December 9, 2005

IN SPEECHES ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENTS IN LEBANON. SAAD AL-HARIRI: WE INSIST THAT AN INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL SHOULD BE FORMED TO PUT ON TRIAL THOSE SENIOR OFFICIALS WHO KILLED THE FORMER PREMIER. SHEBAA FARMS BELONGS TO LEBANON AND WE SUPPORT THE ACTIVITIES OF THE RESISTANCE. THE FUTURE BLOC WARNS OF CREATING RIFTS AND INSISTS ON THE FORMATION OF AN INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL. The son of slain Lebanese premier Rafiq Al-Hariri accused Syria of trying to influence a U.N. probe into the murder, saying he never met a Syrian man who claimed to have been bribed to testify against Damascus. Witness Hosam Taher Hosam appeared on Syrian state television last week and accused Lebanese officials, including Hariri's son Saad, of a scheme of threats, bribery and torture to induce him to falsely implicate Syria and said the initial findings of the U.N. inquiry rested largely on his lies. Asked about Hosam's testimony, Saad al-Hariri told a media forum in Dubai: "There are people who have interest in trying to take the investigation to another level ... I never met him, I never had (any) connection with him. Definitely there were no bribes given to anybody in the investigation." "He came to the commission freely and he then went to Syria freely...this is propaganda and part of the media campaign that some people are starting to undermine the (U.N.) commission." U.N. investigators started questioning five Syrian officials in Vienna over Hariri's killing in Beirut, diplomatic sources said. Syria, which denies any role in the murder, agreed after guarantees from permanent U.N. Security Council member Russia that the officials could return to Damascus afterwards. An interim report issued in October by the chief U.N. investigator, Detlev Mehlis, suggested the February 14 truck bombing that killed Hariri and 22 other people was planned by top Syrian security officials in Damascus and their Lebanese allies. Mehils has said his inquiry had not been undermined by Hosam, dismissing his turnabout as propaganda. The assassination of Hariri, a strong opponent of Syrian control over Lebanon, stirred an international outcry and weeks of Lebanese street protests that brought about Syria's pullout. It had sent forces into Lebanon in 1976 to quell a civil war. Hariri, a member of parliament and his father's political heir, urged Syria to avoid procrastinating and cooperate with the U.N. investigation. "The problem is between Damascus and the international community, nobody commits a crime and is above the law. We need to close this chapter quickly not to make it a political issue." MP Saad Rafiq Hariri said Hizbollah represents a large number of Lebanese and has been trying to gain greater access to Parliament, rendering its stature significant. He highlighted the group's role in resisting Israeli occupation, and urged cooperation in Lebanon's interest, in a forum that was moderated by BBC presenter Nick Higham in Dubai. As part of the Arab and international media conference in the city, in the presence of Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa, Iraqi Vice President Ghazi al-Yawar, and head of the Arab Thought Foundation Prince Khaled al-Faysal, MP Hariri said the world understands calls for creating an international tribunal to put on trial those who killed Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. Asked by the BBC Spotlight show presenter if he was concerned about a return of Syrian agents to Lebanon to carry out vengeful acts, MP Hariri said this has already started with the false claims by a man who made phony statements about the UN probe into the assassination. In response to a question on whether Syria is trying to rebuild its infrastructure in Lebanon, Mr. Hariri said there are some among Syria's allies who have been resurfacing and are voicing discontent with the international probe and expressing pessimism about the country. He also cited attempts to derail the Lebanese government's functions, adding the problem is between Damascus and the international community and not between Lebanon and Syria, although he called for excellent bilateral relations. Head of the Future bloc in Parliament also highlighted Lebanon's transformation from a country that was under tutelage to one that has regained its independence and democracy, and held the first free elections in three decades. It is time for change in Lebanon, Mr. Hariri said, but made clear that the country is facing many pressures including Israeli breaches of its sovereignty, problems with Damascus, and internal pressure for change while maintaining stability. Asked if he was concerned about security and stability, MP Hariri said Lebanon went through twenty years of civil war, and has moved from a period of foreign domination to one of democracy. He also praised the work and efforts of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, and told the forum that he will return by the end of this year. The BBC presenter asked whether Hizbollah is supporting Syria, MP Hariri said at a point his late father backed Damascus too, and told the forum that the group enjoys strong support among voters and Lebanon. He called for dialogue, and in response to a question about the Shebaa Farms, he reiterated that the region belongs to Lebanon and supported the activities of the resistance. In response to a question about the meetings that the assassinated Premier held in Syria last year, and the pressures that he faced, MP Hariri said there was no need for the pressure, since the murdered Prime Minister had been an ally of Syria. He wondered how such a decision could be taken and a man who had done so much could be eliminated. He also revealed that he had asked his late father to bargain, two weeks before he was killed to avoid harm, but said the late Prime Minister vowed not to. On the other hand the head of the Future bloc in Parliament, MP Saad Rafiq Hariri led a panel discussion on how Lebanese are choosing their destiny, as part of the forum on international journalism, in Dubai, in a conference of the Arab Thought Foundation. MP Hariri also participated in the opening session of the Arab Thought Foundation's Arab and World Media Conference 2005 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. The Conference was held under the theme "Getting it Right," and was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defense Minister. Also present at the opening session were Arab League Secretary General Mr. Amr Moussa, head of Arab Thought Foundation, Prince Khaled al-Faysal, and Jordan's Queen Rania al-Abdallah. Also in Dubai, MP Hariri met Bahrain's Crown Prince, the general director of Bahrain's armed forces Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifah. Discussions focused on regional and international developments as well as bilateral relations. MP Saad Rafiq Hariri said a serious dialogue with all parties and movements has been launched over the creation of an international tribunal in the assassination of Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. MP Hariri said revealing the truth behind the February 14 terrorist attack is a demand that the Lebanese will not give up, but hoped that through dialogue there will be agreement in Lebanon about the country's main issues. Speaking at a dinner banquet that was hosted in his honor by the Lebanese Labor Council in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of officials, diplomats, dignitaries and Lebanese community members, MP Hariri rejected claims that the creation of an international court will breach Lebanon's sovereignty, pointing out that the assassination of a great leader like the late former Premier was itself an infringement on sovereignty. He highlighted the murdered Prime Minister's leading role in reaching the Taif Accord, which ended the 1975-1990 war, and his endless efforts to cement national unity, coexistence, and building a modern infrastructure to cater to Lebanon's economic and social needs, including an outside perception that Lebanon was a heaven of terrorism to which many countries banned their citizens from travelling. MP Hariri said Lebanon is going through a dangerous, difficult and decisive phase but solutions are not impossible. He made clear that national unity will not be shaken, despite attempts to do so, citing the March 14 rallies in downtown Beirut when more than a million Lebanese were united in calls for protecting coexistence, freedom, independence and revealing the truth behind the assassination. There will be no bargaining over the truth, Mr. Hariri added, and those who claim that the international probe is politicized, are themselves politicizing it after finding themselves in a difficult position as a result of committing the crime. But head of the Future parliamentary bloc, said through democratic practice, dialogue and moderation, differing points of view can be narrowed. He doubted anyone in Lebanon opposes revealing the truth, and said for the first time in three decades the Lebanese are themselves sitting together around one table seriously discussing ways to mange the country. Asked about those who claim they seek the truth, when in fact they are scuttling it, MP Hariri said the UN investigation will at the end find the perpetrators, in line with two UN resolutions that demanded the probe. He said the UN team will provide evidence to the Security Council regarding those who assassinated the late Prime Minister. He stressed that an international tribunal should be formed to put on trial, like their predecessors in different countries, those senior officials who killed the former Premier. In response to a question about the Future Movement's alliance with Hizbollah during parliamentary elections, in light of recent statements by the group rejecting an international tribunal, MP Hariri highlighted the significance of dialogue, saying some matters may or may not be solved in a democracy. He said an international court will not breach sovereignty, contrary to the attempts by some to create fictitious characters behind the assassination to deflect attention from the truth. Asked to comment on reports that head of the UN team, Mr. Detlev Mehlis, may quit the investigation, MP Hariri, said he wished the German prosecutor will pursue the investigation, however he made clear that this is a matter that the UN will tackle, adding those who do not want the truth found may be even more vulnerable if a new judge is appointed. MP Hariri said he will soon return to Lebanon, and told the gathering that he has been able to rally support for Lebanon during his international visits, and has also been meeting Lebanese communities abroad, who seek Lebanon's revival. MP Saad Rafiq Hariri held talks with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince and deputy head of the higher armed forces Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed in the presence of MP Hariri's brother Mr. Odai al-Sheikh and senior officials and diplomats. Discussions focused on bilateral relations and the international probe into Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri's assassination. MP Hariri later visited the tomb of the UAE's late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan near the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. He also attended a dinner banquet that was held in his honor by the Lebanese Labor Council in Abu Dhabi at the Meridian Hotel. Head of the Future bloc in Parliament MP Saad Rafiq Hariri said he is committed to enhancing the status of youths in Lebanon and paid tribute to their role in bringing about the changes that the country has been witnessing after the February 14 terrorist attack that killed Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. Addressing the Young Arab Leaders forum, which was held in Dubai in the presence of Jordan's Queen Rania al-Abdallah and a large crowd of dignitaries and officials, MP Hariri highlighted Lebanon's democratic tradition. He told the forum, before meeting UAE President Sheikh Khalifah bin Zayed al-Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, that the assassination of Premier Hariri was the reason he joined national politics, to pursue the legacy of the late leader, to foil the plan of those who killed the former Prime Minister. He cited the unprecedented outpour of support that the Lebanese extended to the murdered Prime Minister at an unprecedented rally in downtown Beirut on March 14. MP Hariri said the "painful" decision to enter politics was linked to the tragic attack, adding he will shore up Lebanon's role as a democratic, modern, diverse, open and moderate nation, that believes in Christian-Muslim coexistence and is free and independent, while enjoying very good ties with Arab states and the international community. Reiterating calls for the truth in the February 14 attack, MP Hariri said he did not seek political vengeance, but the truth must be found to protect Lebanon. He also recalled that days before he was assassinated, Prime Minister Hariri said he was still young at the age of sixty, when he was asked if he would quit politics. MP Hariri stressed that the spirit of the late Premier continues to live. On the sidelines of the conference, MP Hariri was asked about the decision of the United Nations investigative team that is probing the murder, to end his mission; Mr. Hariri said the probe will continue in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1595, and that the killers will be exposed. In Dubai, MP Hariri also met Jordan's Queen Rania for discussions that focused on regional developments and the conference. He later traveled to Abu Dhabi, where he met UAE President Sheikh Khalifah bin Zayed al-Nahyan. The meeting was attended by MP Hariri's brother, Mr. Odai al-Sheikh and officials from both countries. They discussed the UN probe into the February 14 attack and bilateral relations. Head of the Future bloc in Parliament MP Saad Rafiq Hariri vowed not to back down on calls to create an international court to put on trial those who assassinated Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, and said an international tribunal will not create rifts in Lebanon, despite failed attempts to sow discord among Shiites and Sunnis. Addressing a dinner banquet in Dubai, MP Hariri said just as Hizbollah's arms are not up for bargaining so is the blood of the late leader. Speaking at the banquet that was hosted by the Lebanese-Emirati Friendship Association, in the presence of MP Walid Jumblatt, and Mrs. Yasma Fuleihan, wife of martyred Minister Bassil Fuleihan, among a large crowd of politicians and diplomats, MP Hariri hailed UAE support for Lebanon and its reception of Lebanese during the 1975-1990 war. He recalled that assassinated Prime Minister Hariri was an expatriate in Saudi Arabia before returning home to help revive Lebanon. Asked if the leader of the United Nations probe into the February 14 terrorist attack, Mr. Detlev Mehlis, will remain in his duty, MP Hariri said this is a technical matter, and that the probe is ongoing, and those who killed the late Premier will be punished, despite attempts to deflect attention from the truth. Regarding the economic situation, Mr. Hariri voiced confidence in Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and his internationally backed reform plan, which will be referred to the government and Parliament for approval. Mr. Hariri made clear that Lebanon is now independent and free and that the country had since February 14 been going through some of its most difficult phases in the past fifteen years. He added that efforts are being exerted to achieve political, economic and social plans, as well as security, although some are trying to harm Lebanon. In response to a question about concerns over Sunni-Shiite divisions, MP Hariri said there are no such fears and urged patience, citing the late leader's constant advocacy of persistence. Mr. Hariri stressed that the creation of an international tribunal to hold a trial for those who are suspected of murdering the former Premier is not up for bargaining, and pointed out that some have tried but failed to sow discord between Shiites and Sunnis. MP Hariri, who leads the largest bloc in Parliament, expressed optimism over Lebanon's future and said the country has a golden opportunity to fulfill its ambitions, manifested in the murdered Premier's plans. He told the gathering there are now two projects in Lebanon, one is for revival and another one advocates concessions and a return to custodianship. MP Saad Rafiq Hariri called on the Lebanese to work in the interest of their country, and not for personal or political interests, in a meeting with a delegation representing the Future Movement in Dubai, where the Head of the Future bloc in Parliament took part in the annual forum of young Arab leaders. In a speech at the gathering, in the Al-Qasr Hotel, MP Hariri told Future Movement members that the situation in Lebanon is improving, and pointed out that those who have been claiming otherwise are not working for the country's interests, adding the "problem" is not in Lebanon, it is somewhere else. He stressed that Lebanese leaders should put the country's interests above all else, and made clear that neither the Future Movement nor any other party is "more significant" than Lebanon. He recalled assassinated Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri's comments that no one "is bigger than their country," when he was told that he "was larger than Lebanon." MP Hariri also praised the United Arab Emirates for its support of Lebanon, and for hosting many Lebanese over the years. Mr. Hariri had received a delegation representing the Lebanese Labor Council led by Mr. Joseph Nahra who said the talks were in tandem with the meetings that used to take place with the late Prime Minister to boost investments in Lebanon.