July-War Secrets: Exposed by Nabih Berri and Retold by Ali Hassan Khalil (Episode 6)
If samples had been taken from the land and earth of Ain el Tineh on the 13th day of the July War, 2006, then there would have been averages which no atmospheric-pressure observatories could record; also which couldn't have been realized by Richter himself despite his great knowledge of earth and what's underneath it.
Condoleezza Rice spent some time in Ain el Tineh, the name of which she replaced then with "the eye of the storm" (which meant that Ain el Tineh was the calm region at the center of the War). Unlike finding the red roses of the Governmental Palace, the mistress of the American State found only the thorns of refusal for her proposals, which she formed in the shape of a plan that could, in accordance with MP Nabih Berri's description, "be destructive for our country".
This episode will obviously expose the U.S. policies and the consequent Lebanese reactions, as well as details that have been unrevealed so far: details revealed by the handwriting of a Sayyed (Literally "A Master") who directed the battle, which reached its climax upon the fighters' heroism in the square of Bint Jbeil-Maroun Al-Ras-Aitaroun-Ainata; also upon the fighters' infiltration of "the Avivim Settlement (in the Upper Al-Jalil (Galilee)"...
A single page signed "Your brother, Hassan" demonstrated the great pride of the moment, the expected victory, and the "excellent confidence of the ground fighters". Likewise, the page demonstrated an "excellent" confidence in the political fighter Nabih Berri - the man who bravely confronted the head of the U.S. diplomacy, showing no signs of warm welcome as other palaces did. This man was trying to make up for the failing bets in Awkar by making political gains even though some say that what Rice said was much gentler than what some Lebanese sides said then...
Rice's visit was over, and she headed to "Israel" to get the reports from the black operation chamber of Amir Peretz ("the Defense" Minister of "Israel") in Tel Aviv. On the other hand, in Beirut we commenced getting ready for the Rome Conference, which was meant for a political job, but in the operation chamber of Ain el Tineh, we decided to adjust this job by uniting the Lebanese stance. It was Monday, July 24, 2000: MP Berri had regular meetings with a group of political figures including the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Beirut Abdul Aziz Khoja. As for the (Lebanese) Minister of Foreign Affairs Fawzi Salloukh, he reported (to MP Berri) that Condoleezza Rice would arrive in Beirut that day and that she was planning to meet MP Berri after her visit to Premier Siniora in the Governmental Palace.
As Rice arrived at the Governmental Palace at 2:10 PM, MP Berri was in his office, and we were in the neighboring office, so we called MP Berri to watch Rice's arrival on television. While MP Fawzi Salloukh and the Governmental Palace officials were waiting for her, MP Berri found it was strange that she didn't get off the car. And after she had stayed on the car for some time, she and David Welch (U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs) got off it as Premier Siniora arrived. Now there was no more confusion regarding her wait in the car. MP Berri could not tolerate seeing more. He entered his office, and we followed him. Then he said, "It's sorrowful to see this, and we mustn't underestimate our morale. This insults all Lebanese people." Hereupon, Salloukh's justification was unacceptable to MP Berri as the first said that Rice considered herself as the first Secretary and that she ranked equally with a premier.
One of the participants in the meeting (with Rice and Welch) in the Governmental Palace informed us that Rice confirmed that she "sympathized with" the Lebanese people and reported, upon the request of the American President George W. Bush, his and her "strong support for the government and Premier Siniora's personal role", whereby she made a wide explanation on this role and how much it "harmonized with the Lebanese interest", particularly regarding "the functioning of the Lebanese sovereignty which would ensure permanent peace with "Israel"". Likewise, Rice pointed out that there would be no cease-fire without a group of steps leading to the fulfillment of international resolutions, especially Resolutions 1559 and 1680.
Upon the statement of this participant, Rice said they were studying the proposals of the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, Prince Saud Al-Faisal, who had visited Washington D.C. earlier. Rice asked Siniora for his opinion regarding these proposals, considering that a part of them could be included in the works of the Rome Conference; whereby she wanted the Conference to surpass the involvement of human affairs to political affairs on the bases of what the Group of Eight (G8) had decided in St. Petersburg.
Besides, the participant reported that Siniora pointed out that the priority was cease-fire and explained in details the difficult human situation (in Lebanon).
Receiving Rice "Properly" in Ain el Tineh
Before it was time for Rice to arrive in Ain el Tineh, MP Berri called the Parliament Ceremony Manager Ali Hamad, requesting that only Hamad receive Rice. MP Berri remained in his own office until Rice arrived with her accompanying delegation that included Mr. Welch, Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman, and a big number of American diplomats and officers. This, in fact, was a sign from MP Berri in response to what had happened in the Governmental Palace, and the members of the American delegation could understand well the context of this sign.
Speaking generally first, Rice began offering her proposal, pointing out it was "a thorough basket constituting the only chance for settlement at the moment." Her proposal included the points here below:
-Fire cease in concurrence with Hizbullah's retreat to the month of the Litany River
.
- Ratifying the deployment of multi-national forces as well as the Lebanese Army in the region (between the Litany River and the Lebanese-Palestinian borders; here was a question on renewing the presence of the U.N. Emergency Forces (UNEF) for two months until the multi-national forces were ready.)
- International checkpoints along the Litany River to monitor Hizbullah's progress
Rice then said that these steps would make the residents worriless and so they could be back to their villages as the situation calmed down and the reconstruction process began.
MP Berri listened to her offer till the end; yet, she didn't mention the "Israeli" soldiers or the Shebaa Farms. This made MP Berri upset, but he didn't show that, and he replied, "The proposal you're making is a war plan rather than a solution plan! The formula you've proposed is destructive for our country, and this isn't going to happen. Do you know that 800,000 people have migrated from their towns?!"
Now MP Berri exposed details in regard to the "Israeli" massacres before offering a double-stage plan:
• First Stage:
- Complete cease-fire
- Carrying out the exchange of captives as soon as possible
- Return of the dislodged people
• Second Stage:
- Considering quite seriously all other proposals you've made
MP Berri went further, explaining to Rice the difficulty of delaying the solution for dislodgement, as well as its dangerous implications on the Lebanese interior. MP Berri exposed some other details, too.
Rice, "Well, this proposal is unavailable. Anyway, the issue of the "Israeli" soldiers is unimportant now."
As he heard this talk, MP Berri realized that Rice was trying to convey that the U.S. and "Israel" were in a comfortable situation. Clearly, she was reflecting that the political war was American rather than "Israeli" and that her mission was to cover up the Aggression.
Hereupon, MP Berri turned his face away from her and the delegation, and he stretched his legs in a way that made her get the message directly, whereby she said, "It seems you don't wish to proceed with the discussion."
"Being sure she was annoyed and that what I wanted happened," Berri told us (later), "I added, "On the contrary. We are seeking a solution, but not the one "Israel" wants. I am sure your information regarding the situation is wrong, or you don't want to believe the truth. Let me remind you, you occupied Iraq in three weeks when it owned the biggest military in the Arab World, and now they say there are about 14,000 resistance men. You've been confronting the public resistance for three years, yet you've been losing, so why aren't you victorious? This is because of this resistance."
As he continued speaking to Rice, Berri asked, "Do you think that only Hizbullah is fighting in the South? All the South is fighting, even the earth! As the chief of the Amal Movement, I tell you the Movement is deeply involved in the battle. Believe me, you won't be victorious."
"I meant, MP Berri says (later), "to speak to her as a direct partner (of "Israel") in the battle against us."
Rice: "The whole world, including the Arab World, supports us and wants to disarm Hizbullah."
Berri, "Well, you mean the Arab rulers. As for the (Arab) peoples, they are standing by the resistance to regain a situation similar to the days of Jamal Abdul Nasser (the 2nd Egyptian President)."
MP Berri says he made her notice he was definitely ignoring her.
Afterwards, Berri addressed Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman, asking him for a comment on what he had already said. Feltman, however, didn't dare reply in the presence of Rice. He remained silent, once looking shyly at MP Berri and another at her.
Also, MP Berri says, "A minute of silence hadn't passed when the delegation seemed nervous, so I told Rice, "I understand that you don't want to discuss the issue of the ("Israeli") soldiers because you wish to offer "Israel" a chance so as to allow it to finish the Resistance. But once you realize that this is an illusion, you're going to see the extent of your loss."
Then Berri recalled, "Anyway, what about the Shebaa Farms?"
Rice: "There's a solution for this."
Berri: "But I don't understand what the solution formula is."
Rice seemed hesitant, offering no clear answer, but what she said sounded like a "yes".
MP Berri explained the importance of this issue (the Shebaa Farms) to her, and they debated it. Then Rice addressed him, "Ok, I'm going to "Israel" to discuss this issue."
MP Berri says, "I did not understand how Rice linked both issues together and whether she agreed with me or not. And before I posed another question, she said, "My "yes" counts."
Right then, MP Berri returned to the main subject, insisting on his stance and saying, "The one-basket plan isn't going to succeed, for it is impossible, probably happening for the first time in history! We want to settle a conflict without cease-fire and without stopping the massacres against the people of this country! Well, this story isn't going to work, and I'm confident that "Israel" isn't going to conquer us. Neither do I think you imagine it's going to conquer us." MP Berri repeated these words as silence masked the whole delegation.
Swiftly, the talk of Berri and Rice shifted into Syria and Iran, whereby the U.S. Secretary said, "We're not having talks with these countries; others are doing so." Then she asked Berri, "Can you help with the solution?"
So MP Berri replied, "I do want to help with the solution, but not the way you proposed; under no circumstances is it going to succeed. Frankly, it will not succeed..." Now MP Berri rose in a way that indicated the end of the meeting.
Rice and the delegation rose quickly, then they climbed down the stairs, unescorted by MP Berri - just like they had come in.
Rice to Berri (while leaving): "Withdrawal from the (Shebaa) Farms is included within the solution basket."
Shortly after she left, MP Fawzi Salloukh called to tell MP Berri that Rice had phoned him and said, "Maybe I haven't made it quite clear for MP Berri, so I hope that you inform him that the issue of withdrawal from the Shebaa Farms is included within the solution basket I've proposed."
Likewise, Ambassador David Welch reported this stance to Ali Hamdan as the American delegation left Ain el Tineh.
After Rice's appointment, Premier Siniora said he was considering holding a session for the Ministerial Council in order to debate the formula of an initiative and discuss what could happen in the Rome Conference.
Rice left to occupied Palestine. It was obvious she wanted to go there to see the actualities, keep up with the developments, and find out how much time "Israel" needed for its battle so that Rice could cover it up politically.
In concurrence with Rice's talks in Beirut, the Resistance was leading violent confrontations along the axis of Bint Jbeil-Maroun Al-Ras, causing many civilian casualties to the enemy soldiers and demolishing four Merkava tanks. Also, the fighters penetrated the borders leading to "the Avivim Settlement". This situation was the best that could happen to the Resistance, whereby the Resistance could score more goals in the court now.
Sayyed's Letter to Berri: We Always Count on You
After I left him in Ain el Tineh, I called Haj Hussein Khalil and informed him of the details of the meeting with Rice and the proposals exchanged.
At 11:15, Haj Hussein called, and we agreed to meet in Ain el Tineh. Quickly I went back there, and he arrived at 11:45, saying he had reported the atmospheres of the meeting to His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Haj Hussein said he had the following letter from His Eminence:
"In His Name,
Dear brother,
Haj Hussein [God keep you],
Peace be upon you,
First, I hope that you send my regards to His Excellency Nabih Berri. Tell him again that we always count on him. God willing, we'll be proudly overcoming this battle.
I agree with him regarding his stance on what Rice proposed; these are humiliating conditions that we can't accept. But it's obvious that this is their best: the beginning of the negotiations. As I received your message, I understood that she did not basically talk about disarming the Resistance. As well, I understood that there is a solution for the Shebaa Farms. Both of these points, in fact, serve our interest; whereas the rest of the proposal made is very bad. I believe she wants to offer "Israel" the chance of an extra week or ten days before she returns here. But God willing, the conditions (of the American Administration and "Israel") will start falling apart.
Actually, the way of MP Berri's behavior, which you've mentioned to me, is excellent, for it offered the right impression on our strength, fearlessness, and unhurriedness. Having offered all of these sacrifices, we do not accept to lose our dignity. I hope that you confirm to MP Berri that the situation on ground is still excellent and that the fighters' morale is quite great, especially when we've had a successful day. Certainly, like we said on the first day, we cannot promise that we can prevent the falling of the villages; yet, it's important to make "Israel" pay much, and this will be painful to it - God willing.
Concerning the government, the brothers (the MPs of Hizbullah and the Amal Movement) must make the same stance which MP Berri expressed in the meeting with Rice, whereby the government must make no settlements; instead, Siniora must talk to MP Berri, and we (Sayyed Hassan and MP Berri) coordinate together. The government is not the right side for any serious discussion or settlements.
I see that MP Berri should inform President Emile Lahoud of the current situation, especially that of the Ministerial Council. President Lahoud's stances are actually good and supportive.
Send my regards to everyone.
Your brother,
Hassan"
MP Berri's Thankful Response to Sayyed Hassan's Letter:
"I clearly refused Rice's proposal, and even if Hizbullah had accepted it, I wouldn't have done that; anyway, I know Hizbullah will never accept it. As for Premier Siniora, he's trying to propose this issue in the Ministerial Council, and we have to be flexible during the discussion. But under no circumstances are we to accept the whole basket proposed, specifically the points regarding the multi-national forces and the delay of the dislodged people's return. Besides, the double-stage plan I've proposed aims at bringing things back to what they used to be before the 12th of July, and when that happens, we'll discuss all issues comfortably.
I've called President Emile Lahoud, General Michele Aoun (Head of "the Free Patriotic Movement"), His Eminence Ayatollah Sayyed Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah (spiritual mentor of the Shiites in Lebanon), and His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Amir Qabalan (Deputy Chief of "the Higher Islamic Shiite Council"), and I've informed them of the atmospheres.
As a matter of fact, our weak points are represented by the atmosphere of "the March-14 Alliance", in particular the core of this Alliance: Premier Siniora and Saad Hariri. We must face this in the Ministerial Council without reaching a withdrawal, resignation, or voting, and so we must do throughout the program of the Rome Conference, where President Lahoud will have an important role. Furthermore, we have to work on the Arab stance in any possible way, and let's see what our Syrian and Iranian friends can do, for they know better the limits of their movement. Today I met the Saudi Arabian Ambassador Abdul Aziz Khoja, who sounded positive while I spoke to him."
The day ended; briefly, the ground situation was good, and more solidly, we coordinated, managed, and kept up with the case in hand. As for Rice, she understood fully that she was facing a situation different from what she had thought until her arrival, and now the solidity of the stance was going to force her to reconsider her calculations.
That came in accordance with what was reported by journalists who accompanied her, whereby they considered that the most important meeting in Beirut was that with Berri. Still, this day witnessed "the March-14 Alliance's" bets on things unannounced or secretly told to Rice while preparations were being made for the Rome Conference, which had a fake humanitarian background but aimed at making political gains for "Israel". Thus, we were alert as we worked on forming a united Lebanese stance to confront these gains.
The Seventh Episode Will Include:
-Bint Jbeil Witnesses an Epic...
-Nasrallah Launches "Post-Haifa Equation"...
-Berri Declares a New Initiative as Government Prepares for Rome Conference
