Negotiations of August the 10th and ’’Tea Serving’’ Scandal in Marjayoun (Episode 15)
TRANSLATED from Lebanese Daily As-Safir- Local Editor
Below are the negotiations opened on the 10th of August with Welch, Emié and Siniora! Berri warns of a big trap set to the Resistance: our biggest problem is the suspicious positions of some Lebanese counterparts.
Now that the events of August are bluntly and plainly written down on paper, waiting for curious readers, one page among all catches our eyes; a page that recites the events of the damned day when Tea was served under the roof of a major barrack. This is the story of Marjayoun tea that was "brewed" and poured to strangers who stained a virtuous southern land, the story of a scandalous act perpetrated at leadership level in Beirut, an act of surrender that took place inside the barrack afterwards.
Back then, the battle field in Marjayoun was witnessing a victorious performance when several Merkava tanks were squashed; a scene had the Merkava developer ("Israel" Tal) saw, would have died of broken heart. Up against this scenery of defeat, the Lebanese security forces were being obliged to abide by the "humiliating orders" that fragmented a system whose soldiers believe in defending the so-called "barrack honor".
But why the reproach, at a time the Tea scandal still reflects the behavior of some political parties that equate the country to the barrack and the surrendered soldiers to its members who must be hospitable at the expense of their patriotism. Parties that believe this war isn't of our business since it is linked to the conflicts of Syria and Iran, as said by MP Saad el Hariri who was spotted in New York complicating matters at the international headquarter. PM Siniora wasn't any less complicated, for his positions in public differed from those declared in private sessions, according to the Qatari Foreign affairs minister.
Positions that president Berri regarded as "suspicious ... this is our biggest problem, it is worse than the war itself, but we are trying to fix it in the best way we can."
On the 10th of august, the war became tense on the political front, which led Welch to obtain an accommodation document to stay in Beirut and frame a solution in favor of Israel's interests.
After PM Siniora and Dr. Mohammad Shatah left Ain el Tini on Wednesday evening, (8/9/2006), Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah delivered a speech on Al-Manar TV, in which he responded to the Israeli mini cabinet decision to expand the ground war and said that the resistance will turn the South into a cemetery for Israeli soldiers, and in case they managed to enter any of the villages, they'll pay a high price and flee.
In reference to the political communications wave, Nasrallah addressed the government by saying that great accomplishments are being achieved on the battle field, thus supporting you in the negotiations and the preservation of national rights should result in a political will equivalent to that of the combatants and the steadfastness of the people, "We won't believe what was said by the US. Representative at the UN, John Bolton, that Lebanon's reticence on the American - French resolution surprised him at a time it was jointly drafted by the governments of "Israel" and Lebanon," Nasrallah said. "We will settle for Berri's full and precise perusal of the resolution," he added.
Sayyed's speech that night was an extension of the session held with PM Saniora, and mirrored the integration of roles and performance in the management of all the battle's aspects.
Tea scandal of Marjayoun
At the break of dawn, on Thursday 10/8/2006, the Israeli army took its ground expansion decision into action, and started expanding from the eastern strip of Khiyam towards Marjayoun. When we met in Ain el Tini, flamed Merkavas footages in Khiyam and Marjayoun were broadcasted on satellite channels, and after talking with youth staying in that region, we spread the facts of the Israeli groups' collapse that got muddled as soon as they went in and then took shelter in Marjayoun barrack.
Joint Lebanese security forces were in that barrack, when they received orders not to act against the Israeli incursion into the barrack, which allowed the Israelis to search it all, seize weapons, and took a seat aside to Lebanese officers. The official political stance to this incident put down many Lebanese, for it belittled the image of Lebanese security officers, after watching their humiliating reaction on TV. Given that many phone calls were made among PM Siniora, MP Saad Hariri and the ministers of interior and defense in order to fix it, but President Berri and Hezbollah weren't satisfied with the results.
President Berri held several meetings, one with former president Amin Gemayyel who listened well to the updates of the battle field and to the analysis that we are too close to achieve a historic victory if we continue to be patient and not back down in our political performance to accept the 7 points. I personally was a witness on Gemayel's aye and tribute to what was proposed. Thereon, Berri cruelly commented on what Saad el Hariri aired during a televised interview, that Lebanon has nothing to do with this war which he related to Syria and Iran conflicts, and all he spoke about is how to impose the government's power on all the areas of the South and how to face up to those who want to interfere in Lebanese affairs, without even referring to the confrontations going on in the South.
During the day, internal communications focused on promoting the acceptance of the American-French draft resolution with some modifications applied, while external ones focused on healing Israel's wounds in order to turn the corner by the upcoming days with minimal losses.
All through the morning I haven't contacted Haj Hussein el Khalil, and then I received a missive from him asking to update him with the meetings and communications. Meanwhile, Saad el Hariri called President Berri twice to submit some ideas.
I wrote back to Haj Hussein, on the same paper he sent, citing the proposals of MP Hariri, (refer to the letters between Haj Hussien and me).
At 10 p.m., PM Siniora arrived in Ain el Tini, and started complaining about the difficulties we are facing in the Security Council and that we must look for an out and take a softer line. He said that:
1- Regarding Shebaa farms, we take the American-French proposal and modify it later on.
2- There's an insistence to have international forces under Chapter VII.
3- There will be a time interval between the cessation of the aggression and the Israeli withdrawal, and we must coordinate together the way we are going to deal with this.
"As for Shebaa farms,we must grab hold to the Lebanese proposal, and refuse UNIFIL or multinational forces under Chapter VII, I conveyed this to Hariri today, as during the time interval we must declare that the resistance has the right to attack Israeli forces as long as they are still present on our premises." Berri said.
"But what is proposed is the elimination of any armed presence aside from the Lebanese army and UNIFIL," Siniora replied.
"This is part of a bigger plan that controls the statuses of everyone, what the Americans are doing to serve "Israel" cannot be accepted by us; the role of resistance shall not be downplayed as long as occupation is still there." Berri answered.
PM Siniora left with the belief that the resolution will be issued as desired by the Americans, but he promised President Berri not to give any approval without revisiting him to reach a unified formula.
Public talks different from private talks
Friday morning, in 11/8/2006, MP Ali Ammar was present when president Berri told us bitterly that one of the hardest situations he faces is when we are in trouble with interior counterparts, referring to the negative atmosphere of the meeting with Siniora yesterday night.
President Berri received the Iranian ambassador, Mohammad Riza Shibani who made a late phone call last night to appoint an urgent meeting. Shibani reported that the Qatari foreign affairs minister, Hamad Bin Jasem, a member of the Arab delegation to the U.N. has informed them of his confusion with the Lebanese official position, for every Lebanese representative has his own position, whether Tarek Mitri, the ambassador or other deputies. According to Bin Jasem, Hariri is complicating the matters with his contacts, and Siniora is stating contradicting stances, he quoted, "Hariri contacted some officials including members from the Arab delegation, and expressed the need of a multinational force under Chapter VII, so Berri is required to revise and regulate the Lebanese position, noting that the Lebanese ambassador to the U.N. is weak and bemused, he even asked his Qatari fellow not to propose any modifications in favor of Lebanon." the Iranian ambassador has also reported that the Americans will accept multinational forces with no written indication of ChapterVII in the resolution, instead Kofi Anan will mention it in orally his speech.
France refused this formulation since it will be heading the multinational force, so it demanded the usage of clear terms in the resolution and the report. The Iranian ambassador inquired about the Lebanese position to report back to his leadership and their deputy at the UN.
"I am acquainted with the suspicious standpoints of some Lebanese leaders, this is our biggest problem which is worse than the war itself, but we are trying to fix it in the best way we can, we are holding daily meetings so we don't reach a dead end. As for the deployment of multinational forces under Chapter VII, I totally refuse it whether written or oral. This is a trap set to excavate our prudence and inflicts danger on the resistance and our future," Berri replied.
"The proposal concerning Shebaa recommends the follow-up of the Secretary General on this issue which will be considered as a general political solution, and the Qatari foreign affairs minister conveyed the proposal to the Israeli delegation at the U.N. in order to get Israel's approval," The Iranian ambassador added.
"I understood nothing, this issue to be negotiated, and in the light of their reactions to other provisions and the fulfillment of our demands, then we can intensify or loosen our viewpoints," Berri commented.
The Iranian ambassador took notes and added that the Russians don't care much about the official Lebanese stance yet it's following ours, and that the Chinese position is much better and serves our interests more.
Later, President Berri met with the French ambassador, Bernard Émié who requested a meeting before the arrival of the Ass. Sec. of State, David Welch, has conveyed the greetings of the French president Jacques Chirac and reported that France supports the following resolution:
1- Cease of hostile acts.
2- Deployment of the Lebanese army in the south.
3- Reinforcing UNIFIL troops without referring to Chapter VII or multinational forces.
4- No interference in the issue of disarmament in South Litani,
5- Adding the political main principles mentioned in the body of the American -
French draft resolution.
"What about Shebaa Farms?" Berri snapped.
"Something can be done to handle their case to the secretary general who will file it later," Émié said.
"How long will be the time interval that separates the cease of fire from the Israeli withdrawal behind the blue line? Let's say:
- In 12 august, the resolution to cease hostile acts is issued
- In 20 august: the Lebanese army deploys in the south, UNIFIL is reinforced, and "Israel" withdraws behind the blue line." Berri suggested.
"Explaining that takes time," Émié responded.
"I am assuming this because we have to bring to our minds the possibility of an attack against the Israeli forces during the time interval, how will they respond? Will they be shelling bombs again?" Berri wondered.
Émié, compiling all what have been said, asked Berri : "Are there anymore remarks, and can we say that you are okay with what I proposed?"
"No, I can't state my final position without having the final draft of the resolution, we have to read it word by word, in addition that we didn't mention the return of the displaced, which is a fundamental issue too", Berri said.
"I agree," said Émié.
Berri- Welch : A hectic, fruitful, excellent meeting
Around 2:00 p.m., Assistant Secretary Of State came along with Ambassador Jeffrey Fetlman.
President Berri commenced the meeting by talking about the night bombing of Dahyé and the restraints we bump into each time we are close to a solution, and then asked Welch: "have you done what you promised us to doregarding Shebaa Farms?"
Welch: "We did nothing; the text remains as is in the draft."
Berri: "You don't want the Resistance to win; you take "Israel" into account for each detail."
Welch: "You make our job harsh and painful."
Berri: "The messages were interpreted by shedding blood in Chiyah, "Israel" is saying in the media that they are fighting on behalf of the U.S. and they never willed to launch a war."
Welch: "let's go straight to the subject, why are you against chapter VII?"
Berri: "Because you're against chapter VI."
Welch: "But how will UNIFIL forces function and defend themselves?"
Berri: "U.N. resolution 426 indicates their right to defend themselves under Chapter VI, in all cases, the French will head the forces and they reported to me that they will go for Chapter VI."
Welch: "I want to assure that no multinational forces will be deployed, we still have to agree under which chapter, and we'll be observing the final resolution."
Berri : "Let it be 6.25."
Welch: "PM Siniora suggested 6.90."
Berri: "Concerning the time interval between the cessation of hostile acts and the withdrawal, what do you suppose will happen between 12 and 20 august?"
Welch: "PM Siniora didn't go into the details of this issue."
Berri: "No, this is a crucial point we have to agree upon, it says:
1- Hezbollah won't fire missiles to Israel.
2- "Israel" is prohibited to use its war planes, vessels, artillery, and missiles to bomb facilities and institutions.
3- If any attacks occurred against Israeli troops within the borders of an occupied land, "Israel" is not allowed to bombard villages and residential places.
4- Displaced people will return back to their homes."
Welch looked confused and unprepared to respond, he said he previously didn't pay enough attention to this issue and Siniora didn't raise this issue, then he chatted with his legal consultant and finally said: "You have point."
Berri added: "I being objective, because "Israel" can give any attack against it as a pretext to remain in the occupied land, and therefore we have to assume that someone will exploit the delay in withdrawal to their own interest, as reinforcements might be delayed too.
Welch: "We are running out of time, this issue stalls the resolution, because it requires me to fly back to Israel."
Berri: "Mr. Welch, I am saying the right thing, I have been meeting with Siniora for two days to draw interest to this point, as I told him that he did the right thing to return from Larnaka to discuss this, because I need the U.N. and yourselves to guarantee the Israeli withdrawal on time."
Welch: "We are thinking of proposing the following:
- "Israel" is prohibited to use its warplanes and to bombard.
- Hezbolla is prohibited to fire missles.
- The government keeps track of Hezbollah not to rearm itself.
- As for the time interval issue, this is new."
Berri, while miming to Ali Hamdan to prepare some papers, said: "I suggest we refer in this case to the text of "April's Understanding", and we both guarantee its implementation along with the U.N."
Then Welch gesticulated to his legal consultant who brought the file and read "April Understating".
Welch: "Due to time constraints, in case the resolution is out today, what do you think about asking Condoleezza Rice, when voting at the Security Council, to detail the guaranty and explicitly mention that the time interval is subject to the rules cited in April's agreement in 1996?
Berri, after taking this commitment, said: "In all cases, I may have exceeded the powers of others, this should be also discussed with the prime minister, but I need a guaranty on these things because «Hezbollah» and resistance appointed me as responsible, while the rest can be discussed with PM Siniora to choose whatever he wants. We have hopes of Ms. Rice, but things are not in our hands, in all cases, she will definitely have consultations, but I'd like to quote an Arab philosopher ( Ibn Moqafaa') who was asked to define who the king was, and he answered: the retinue is the real king, in other words, Rice will do whatever you (Welch) will construct.
Welch: As this meeting is hectic, it is fruitful and excellent too.
Source: As-Safir newspaper, Translated and edited by moqawama.org
Below are the negotiations opened on the 10th of August with Welch, Emié and Siniora! Berri warns of a big trap set to the Resistance: our biggest problem is the suspicious positions of some Lebanese counterparts.
Now that the events of August are bluntly and plainly written down on paper, waiting for curious readers, one page among all catches our eyes; a page that recites the events of the damned day when Tea was served under the roof of a major barrack. This is the story of Marjayoun tea that was "brewed" and poured to strangers who stained a virtuous southern land, the story of a scandalous act perpetrated at leadership level in Beirut, an act of surrender that took place inside the barrack afterwards.
Back then, the battle field in Marjayoun was witnessing a victorious performance when several Merkava tanks were squashed; a scene had the Merkava developer ("Israel" Tal) saw, would have died of broken heart. Up against this scenery of defeat, the Lebanese security forces were being obliged to abide by the "humiliating orders" that fragmented a system whose soldiers believe in defending the so-called "barrack honor".
But why the reproach, at a time the Tea scandal still reflects the behavior of some political parties that equate the country to the barrack and the surrendered soldiers to its members who must be hospitable at the expense of their patriotism. Parties that believe this war isn't of our business since it is linked to the conflicts of Syria and Iran, as said by MP Saad el Hariri who was spotted in New York complicating matters at the international headquarter. PM Siniora wasn't any less complicated, for his positions in public differed from those declared in private sessions, according to the Qatari Foreign affairs minister.
Positions that president Berri regarded as "suspicious ... this is our biggest problem, it is worse than the war itself, but we are trying to fix it in the best way we can."
On the 10th of august, the war became tense on the political front, which led Welch to obtain an accommodation document to stay in Beirut and frame a solution in favor of Israel's interests.
After PM Siniora and Dr. Mohammad Shatah left Ain el Tini on Wednesday evening, (8/9/2006), Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah delivered a speech on Al-Manar TV, in which he responded to the Israeli mini cabinet decision to expand the ground war and said that the resistance will turn the South into a cemetery for Israeli soldiers, and in case they managed to enter any of the villages, they'll pay a high price and flee.
In reference to the political communications wave, Nasrallah addressed the government by saying that great accomplishments are being achieved on the battle field, thus supporting you in the negotiations and the preservation of national rights should result in a political will equivalent to that of the combatants and the steadfastness of the people, "We won't believe what was said by the US. Representative at the UN, John Bolton, that Lebanon's reticence on the American - French resolution surprised him at a time it was jointly drafted by the governments of "Israel" and Lebanon," Nasrallah said. "We will settle for Berri's full and precise perusal of the resolution," he added.
Sayyed's speech that night was an extension of the session held with PM Saniora, and mirrored the integration of roles and performance in the management of all the battle's aspects.
Tea scandal of Marjayoun
At the break of dawn, on Thursday 10/8/2006, the Israeli army took its ground expansion decision into action, and started expanding from the eastern strip of Khiyam towards Marjayoun. When we met in Ain el Tini, flamed Merkavas footages in Khiyam and Marjayoun were broadcasted on satellite channels, and after talking with youth staying in that region, we spread the facts of the Israeli groups' collapse that got muddled as soon as they went in and then took shelter in Marjayoun barrack.
Joint Lebanese security forces were in that barrack, when they received orders not to act against the Israeli incursion into the barrack, which allowed the Israelis to search it all, seize weapons, and took a seat aside to Lebanese officers. The official political stance to this incident put down many Lebanese, for it belittled the image of Lebanese security officers, after watching their humiliating reaction on TV. Given that many phone calls were made among PM Siniora, MP Saad Hariri and the ministers of interior and defense in order to fix it, but President Berri and Hezbollah weren't satisfied with the results.
President Berri held several meetings, one with former president Amin Gemayyel who listened well to the updates of the battle field and to the analysis that we are too close to achieve a historic victory if we continue to be patient and not back down in our political performance to accept the 7 points. I personally was a witness on Gemayel's aye and tribute to what was proposed. Thereon, Berri cruelly commented on what Saad el Hariri aired during a televised interview, that Lebanon has nothing to do with this war which he related to Syria and Iran conflicts, and all he spoke about is how to impose the government's power on all the areas of the South and how to face up to those who want to interfere in Lebanese affairs, without even referring to the confrontations going on in the South.
During the day, internal communications focused on promoting the acceptance of the American-French draft resolution with some modifications applied, while external ones focused on healing Israel's wounds in order to turn the corner by the upcoming days with minimal losses.
All through the morning I haven't contacted Haj Hussein el Khalil, and then I received a missive from him asking to update him with the meetings and communications. Meanwhile, Saad el Hariri called President Berri twice to submit some ideas.
I wrote back to Haj Hussein, on the same paper he sent, citing the proposals of MP Hariri, (refer to the letters between Haj Hussien and me).
At 10 p.m., PM Siniora arrived in Ain el Tini, and started complaining about the difficulties we are facing in the Security Council and that we must look for an out and take a softer line. He said that:
1- Regarding Shebaa farms, we take the American-French proposal and modify it later on.
2- There's an insistence to have international forces under Chapter VII.
3- There will be a time interval between the cessation of the aggression and the Israeli withdrawal, and we must coordinate together the way we are going to deal with this.
"As for Shebaa farms,we must grab hold to the Lebanese proposal, and refuse UNIFIL or multinational forces under Chapter VII, I conveyed this to Hariri today, as during the time interval we must declare that the resistance has the right to attack Israeli forces as long as they are still present on our premises." Berri said.
"But what is proposed is the elimination of any armed presence aside from the Lebanese army and UNIFIL," Siniora replied.
"This is part of a bigger plan that controls the statuses of everyone, what the Americans are doing to serve "Israel" cannot be accepted by us; the role of resistance shall not be downplayed as long as occupation is still there." Berri answered.
PM Siniora left with the belief that the resolution will be issued as desired by the Americans, but he promised President Berri not to give any approval without revisiting him to reach a unified formula.
Public talks different from private talks
Friday morning, in 11/8/2006, MP Ali Ammar was present when president Berri told us bitterly that one of the hardest situations he faces is when we are in trouble with interior counterparts, referring to the negative atmosphere of the meeting with Siniora yesterday night.
President Berri received the Iranian ambassador, Mohammad Riza Shibani who made a late phone call last night to appoint an urgent meeting. Shibani reported that the Qatari foreign affairs minister, Hamad Bin Jasem, a member of the Arab delegation to the U.N. has informed them of his confusion with the Lebanese official position, for every Lebanese representative has his own position, whether Tarek Mitri, the ambassador or other deputies. According to Bin Jasem, Hariri is complicating the matters with his contacts, and Siniora is stating contradicting stances, he quoted, "Hariri contacted some officials including members from the Arab delegation, and expressed the need of a multinational force under Chapter VII, so Berri is required to revise and regulate the Lebanese position, noting that the Lebanese ambassador to the U.N. is weak and bemused, he even asked his Qatari fellow not to propose any modifications in favor of Lebanon." the Iranian ambassador has also reported that the Americans will accept multinational forces with no written indication of ChapterVII in the resolution, instead Kofi Anan will mention it in orally his speech.
France refused this formulation since it will be heading the multinational force, so it demanded the usage of clear terms in the resolution and the report. The Iranian ambassador inquired about the Lebanese position to report back to his leadership and their deputy at the UN.
"I am acquainted with the suspicious standpoints of some Lebanese leaders, this is our biggest problem which is worse than the war itself, but we are trying to fix it in the best way we can, we are holding daily meetings so we don't reach a dead end. As for the deployment of multinational forces under Chapter VII, I totally refuse it whether written or oral. This is a trap set to excavate our prudence and inflicts danger on the resistance and our future," Berri replied.
"The proposal concerning Shebaa recommends the follow-up of the Secretary General on this issue which will be considered as a general political solution, and the Qatari foreign affairs minister conveyed the proposal to the Israeli delegation at the U.N. in order to get Israel's approval," The Iranian ambassador added.
"I understood nothing, this issue to be negotiated, and in the light of their reactions to other provisions and the fulfillment of our demands, then we can intensify or loosen our viewpoints," Berri commented.
The Iranian ambassador took notes and added that the Russians don't care much about the official Lebanese stance yet it's following ours, and that the Chinese position is much better and serves our interests more.
Later, President Berri met with the French ambassador, Bernard Émié who requested a meeting before the arrival of the Ass. Sec. of State, David Welch, has conveyed the greetings of the French president Jacques Chirac and reported that France supports the following resolution:
1- Cease of hostile acts.
2- Deployment of the Lebanese army in the south.
3- Reinforcing UNIFIL troops without referring to Chapter VII or multinational forces.
4- No interference in the issue of disarmament in South Litani,
5- Adding the political main principles mentioned in the body of the American -
French draft resolution.
"What about Shebaa Farms?" Berri snapped.
"Something can be done to handle their case to the secretary general who will file it later," Émié said.
"How long will be the time interval that separates the cease of fire from the Israeli withdrawal behind the blue line? Let's say:
- In 12 august, the resolution to cease hostile acts is issued
- In 20 august: the Lebanese army deploys in the south, UNIFIL is reinforced, and "Israel" withdraws behind the blue line." Berri suggested.
"Explaining that takes time," Émié responded.
"I am assuming this because we have to bring to our minds the possibility of an attack against the Israeli forces during the time interval, how will they respond? Will they be shelling bombs again?" Berri wondered.
Émié, compiling all what have been said, asked Berri : "Are there anymore remarks, and can we say that you are okay with what I proposed?"
"No, I can't state my final position without having the final draft of the resolution, we have to read it word by word, in addition that we didn't mention the return of the displaced, which is a fundamental issue too", Berri said.
"I agree," said Émié.
Berri- Welch : A hectic, fruitful, excellent meeting
Around 2:00 p.m., Assistant Secretary Of State came along with Ambassador Jeffrey Fetlman.
President Berri commenced the meeting by talking about the night bombing of Dahyé and the restraints we bump into each time we are close to a solution, and then asked Welch: "have you done what you promised us to doregarding Shebaa Farms?"
Welch: "We did nothing; the text remains as is in the draft."
Berri: "You don't want the Resistance to win; you take "Israel" into account for each detail."
Welch: "You make our job harsh and painful."
Berri: "The messages were interpreted by shedding blood in Chiyah, "Israel" is saying in the media that they are fighting on behalf of the U.S. and they never willed to launch a war."
Welch: "let's go straight to the subject, why are you against chapter VII?"
Berri: "Because you're against chapter VI."
Welch: "But how will UNIFIL forces function and defend themselves?"
Berri: "U.N. resolution 426 indicates their right to defend themselves under Chapter VI, in all cases, the French will head the forces and they reported to me that they will go for Chapter VI."
Welch: "I want to assure that no multinational forces will be deployed, we still have to agree under which chapter, and we'll be observing the final resolution."
Berri : "Let it be 6.25."
Welch: "PM Siniora suggested 6.90."
Berri: "Concerning the time interval between the cessation of hostile acts and the withdrawal, what do you suppose will happen between 12 and 20 august?"
Welch: "PM Siniora didn't go into the details of this issue."
Berri: "No, this is a crucial point we have to agree upon, it says:
1- Hezbollah won't fire missiles to Israel.
2- "Israel" is prohibited to use its war planes, vessels, artillery, and missiles to bomb facilities and institutions.
3- If any attacks occurred against Israeli troops within the borders of an occupied land, "Israel" is not allowed to bombard villages and residential places.
4- Displaced people will return back to their homes."
Welch looked confused and unprepared to respond, he said he previously didn't pay enough attention to this issue and Siniora didn't raise this issue, then he chatted with his legal consultant and finally said: "You have point."
Berri added: "I being objective, because "Israel" can give any attack against it as a pretext to remain in the occupied land, and therefore we have to assume that someone will exploit the delay in withdrawal to their own interest, as reinforcements might be delayed too.
Welch: "We are running out of time, this issue stalls the resolution, because it requires me to fly back to Israel."
Berri: "Mr. Welch, I am saying the right thing, I have been meeting with Siniora for two days to draw interest to this point, as I told him that he did the right thing to return from Larnaka to discuss this, because I need the U.N. and yourselves to guarantee the Israeli withdrawal on time."
Welch: "We are thinking of proposing the following:
- "Israel" is prohibited to use its warplanes and to bombard.
- Hezbolla is prohibited to fire missles.
- The government keeps track of Hezbollah not to rearm itself.
- As for the time interval issue, this is new."
Berri, while miming to Ali Hamdan to prepare some papers, said: "I suggest we refer in this case to the text of "April's Understanding", and we both guarantee its implementation along with the U.N."
Then Welch gesticulated to his legal consultant who brought the file and read "April Understating".
Welch: "Due to time constraints, in case the resolution is out today, what do you think about asking Condoleezza Rice, when voting at the Security Council, to detail the guaranty and explicitly mention that the time interval is subject to the rules cited in April's agreement in 1996?
Berri, after taking this commitment, said: "In all cases, I may have exceeded the powers of others, this should be also discussed with the prime minister, but I need a guaranty on these things because «Hezbollah» and resistance appointed me as responsible, while the rest can be discussed with PM Siniora to choose whatever he wants. We have hopes of Ms. Rice, but things are not in our hands, in all cases, she will definitely have consultations, but I'd like to quote an Arab philosopher ( Ibn Moqafaa') who was asked to define who the king was, and he answered: the retinue is the real king, in other words, Rice will do whatever you (Welch) will construct.
Welch: As this meeting is hectic, it is fruitful and excellent too.
Source: As-Safir newspaper, Translated and edited by moqawama.org
