Lebanon"NYT 25 Apr 05:-"...Witnesses said soldiers painting over Syrian graffiti, destroying
documents and packing their belongings in some places Syrian military held for almost 30 years...
Lebanese military official said 750 to 1,000 Syrian soldiers, along with intelligence chief would remain until
[26 Apr]. 'This is victory for all Lebanese', said...a Lebanese opposition leader. 'Most of Syrian story now
over'... In towns throughout Bekaa,residents reclaimed homes used by Syrian troops and noted different
air to villages. 'People used to be afraid to say anything here', said resident of Baalbek ...'People seemed
to be opening up more today, and feeling more comfortable to speak their mind'. Yet even as some
celebrated seeming end of Syria's occupation of Lebanon, political analysts warned that its influence
would remain, but in more subtle forms. With departure of all its official security channels, Syria is more
likely to engage underground channels in Lebanon's security forces, groups in Palestinian refugee camps
and elsewhere, said sociology professor/columnist ...'Syria's role will change completely from an open
political one, to one led by proxies', he said. 'We are certainly not done yet, and conclusion is still years
away'." Reuters"Lebanon Security Chief Resigns as Last Syrians Leave"NYT 25 Apr 05:-"Lebanon's most
powerful pro-Syrian security chief resigned [26 Apr], hours before last Syrian forces were due to leave
their tiny neighbour and end Damascus' 29-year domination. Resignation of Jamil al-Sayyed, head of
General Security, signaled collapse of Syrian installed security apparatus that had effectively run Lebanon
for years. 'Security chiefs are usually appointed with politics, and change when it changes', Sayyed said
in his resignation letter. Sayyed said last week he was ready to step aside during UN-ordered international
investigation into 14 Feb killing of Hariri... Closely allied to Damascus, Sayyed widely considered
Lebanon's most powerful security figure since end of civil war, when he played crucial role in rebuilding
security organs that helped restore stability. But many Lebanese politicians complain he used his position
to impose Syria's influence over political life in Lebanon. 'It's finally over. I'm very optimistic about
Lebanon's future', said Michael Young, a political commentator long critical of Syria. 'No doubt they will
continue to try to play role in Lebanon, but structure of their system of authority in Lebanon has
collapsed'... [On 26 Apr] UN verification team will arrive in Damascus. Team hopes to obtain from Syrian
officials maps of Syria's abandoned positions and final reports on status of its military/intelligence
presence in Lebanon, a UN official said. Team will then travel to Lebanon, where it is expected to verify
Syrian withdrawal... Parliament will debate policy statement of new cabinet led by PM Najib Mikati on [26
Apr] before holding a vote of confidence on [26 Apr] that is expected to be passed." AP "Pro - Syrian
Security Chief Resigns"NYT 25 Apr 05:-"Lebanon's powerful security chief, [Maj.Gen. Jamil Sayyed,] close
ally of Syria, resigned [25 Apr].. Sayyed was director-general of Interior Ministry's General Security
Department, which handles issuing passports, border controls, and censorship of publications. But
Sayyed, who was moved to the ministry in 1998, also became Syria's closest ally in Lebanese security
services... Lebanese opposition demanded withdrawal of Syrian army, international investigation into
assassination of Hariri, and resignation of security chiefs for alleged negligence - or worse. UN fact-finding mission [Mar] suggested security chiefs step down. UN sending team to investigate Hariri's
murder. Sayyed and two security chiefs stepped aside, but opposition politicians criticized security chiefs'
move and called for their outright resignation or firing. Maj Gen Raymond Azar, director Lebanese military
intelligence who on 29 Mar took a one month administrative leave in a move to step aside without
resigning, left the country [for Paris 24 Apr] with family, security official said [, ostensibly on 10-day
mission]." Reuters"Syria Intelligence Quits Lebanon HQ After 29 Years"NYT 25 Apr 05:-" Syrian
intelligence quit its Lebanese HQ in Anjar [25 Apr], virtually completing pullout of Syrian forces... As last
Syrian military/intelligence units pulled out, Lebanon's Syrian-installed security apparatus showed signs
of collapse with resignation of country's most powerful security chief allied with Damascus. Syrian
intelligence chief in Lebanon, Rustum Ghazaleh, left for Damascus but was to return [26 Apr] for farewell
ceremony for Syrian forces. Sources said only about 200 Syrian soldiers remain in Lebanon, but they
would withdraw after they take part in [26 Apr] ceremony at eastern Riyyak military airbase, hours before
UN issues report on whether Syria complying with UNSC demand it withdraw. But US, which led
international pressure on Syria to withdraw from Lebanon, was skeptical. 'It's clear Syria has been
withdrawing its military forces from Lebanon', State Department spokesman told reporters. 'This process
isn't complete either (on) military forces or intelligence assets.' Lebanese election due in May would test
whether Syria still intervened in affairs of its smaller neighbour, said one US official...But many Lebanese
politicians complain [head of Lebanon's General Security department] used his position to impose Syria's
influence over political life in Lebanon...Lebanese troops took over last Syrian checkpoints and base in
town of Chtaura [25 Apr], witnesses said." AP"Syrian Intel Agents Leave Lebanon Post"NYT 25 Apr 05:-"Syrian intelligence agents abandoned their main HQ in Lebanon [25 Apr], leaving nerve center from
which they controlled much of country's affairs...HQ of Syrian military intelligence, at border in Bekaa
town of Anjar, was stark symbol of Damascus' power - site where it decided policy in Lebanon, including
who ran for office, who became Cabinet minister, and who was arrested. Convoy of about dozen vehicles
pulled out of site before sundown, heading for nearby Masnaa border crossing on way to Syria...Lebanese
troops took over vacated positions in Anjar, apparently to prevent repeat of celebrations by residents/anti-Syrian activists, who in evacuations of other sites quickly swept in with Lebanese flags and paint to erase
Syrian military symbols. On [25 Apr], UNSG Kofi Annan dispatched team to verify whether Syria has
withdrawn all its troops from Lebanon...Verification team will be led by Senegalese Brig Gen Mouhamadou
Kandji, UN spokesman said. Another UN team of logistic/communications experts will arrive in Beirut later
in the week to lay groundwork for probe into former PM Hariri's assassination. [Syrian] allies in Beirut
have been eager to give rus |