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40 U.S. backed troops ‘killed fighting Islamic State in Syria over weekend’

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BEIRUT, LEBANON Over 40 U.S.-backed fighters were killed fighting the Islamic State group in eastern Syria this weekend, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Saturday, October 27, Al-Masdar News reports.

According to the SOHR report, the Islamic State killed at least 41 members of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces near the strategic town of Hajin in the southeastern countryside of the Deir Ezzor Governorate.

The Islamic State’s official media wing, Al-‘Amaq, would later corroborate the report, while also posting a video of their militants capturing six members of the Syrian Democratic Forces alive.

The militant group was able to repel another big attack by the Syrian Democratic Forces forces near the IS stronghold of Hajin this weekend after an intense battle that lasted for several hours on Thursday and Friday.

The Syrian Democratic Forces have repeatedly attempted to crack the Islamic State’s lines near Hajin; however, their attacks have been repeatedly repelled by the militant group.

Source:

Al-Masdar News. Over 40 US-backed fighters killed by ISIS in eastern Syria: monitor

Hezbollah and allies set for majority in Lebanon elections

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The Hezbollah group and its allies are expected to take just over half the seats in Lebanon’s parliamentary elections. Fights near polling stations marred Lebanon’s first parliamentary vote in nine years.

Preliminary results from Lebanon’s parliamentary elections on Monday suggested that the Hezbollah group and its political allies would secure a simple majority.

Such an outcome would not only cement the Shiite group’s dominance in Lebanon, but also underline Tehran’s growing influence in the area and likely draw ire from its regional rivals, namely Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Hezbollah has grown in strength and regional influence since joining the war in Syria in 2012 in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Its growing influence in turn reflect Iran’s territorial ascendancy in the Middle East, which stretches through and Iraq and Syria to Beirut.

Hezbollah, which was founded in the 1980s to fight against Israel, has been branded a terrorist group by the US. The European Union, meanwhile, only lists Hezbollah’s military wing as a terror group, differentiating between its militaristic and political activities.

If confirmed, the preliminary results could put at risk billions of dollars in US military help to Lebanon, as well as international aid and loans the country needs to revive its stagnant economy.

The election marks the first vote under the new proportional system, which replaced the structure where the winning party would carry all the seats in a particular district.

The final tally was set to be announced later on Monday.

‘Hezbollah equals Lebanon’

A member of the Israeli government said that the preliminary results confirmed the Israeli government’s perception; that Lebanon and Hezbollah were equals.

Education Minister Naftali Bennett said on Twitter that following these results, “the State of Israel will not differentiate between the sovereign State of Lebanon and Hezbollah.”

The right-leaning minister also said that Israel would hold Lebanon responsible for any possible Hezbollah action that would originate from its territory.

Hariri to keep his seat?

While Prime Minister Saad Hariri and his pro-Western Future Movement were expected to go down as the biggest losers from the elections, he is still set to emerge as the Sunni Muslim leader with the strongest bloc in Lebanon’s 128-seat parliament, making him a frontrunner to form the next government.

Lebanon’s sectarian power sharing system dictates that the prime minister must be a Sunni.

Experts also believe the complicated balance of power between various religious factions is set to remain mostly unchanged, with lawmakers representing Sunni Muslims, Shiite Muslims and Maronite Christians likely to be re-elected.

‘Voting operations were very slow’

Following a day of voting on Sunday, the Lebanese government  said only 49.2 percent of voters took part in the long-delayed election for the country’s parliament. According to several political analysts, potential voters were discouraged by the stagnant economy and widespread corruption.

Observers  reported a higher turnout in some areas of Lebanon that are known as the strongholds of the Hezbollah movement.

Announcing the turnout figures on Sunday evening, the country’s interior minister, Nouhad Machnouk, said the new electoral system had caused difficulties at the polls.

Armenia looks to expand security and defense cooperation with Lebanon – foreign minister

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The importance of the situation in Lebanon for Armenia goes beyond its regional significance. For centuries the Armenian nation has constituted part of the Lebanese and in general the Middle East mosaic, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said in his remarks delivered at the Ministerial Meeting on Support to Lebanon, the ministry’s press service said.

FM Nalbandian said today Lebanon hosts the largest Armenian community in the region, and continues to be one of the cultural and spiritual centers of our people. Traditionally Armenians have been active in all spheres of the social life in Lebanon, including the politics.

“Today they are represented both in the Government and in the Parliament. The Armenians shared the whole difficulties that befell on the people of Lebanon and look forward to make their contribution to the safe and secure future of the state. The Republic of Armenia stands by the people of Lebanon in reaching these aspirations,” the top Armenian official said.

Nalbandian stressed that on numerous occasions Armenia has expressed its support to the friendly people of Lebanon. It has been once again reiterated during the February official visit of the president of Lebanon to Armenia, as well as during the Armenian prime minister’s official visit to Lebanon three days ago.

He reminded that starting from November 2014 the Armenian platoon composed of 32 peacekeepers has been serving under the Italian command in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

“It is with great sense of responsibility that Armenia has engaged in this mission seeking to contribute to the efficient activities of the UNIFIL aimed at ensuring peace in friendly Lebanon,” he said. “UNIFIL is not the only peacebuilding operation that Armenia has joined. The United Nations Assistant Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations stated in this regard that “Armenia’s support is important not only for its contribution but also for the Armenian history and the challenges overcome during it”. Indeed, history teaches us that security is a common endeavor.”

Minister Nalbandian underscored that Armenia is looking forward to more effective cooperation with Lebanon in defense and security fields based on the precise proposals that are already on the table, as well as the new ideas.

“The role of Lebanon in the region is not limited to its strategic importance, but indeed, the traditional ethno-confessional colorfulness and the richness of historical-cultural heritage that it represents. These are universal values that require global protection,” the Armenian official concluded.

 

Source Panorama.a

Republican presidential nominee meets with Armenian politicians in Lebanon

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Armen Sargsyan, whom the ruling Republican Party of Armenia nominated last week as its candidate in the upcoming presidential election, on Sunday visited to the Armenian Embassy to Lebanon to with representatives of the traditional Armenian political.The talks with members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaksutyun (ARF-D), the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party (SDHP) and the Armenian Democratic Liberal (Ramgavar) Party addressed Armenia’s domestic and foreign policies and urgent issues regarding the preservation of the Armenian identity. abroad

Sargsyan briefed the participants on the pressing challenges in Armenia, sharing his vision of ensuring sustainable development and solidarity among the Armenian worldwide. He also elaborated on the priorities of the step planned.

 

Lebanon president visits Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan

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Lebanon president visits Armenian Genocide

President of Lebanon Michel Aoun on Wednesday paid a visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia.

Aoun, accompanied by the Lebanese delegation, placed a wreath at the genocide monument, the Armenian News-NEWS.am reporter informed from the memorial.

Michel Aoun has arrived on an official visit in Yerevan, at the invitation of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

Within the framework of the visit, the President of the Republic of Lebanon will meet with Armenia’s top leadership—the President, the Chairman of the National Assembly, and the Prime Minister.

Also, President Aoun will be hosted by Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Karekin II, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin; afterwards, he will visit the Cathedral and the Treasury.

Following the highest-level Armenian-Lebanese talks in the presidential residence, Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Michel Aoun will make statements on the outcome of their meeting.

 

Lebanon: Journalist Paula Yacoubian candidate for legislative elections in Beirut

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Paula Yacoubian candidate

Paula Yacoubian candidate

Lebanese journalist Paula Yacoubian told the pan-Arab daily al-Chark al-Awsat that she was a candidate in the legislative elections planned for May 6th.

Yacoubian, who worked for Future TV (affiliated to Prime Minister Saad Hariri), yesterday announced her resignation. She will be part of a list of candidates from civil society in the district of Beirut I. “There is a major electoral program in preparation. We are waiting to make this program public before deciding on our chances of winning, “Paula Yacoubian told the newspaper.

Yacoubian was the only journalist to interview Saad Hariri, who was in Saudi Arabia after announcing his resignation on Nov. 4 in Riyadh, amid tensions with Hezbollah and Iran. The prime minister has since returned to his resignation on 4 December.

Lebanon’s Maronite leader visits Riyadh amid Hariri mystery

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Lebanon’s Maronite leader Cardinal Bechara el-Rai (R) meets Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri in this file photo.

A top Lebanese Christian religious figure was heading to Saudi Arabia on Monday afternoon with the hope of meeting Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad Hariri whose surprise resignation in Riyadh has raised many questions.

The visit by Cardinal Bechara el-Rai, who heads the Maronite sect, is the latest in Lebanon’s efforts to allay fears about the circumstances surrounding Hariri’s fate in Saudi Arabia.

The Maronite sect is Lebanon’s largest Christian community and the Middle East’s largest Catholic church, to which President President Michel Aoun also belongs.

On Sunday, Aoun said Hariri was living in “mysterious circumstances” with restricted freedom in Riyadh as he cast doubt on what the Lebanese prime minister has said about his situation.

His remarks came shortly before Hariri said he would return to Lebanon “within days” and resolve issues with Hezbollah, which is a partner in his government.

Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry on Monday pledged to keep up pressure on Saudi Arabia not to impede Hariri’s return, the Al Akhbar paper reported, citing sources within the ministry.

Aoun has said Hariri has been “kidnapped” by Saudi Arabia. According to sources close to Hariri, cited by Reuters, Saudi Arabia “has concluded that the prime minister had to go because he was unwilling to confront Hezbollah.”

The Lebanese resistance movement enjoys significant military and political clout in Lebanon after helping the country fight off several Israeli wars.

Government sources said Hariri’s announcement to return to Beirut soon showed Saudi Arabia had backed down on its stances.

Lebanon however could not lend any credence to his claims until he was back, and that it was not yet clear whether Riyadh would allow his return, they added.

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil is also said to begin a foreign tour soon to lobby for Hariri’s return with European countries, starting with Russia, adding the country would seek recourse to other means if the efforts did not yield results.

French President Emanuel Macron visited Saudi Arabia but unconfirmed media reports said he had not been granted a meeting with Hariri. Also on Monday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian called for “non-interference” in Lebanon.

“For there to be a political solution in Lebanon, it is necessary that all of the political leaders have total freedom of movement and that non-interference is a fundamental principle,” Le Drian said as he arrived for a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

He said France was “worried by the situation in Lebanon” and wanted to see the government there “stabilize as quickly as possible.”

Lebanon demands Saudi Arabia return Prime Minister Saad Hariri

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Lebanon Prime Minister Saad Hariri

Lebanese officials have demanded the return of Prime Minister Saad Hariri from Saudi Arabia. The head of the militant group Hezbollah said the Saudis had “declared war” on Lebanon by holding Hariri against his will.

Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun has called on Saudi Arabia to dispel the “mystery” surrounding Hariri’s whereabouts.

In a statement released by his office on Saturday, Aoun asked Riyadh “to clarify the reasons that are preventing” Hariri from returning to Lebanon.

Aoun, who is yet to formally accept Hariri’s resignation, added that anything Hariri has said or may say “does not reflect reality” due to the “dubious and mysterious situation that he is living in the kingdom.”

Tensions are rising in what is seen as a new front line in the regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

A free man

Riyadh said Hariri (pictured above) is a free man and he decided to resign because Iran-allied Hezbollah had become dominant in his government.

Hariri had headed a coalition government for the best part of the last year including members of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a televised speech Friday that Hariri was being detained in Saudi Arabia and that his “forced” resignation was unconstitutional because it had been made “under duress.”

“It is clear that Saudi Arabia … declared war on Lebanon,” he said. Saudi Arabia says Lebanon has declared war against it

US chips in

The United States said Hariri should be allowed to return to Lebanon. In a message aimed at the Saudis, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned on Friday against using Lebanon as “a venue for proxy conflicts.”

Tillerson said if Hariri wants to step down he should “go back to Lebanon” and formally resign, “so that the government of Lebanon can function properly,” adding that he had seen “no indication” that Hariri was being held against his will.

Tit for tat?

Saudi Arabia said on Friday that a Saudi citizen had been kidnapped in Lebanon.

“The embassy is in contact with the highest ranking Lebanese security authorities about securing the unconditional release of a kidnapped Saudi citizen as soon as possible,” it said in a statement quoted by the Saudi state news agency SPA.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have advised their citizens against traveling to Lebanon and urged those already there to leave.

Saudi airstrike on Yemeni Defense Ministry

The other front in the war also saw action on Friday, when fighter jets from a Saudi-led coalition bombed the Houthi rebel-controlled Defense Ministry in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa late on Friday. Three civilians were reportedly wounded.

The coalition has increased attacks on Yemen since the Houthis — who control large parts of the country — fired a rocket at the Saudi capital last weekend.

Saudi Arabia and its allies shut down Yemen’s borders earlier this week after intercepting a missile fired by the Houthis near Riyadh airport on Saturday.

The UN said on Friday that the coalition is still blocking UN aid deliveries to Yemen despite the reopening of the Yemeni port of Aden and also a land border crossing.

The Houthis continue to control the capital, Sanaa, and much of Yemen’s north.

The conflict has left more than 8,650 people dead, including many civilians.

ap,jbh/jlw (dpa, AFP, Reuters, AP)

Lebanon in Crisis: Saudi Arabia tells its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately

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‘Due to the circumstances in the Lebanese Republic, the kingdom asks its citizens who are visiting or residing in the country to leave it as soon as possible’

Saudi Arabia has ordered its citizens out of Lebanon amid skyrocketing tensions between their two governments.

A brief statement carried by the state-run Saudi Press Agency called on all Saudis living in or visiting Lebanon to depart, and warned against travel to the country.

“Due to the circumstances in the Lebanese Republic, the kingdom asks its citizens who are visiting or residing” in the country to leave it as soon as possible, a Saudi Foreign Ministry source quoted by the agency said.

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri shocked his country Saturday when he announced in a televised statement out of Saudi Arabia that he was resigning. He has not been seen in Lebanon since.

He said his country had been taken hostage by the militant group Hezbollah, a partner in his coalition government and a major foe of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia says it considers Hezbollah’s participation in the Lebanese government an “act of war” against the kingdom.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun has said he will not consider the premier’s resignation until the two meet in person.

Also on Thursday, Mr Hariri’s political party called for his immediate return to Lebanon.

Following a meeting of his Saudi-aligned Future Party in Beirut on Thursday, the party issued a statement saying it was “necessary” for Hariri to return “to restore Lebanon’s dignity and respect.”

The statement read by former Prime Minister Fuad Saniora seemed to indicate that Mr Hariri is being held in Saudi Arabia against his will.

Mr Hariri resigned his post abruptly on Saturday in a strange, pre-recorded speech.

In his absence, Lebanon has been awash with speculation the 47-year old prime minister may be held against his will in Saudi Arabia. Saudi officials have denied Mr Hariri is under house arrest.

AP and Reuters

Armenian appointed to Lebanon government central council after 10 years

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The Armenian community of Lebanon has a State Shura Council General Inspector in the country’s government, and after ten years. Houri Der Sarkissian, 43, has been appointed to this position, after a long effort.

Der Sarkissian told Armenian News-NEWS.am that after graduating from Armenian school, she studied at the French University where she got a degree in law, and she became an attorney.

“But I have never worked as a lawyer,” Der Sarkissian noted. “I was adviser to the four Armenian ministers of Lebanon. Subsequently, I took the government exams and became first-class government official and was appointed General Inspector of the State Shura Council. An Armenian used to hold this position, but after his death, Armenians were not appointed [to this office] for already ten years. After the Armenian community’s [respective] endeavor, I became General Inspector.”

The State Shura Council oversees the staff of all ministries in Lebanon, so that no one would take unlawful steps.

Houri Der Sarkissian added that she keeps in touch with the Lebanese Armenian community and participates in all national events.

About 140 to 165 thousand Armenians live in Lebanon, but there are solely a few Armenian officials in the Lebanese government. The latter currently has two Armenian ministers: Minister of Tourism Avedis Guidanian, and Minister of Women Affairs Jean Oghassabian.