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Hariri meets with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in DC

(WASHINGTON, DC) — Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri met with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington, DC on Apr. 22, to discuss the security situation in Lebanon and the U.S.-Lebanon partnership.

“We are very opposed to entities like Hezballah and others using locations and places in Lebanon and nearby as pawns in this struggle,” Kerry said in a joint press conference prior to the meeting.

“We call on Iran and the Assad regime and others to respect the integrity of Lebanon, and permit it and its people to be able to find the peace and the stability that they have longed for so long.”

Kerry said he was “anxious” to see Lebanon elect a president amid an ongoing 11-month presidential deadlock.

“We’re anxious to see the presidency ultimately filled and to try to see the effects of Daesh and Nusrah and Syria moved away from Lebanon so that Lebanon can really have its sovereignty respected and its future protected and guaranteed,” he said.

Hariri thanked the U.S. for supporting the Lebanese army, which has made equipment donations to the army in recent months. He also expressed concern over Hezbollah’s involvement in the region.

“The involvement of certain factions like Hezballah in Iran also – and in Lebanon or in Syria or in Iraq or in Yemen has grown to a point that is extremely dangerous,” Hariri said.

The meeting comes one day after Hariri met with Lebanese-American congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) and congresswoman Gwen Graham (D-FL) during a private gathering of members of the Lebanese Caucus.

WATCH Secretary of State John Kerry and Prime Minister Saad Hariri deliver brief remarks:

 

SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good morning, everybody. It’s my pleasure to welcome to Washington and to the State Department the former prime minister of Lebanon and a good friend personally. Each time that I have gone to Beirut, almost every time, I’ve had occasion to be able to visit with Saad Hariri. And he has worked for moderation and for thoughtful political compromise to try to move this country forward. He’s worked through very difficult challenges, obviously.

And we’re particularly, here in the United States, committed to Lebanon’s stability and security. We’re anxious to see the presidency ultimately filled and to try to see the effects of Daesh and Nusrah and Syria moved away from Lebanon so that Lebanon can really have its sovereignty respected and its future protected and guaranteed.

So we have a lot to talk about, because right now, there are some 1.2 million refugees who have spilled over from Syria into Lebanon that destabilizes the country. We are very opposed to entities like Hizballah and others using locations and places in Lebanon and nearby as pawns in this struggle. And we call on Iran and the Assad regime and others to respect the integrity of Lebanon, and permit it and its people to be able to find the peace and the stability that they have longed for so long.

So we have a lot to talk about, and I’m very, very happy to welcome the former prime minister here. I know he remains very active and is very important to the politics of his country. And we will continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces and the forces of moderation and those who want to work together peacefully to provide the future that the people of Lebanon deserve.

Welcome.

MR. HARIRI: Thank you. I want to thank you, Mr. Secretary, for having me here. Yes, we do have a lot to talk about. Lebanon is living a very difficult time. The region also is in a very, very dangerous time also, I would say. The involvement of certain factions like Hizballah in Iran also – and in Lebanon or in Syria or in Iraq or in Yemen has grown to a point that is extremely dangerous. We believe that Iran has a good – a country that we all need to deal with, and we believe that interfering into Lebanon is not something that we would like as Lebanese people.

I would like to thank you for the support of the Lebanese army. This is something that we try to always help, because this is the basic of our security. We’re facing Daesh; we’re facing Nusrah; we’re facing al-Qaida on our borders. We have 1.2 million refugees, like you said, and we need to elect a president. So hopefully, we’ll have some good talks. Thank you.

SECRETARY KERRY: Look forward to it. Thank you. Welcome. Thank you very much, folks. Thank you.

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New traffic law takes effect in Lebanon amid controversy

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Lebanon began implementing a new traffic law on Wednesday, which includes a mandatory seat belt ordinance and speed limits in an effort to reduce the number of deaths from road accidents.

The law has been criticized by some Lebanese leaders, who say lawmakers should fix potholes and non-functioning traffic lights before holding citizens responsible for speed limits and seats belts.

But police chief Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Basbous said the law was a “roadmap” to reduce the number of deaths in Lebanon, which have been rising, according to the World Health Organization.

Police officials say they hope the new law would cut the number of road deaths in half by 2020.

Police have been sending out SMS messages and hanging out brochures to motorists and passengers at major Lebanese intersections this week, in efforts to inform Lebanese citizens of the change.

Officials say the new law has been working well on the streets. Police Capt. Eddie Kahwaji said his staff were “surprised by the commitment of the people.”

New traffic fines range between 50,000 Lebanese pounds ($33) and 3,000,000 Lebanese pounds ($2,000), depending on the violation. There are also the points fines, could lead to revoking the driver’s license for a limited time under repeat violations.

Heavier violations are for excessive speed over 60 kilometers (37 miles) and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A police spokesperson admits the law may need fixes in the future, but says it’s a good start.

“There are always things being added to road safety principles in the world, and this law should be flexible,” Lt. Col. Joseph Moussallem told The Daily Star. “The main purpose of the traffic law is protecting citizens and not collecting fines.”

For more information about the new law and potential penalties, click here.

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Adnan Kassar donates $10M to the Lebanese American University

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Businessman Adnan Kassar donated $10 million to endow the Adnan Kassar School of Business at the Lebanese American University today, in the presence of LAU President Dr. Joseph Jabbra, LAU senior management, and Lebanese members of parliament.

Kassar is a former minister of economy and trade, and the chairman of Fransabank Group. He was also the president of the Beirut Chamber of Commerce.

“Today is President Adnan Kassar’s day at LAU, and from now and on, every day will be Adnan Kassar’s day at LAU,” said Dr. Jabbra. “His name on the school of business will be soaring up into the sky in the heart of Ras Beirut.”

LAU said Kassar’s donation is one of the biggest philanthropic investments in the university’s history.

Kassar donates $60,000 annually to endow scholarships to students in the Lebanese American University School of Business. (Photo Fransabank Corporate Communications)
Kassar donates $60,000 annually to endow scholarships to students in the Lebanese American University School of Business. (Photo Fransabank Corporate Communications)

Kassar and his brother are major shareholders of Fransabank and owners of a multitude of businesses in trade, shipping, travel industries. He is also a partner with Walid Jumblatt in a cement manufacturing firm.

“I consider private initiative as the main source for growth and development,” said Kassar. “Perhaps this explains my deep involvement in chambers of commerce and industry, which I consider as organizers for private initiative and for bringing about socio-economic growth and development.”

Dr. Jabbra highlighted Kassar’s achivements in economy and business, calling him an “extraordinary human being.”

“Alongside being a great defender of the private sector, he is an active participant in the advancement of society in Lebanon and in the entire region,” Jabbra said, adding that he has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Lebanese orphanages, hospitals, and major development projects in Beirut.

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Khayrallah Center aims to preserve Lebanese diaspora history

(ANN ARBOR, MI) — Dr. Akram Khater, director of the Moise A. Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies, said Lebanese-Americans have a responsibility to preserve their history of immigration to the United States.

“We have to build a place for ourselves here,” said Khater, during a keynote address at the Lebanese Collegiate Network student convention in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Apr. 11. “We have to carve out a place in American history for the Lebanese and for the Arabs in general.”

Khater said Lebanese-Americans have established an influential role in American immigration history.

“We belong in (the USA) because our values are American values, and American values are ours,” he said. “We didn’t just assimilate.”

The Khayrallah Center was launched in 2014 at North Carolina State University after receiving an $8.1 million endowment from Lebanese-American businessman Moise Khayrallah.

The center aims to study Lebanese history in the United States, and to preserve stories of early Lebanese settlers.

LISTEN to Dr. Khater’s remarks:

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Lebanon gets first shipment of $3B worth of Saudi-funded French arms

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — The first installment of French military equipment arrived in Beirut on Monday under a four-year plan to help arm the Lebanese army in its battle against militants from neighboring Syria.

The $3 billion plan paid for by Saudi Arabia aims to help bolster the Lebanese army over the next four years with new transport vehicles, tanks, warships, and communication equipment.

The handover ceremony at Beirut’s international airport was attended by Lebanese and French defense ministers, including MP Samir Moqbel, his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, Lebanese Army Commander Jean Kahwagi, and Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Asiri.

Agence France-Presse reports that deliveries will include 250 combat and transport vehicles, seven Cougar attack helicopters, three small corvette warships, and a range of surveillance equipment.

The Saudi-deal also includes seven years of training for the 70,000 members of the Lebanese Army and 10 years of equipment maintenance, according to media reports.

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, center, speaks with Lebanese Defense Minister Samir Moqbel, left, as Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Assiri, second left, listens during a ceremony at the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, April 20, 2015. Lebanon has received the first shipment of $3 billion worth of French weapons paid for by Saudi Arabia. The handover ceremony occurred Monday at Beirut’s international airport and was attended by Lebanese, French defense ministers, and top army officers. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, center, speaks with Lebanese Defense Minister Samir Moqbel, left, as Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Assiri, second left, listens during a ceremony at the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, April 20, 2015. Lebanon has received the first shipment of $3 billion worth of French weapons paid for by Saudi Arabia. The handover ceremony occurred Monday at Beirut’s international airport and was attended by Lebanese, French defense ministers, and top army officers. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)

The deal involves more than 20 French companies who will provide land, sea and air equipment, including armored vehicles, heavy artillery, anti-tank missiles, mortars, and assault weapons.

Security sources from Lebanon say the first shipment from France included 48 “Milan” anti-tank missiles.

“Lebanon’s victory against terrorism is a victory to all nations threatened by terrorism,” Lebanese Defense Minister Samir Moqbel said.

Lebanese army officials called the delivery a “turning point” in the army’s performance, according to the Associated Press.

“The Lebanese army paid a high price in Arsal and France helped and will help Lebanon so that it does not slip into chaos,” French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

Le Drian added that the next shipment of weapons will arrive to Beirut in May.

The $3 billion deal was signed in November in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has already provided $1 billion in military aid to the Lebanese army.

Many Lebanese view the deal as part of a competition for foreign influence, which they say could spark sectarian conflict.

Future Movement chief and former Prime Minister Saad Hariri thanked Saudi king Salman Bin Abdel-Aziz on Monday for “the kingdom’s keenness on Lebanon’s security and stability.”

 

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 Lifestyle

Red Cross exhibition marks 40 years since start of Lebanese Civil War

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), together with the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC), is organizing a special photo exhibition to mark the 40th anniversary of the start of the civil war in Lebanon.

The exhibition will feature photographs from the Red Cross archives and from Lebanese photographers, depicting humanitarian work carried out by the ICRC and LRC during the conflict. The civil war in Lebanon, which lasted for 15 years, left thousands of people dead and injured.

“The war brought about a lot of previously unseen challenges and had profound consequences for our organization,” said Fabrizzio Carboni, head of the ICRC delegation in Beirut, in a news release. “We faced a very volatile environment and often had to operate in urban areas under fire, crossing constantly-moving front-lines.”

Organizers say outcomes of the Lebanese Civil War continue to plague the country today.

“This exhibition is but a modest attempt to shed light on a history filled with pain,” said Georges Kettaneh, Secretary-General of the Lebanese Red Cross. “Wherever there are wars and victims, there are human stories. 40 years have passed, but memories still hurt us and are deeply engraved in our hearts and minds.”

The photographs at the exhibition will illustrate many of the humanitarian issues faced in Lebanon during the past four decades.

The exhibition takes place between 17 and 26 April, 2015 at the Villa Paradiso, Gemmayzeh, Beirut.

VIEW a sample of the gallery below:

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A damaged cemetery in Beirut, Lebanon in 1982. ICRC/L. Chessex
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Destroyed neighborhoods in Beirut, Lebanon in 1983. ICRC/E. Winiger
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Evacuating civilians in Bourj Al Barajneh camp, Beirut in 1987. ICRC/A. Manoukian
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The Lebanese Red Cross and the ICRC evacuate civilians from Chatila refugee camp in Beirut in 1987. ICRC Archives (ARR) / Hassan, Ali
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Following an explosion in Beirut’s Ashrafieh neighborhood in 2012. © Lebanese Red Cross Society / C. Souad
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A Lebanese Red Cross volunteer evacuates a little girl during one of several rounds of violence that hit Lebanon’s northern city, Tripoli in 2012. © Lebanese Red Cross Society/H. Baydoun
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UNHCR chief meets struggling Syrian refugees in Lebanon

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres this week visited Syrian refugees living in harsh conditions in informal settlements in south Lebanon and called on the international community to do more to ease their plight.

Lebanon is host to nearly 1.2 million Syrian refugees, representing around a quarter of the country’s total population. The massive influx since the start of the Syria crisis in March 2011 has seen refugees settle in every corner of the country, putting a huge strain on stretched services and infrastructure.

“The equivalent of what we have in Lebanon in the United States would be more than 80 million refugees coming into the United States. You can understand that this has a terrible impact on the economy and society of Lebanon,” Guterres said on Tuesday in Debane, an informal settlement near the southern city of Ghaziye.

Almost a fifth of Syrian refugees in Lebanon live in informal settlements like Debane, where Guterres and Abdullah Al-Matouq, the UN’s secretary-general’s Humanitarian Envoy for Kuwait, met the residents and discussed the challenges they face.

Next to a dirt road in the shadow of the main coastal highway, the Debane settlement is a huddle of 23 makeshift shelters built from wooden planks and plastic sheeting and currently home to 30 Syrian families. Located on a strip of public land, the refugees are not allowed to make permanent constructions, with the result that living and sanitary conditions remain basic.

Mohammed, aged 44 years, and nine members of his family have lived there since 2012, when they fled the western Syrian city of Hama after their house was destroyed by bombing.

Asked by Guterres to describe the biggest difficulties facing them, Mohammed cited new government regulations requiring Syrians in Lebanon, including refugees registered with UNHCR, to pay a fee of US$200 each to renew their residency permits, which he said he and his family were unable to afford.

He also expressed his deep concern for his children’s education and the future of his unborn grandson. “These children, the new generation, there is no education here, the whole education system has changed for them, a whole generation is destroyed, what future is there for them?” he asked. “This little boy, who will be born in 10 to 15 days time, if we stay like this, he is going to be illiterate. This is an illiterate generation.”

Of the 400,000 school-age Syrian children in Lebanon, UNHCR and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are only able to provide funding for 106,000 places in the country’s state schools with the remaining three quarters receiving no formal education.

Afterwards Guterres said the visit had highlighted the dramatic needs not only of the Syrian refugees, but also the Lebanese government and communities hosting them, together with other host countries in the region.

He welcomed pledges totalling US$3.8 billion for the Syria crisis response in 2015 made by international donors at a conference in Kuwait last month, but stressed that even more would be needed due to the scale of the catastrophe.

“We cannot accept that the Syrian people will go on living in these absolutely tragic circumstances, and we cannot accept that countries like Lebanon and Jordan are facing such a dramatic challenge to their own economies and to their own stability,” he said.

Source: United Nations

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 Entertainment

Haifa Wehbe comes out with first-ever English music video

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Lebanese diva Haifa Wehbe came out with her first-ever English music video on Tuesday, in a move to presumably enter the Western music market.

The new song called “Breathing You In” features a provocative Haifa flaunting around Jennifer Lopez’s ex-lover, Casper Smart. Haifa circles Smart until she watches him float into space.

Haifa’s auto-tuned single repeats the lyrics, “Breathing You In” dozens of times.

Directed by Dubai-based businessman and film producer Tarik Freitekh, the music video was shot in Las Vegas in studios previously used by the likes of Shakira, Snoop Dog, and Justin Bieber.

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The red-haired Haifa watches as a group of shirtless muscle-men gently caress her.

Haifa has more than 3 million followers on Twitter and 5.5 million likes on Facebook.

Her move to English songs suggests that she’s looking to expand to a wider audience.

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PHOTOS: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State visits Lebanon

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Today Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded a two-day visit to Lebanon where he met with Prime Minister Tammam Salam, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Jean Qahwagi, Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt, and UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag.

He also visited the Caritas Lebanon Migrant Center in Bourj Hammoud, which serves both Lebanese community members and refugees.

Deputy Secretary Blinken toured the facility and observed a legal rights awareness session aimed at preventing the abuse and exploitation of vulnerable refugees.

In addition, he visited the offices of AMIDEAST Lebanon and met with Lebanese students studying English through the Access Microscholarship Program.

“I urge Lebanon’s leaders not to look outside of their country for a resolution to the presidential gridlock, but instead to find a solution from within,” Blinken said. “Responsible voices in the international community will support you. But unless and until a president is chosen, the erosion of Lebanon’s political institutions will only deepen.”

Blinken says he hopes to “strengthen” the relationship between the United States and Lebanon.

“I have appreciated the opportunity to engage in meaningful exchanges, as we deepen and strengthen a relationship that reflects the enduring U.S. commitment to Lebanon and its people.”

VIEW photos of Blinken’s visit to Lebanon:

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Egypt foils attempt to smuggle 3.5 tons of hashish from Lebanon to Libya

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Egyptian security officials foiled a plan to smuggle 3.5 tons of hashish from Lebanon to Libya on Monday, according to a statement by Lebanon’s Anti-Drug bureau of the Judicial Police.

The drugs were being transported from Lebanon to a ship called “Mare Ta Queen,” which was docked just outside Lebanon’s regional waters, according to Beirut-based newspaper An-Nahar.

Judicial Police say the ship was headed to Tobruq, a port city on Libya’s eastern Mediterranean coast, but was stopped by Egyptian officials near the coast of Damietta.

Authorities confiscated the ship’s cargo and detained all those on board.

Investigations are underway to locate the drug gang in Lebanon, which sources say most likely originates from the Bekaa Valley.

The latest smuggling operation comes just a few hours after drugs were found on two Venezuelan nationals who were attempting to travel to Lebanon with four kilograms of cocaine.

Security officials say they were arrested at Turkey’s Istanbul airport before arriving in Lebanon.

According to VICE News, Lebanon’s feuding militias are still using drugs as a source of income. Under international pressure, the Lebanese government is cracking down on smaller cannabis farmers, while drug lords continue to act with impunity.

WATCH more on hash farms in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley:

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