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An Open Letter to the International Maronite Foundation
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The Fourth World Maronite Congress will take place this week in Long Beach CA on June 19th - June 23rd This historic meeting will represent over 6 million Maronites world wide and is supported by major political Lebanese parties, most of which will be attending or sending strong measures of support. A partial list of those attending includes: Bishops Yussef Bechara and Bechara al-Rahi, Dory Chamoun, chairman of the National Liberal Party, Jubran Tueni, the editor in chief of the daily al-Nahar, along with the Kataeb Party, the Lebanese Forces, the Guardians of the Cedars, and many notable dignitaries from the United States and Lebanon. Vigorous measures of support have been issued by major Lebanese figures such as Maronite Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, former President Amin Gemayel, General Michel Aoun, and many others. All have joined forces to speak with a common unified voice and to advocate a Free and Sovereign Lebanon, free of all foreign entities, free to elect a democratic government where all are equal, free to worship as one wishes, and free to accept the return of those who have devoted their lives struggling to regain their lost land from foreign usurpers. This web site and others will be posting daily releases of events and informative releases as a public service. |
Press Releases |
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Jun. 24 2002 02:16PM International Maronite Congress June 20-23, 2002 At the invitation of the International Maronite Foundation, and in conjunction with the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, a Maronite International Congress was held in Los Angeles from June 20-23, 2002 under the auspices of His Eminence and Beatitude Cardinal Nasrallah Peter Sfeir, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, represented by His Excellency Bishop Youssef Bechara. Bishops, Lebanese Congressmen, and representatives of Maronite organizations from Lebanon and all around the world participated. After listening to the wards of His Beatitude, they studied the following issues: the role of the Maronite Church in Lebanon and throughout the world,
I. Church Concerns 1 They reaffirm their perpetual allegiance to the universal Catholic Church, and to the Holy Father, the Pope of Rome. They expressed their gratitude to Pope John Paul 11 for his relentless efforts aimed at the preservation of an independent and sovereign Lebanon, and its unique character of freely chosen Islamic-Christian conviviality. The Holy Father believes that a democratic, pluralistic Lebanon gives the Lebanese Christians a vital role conducive to the preservation of Christianity in the Middle East. 2 They reaffirm their loyalty to the Maronite Patriarchate, their obedience to the person of the Patriarch, their support of his positions and initiatives. They pledge their continued support for his remarkable, courageous and constant stand. They desire to stay always close to their Patriarch. 3 They commit themselves to Church membership in their dioceses, and to work actively with their bishops, and parish priests throughout the world, in order to preserve their spiritual and moral values, their heritage and traditions. In doing so they bear witness in the countries in which they live, and contribute through their various activities -- social, cultural, economic, and political - to the development of man and society. 4 The Congress stresses the importance of strong ties and collaboration between Lebanon and the communities abroad, especially with regard to providing dedicated priests to serve these communities, and to the encouragement of local vocations in the parishes abroad. 5 The Congress has taken special interest in the Maronite youth who have expressed their concerns and aspirations: the youth are the "hope of the Church" and the "nucleus of the society." Since our youth are "the renewal force in the Church and society", the Congress recommends that we provide them the necessary spiritual and moral formation, and encourage and support their involvement in the life of the Church and. its mission. Likewise, they pledge to work tirelessly in assisting them in the building of their spiritual and cultural future, to encourage them to maintain strong tics with the youth of Lebanon, and to be pro-active participants in their community.
II Lebanon Concerns 6 They see in Lebanon their spiritual motherland, where the inculturation of the gospel took place in the region where the "Prince of Peace" was born, and from where the "Light of the World" proceeded. They value Lebanon's mission to be, for the East and for the West, a country of consensual democracy, built on conviviality and dialogue between various cultures and religions, as well as on public freedoms - mainly of speech and. religion - on equal participation in the government and administration, and on the fundamental human rights. Therefore, they recommit themselves to: a- Unify their ranks through communication and cooperation among the various entities in Lebanon and abroad, according to the rule of unity in diversity. Their unity would thus become a forum for political activism on behalf of Lebanon. 7- To condemn terrorism, in any and all of its forms, as a totally unacceptable mean to pursue political objectives. And we support the efforts of the U.S.A. to combat terrorism all over the world, in the wake of September 11, 2001 so that all societies may enjoy their right to stability, security and good life.
III -Communities abroad: 8 - In view of the importance of the Lebanese presence in the world, and to insure the continuity between Lebanon and the communities abroad, the Congress appeals to the goventment of Lebanon to give the citizens living abroad special consideration by responding to their following requests: a. Give Lebanese citizens abroad the right, and the means, to vote their representatives in the Parliament, as do all other nations. 9 - The Congress pledges their people the proper help to confront the economic and social crisis that has deteriorated to a dangerous point, and to curb the emigration out of Lebanon through some initiatives such as: i.the creation of a business council to promote joint ventures in key industries, 10. This body strongly encourages the Lebanese communities in the countries abroad to organize visits to Lebanon where businessmen, youth, and others would travel for reasons of relaxation and strengthening the bonds among the Lebanese in and outside Lebanon. This would give them an opportunity to know first hand the actual political, social and economical situation, and to explore ways to help the Lebanese citizens to remain securely in Lebanon and to hope for a better future.
IV. Conclusion 11 - The Congress thanks and appreciates the Lebanese journalists and the printed and audiovisual media, especially the satellite television stations, who render a great service at the informative, cultural, social and national levels. By means of their programs, they introduce Lebanon, its unique characteristics, heritage and mission. At the same time, they warn everyone from threatening the freedom of speech for all Lebanese media. They also thank all the local and Lebanese media who covered the meetings of the Congress. Because the Voice of Charity, and Tele Lurraiere are two ecclesiastical institutions, the Congress asks all to support them financially for the sake of a greater and wider mission, 12 - The Congress thanks the International Maronite Foundation, and all the participants who canine from different parts of the world, especially the Christian and non-Maroni.te organizations and entities who participated effectively in this Congress, and contributed to its success. They emphasize the importance of coordination and continuity with regard to all the Eastern Churches in Lebanon, the Arab world, and abroad, The International Maronite Foundation is willing to serve as a catalyst, along with all Maronites of good will, with the task to follow-tip on the implementation of these resolutions, along with all the other suggestions and hopes expressed during the Congress. They ask their fellow Maronites all over the world to unite and collaborate in order to safeguard their faith, traditions, and belonging to Lebanon through the implementation of these resolutions. |
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Saturday 22rd afternoon: Political conference ended in the evening . The resolutions of the Maronite Congress weren't ready untill late at night. We haven't received yet any official copy, but we will refer to few important points: - 2 PM : General Assembly and Resolutions starts. -The General Assembly took part until late afternoon, in a climate of a unified Christian political position on all important political issues. - The meeting was an open panel where everyone could enter the room and issue a statement and his private remarks on the first draft of the resolutions presented by the Assembly. - The Lebanese Forces supporters were massively present in the conference room in a coordinating role with the Kataeb Party, the NLP of Mr Dory Chamoun, Tony Haddad of the National current and The Guardian of the Cedars Party. - A Syrian National Socialist Party (SNSP) representative tried to interfere with the panel on numerous occasions, accusing the Syria Accountability Act to be an Israeli backed intrument backed by the Jewish Lobby and AIPAC in Washington in order to provoke a political fight and to disrupt the conference. - The issue was massively rejected by the Christian Parties and organizations in the conference room in a simultaneous statement from all the parties that this Syrian Accountability Act is an Act created by a Lebanese Opposition demand, supported in Washington by Lebanese opposition groups with the hope of helping Lebanon restore its lost Independence and Soveraignty. . The time has come to stand united and refuse any accusation of playing Israel interest as the only purpose of supporting the act is loyalty to Lebanon. The Syrian Accountability Act was massively backed within a cheering crowd and passed on into the resolutions. - Many Lebanese Forces members went to the speaker and requested the freedom and the release of Dr Samir Geagea, Dr Toufic Hindi, Bassil & Journalist Habib Younes, the return of General Michel Aoun along with the Christians and Lebanese of Southern Lebanon. The fate of the Christans of the South in exile should not be forgotten nor those arrested in Lebanon because of their fate in the South. The request was passed on to the resolution. - On the issue of the Right of Return of the Palestinians to their homeland, some speakers among them Journalist Bashir stated that the conference should support this clause, the Christian parties interfered and turned down this request by stating that they cannot back this request. This request is used as a political tool by Syria and the Arab countries to justify their war of terror against the State of Israel. This request was turned down and along with a request that the conference back any resolution from the United Nations that support the legitimate rights of the Palestinians people without going to specifics - "Condeming Terrorism in all form, especially after 9/11. However we should define the cause of terrorism?" This definition was totally rejected by the Lebanese Christian Coalition Parties, stating that there is no justification to Terrorism under no form, period. Some sympathizers of the Syrian regime tried to torpedo the conference by bringing up this issue such as the difference between Resitance and Terrorism. They were rejected, and the sentence, " However we should define the cause of terrorism" was deleted from the record. These were the hot " points" discussed , we will post the official Resolutions release as soon as we will have them. Keep posted.
National Liberal Chairman Dory Chamoun in the conference.
Dr Joseph Gebeily representing the Lebanese Forces and Nagi N. Najjar, Director of The Lebanese Foundation for Peace before the conference started.
Saturday June 22, 2002
Mr Edward Salem, Chairman of the IMF opening the political conference.
Member of Parliament Fares Soueid .
Member of Parliament, Mansour El Bone supporting the conference.
Center: MP Farid El Khazen at the conference.
Respectively, from Right to Left:
Mr Dany Aibout representing the Guardians of the Cedar Party.
Dr Joseph Gebeily speaking on behalf of the Lebanese Forces.
A view of the panel participants.
Friday June 21, 2002 - 12:00 P.M. Luncheon take place with Mr. Gubren Tueni, Members of Parliament: Fares Soueid, Farid Al Khazin, Mansour Alo Bone. All the Christian Political parties were present with a cheering crowd. - 1:00 P.M. Judge James Kaado presented Gubren Tueni and his biography for 10 minutes. -1:10 P.M. Mr. Gubren Tueni took the podium. Gubren referred to many important points in his speech. They are: - The withdrawal of the Syrian Forces from Lebanon. - The need to put an end to Hizbollah in Lebanon, described as a non-Lebanese political entity created by the rise of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. They have nothing in common with the national interests of Lebanon. - The 1990 Taiif Accord has given the Syrians and their allies the clout to marginalize the Christians and largely exclude them from the conduct of their nation's affairs. - The Lebanese overseas should have the right to vote in their embassies without criticism, just as the Syrians vote on foreign soil. - When asked by the Diaspora about the fate of Samir Gaegae: "What is your reaction?" - Tueni responded: - Samir Gaegae is a political prisoner of a system which to which he presented danger. If there were to be justice in Lebanon, all the current politicians in the regime would be sitting next to him in a jail. The Lebanese government should release Samir Gaegae and favor the return of General Michael Aoun and establish a true National Reconciliation in the country without any foreign interference in Lebanon's internal affairs. - The following is Mr. Gubren Tueni's speech: It may be a most eloquent manifestation of Lebanon's pluralistic society that a Greek Orthodox, in fact a half-Druze Greek Orthodox, is addressing your esteemed Maronite conference on what should best be done to navigate our nation out of its political, economic, social and cultural straits. Plurality, or smooth coexistence among numerous communities, is a national characteristic guaranteeing Lebanon's survival. And it is not a hollow boast that Lebanon stands unique in the world, as the nation that has brilliantly promoted its communitarian structure into a viable system of government, despite the 75-77 civil war, closely followed by a conspiracy under which others, Palestinians, Syrians, Israelis, Americans, Iraqis and Iranians, fought their wars on Lebanese soil. Claims that the 1943 national pact, which laid the foundations of healthy coexistence for 50 decades, was the catalyst of inter-communal wars, are untrue. Communities or rather their interaction, he been a source of enrichment to the Lebanese system of government, which is the only working democracy in the Arab world. Through harmonious evolution, Lebanon has given itself a post-independence democratic constitution which, despite its heavy leaning on the French model, has successfully combined a set of civil status laws, that helped the smooth conduct of the civil affairs of each community under the tutelage of its own clergy. As things stand now in Lebanon, the Lebanese does need the clergy to defend his rights, since politicians and political parties are looking the other way. Moreover, existing parties are in a state of advanced bankruptcy. They are totally divorced from both the present and the future, and are still embroiled in past conflicts. An example of the fine-tuned religious role in politics, was the statement released by the conclave of Maronite bishops in September of 2000, which was a sincere outcry over Lebanon's aspiration. Jealous about their liberty, the various communities that make up the mosaic fabric of the Lebanese Nation, have developed a rich pluralist society within which, minorities are shielded from majority dictatorship. This enriching cooperation has allowed Lebanon to distinguish itself with the a refined peace culture in the Arab world. What really has given this experiment an ugly facade, however, is the manipulation of the communities by politicians, who have hidden themselves behind sectarian slogans, by they individuals, or grouped in political parties or coalitions. They have bent the frames of the system to serve their own personal ends instead of the nation's welfare. Furthermore, danger does exist. Since the 1975 wars emanating from the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Christians of Lebanon feel threatened. They are not ready yet to forget the bloody drive to plant a Palestinian ministate within Lebanon, nor Syria's past behavior meddling to set off fires and then pose as the saving extinguisher, never forgetting her old dream of Greater Syria or the conspiracy of trading the Golan Heights for Lebanon. The 1990 constitutional changes after the Taiif Accords, have given the Syrians and their allies the clout to marginalize the Christians and largely exclude them from the conduct of their nation's affairs. The Syrian-controlled regime in Lebanon has been behaving in the mentality of victor and vanquished. In reality, however, it's not only the Christians who are on the losing side; the whole nation and each and every free Lebanese, are in the same bracket. This disequilibrium is causing the political, economic and social crises plaguing Lebanon, which have, in turn, accelerated the pace of emigration out of Lebanon to seek new lives abroad. Ladies and Gentlemen, I have come here not to ask you to return tomorrow to the homeland, but I am convinced that one day you'll do it. I realize this is difficult, at least at the present conditions. But we have to invent a new relationship between the Lebanese at home and in Diaspora, to try to put the nation back on its own two feet: Free, Sovereign and Independent. Let us recall that the Irish emigrating community to the United States was largely credited for the liberation movement that struggled at home, to win freedom from Britain. Times have definitely changed since, and the means nowadays are different. But we MUST have a vision, a master plan, within the framework of which an orchestrated endeavor can be launched by all of us to begin the march towards Lebanon's resurrection. It is lamentable that no such plan or master plan is available to either loyalist or opponents of the exiting regime. A brainstorm is needed, here in the Diaspora, and there in the homeland. This brainstorm should set the paths of new political, economic, and social projects, and should not be limited to a vision, but should be followed by an exhaustive plan to achieve these goals. There is a dire need, too, for new political parties with new nationalistic outlooks. There is an equally dire need for the establishment of think tanks and cultural institutions, that would breed a new generation of leadership. I am convinced that we have among our new generations plenty of qualified people capable of laying the foundations for a new Lebanon. They must not rely on the old set of politicians, but they have to organize themselves and launch the drive, to define the future and determine Lebanon's role in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world. They have to dream, Yes, I insist, to DREAM of the nation they want, and fight for the achievement of that dream. They must never surrender to despair, because as Karl Jaspers once said: " Despair is an anticipated defeat!" Furthermore, isn't it true that hope in one of the three theological virtues taught by our Christian religion? Emigrants should be ferociously encouraged to take back their role as full-fledged Lebanese citizens. They should practice their right to citizenship, and must register their families with embassies abroad, to help conduct a new national census. They have to claim their right to vote, and the government should grant them this right as we live in an open world where barriers have been largely knocked down. Many nations allow their communities abroad to cast their ballots in polling centers assigned by their embassies. France always does this in Lebanon and the Syrians, Yes; The Syrians have lately had their Lebanon-based citizens, vote in the national referendum for the late President Hafez Assad's last mandate. Strangely and ironically, among the few positive actions of the Syrian Government, shouldn't we have adopted the same example? Or are we condemned to imitate them only in negative ways? Polling centers were set up for them in gas-filling stations for Syria has no embassy in Beirut. We do hope they will have on sometime, embodying a mutual recognition of independence. For the similar purpose of getting Diaspora Lebanese more involved in their mother country's affairs, I propose that a senate be created in which emigrants can be represented. I also propose the creation of an Emigration Ministry, fully independent from the Ministry of Foreign affairs. I would further propose that more than one cabinet State Minister e empowered to cope with emigrants affairs. They must be directed to maintain constant dealings with our extra territorial communities, instead of occasional or seasonal interaction. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am optimistic about Lebanon's future despite the suffocating economic and political crises it suffers, and despite the mass exodus of the youth. We still have enormous potential among qualified emerging generations. Lebanon is the only country who speaks the 21st century language in the Arab world, and has the spirit of modern times, of globalization, which champions public freedoms, private sector, freewheeling economy and a World-Wide presence. No country can survive without these basics of democracy, which Lebanon has practiced long time ago, while other Arab countries need rehabilitation in taking it up. Unfortunately, what is most missing today, is confidence between the people and the government. This lack of trust has plunged the country in a political and economic crisis. The whole nation with all its productive sectors is paralyzed. Because confidence plays a key role to any political or economic recovery, it is urgent for the government to rebuild this relationship today, better than tomorrow. That's why we must have a national reconciliation government, to remedy the political blunders that have mothered the nation's economic hardships. We also must get a new transitional electoral law, base on the small constancy concept, to bring in a more representative parliament. Such a system is of a transitory nature, pending the emergence of innovative and mature political parties, that prevent the change of democracy into an autocracy or worst a theocracy. These parties must be totally liberated from religious slogans because, if today Allah has a party, nothing guarantees that in the future Christ will not have a militia of knights fighting in his name. As for their funding, it must be provided under very strict regulations. We also must begin a frank and honest inter-Lebanese dialogue, as well as a Lebanon-Syria dialogue, within a context of mutual respect. The Lebanese Syrian dialogue should be conducted in an efficient and modern manner, from nation to nation, state to state, not at an individual basis, but by putting aside all kind of sentimental and "parental" ties. Considering that the actual political government and parliament are not representative of the people will, I propose that this dialogue should start after the formation of a national reconciliation government, beginning as a first step with a clear agenda of the withdrawal of the Syrian troops. The national reconciliation government is required to establish its authority over the entire Lebanese soil, leaving no militia with arms under any pretext. Another required move, is the application of the long-belated local decentralization of local administration. We need a new Lebanon; a Lebanon where "win to win" theory, mutual recognition, synergy and complementarily will be the driving fore for any undertaken action. In the wake of September 11, the concept of civilization dialogue is much talked about across the world. I believe that Lebanon stands as the unique, living example of Christian-Muslim coexistence. Neither Christians nor Muslims are intruders in the land, but they are both partners in rebuilding the concrete and the mentalities of their homeland. Unlike certain countries such as former Yugoslavia or Ireland, all through the years, the Lebanese Experience has proved that the coexistence between its different communities was very solid despite all the foreign interference's. Lebanon's pluralism must be put into full upgraded use. Lebanon has succeeded in preserving to each community its specificity's. Our understanding of unity compared to a bowl of fruit salad whereby each fruit keeps its own flavor while giving the other a complementary taste and not a blended single color and taste compote. Lebanon has no oil riches, but its emigrant communities make up the difference. Through the involvement of the Lebanese Diaspora in various businesses, social, cultural and political sectors, its emigrants could play an essential role for the welfare of their motherland as they possess all the know-how to achieve such a role. Ladies and Gentlemen, Based on the points developed earlier, I firmly believe that Lebanon is the only country in the Middle East - and why not, in the World - capable of playing a leading role in the new dialogue of civilizations. A dialogue made more and more crucial by last September's events. Lebanon today is definitely a major player on the international political and social chess board and it is Lebanon's duty and mission to make it known to the international community. To end my speech, I would like to quote John F. Kennedy, America's only Catholic president, from his special message to congress on conservation on May 3, 1962,: "Our deep spiritual confidence that this nation will survive the perils of today - which may well be with us for decades to come - compels to invest in our nations' future, to consider and meet our obligations to our children and the numberless generations that will follow." Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you.
Friday June 21 Polital conference open : Edward Salem, Chairman of the International Maronite Foundation, opened the political panel and discussion. - The opposition political representative parties are in close proximity, with all representing one strategy and one united voice. - Dr Joseph Gebeily representing the Lebanese Forces Later the Guardian of the Cedar speaker, Mr Dani Aibout was announced, he went to the podium and said: "I am speaking the voice of 5000 Lebanese Christians in Israel. These are Maronites who are still attached to their Lebanese nationality. Do not be afraid to take a united position toward their future, as they are still part of Lebanon." - Mr Ziad Abdel Nour mentioned the importance of Christian Lobbying in Washington for a Free Lebanon and setting up the the mechanics to achieve this goal. - Mr Tony Haddad mentioned mentioned the importance and necessary support of the Syrian accountability act (Introduced in Senate) [S.2215.IS] , (Introduced in the House) [H.R.4483.IH]. - Dr Gebeily mentioned the importance of supporting the Bill and added that the fate of the Christians of Southern Lebanon cannot to be forgotten and must be included in the strategy, as well as the importance of speaking in one united voice in Washington. The Lebanese Forces supporters distributed the pending Congressional Bill to all the tables within an atmosphere of emotion and support in the conference. - Mr Emile Rahme went to the stand and issued a statement of political support and mentioned that the Christian Maronites in Lebanon are speaking in the same voice as the Christians within this conference. - It has been reported that few members of the Syrian National Socialists Party have secretively entered the conference, however, the Lebanese Forces supporters are aware of them and around them. - The Bill refers to: halting Syrian support for terrorism, and ending its occupation of Lebanon; halting Syria's development of weapons of mass destruction, ceasing its illegal importation of Iraqi oil, and holding Syria accountable for the serious international sercurity problems it has caused in the Middle East, as well as other problems provoked by Syria. - This Bill has been presented by Mr. Armey (for himself and Mr. Engel) in the US House of Representatives on the 107th Congress, 2nd Session and in the US Senate by Mrs. BOXER (for herself and Mr. SANTORUM) who introduced the bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations - 12:00 P.M. Lunch is taking place with Gubren Tueni, publisher of An Nahar Newspaper. A massive crowd is attending.
Thursday June 20, 2002 - Last night, Mr Hares Shehab, chairman of the Maronite League, arrived in Los Angeles from Lebanon. - Late at night, the delegation of the Lebanese Forces headed by Dr Joseph Gebeily arrived to Los Angeles to join the conference. - The Kataeb delegation is expected to arrive today to the conference. It has been known that Mr Toufic Soyad will be replaced by Mr Ibrahim Merjeh, senior Kataeb representative, and Mr. Joseph El Hajj will be representing the delegation at the conference. - It has been learned that some participants coming from Beirut were planing on using the terms "brotherly relations with Syria," and that "the conference support a just Peace between Israel and the Arab world." These terms were rejected as Lebanon has its own personal interest in making an independent Peace with Israel and has nothing to do with what the Arab world wants to do versus Israel. People were advised that the terms "brotherly relations" were not to be use at the conference. - It has been strongly suggested that the term "Resistance" for Hezbollah is not to be used, as the organization is a terrorist organization. It is listed on the US State Department's Terror list and is responsible for many terror acts on the Lebanese stage and the international arena. - Mr Dory Chamoun and Mr Ziad Abdelnour, president of the United States Committee for a Free Lebanon, had an extensive meeting last night, discussing strategies and coordination in the conference. - Information arrived from Beirut last night saying a journalist was sent by Col. Jamil El Sayyed head of the General Security services in Lebanon to disturb the conference with some sensitive political questions, and that the regime sent a political figure to support his claim by trying to divert the political orientation of the conference. Many nationalist conference participants are aware of them and will be watching them closely. - Mr Tony Haddad is in Los Angeles representing the National Current and the political views of General Aoun. He was seen meeting with Lebanese Forces officers prior to the conference , it seems that the coordination is at its best between the two groups for the salvation of Lebanon. - The delegation of the Guardians of the Cedars Party will be arriving today to join the conference in Los Angeles.
Wednesday June 19, 2002 - Member of Parliament Fares Soueid arrive from Lebanon to Los Angeles to join the conference. - Coming from Lebanon, Member of Parliament, Mansour El Bone arrived to Los Angeles to join the conference. - A strong Christian clergy presence is in place in Los Angeles to support and help the conference. - Mr Gubren Tueni, Editor in chief of Al Nahar newspaper is expected to arrive Thursday night, California Time. He is giving a speech on a lucheon on Friday.
Tuesday June 18, 2002, 4 pm California Time - NLP Chairman Dory Chamoun arrived to Los Angeles. He is currently meeting his advisers in preparation of the conference that will start tomorrow. - Mr Atef Harb from Florida, member of the American Task Force for Lebanon, contacted by telephone the chairman of the International Maronite Foundation, Dr Elie Saadeh and issued a statement of support for the Conference of Los Angeles. - Sources from Beirut are confirming the unexpected arrival to the conference in Los Angeles of Mr Hares Shehab, current Chairman of the Maronite League, and senior journalist Mr Georges Bashir. - Sources from Beirut confirmed Member of Parliament Farid el Khazen, from the Kesrouan District in Lebanon will be coming to the Los Angeles meeting. - Intelligence sources from Beirut reported that the Syrian backed Lebanese Authorities are pressuring some Christian political figures to condemn Israel and and legitimize Hizbollah by describing its role in Lebanon as a Resistance group and not a terrorist group .Their objectives comes from Beirut and Damascus to torpedo the political orientation of the conference. Knowing that the conference in Los Angeles is open and welcome every Maronite, we advise everyone to control their temper and calculate their words . They should realize that the Los Angeles gathering is not Beirut under Syrian occupation and outbursts will provoke an unpleasent reaction. This conference is an opposition conference that will state loudly and clearly its goal -- without fear -- for an Independent Lebanon free from Syrian occupation, condeming Hezbollah terrorism, supporting the U.S. Syria Accountability Act of 2002 [H.R.4483.IH] and [S.2215.IS] and supporting the US war against Terrorism.
Tuesday, June 18, 2002 Arrivals: - 5:30 Information from Los Angeles confirm the arrival of Bishop Youssef Beshara for the conference. - 6:00 pm The crew of the Lebanese Broadcasting Corps ( LBC) , arrived to LA, along with TV speaker Marcel Ghanem and Denise Rahmeh. - 6:30 pm Information coming from Beirut reports that Mr Samir Frangieh, member of the opposition group of Kornet Shahwan cancelled his visit at the last minute for "unspecified" reasons. Opposition sources are stating he will be replaced by Member of Parliament Fares Soueid. - Bishop Beshara Rahi arrived late at night to Los Angeles coming from Lebanon. - Mr Emile Rahme, president of the Christian Solidarity Party arrived late at night to Los Angeles coming from Lebanon. - It has been learned that The Consul General of Lebanon in Los Angeles, his Exellency Mr Charbel Wehbeh, will be opening the conference this upcoming Thursday at 7,30 pm in Long Beach, California. - Mr Ziad AbdelNour, president of the United Sates Committee for a Free Lebanon (USCFL) will be arriving to Los Angeles today Wednesday at noon coming from New York to attend and support the conference.
Tuesday June 18, 2002, 11:06am California Time* - General Aoun has reacted furiously when he learned that some individuals have tried to implicate him in boycotting the Maronite conference in Los Angeles. In a private telephone calls, Aoun disregarded the forged messages trying to disrupt the meeting on the Internet and issued a full support to the Conference and wished full success to its participants. He is dispatching Mr Tony Haddad from Washington D. C. to represent his view and the National Current position at the conference. - The Chairman of the National Liberal Party, Mr Dory Chamoun is expected to arrive today in Los Angeles. After completing successful meetings with the Lebanese Diaspora in the Detroit area, he is coming to California accompanied by Mr Milad Zoorob. A delegation of friends and supporters of the NLP currently await his arrival at LAX airport. The delegation is presided by senior NLP adviser, Mr Emile Khater. - Discreet telephone calls of support are coming to the Los Angeles conference. Many of them asked to be on base of anonymity coming from Lebanese consulate officials in the US, Canada, Australia and some countries in Europe. They wished the conference a full support in consolidating the role of the Maronite community worldwide, gave their hope that the conference will help put an end to the Syrian occupation of Lebanon, and dismantle Hizbollah and all other military terrorist organizations that are threatening the Sovereignty and Independence of Lebanon, the US led Peace process , and any avenue to Peace in the Middle East. - After the political victory in the Metn elections in Mount Lebanon, President Amin Gemayel
received "serious" threats advising him not to travel to the conference. Despite that Gemayel revoked his trip to the US , a large presence of the Kataeb Party is expected to be at the
conference. The delegation attending will be headed by Mr Toufic Soyad and Mr Joseph El Hajj. - A delegation of the Guardians of the Cedars Party will be attending the conference. The delegation coming to Los Angeles will be headed by Mr Dany Aibout and Mr Fadi Akl. A senior representative of the GOC will be coming from Australia specially for the matter to attend the conference and give his support and the support of Mr Etienne Sakr strengthening the importance of a Free Lebanon in the US initiated Peace Process, the Middle East and the Diaspora. - The Lebanese Foundation for Peace has learned from sources in Beirut that agents of the regime has been activated in the US to disrupt the Los Angeles meeting by circulating false rumors and alarm on the internet. The International Maronite Foundation is going to issue an important statement in this regard. Please keep posted for further updates. - A massive Lebanese Forces presence is expected soon to arrive to Los Angeles for attending the conference. The political delegation will be headed by Dr Joseph Gebeily. The Lebanese Forces are known to be the main Christian militia that defended Lebanon in general during the Lebanon war, and the Christian Community in particular against Syrian aggression and occupation. Samir Geagea, its main Leader has been jailed by instruction of the Syrians because he represented a factor of danger for their interests in their occupation of Lebanon on false judicial charges. Syria controlled the military, intelligence preparation reports, and judicial in his trial in Lebanon. *Note: time listed is local to Long Beach, CA (GMT -08:00) |
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