July-War Secrets: Exposed by Nabih Berri and Retold by Ali Hassan Khalil (Episode 14)
TRANSLATED from Lebanese Daily As-Safir- Local Editor
Siniora in Ain el Tineh Secret Meeting: What Are You Doing to Lebanon? Hussein Khalil Replies: Beware Treachery!
Welch: Make Use of Chance, Whole World Supports Us... Berri Replies: Losing So Much, What More Will We Lose?!
Every hour of negotiations equals a whole political age, which we have to save from any equations driving us to settlements that deprive us of our freedom and get us out of our land for the sake of ‘multi-loyal' sides. We have to stick to our land.
In the remaining days of the bloody War, we find ourselves in a local-international confrontation as certain Lebanese sides are double-faced, whipping us with their treachery.
Yet, being always ready to die makes us escape life's lure and sign no conviction papers. Thus, as MP Berri puts it on a hot day of negotiations, we "refuse... Refusing a hard resolution won't be harder than declaring our defeat and accepting what they're trying to impose."
Premier Siniora admits that David Welch has been "pretentious". Welch finds Lebanese sides that are all ears - ready to ‘perform' on a stage that might fall down any moment. Yet, the American Mister Welch works hard to create life in dead texts - just like "a fine make-up artist doing the make-up for a very ugly woman," as MP Berri puts it without any smile that may spoil the sadness of the current stage.
Ain el Tineh's diplomacy struggles on two frontlines, the more dangerous of which is the extremely hot, interior frontline that intersects with foreign interests. This is apparent through Premier Siniora's question, "What are you doing to Lebanon?"
Going delirious, ‘the July-August government premier' looks for answers to offer to the U.S.: "Once Welch inquires about the authorities of the Lebanese Army, what will I say? What about the apparent arms? And where are the concealed ones? What if we get news of arms somewhere?" Not a single question does he pose on a broken-hearted, torn country - a country whose youth have been dislodged, awaiting something that has not come yet... A month has taught them more than school has, for in this month, they've grown up several twenties of years. Still, it is required that we donate answers even before we can listen to the others' answers.
What is painful about this scene is that the governmental party feels it is not negotiating upon common ground with us. We want to be in the same boat, sailing it in a wide, blue sea, but the governmental waves are pushing it to the southern part of a river and placing it there...
Almost a month from the beginning of the War had passed by now, and the enemy commanders felt that the way they were directing the battle only led to actual failure and that the circumstances of the political protection for the demolition process targeting Lebanon had changed and ran out of time. As for the bet on a political investment forming an international resolution, which could compensate for some of "Israel's" losses, it required a shift of actualities. Hereupon, the miniature "Israeli" cabinet decided to approve of the "Israeli" Military's recommendation that the ground operations be expanded. "Israel" could not conceal the death or injury of more than sixty of its officers and soldiers in the battles of the Middle Sector itself.
On Wednesday, the ninth of August, 2006, MP Berri talked to us, first recalling what had happened with Premier Fouad Siniora the day before. MP Berri was still troubled by the probability of the division of the internal stance as a result of Siniora's latest meetings. Haj Ahmad Baalbecki, his son Haj Abdullah Baalbecki, and I brought into discussion MP Berri's personal security and some threats that needed to be considered.
And Berri said, "I'm going to live one life - not two. They're trying to stop me from my political activity. The security leaks, Condoleezza Rice's stance and advice (for the political allies of the United States) not to meet with me, the danger of my work in public without precautions: All these are not going to make me betray myself and my people. Yesterday, I watched the funeral of four martyrs of the Amal Movement and "the Lebanese Civil Defense"; do I not equal them? Imam Ghazali (a famous Muslim theologian and philosopher) says, "It is not only the mind that creates faith, for faith is created when Allah enlightens souls." I have begun to sense a kind of confidence."
Having heard this, we left without making any further discussion.
Berri Replies to Welch's Stress: What More Will We Lose?!
Having held several regular meetings, MP Berri met with the United States Assistant Secretary of State David Welch, who was accompanied by the U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman and a number of assistants. Welch first reiterated the ‘importance of' the American-French draft resolution, speaking as if it had been the ‘possible chance' to resolve our case. Besides, Welch saw it was "odd" that Lebanon "hadn't made use of this chance yet, and he proposed confusing adjustments with no execution mechanisms, trying to make use of his talk to show that he was discussing these adjustments without approving of them.
Eventually, he insisted on the points here below:
- He spoke about stopping military acts rather than announcing cease-fire.
- Welch didn't mention the "Israeli" withdrawal beyond "the Blue Line".
- He added that a resolution under the Seventh Chapter was to be issued regarding the expansion of the ‘new' United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL); however, the Sixth Chapter's content was to be applied, and the U.S. was to guarantee the fulfillment of the resolution.
- After Welch had inquired about the number of the Lebanese Army's troops, regiments, and ordnance, he mentioned this: As the Lebanese Army gets deployed (in the South) along with the ‘new' UNIFIL, "Israel" begins to withdraw from the place (even though this might require time in order to continue forming the UNIFIL in case the resolution is issued.)
- Welch demanded emptying the South Litany Region of arms and armed men.
- He pointed out that the Shebaa Farms were to be subjected to what the American-French plan stated.
Finally, Mister Welch said, "Although the U.S. has delayed the session for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the whole world stands by the U.S. plan. This is going to be very hard, and you must accept this."
Berri: "Mr. Welch, you've come up with nothing new. You are a fine make-up artist, but you only know how to do the make-up for a very ugly woman! All you've said does not change the fact that only "Israel" can benefit from this resolution and make a political gain instead of its loss of the battle. Hence, this is an impossible equation. We've already paid so much, so what more will we lose?! And what things are going to be harder?!"
Now the meeting with Welch ended, and no agreement was made...
Afterwards, Haj Hussein Khalil and I went to MP Berri's office, where he was on the phone with Premier Siniora, informing Siniora of his discussion with Welch, "Welch has actually implied that you might have been convinced with some of his ideas and that you accepted the proposed formula." Berri added, "When we discussed deploying the biggest number of the Lebanese Army's troops, Hizbullah and I encouraged such act. But now we're being blackmailed by foreign sides that want to impose their conditions and ignore our requests."
Siniora: "Well, I'll try to make a new, adjusted letter regarding the international resolution's standard for the UNIFIL, and it'll be in accordance with the seven standards."
"But even in case Welch accepts the content," replied Berri, "this does not change what he said about issuing the resolution under the Seventh Chapter. Anyway, we must reflect on things well, and we shall consult each other and talk again. What you're proposing isn't enough because a letter like this will mean that you accept the remaining part of the (draft resolution's) formula."
Siniora: "Yet things are hard, and we need to be realistic. I even believe this proposal bears a positive development."
Berri: "This ‘positive development' is as dangerous as the original draft resolution!"
Berri: Not to Execute Issued Resolution
MP Berri spoke to MP Saad Hariri, "There's a big ‘map', so we mustn't allow things to go on like this if we wish to avoid creating a catastrophe for the internal relations. In fact, the plan contains many gaps serving "Israel", especially the points regarding the delayed withdrawal from the occupied regions and the period it will take to form the UNIFIL, as well as other points. I hope that you reflect on this issue before we talk again. I'll meet with Premier Siniora later."
Then, we discussed the proposed formula with Haj Hussein Khalil and decided that under no circumstances could we be convinced with it and that it was essential that Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah be informed of the details.
Haj Hussein: "Can we propose again Sayyed Hassan's suggestion as regards stopping airstrikes in return for stopping missile launchings for a certain period of time - even if the ground battle continues?"
Berri: "I believe things are changing now."
Haj Hussein: "Yesterday I talked to Colonel Wissam Al-Hassan, who reported the minister of defense's statement that the Lebanese Army cannot be deployed in the South Litany Region as long as arms are present there."
Berri: "Yet, what matters is the resolution. I don't really believe the Lebanese Army has a problem with the deployment there. Anyway, if no integrated plan is made, then this will be harder."
Haj Hussein: "If the resolution is issued in accordance with their proposals, then what do you think we shall do?"
Berri: "We'll refuse fulfilling it. I know this will be hard, but it won't be harder than declaring our defeat and accepting what they're trying to impose. Anyway, I suggest that we hold a detailed session here with Premier Siniora. As for you, inform Sayyed Hassan of what is going on."
At 6:00 PM, Haj Hussein returned to Ain el Tineh with a letter from Sayyed Hassan:
"-We only approve of a cease-fire in concurrence with an immediate withdrawal (of the "Israeli" forces from the South Litany Region).
-We approve of deploying the Lebanese Army, as well as reinforcing the UNIFIL in accordance with the current formula.
-We reject any international force under the Seventh Chapter.
-We reject emptying the South Litany Region of arms; instead, we agree not to display arms in public as in the case of the North Litany Region.
"I feel that they're planning to bluff us both," Sayyed Nasrallah's letter added, "Disregarding any resolution, Hizbullah still has this decision: If the Aggression against civilians stops, then Hizbullah will stop launching missiles (against occupied Palestine) - even if the (ground) operations continue."
Now MP Berri said that MP Saad Hariri had called him and said, "I talked to Premier Siniora, and we agreed that he wasn't going to send any letter to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)."
Secret... Stormy meeting with Siniora!
Afterwards, MP Berri called Premier Siniora, and they agreed on seeing each other immediately. In a while, Siniora and his senior aide Dr. Muhammad Shatah arrived.
Berri: "I've sent a letter to His Eminence and asked him to send Haj Hussein Khalil to this secret meeting. This is a turning point for us, so we must talk frankly and responsibly."
Siniora: "Ok, let's begin with what happened with Welch; he said the United States had been considering issuing a resolution, but then it decided it wanted two resolutions instead.
Today the session involved the following points:
1-The issuance of a resolution for stopping the aggressive acts
-The concurrence of several incidents
-The commencement of the deployment of the primary UNIFIL (whose number and
role haven't been specified so far) in concurrence with "Israel's" withdrawal to "the Blue Line"; emptying the South Litany region of any arms except the arms of the government and the international forces; elimination of any other, present arms; cease-fire concurring with the completion of this process
2-The verification that any arms do not re-enter Lebanon as Welch's statement proposes, "Breaking the siege cannot be exploited for uncivil acts;" the authority of the international forces to check the fulfillment of this process
3-Subjecting the UNIFIL to the Seventh Chapter; I told Welch that we were talking about the Sixth Chapter, yet he said we could refer to the Seventh Chapter in form only rather than fulfillment. "I believe the U.S. can do this even if we refuse. Anyway, the Seventh Chapter is to involve the number, scope of work, missions, and geographical range of the UNIFIL."
4-Referring the Issue of the Shebaa Farms to the publishing of the borders in accordance with the draft resolution; "I am still unconvinced.""
Siniora added, "So this is what the discussion with Welch involved, as for France, it does not know what kind of talks the U.S. has held with "Israel", the Minister of Defense Elias Al-Morr, and us. France has focused its talks on the readiness of the Lebanese Army, holding two sessions with Al-Morr: one before the session for the Ministerial Council and another today. Besides, today a prominent officer came along with the British ambassador and showed his relief since there was real readiness. Both men promised me they would keep up with this issue."
Berri: "Eventually, on what basis did they leave your office?"
Siniora: "I told them I would visit you before talking again to them, and they said they would see what they could do with respect to the issue of the Shebaa Farms and the details of the UNIFIL's work. As for the issue of withdrawal, it has become concurrent with the deployment of the Lebanese Army in the South Litany Region and emptying it of arms and armed fighters. All in all, the military operations are to be ceased before we make the rest of the steps and reach cease-fire."
Berri: "Forget about such talk, the problem with them is:
-Under which chapter is the UNIFIL to be formed? And what will its missions be?
-What formula controls the period separating between the ceasing of operations and cease-fire?
-And what is to be done about the Shebaa Farms?"
Siniora: "Well, it will be guaranteed that no airstrikes or progress on earth take place in return for stopping missile launchings; yet, it is expected that skirmishes will take place, which means combat will be limited to the frontline. A list can be made regarding what this stage signifies until the international force arrives."
Berri: "The problem with this scenario isn't with the ceasing of bombardment in return for the ceasing of missile launchings; instead, the problem is that this scenario might refer to a programmed resolution of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), whereby "Israel" may be given the right to stay in Lebanon - at least for a certain stage.
Welch said to me, "You have to consider that any kind of solution or forces deployment will need 3-4 weeks." Hereupon, we need to reflect on the issue of the return of the dislodged people. It is totally impossible for us to leave this issue unresolved - not even for a while because no one knows what's going to happen next. This might lead to a big problem."
Haj Hussein Khalil: We Don't Want to Sense Treachery
Haj Hussein Khalil: "Your Excellency, as the War began, you made the decision to function as a sovereign state on all Lebanese territories, as well as other decisions. This was proposed, too, as the War reached its climax, and it seemed that these decisions were made against us (the Resistance). Still, we accepted them and considered that the government and we were in the same boat. But now we see that Lebanon is being drawn to other stances, and we don't want to sense treachery. In the first place, the question is: Since "Israel" has made the decision to expand the War, why did David Welch come here?! And why did he claim proposing a possible settlement?!"
Siniora: "Well, Welch claimed he was surprised when I blamed him for the "Israeli" decision. I don't deny he was pretentious."
Haj Hussein: "We can only accept the formula of cease-fire in concurrence with complete withdrawal. As for the international forces, you asked Haj Ali Hassan Khalil to ask for our stance on increasing their number, and we agreed on that in accordance with what MP Berri proposed. We support him perfectly because under no circumstances can we accept any force under the Seventh Chapter. Concerning the Lebanese Army, we had a discussion with MP Berri, and we agreed on its deployment anywhere it wanted and on exercising its security authority in the South Litany Region - exactly as in the North Litany Region. Likewise, we agreed on displaying no arms in public. Nevertheless, it is impossible that we accept any breaks in, for this is an obvious "Israeli" request."
Berri: "And I remind you of the request made regarding handing over all of the watch-houses, which are 60-70 ones and lie on the borders facing occupied Palestine, to the Lebanese Army."
Siniora: "The rule says the Lebanese Army will have an unlimited authority when it's deployed."
Berri: "Fouad, why do you want us to behave as if we were more imperial than a king?! Do not forget that "Israeli" settlements are in front of us!"
Siniora: "This means if we get news of arms anywhere, we'll make the Lebanese Army break into that place and confiscate the arms."
Berri: "This cannot be applied in any of the Lebanese regions; we must treat the South like we treat the other regions. These conditions complicate things."
Siniora: "The Lebanese people have a problem with this point."
Hussein Khalil: "Does this mean punishing the Resistance men?!"
Siniora: "My concept is clear: There must be no arms - whether apparent or not - but the legitimate arms of the government."
Berri: "What you're saying complicates things."
Siniora: "Well, I'm telling you, if you're willing to continue the battle, then I'm going on. When Rice came, I told (Haj Muhammad) Fneish I would do what Hizbullah wanted, but he didn't answer me. Every day I'll question you about what you are doing to Lebanon. The situation we're in requires that we avoid bringing more problems to Lebanon. If the U.S. inquires about the authorities of the Lebanese Army, am I to start explaining the details of the apparent arms and the concealed ones?"
Berri: "You can simply say there are no apparent arms!"
Haj Hussein Khalil: "The discussion with you is developing! Previously it was about the UNIFIL and the security forces, and now you've begun demanding to make the Lebanese Army in charge of everything, and you're inquiring about details which I don't know who will ask about! Does "Israel" stick to the ceasing of its aggressions?!"
Siniora: "Later you can make a formula on the "Israeli" violations, and I'll defend your claim. But in return for this, what can I answer? Can I say that the unapparent arms are allowed?"
Berri: "Why are you making this scenario?! The Lebanese Army is fulfilling its duty, and that's it! Since we're Lebanese people, it's our role to treat the South just like any other Lebanese region."
Haj Hussein: "We're fighting to stop the Aggression against Lebanon. The Resistance men are making a legendary performance. It's true we don't want to obstruct the government's work; yet, neither do we want to harm the Resistance nor the government. We want you to stand by us and face this mal period of time. You must encourage us to maintain our solidity while in the battle.
"Al-Arabiya" Leaks News of Meeting... Meeting Ends Fast
Siniora (addressing his senior aide Muhammad Shatah), "Tell him how I talked to Welch today. I told him a thousand people were killed, and another thousand will be killed (if things keep going on like this). But I still have basic commitments."
Berri: "I'll say this quietly: A lot is common between us, and we've clarified some points. I don't approve of certain points Premier Siniora has made; the Lebanese Army must be deployed in the South in order to defend its people rather than to coerce them. Therefore, it must protect the security and awe of the place, confiscating any apparent arms - probably arms found on a car. But to break into certain places and houses is unacceptable. This does not happen in Beirut, so why should it happen in the South?!" Berri continued, "Your Excellency, do not forget that the armed people of the settlements are right in front of us. Even famers there carry firearms while on their tractors, so why are you exposing the issue of the Resistance men of the South as if they were plunderers?! This is unjustifiable!
The other point is: What does the ‘separating period' mean in case the UNSC issues its resolution in accordance with the proposed formula? I've learnt from you that missile launchings against "Israel" must be stopped in return for restricting airstrikes and maritime bombardment yet no withdrawal or cease-fire. Hereupon, we say that if the resolution is issued, then we're not going to accept any form of forces under the Seventh Chapter; neither are we going to accept the ceasing of operations if the "Israeli" troops remain anywhere on the territories they've reached!"
Shatah: "We have to determine exactly how to behave."
Berri: "Regarding what?! Are you going to mange this issue along with the UNSC and the U.S.?!"
Siniora: "Well, we can work on developing the idea."
Shatah: "This means we can try to find a formula for a resolution under any chapter, and we can discuss the separating period. We have to read the text on the Shebaa Farms because it'll be a part of the resolution even if we do not accept it. I don't think we can do anything about it."
Berri: "But we adhere to the proposed text in our basic draft."
Siniora: "So you're saying you refuse the resolution text. This is another point (of disagreement)."
Haj Hussein: "Because the text contradicts with the Lebanese convention."
Siniora: "In the first place, there's no text that accepts withdrawal from the Shebaa farms."
Berri: "Then what's important is that we maintain our decision."
Siniora: "We must differentiate between what we asked and what is proposed. We asked for withdrawal, but what is proposed is the publishing of the regions which the dispute involves, including the Shebaa Farms."
Berri: "But a while ago, you said that Welch hadn't refused this point and had told you he would go see what could happen. So let's wait."
Siniora: "I think we should maintain the negotiations and accept the resolution. Later on, we'll work on making our requests a part of the resolution."
Berri: "We accept what is convenient for us, and we refuse what threatens our basic matters."
Shatah: "We cannot accept or not as if this were an agreement between two sides. We can do nothing, and we need to know that main, grand forces are carrying out the negotiations. We can't impose our conditions."
Berri: "We're not terrified, and the outcomes of the actualities are certainly going to be for our sake. It's important that we stay firm. Anyway, why do we have to give the answer?! Let's wait for what Welch will get us; you've said you made him report your requests (to the U.S.)."
Siniora: "But I want to send a letter to the UNSC secretary general, asking him to reinforce the UNIFIL, expand its missions, and subject it to the Sixth Chapter."
Berri: "Once we formularize the paragraph on the Shebaa Farms this way, it will seem like we doubt their Lebanese identity. I insist on my stance, and I do not accept this."
Shatah: "I think we're simplifying things by making this approach."
Berri: "Nope, we're not. We are discussing the truth."
We could not reach a final formularization of a common stance since we knew that "Al-Arabiya Channel" had leaked news of the common meeting and tensed atmospheres before the end of the meeting. Haj Hussein left quickly, and we farewelled Siniora in the garage. Although we tried to find out who had leaked the news, we couldn't.
Episode 15:
-Welch ‘Resides' in Beirut... Lebanon Refuses U.S. Plan, Confuses UNSC
-Merkava Day in South... New "Israeli" Massacres
Source: As-Safir newspaper, Translated and eidted by moqawama.org
Siniora in Ain el Tineh Secret Meeting: What Are You Doing to Lebanon? Hussein Khalil Replies: Beware Treachery!
Welch: Make Use of Chance, Whole World Supports Us... Berri Replies: Losing So Much, What More Will We Lose?!
Every hour of negotiations equals a whole political age, which we have to save from any equations driving us to settlements that deprive us of our freedom and get us out of our land for the sake of ‘multi-loyal' sides. We have to stick to our land.
In the remaining days of the bloody War, we find ourselves in a local-international confrontation as certain Lebanese sides are double-faced, whipping us with their treachery.
Yet, being always ready to die makes us escape life's lure and sign no conviction papers. Thus, as MP Berri puts it on a hot day of negotiations, we "refuse... Refusing a hard resolution won't be harder than declaring our defeat and accepting what they're trying to impose."
Premier Siniora admits that David Welch has been "pretentious". Welch finds Lebanese sides that are all ears - ready to ‘perform' on a stage that might fall down any moment. Yet, the American Mister Welch works hard to create life in dead texts - just like "a fine make-up artist doing the make-up for a very ugly woman," as MP Berri puts it without any smile that may spoil the sadness of the current stage.
Ain el Tineh's diplomacy struggles on two frontlines, the more dangerous of which is the extremely hot, interior frontline that intersects with foreign interests. This is apparent through Premier Siniora's question, "What are you doing to Lebanon?"
Going delirious, ‘the July-August government premier' looks for answers to offer to the U.S.: "Once Welch inquires about the authorities of the Lebanese Army, what will I say? What about the apparent arms? And where are the concealed ones? What if we get news of arms somewhere?" Not a single question does he pose on a broken-hearted, torn country - a country whose youth have been dislodged, awaiting something that has not come yet... A month has taught them more than school has, for in this month, they've grown up several twenties of years. Still, it is required that we donate answers even before we can listen to the others' answers.
What is painful about this scene is that the governmental party feels it is not negotiating upon common ground with us. We want to be in the same boat, sailing it in a wide, blue sea, but the governmental waves are pushing it to the southern part of a river and placing it there...
Almost a month from the beginning of the War had passed by now, and the enemy commanders felt that the way they were directing the battle only led to actual failure and that the circumstances of the political protection for the demolition process targeting Lebanon had changed and ran out of time. As for the bet on a political investment forming an international resolution, which could compensate for some of "Israel's" losses, it required a shift of actualities. Hereupon, the miniature "Israeli" cabinet decided to approve of the "Israeli" Military's recommendation that the ground operations be expanded. "Israel" could not conceal the death or injury of more than sixty of its officers and soldiers in the battles of the Middle Sector itself.
On Wednesday, the ninth of August, 2006, MP Berri talked to us, first recalling what had happened with Premier Fouad Siniora the day before. MP Berri was still troubled by the probability of the division of the internal stance as a result of Siniora's latest meetings. Haj Ahmad Baalbecki, his son Haj Abdullah Baalbecki, and I brought into discussion MP Berri's personal security and some threats that needed to be considered.
And Berri said, "I'm going to live one life - not two. They're trying to stop me from my political activity. The security leaks, Condoleezza Rice's stance and advice (for the political allies of the United States) not to meet with me, the danger of my work in public without precautions: All these are not going to make me betray myself and my people. Yesterday, I watched the funeral of four martyrs of the Amal Movement and "the Lebanese Civil Defense"; do I not equal them? Imam Ghazali (a famous Muslim theologian and philosopher) says, "It is not only the mind that creates faith, for faith is created when Allah enlightens souls." I have begun to sense a kind of confidence."
Having heard this, we left without making any further discussion.
Berri Replies to Welch's Stress: What More Will We Lose?!
Having held several regular meetings, MP Berri met with the United States Assistant Secretary of State David Welch, who was accompanied by the U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman and a number of assistants. Welch first reiterated the ‘importance of' the American-French draft resolution, speaking as if it had been the ‘possible chance' to resolve our case. Besides, Welch saw it was "odd" that Lebanon "hadn't made use of this chance yet, and he proposed confusing adjustments with no execution mechanisms, trying to make use of his talk to show that he was discussing these adjustments without approving of them.
Eventually, he insisted on the points here below:
- He spoke about stopping military acts rather than announcing cease-fire.
- Welch didn't mention the "Israeli" withdrawal beyond "the Blue Line".
- He added that a resolution under the Seventh Chapter was to be issued regarding the expansion of the ‘new' United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL); however, the Sixth Chapter's content was to be applied, and the U.S. was to guarantee the fulfillment of the resolution.
- After Welch had inquired about the number of the Lebanese Army's troops, regiments, and ordnance, he mentioned this: As the Lebanese Army gets deployed (in the South) along with the ‘new' UNIFIL, "Israel" begins to withdraw from the place (even though this might require time in order to continue forming the UNIFIL in case the resolution is issued.)
- Welch demanded emptying the South Litany Region of arms and armed men.
- He pointed out that the Shebaa Farms were to be subjected to what the American-French plan stated.
Finally, Mister Welch said, "Although the U.S. has delayed the session for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the whole world stands by the U.S. plan. This is going to be very hard, and you must accept this."
Berri: "Mr. Welch, you've come up with nothing new. You are a fine make-up artist, but you only know how to do the make-up for a very ugly woman! All you've said does not change the fact that only "Israel" can benefit from this resolution and make a political gain instead of its loss of the battle. Hence, this is an impossible equation. We've already paid so much, so what more will we lose?! And what things are going to be harder?!"
Now the meeting with Welch ended, and no agreement was made...
Afterwards, Haj Hussein Khalil and I went to MP Berri's office, where he was on the phone with Premier Siniora, informing Siniora of his discussion with Welch, "Welch has actually implied that you might have been convinced with some of his ideas and that you accepted the proposed formula." Berri added, "When we discussed deploying the biggest number of the Lebanese Army's troops, Hizbullah and I encouraged such act. But now we're being blackmailed by foreign sides that want to impose their conditions and ignore our requests."
Siniora: "Well, I'll try to make a new, adjusted letter regarding the international resolution's standard for the UNIFIL, and it'll be in accordance with the seven standards."
"But even in case Welch accepts the content," replied Berri, "this does not change what he said about issuing the resolution under the Seventh Chapter. Anyway, we must reflect on things well, and we shall consult each other and talk again. What you're proposing isn't enough because a letter like this will mean that you accept the remaining part of the (draft resolution's) formula."
Siniora: "Yet things are hard, and we need to be realistic. I even believe this proposal bears a positive development."
Berri: "This ‘positive development' is as dangerous as the original draft resolution!"
Berri: Not to Execute Issued Resolution
MP Berri spoke to MP Saad Hariri, "There's a big ‘map', so we mustn't allow things to go on like this if we wish to avoid creating a catastrophe for the internal relations. In fact, the plan contains many gaps serving "Israel", especially the points regarding the delayed withdrawal from the occupied regions and the period it will take to form the UNIFIL, as well as other points. I hope that you reflect on this issue before we talk again. I'll meet with Premier Siniora later."
Then, we discussed the proposed formula with Haj Hussein Khalil and decided that under no circumstances could we be convinced with it and that it was essential that Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah be informed of the details.
Haj Hussein: "Can we propose again Sayyed Hassan's suggestion as regards stopping airstrikes in return for stopping missile launchings for a certain period of time - even if the ground battle continues?"
Berri: "I believe things are changing now."
Haj Hussein: "Yesterday I talked to Colonel Wissam Al-Hassan, who reported the minister of defense's statement that the Lebanese Army cannot be deployed in the South Litany Region as long as arms are present there."
Berri: "Yet, what matters is the resolution. I don't really believe the Lebanese Army has a problem with the deployment there. Anyway, if no integrated plan is made, then this will be harder."
Haj Hussein: "If the resolution is issued in accordance with their proposals, then what do you think we shall do?"
Berri: "We'll refuse fulfilling it. I know this will be hard, but it won't be harder than declaring our defeat and accepting what they're trying to impose. Anyway, I suggest that we hold a detailed session here with Premier Siniora. As for you, inform Sayyed Hassan of what is going on."
At 6:00 PM, Haj Hussein returned to Ain el Tineh with a letter from Sayyed Hassan:
"-We only approve of a cease-fire in concurrence with an immediate withdrawal (of the "Israeli" forces from the South Litany Region).
-We approve of deploying the Lebanese Army, as well as reinforcing the UNIFIL in accordance with the current formula.
-We reject any international force under the Seventh Chapter.
-We reject emptying the South Litany Region of arms; instead, we agree not to display arms in public as in the case of the North Litany Region.
"I feel that they're planning to bluff us both," Sayyed Nasrallah's letter added, "Disregarding any resolution, Hizbullah still has this decision: If the Aggression against civilians stops, then Hizbullah will stop launching missiles (against occupied Palestine) - even if the (ground) operations continue."
Now MP Berri said that MP Saad Hariri had called him and said, "I talked to Premier Siniora, and we agreed that he wasn't going to send any letter to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)."
Secret... Stormy meeting with Siniora!
Afterwards, MP Berri called Premier Siniora, and they agreed on seeing each other immediately. In a while, Siniora and his senior aide Dr. Muhammad Shatah arrived.
Berri: "I've sent a letter to His Eminence and asked him to send Haj Hussein Khalil to this secret meeting. This is a turning point for us, so we must talk frankly and responsibly."
Siniora: "Ok, let's begin with what happened with Welch; he said the United States had been considering issuing a resolution, but then it decided it wanted two resolutions instead.
Today the session involved the following points:
1-The issuance of a resolution for stopping the aggressive acts
-The concurrence of several incidents
-The commencement of the deployment of the primary UNIFIL (whose number and
role haven't been specified so far) in concurrence with "Israel's" withdrawal to "the Blue Line"; emptying the South Litany region of any arms except the arms of the government and the international forces; elimination of any other, present arms; cease-fire concurring with the completion of this process
2-The verification that any arms do not re-enter Lebanon as Welch's statement proposes, "Breaking the siege cannot be exploited for uncivil acts;" the authority of the international forces to check the fulfillment of this process
3-Subjecting the UNIFIL to the Seventh Chapter; I told Welch that we were talking about the Sixth Chapter, yet he said we could refer to the Seventh Chapter in form only rather than fulfillment. "I believe the U.S. can do this even if we refuse. Anyway, the Seventh Chapter is to involve the number, scope of work, missions, and geographical range of the UNIFIL."
4-Referring the Issue of the Shebaa Farms to the publishing of the borders in accordance with the draft resolution; "I am still unconvinced.""
Siniora added, "So this is what the discussion with Welch involved, as for France, it does not know what kind of talks the U.S. has held with "Israel", the Minister of Defense Elias Al-Morr, and us. France has focused its talks on the readiness of the Lebanese Army, holding two sessions with Al-Morr: one before the session for the Ministerial Council and another today. Besides, today a prominent officer came along with the British ambassador and showed his relief since there was real readiness. Both men promised me they would keep up with this issue."
Berri: "Eventually, on what basis did they leave your office?"
Siniora: "I told them I would visit you before talking again to them, and they said they would see what they could do with respect to the issue of the Shebaa Farms and the details of the UNIFIL's work. As for the issue of withdrawal, it has become concurrent with the deployment of the Lebanese Army in the South Litany Region and emptying it of arms and armed fighters. All in all, the military operations are to be ceased before we make the rest of the steps and reach cease-fire."
Berri: "Forget about such talk, the problem with them is:
-Under which chapter is the UNIFIL to be formed? And what will its missions be?
-What formula controls the period separating between the ceasing of operations and cease-fire?
-And what is to be done about the Shebaa Farms?"
Siniora: "Well, it will be guaranteed that no airstrikes or progress on earth take place in return for stopping missile launchings; yet, it is expected that skirmishes will take place, which means combat will be limited to the frontline. A list can be made regarding what this stage signifies until the international force arrives."
Berri: "The problem with this scenario isn't with the ceasing of bombardment in return for the ceasing of missile launchings; instead, the problem is that this scenario might refer to a programmed resolution of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), whereby "Israel" may be given the right to stay in Lebanon - at least for a certain stage.
Welch said to me, "You have to consider that any kind of solution or forces deployment will need 3-4 weeks." Hereupon, we need to reflect on the issue of the return of the dislodged people. It is totally impossible for us to leave this issue unresolved - not even for a while because no one knows what's going to happen next. This might lead to a big problem."
Haj Hussein Khalil: We Don't Want to Sense Treachery
Haj Hussein Khalil: "Your Excellency, as the War began, you made the decision to function as a sovereign state on all Lebanese territories, as well as other decisions. This was proposed, too, as the War reached its climax, and it seemed that these decisions were made against us (the Resistance). Still, we accepted them and considered that the government and we were in the same boat. But now we see that Lebanon is being drawn to other stances, and we don't want to sense treachery. In the first place, the question is: Since "Israel" has made the decision to expand the War, why did David Welch come here?! And why did he claim proposing a possible settlement?!"
Siniora: "Well, Welch claimed he was surprised when I blamed him for the "Israeli" decision. I don't deny he was pretentious."
Haj Hussein: "We can only accept the formula of cease-fire in concurrence with complete withdrawal. As for the international forces, you asked Haj Ali Hassan Khalil to ask for our stance on increasing their number, and we agreed on that in accordance with what MP Berri proposed. We support him perfectly because under no circumstances can we accept any force under the Seventh Chapter. Concerning the Lebanese Army, we had a discussion with MP Berri, and we agreed on its deployment anywhere it wanted and on exercising its security authority in the South Litany Region - exactly as in the North Litany Region. Likewise, we agreed on displaying no arms in public. Nevertheless, it is impossible that we accept any breaks in, for this is an obvious "Israeli" request."
Berri: "And I remind you of the request made regarding handing over all of the watch-houses, which are 60-70 ones and lie on the borders facing occupied Palestine, to the Lebanese Army."
Siniora: "The rule says the Lebanese Army will have an unlimited authority when it's deployed."
Berri: "Fouad, why do you want us to behave as if we were more imperial than a king?! Do not forget that "Israeli" settlements are in front of us!"
Siniora: "This means if we get news of arms anywhere, we'll make the Lebanese Army break into that place and confiscate the arms."
Berri: "This cannot be applied in any of the Lebanese regions; we must treat the South like we treat the other regions. These conditions complicate things."
Siniora: "The Lebanese people have a problem with this point."
Hussein Khalil: "Does this mean punishing the Resistance men?!"
Siniora: "My concept is clear: There must be no arms - whether apparent or not - but the legitimate arms of the government."
Berri: "What you're saying complicates things."
Siniora: "Well, I'm telling you, if you're willing to continue the battle, then I'm going on. When Rice came, I told (Haj Muhammad) Fneish I would do what Hizbullah wanted, but he didn't answer me. Every day I'll question you about what you are doing to Lebanon. The situation we're in requires that we avoid bringing more problems to Lebanon. If the U.S. inquires about the authorities of the Lebanese Army, am I to start explaining the details of the apparent arms and the concealed ones?"
Berri: "You can simply say there are no apparent arms!"
Haj Hussein Khalil: "The discussion with you is developing! Previously it was about the UNIFIL and the security forces, and now you've begun demanding to make the Lebanese Army in charge of everything, and you're inquiring about details which I don't know who will ask about! Does "Israel" stick to the ceasing of its aggressions?!"
Siniora: "Later you can make a formula on the "Israeli" violations, and I'll defend your claim. But in return for this, what can I answer? Can I say that the unapparent arms are allowed?"
Berri: "Why are you making this scenario?! The Lebanese Army is fulfilling its duty, and that's it! Since we're Lebanese people, it's our role to treat the South just like any other Lebanese region."
Haj Hussein: "We're fighting to stop the Aggression against Lebanon. The Resistance men are making a legendary performance. It's true we don't want to obstruct the government's work; yet, neither do we want to harm the Resistance nor the government. We want you to stand by us and face this mal period of time. You must encourage us to maintain our solidity while in the battle.
"Al-Arabiya" Leaks News of Meeting... Meeting Ends Fast
Siniora (addressing his senior aide Muhammad Shatah), "Tell him how I talked to Welch today. I told him a thousand people were killed, and another thousand will be killed (if things keep going on like this). But I still have basic commitments."
Berri: "I'll say this quietly: A lot is common between us, and we've clarified some points. I don't approve of certain points Premier Siniora has made; the Lebanese Army must be deployed in the South in order to defend its people rather than to coerce them. Therefore, it must protect the security and awe of the place, confiscating any apparent arms - probably arms found on a car. But to break into certain places and houses is unacceptable. This does not happen in Beirut, so why should it happen in the South?!" Berri continued, "Your Excellency, do not forget that the armed people of the settlements are right in front of us. Even famers there carry firearms while on their tractors, so why are you exposing the issue of the Resistance men of the South as if they were plunderers?! This is unjustifiable!
The other point is: What does the ‘separating period' mean in case the UNSC issues its resolution in accordance with the proposed formula? I've learnt from you that missile launchings against "Israel" must be stopped in return for restricting airstrikes and maritime bombardment yet no withdrawal or cease-fire. Hereupon, we say that if the resolution is issued, then we're not going to accept any form of forces under the Seventh Chapter; neither are we going to accept the ceasing of operations if the "Israeli" troops remain anywhere on the territories they've reached!"
Shatah: "We have to determine exactly how to behave."
Berri: "Regarding what?! Are you going to mange this issue along with the UNSC and the U.S.?!"
Siniora: "Well, we can work on developing the idea."
Shatah: "This means we can try to find a formula for a resolution under any chapter, and we can discuss the separating period. We have to read the text on the Shebaa Farms because it'll be a part of the resolution even if we do not accept it. I don't think we can do anything about it."
Berri: "But we adhere to the proposed text in our basic draft."
Siniora: "So you're saying you refuse the resolution text. This is another point (of disagreement)."
Haj Hussein: "Because the text contradicts with the Lebanese convention."
Siniora: "In the first place, there's no text that accepts withdrawal from the Shebaa farms."
Berri: "Then what's important is that we maintain our decision."
Siniora: "We must differentiate between what we asked and what is proposed. We asked for withdrawal, but what is proposed is the publishing of the regions which the dispute involves, including the Shebaa Farms."
Berri: "But a while ago, you said that Welch hadn't refused this point and had told you he would go see what could happen. So let's wait."
Siniora: "I think we should maintain the negotiations and accept the resolution. Later on, we'll work on making our requests a part of the resolution."
Berri: "We accept what is convenient for us, and we refuse what threatens our basic matters."
Shatah: "We cannot accept or not as if this were an agreement between two sides. We can do nothing, and we need to know that main, grand forces are carrying out the negotiations. We can't impose our conditions."
Berri: "We're not terrified, and the outcomes of the actualities are certainly going to be for our sake. It's important that we stay firm. Anyway, why do we have to give the answer?! Let's wait for what Welch will get us; you've said you made him report your requests (to the U.S.)."
Siniora: "But I want to send a letter to the UNSC secretary general, asking him to reinforce the UNIFIL, expand its missions, and subject it to the Sixth Chapter."
Berri: "Once we formularize the paragraph on the Shebaa Farms this way, it will seem like we doubt their Lebanese identity. I insist on my stance, and I do not accept this."
Shatah: "I think we're simplifying things by making this approach."
Berri: "Nope, we're not. We are discussing the truth."
We could not reach a final formularization of a common stance since we knew that "Al-Arabiya Channel" had leaked news of the common meeting and tensed atmospheres before the end of the meeting. Haj Hussein left quickly, and we farewelled Siniora in the garage. Although we tried to find out who had leaked the news, we couldn't.
Episode 15:
-Welch ‘Resides' in Beirut... Lebanon Refuses U.S. Plan, Confuses UNSC
-Merkava Day in South... New "Israeli" Massacres
Source: As-Safir newspaper, Translated and eidted by moqawama.org
