#samir_geagea

#LBC, #Future_TV and #MTV : An Advertising and Political Merger
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/node/23573

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It is said that when late Lebanese Prime Minister #Rafik_Hariri established the Future media outlets, he discovered the real cost of media production, compared to the payments that individual newspaper, radio and TV owners demanded of him. Today, former Lebanese Prime Minister #Saad_Hariri is thinking about sidestepping his political team’s media outlets to save himself from imaginary losses, keep advertisers in check, stop the waste, bridge the deficit, accomplish a qualitative media leap and, most importantly, keep a tighter grip on media outlets.

#Articles #Lebanese_Forces #Lebanese_Media #Lebanon #March_14_movement #Michel_Aoun #Michel_Gabriel_al-Murr #Pierre_Daher #Samir_Geagea #Mideast_&_North_Africa

#Lebanese_Forces leader Geagea resolved to continue dialogue with General Aoun
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/lebanese-forces-leader-geagea-resolved-continue-dialogue-general-

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Leader of the Lebanese Forces #Samir_Geagea at his residence in Maarab. Al-Akhbar/Marwan Tahtah Leader of the Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea at his residence in Maarab. Al-Akhbar/Marwan Tahtah

The visit by Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea to #Saudi_Arabia last week received a lot of political attention locally, given its timing and the level of meetings he held with Saudi officials, particularly since it coincided with visits by international envoys to #Lebanon to discuss the issue of the presidential vacuum. Geagea’s visit to Saudi Arabia and his upcoming meeting with head of the Change and Reform bloc General #Michel_Aoun to discuss the presidency and other issues, were two key themes of Al-Akhbar’s interview with the (...)

#Articles #Future_Movement #Hezbollah #Lebanese_presidential_elections #Lebanon #Saad_Hariri

Aoun’s initiative: To make an opening in procedures, or to breach the system?
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/aoun%E2%80%99s-initiative-make-opening-procedures-or-breach-syste

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MP #Michel_Aoun giving a speech at his residence in Rabieh. (Photo: Haitham Moussawi) MP Michel Aoun giving a speech at his residence in Rabieh. (Photo: Haitham Moussawi)

It is not surprising that MP Michel Aoun, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), has once again alluded to the Orthodox Gathering’s electoral proposal with a view to achieve true Muslim-Christian parity in the Lebanese political establishment. However, it was truly surprising that Aoun has called for the president to be elected directly by the people, exceptionally, to vote in a new president – as though the real problem lies there, rather in the powers and role of the president post-Taif Accord.

Nicolas Nassif (...)

#Opinion #Articles #FPM #Henri_Helou #Lebanese_Council_of_Ministers #Lebanese_Forces #Michel_Suleiman #Samir_Geagea #Taif_Accord

The conspiracy scenario: Hariri and #Hezbollah against Aoun
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/conspiracy-scenario-hariri-and-hezbollah-against-aoun

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Presidential hopeful, #Michel_Aoun. (Photo: Haitham Moussawi) Presidential hopeful, Michel Aoun. (Photo: Haitham Moussawi)

A Lebanese politician returning from #Paris recounts his tale about what he calls a “presidential conspiracy” in the French capital. According to the politician, [Saad] Hariri, [Fouad] Siniora, and [Samir] Geagea, with [Walid] Jumblatt and Saud al-Faisal close at hand, had agreed on the required scenario to eliminate Michel Aoun’s candidacy for the presidency. However, they arrived at the question of how to avoid a presidential vacuum, particularly since this was a red line for more than one regional player.

Jean Aziz

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#Opinion #Ain_al-Hilweh #Articles #Ashraf_Rifi #Bkirki #Fouad_Siniora #gebran_bassil #Lebanese_presidential_elections #Lebanon #Michel_Suleiman #Nahr_al-Bared #Saad_Hariri #Samir_Geagea #Tarik_al-Jdideh

Lebanese presidency: May 25 is not the deadline for regional efforts
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/lebanese-presidency-may-25-not-deadline-regional-efforts

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Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri casts his vote to elect the new Lebanese president in the parliament building in downtown Beirut on April 23, 2014. (Photo: AFP-Joseph Eid/Pool) Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri casts his vote to elect the new Lebanese president in the parliament building in downtown Beirut on April 23, 2014. (Photo: AFP-Joseph Eid/Pool)

Though the Lebanese are anticipating May 25, the constitutional deadline for electing a new president, regional and international powers aren’t concerned with this date. They are only interested in maintaining security and stability in the country.

Hiyam Kossayfi

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#Opinion #Articles #FPM #Future_Movement #Hezbollah #Lebanese_Forces #Lebanese_presidential_elections #Lebanon #Michel_Aoun #Michel_Suleiman #Saad_Hariri #Samir_Geagea

#Lebanon: Presidential void inevitable
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/lebanon-presidential-void-inevitable

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Lebanese members of parliament count the votes after casting their ballots to elect the new Lebanese president in the parliament building in downtown Beirut on April 23, 2014. (Photo: AFP-Joseph Eid/POOL) Lebanese members of parliament count the votes after casting their ballots to elect the new Lebanese president in the parliament building in downtown Beirut on April 23, 2014. (Photo: AFP-Joseph Eid/POOL)

Judging from what happened on April 23 and April 30, the upcoming sessions of parliament to elect a new president are only a facade until political factions can decide on a consensus candidate. The number of MPs attending – those who want to reach quorum and those who want to evade it – will dwindle week after week. The (...)

#Opinion #Articles #Free_Patriotic_Movement #Future_Movement #Hezbollah #Lebanese_Forces #Lebanese_presidential_elections #Michel_Aoun #Michel_Suleiman #Saad_Hariri #Samir_Geagea #Tammam_Salam #Walid_Jumblatt

Hariri decides: No to Aoun in Baabda
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/hariri-decides-no-aoun-baabda

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Lebanese member of parliament #Michel_Aoun holds a press conference following a parliament session to vote for the new Lebanese president in the parliament building in downtown Beirut on April 23, 2014. (Photo: AFP-Joseph Eid) Lebanese member of parliament Michel Aoun holds a press conference following a parliament session to vote for the new Lebanese president in the parliament building in downtown Beirut on April 23, 2014. (Photo: AFP-Joseph Eid)

The #Future_Movement's parliamentary bloc announced their support for Lebanese Forces chief #Samir_Geagea’s presidential bid on Tuesday, while former Prime Minister #Saad_Hariri met with #Free_Patriotic_Movement (FPM) ministers Gebran Bassil and Elias Abou Saab in Paris. The bloc’s (...)

#Lebanon #Articles #Hezbollah #Nabih_Berri

#Lebanon: No rush to elect a new president
►http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/lebanon-no-rush-elect-new-president

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Birds fly outside the parliament building in downtown Beirut as members of parliament gather to elect the new Lebanese president on April 23, 2014. (Photo: AFP-Joseph Eid) Birds fly outside the parliament building in downtown Beirut as members of parliament gather to elect the new Lebanese president on April 23, 2014. (Photo: AFP-Joseph Eid)

Just two weeks ago, the Solidarity Party could have organized an election rally at Forum De Beyrouth and invited representatives of the March 8 alliance. The party’s leader, #Emile_Rahme, would have taken the stage and read a presidential program prepared for him by a leading consulting company.

Ghassan Saoud

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#Opinion #Articles #Free_Patriotic_Movement #Lebanese_Forces #Lebanese_presidential_elections #Michel_Aoun #Saad_Hariri #Samir_Geagea #Walid_Jumblatt

#Lebanese_presidential_elections: Looking for a president, not just a candidate
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/lebanese-presidential-elections-looking-president-not-just-candid

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Lebanese security forces stand guard outside the parliament building in downtown Beirut as members of parliament gather to elect the new Lebanese president on April 23, 2014. (Photo: AFP-Joseph Eid) Lebanese security forces stand guard outside the parliament building in downtown Beirut as members of parliament gather to elect the new Lebanese president on April 23, 2014. (Photo: AFP-Joseph Eid)

The first parliament session for the presidential elections concluded without electing a new president, though the session confirmed the principle of "no winners, no losers.” The session was nothing more than muscle flexing, with each one of the three main political factions casting their votes. The outcome: No faction comprises a (...)

#Opinion #Articles #Bashir_Gemayel #Charles_Helou #Elias_Sarkis #Fouad_Chehab #Henri_Helou #Lebanese_Forces #Lebanon #Michel_Suleiman #Nabih_Berri #Samir_Geagea #Suleiman_Franjieh #Walid_Jumblatt

The disgraceful MPs
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/disgraceful-mps

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The Lebanese MPs who voted for #Samir_Geagea to be president. (Photo: Al-Akhbar) Al-Akhbar)" width="620" height="510" class="imagecache imagecache-4cols imagecache-default imagecache-4cols_default"/> The Lebanese MPs who voted for Samir Geagea to be president. (Photo: Al-Akhbar)

This is not about democracy because justice is not up for a vote. It is not a political issue either because no polity should coexist with murderers at the helm.

Ibrahim al-Amin

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#Opinion #Articles #Habib_Shartouni #Lebanese_presidential_elections #Lebanon #Rashid_Karami

Has the race for Baabda begun ?
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/has-race-baabda-started

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Who will succeed President #Michel_Suleiman? (Photo: Marwan Tahtah) Who will succeed President Michel Suleiman? (Photo: Marwan Tahtah)

As Al-Akhbar predicted, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri has chosen Wednesday, April 23 as the date for the first session for parliament to elect a new president for #Lebanon. Some have seen the move as a knee-jerk reaction to parliament’s about-face regarding the wage hike for public sector employees on Tuesday. However, sources close to Berri confirm that it is indeed the first round in the presidential face-off.

Jean Aziz

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#Opinion #Amine_Gemayel #Articles #Bandar_bin_Sultan #Boutros_Harb #Fouad_Siniora #Future_Movement #Lebanese_presidential_elections #Michel_Aoun #Robert_Ghanem #Samir_Geagea

Will the #Future_Movement abandon its favored candidates once again?
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/will-future-movement-abandon-its-favored-candidates-once-again

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A handout picture distributed by the Lebanese Forces on April 4, 2014 shows Lebanese Christian leader #Samir_Geagea (C) and his wife and Parliament Member Setrida Geagea (C-L) attending a press conference in Maarab, northeast of Beirut. (Photo: AFP-Lebanese Forces/Ayoub) A handout picture distributed by the Lebanese Forces on April 4, 2014 shows Lebanese Christian leader Samir Geagea (C) and his wife and Parliament Member Setrida Geagea (C-L) attending a press conference in Maarab, northeast of Beirut. (Photo: AFP-Lebanese Forces/Aldo Ayoub)

Almost all Lebanese political factions agree that none of the current presidential candidates will win in the first round of voting, which requires a two-thirds majority of MPs, (...)

#Lebanon #Articles #Boutros_Harb #Hezbollah #Lebanese_presidential_elections #Michel_Aoun #Michel_Suleiman #Nabih_Berri #Robert_Ghanem #Sayed_Hassan_Nassrallah

Thaw in Iranian-Saudi relations pacifies #Lebanon, but what about #syria?
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/node/19350

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Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz (L) attending a conference with his entourage. (Photo: AFP) Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz (L) attending a conference with his entourage. (Photo: AFP)

The preliminary success of the security plan in north Lebanon, following the appointment of the new government, poses several questions about whether it was the result of a local agreement or a reflection of regional breakthroughs. According to information obtained by Al-Akhbar, the tension between #Iran and the Saudi Kingdom are expected to thaw in the event that preliminary contacts lead to an agreement on some common points. If this succeeds, the security situation would be likely to calm down in Lebanon and a consensus on the next (...)

#Opinion #Aleppo #Articles #Hassan_Nasrallah #Hezbollah #Lebanese_Forces #MARCH_14 #March_8 #Michel_Aoun #Michel_Suleiman #Nabih_Berri #Samir_Geagea #Saudi_Arabia #US

Aoun aims to replace Kahwaji, fears he could be next president
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/aoun-aims-replace-kahwaji-fears-he-could-be-next-president

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MP #Michel_Aoun. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah) MP Michel Aoun. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah)

For three years, the army has remained #Lebanon’s only functioning institution. To some extent, it managed to withstand all the political campaigns and armed attacks that targeted it, including the recent spate of suicide bombings. And unlike 1975’s events, the regional and interior strife stemming from the crisis in Syria hasn’t segmented the Lebanese military institution.

Hiyam Kossayfi

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#Articles #Chamel_Roukoz #Hezbollah #Jean_Kahwaji #lebanese_army #Lebanese_presidential_elections #Lebaon #Michel_Sleiman #Nabih_Berri #Samir_Geagea #Tammam_Salam

Aoun-Geagea: Back to classic presidential face-offs
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/aoun-geagea-back-classic-presidential-face-offs

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MP #Michel_Aoun (L) and head of the #Lebanese_Forces, #Samir_Geagea (R), during the formulation of the Doha Agreement in 2008. (Photo: Bilal Jawiche) MP Michel Aoun (L) and head of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea (R), during the formulation of the Doha Agreement in 2008. (Photo: Bilal Jawiche)

As soon as parliament gives its vote of confidence to the new government led by Tammam Salam, #Lebanon’s political factions are set to begin preparations for the upcoming presidential election. Yet it is not the constitutional deadline beginning on Tuesday that will be the starting gun for the expected showdown, but rather the fact the 2014 election has been preempted with new rules: two tough candidates who represent the upper (...)

#Opinion #Articles #Elias_Hrawi #Emile_Lahoud #Free_Patriotic_Movement

#Lebanon: Geagea ready for serious dialogue with #Hezbollah
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/lebanon-geagea-ready-serious-dialogue-hezbollah

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Head of the Lebanese Forces, #Samir_Geagea. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah) Head of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah)

Head of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea, expressed in an interview with Al-Akhbar his willingness to engage in a serious dialogue with Hezbollah as long as it is not a waste of time. His new position comes after his possible bid to run in the presidential elections, which he calls the “mother of all battles.”

Hiyam Kossayfi

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#Articles #Baabda_Declaration #Future_Movement #Lebanon #National_Dialogue #phalange #presidential_election #syria #Tripoli #Yabrud

#Lebanon: #MARCH_14 Christians on Shaky Ground With Hariri
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/lebanon-march-14-christians-shaky-ground-hariri

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Hariri is not very pleased with his alliance with Geagea and Gemayel. Even though they all shared a common political position in 2005.(Photo: Marwan Tahtah). Hariri is not very pleased with his alliance with Geagea and Gemayel. Even though they all shared a common political position in 2005.(Photo: Marwan Tahtah).

#Lebanon’s March 14 Christians are banding together in an attempt to pressure former Prime Minister #Saad_Hariri about the government. However, their game will be over very soon. According to March 14 sources, “March 14 Christians are used by Hariri to fuel his battles then sacrificed when a settlement is reached.”

Maysam Rizk

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#Articles #Boutros_Harb #Kataeb #Lebanese_Forces #Sami_Gemayel #Samir_Geagea

Geagea Interview: We Reject European Efforts to Agree on a President
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/geagea-interview-we-reject-european-efforts-agree-president

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Samir Geagea, leader of the Christian #Lebanese_Forces, speaks during a news conference at his house in Maarab village, north of Beirut, October 12, 2010. (Photo: REUTERS - Mohamed Azakir). #Samir_Geagea, leader of the Christian Lebanese Forces, speaks during a news conference at his house in Maarab village, north of Beirut, October 12, 2010. (Photo: REUTERS - Mohamed Azakir).

Head of the Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea reiterated his rejection of a unity government. Speaking to Al-Akhbar, Geagea stressed the importance of holding presidential elections and declared his rejection of any European efforts to agree on a president in advance.

Hiyam Kossayfi

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#Lebanon #Articles #MARCH_14 #March_8 #Mohammed_Shatah #Special_Tribunal_for_Lebanon #syria

10-Horse Race to #Lebanon’s Presidential Palace
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/10-horse-race-lebanon%E2%80%99s-presidential-palace

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President Suleiman visited Paris, aiming to get a definitive answer about the possibility of living in France at the end of his term and assuming the general secretariat of the Francophonie.(Photo: Marwan Tahtah). President Suleiman visited Paris, aiming to get a definitive answer about the possibility of living in France at the end of his term and assuming the general secretariat of the Francophonie.(Photo: Marwan Tahtah).

According to most observers concerned with the formation of the new Lebanese government, President #Michel_Suleiman is relatively convinced that #Hezbollah cannot be fooled into extending his term. He understands that the Saudis want him to put the country in the hands of Prime Minister-designate Tammam (...)

#Amin_Gemayel #Articles #Jean_Kahwaji #Lebanon #MARCH_14 #March_8 #Michel_Aoun #Najib_Mikati #Saad_Hariri #Samir_Geagea #Suleiman_Frangieh

Lebanese Artist Resurrects Geagea’s Criminal Record
▻http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/lebanese-artist-resurrects-geagea%E2%80%99s-criminal-record

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Elefteriades went further. He said, “#Samir_Geagea’s behavior confirms that he is a threat to civil peace in #Lebanon. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah) Elefteriades went further. He said, “Samir Geagea’s behavior confirms that he is a threat to civil peace in Lebanon. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah)

Over a month ago, during a radio interview, Lebanese music producer #Michel_Elefteriades called #Lebanese_Forces leader Samir Geagea a “criminal” in a (...)

#Culture_&_Society #Articles

Avril 2009 : Samir Geagea suggère que la « majorité » pourrait renoncer à nommer Saad Hariri premier ministre, et choisir à la place Najib Mikati, de façon à obtenir, en échange, le départ de Nabih Berri.

17.04.2009 : LEBANON : MARCH 14 CHRISTIANS STILL FACE INTERNAL CHALLENGES - Nyheter - Wikileaks - Aftenposten.no
►http://www.aftenposten.no/spesial/wikileaksdokumenter/article4025305.ece

Looking ahead to the next government, Geagea suggested that March 14 think hard about whether incumbent Speaker Nabih Berri should stay on and also whether prospective candidate Saad Hariri should become the prime minister, arguing that March 14 should condition Berri´s appointment, and could convince March 8 to give up its demand for a blocking third in the cabinet if independent figure Najib Mikati were instead the next PM.

#Liban #Samir_Geagea #Najib_Mikati #Saad_Hariri #cablegate

Les #bédouins du #Liban répondent à #Samir_Geagea.

عشائر « الملحم » لجعجع : لا تقلل من شأن البدو الرحل - As-Safir Newspaper
►http://www.assafir.com/Article.aspx?EditionId=1734&ChannelId=40652&ArticleId=3033&Author

شتورة ـ «السفير»
استهجنت عشائر الشيخ عبد العزيز طراد الملحم الكلام الاخير لرئيس الهيئة التنفيذية في القوات اللبنانية سمير جعجع الذي «قلل من شأن البدو الرحل وكأنهم ليسوا من بني البشر».
وقال بيان حمل توقيع عشائر الشيخ عبد العزيز طراد الملحم: «نحن أحفاد الذين كان لهم الجندية والقيادة في الجيوش الإسلامية بالفتوحات لبلاد الشام، وعندما حرّرت من الروم أصبحت كلها بلادنا من البحر إلى البحر، ونرتحل من مكان لمكان في وطننا العربي الكبير الذي قسّمه الاحتلال، وجزّأنا إلى أقطار هو صانعها وواضع قوانينها ودساتيرها، وبرغم ذلك كان لنا قانوننا العشائري الموحّد الذي يحكمنا ونحتكم له بما لا يخالف شريعتنا الإسلامية، وهو الرادع بكل مـن يخل بالقيم والاخلاق وما زال سارياً بيننا عندما كان دستورك يا جعجع الذي تتغنى به حرمنا لسبعة عقود أقل حقوقنا الوطنية وهي «هويتنا اللبنانية». وقانون البدو الرحل رد عنا دهاليز فتنة الحرب الأهلية والطائفية التي غرق بها جعجع. وقانون البدو الرحل منعنا من العمالة وخيانة الوطن والتعامل مع الأعداء».
أضاف البيان: «قانون البدو الرحل يتطوّر ويتحدّث مع تطور الحياة وظروفها، والقوانين المدنية لا تعرف التحديث، البدو الرحل أسسوا دولاً ووحّدوا بلداناً وأصبحوا قادة على رؤوس الأشهاد. وحملوا أعلى الشهادات واستلموا أرفع المواقع السياسية والقيادية في بلادنا العربية. البدو الرحل في الأمس القريب كنت في ضيافتهم في المملكة العربية السعودية، لتستنجد بحلولهم لإنقاذ نفسك.

Geagea qui avait subtilement déclaré, visitant le Président de la République :

Mais c’est comme si il n’y avait plus de Liban, plus d’État, plus de Constitution et plus d’institutions ; c’est comme si nous étions devenus des Bédouins...