What Is the Confessional System in Lebanon That “People Want to Overthrow”?

BANKS’ REVENUES FROM LEBANESE TREASURY BONDS

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS IN THE SOUTH May 2011 |

106 WHO ELECTS THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC IN LEBANON?

THE MONTHLY INTERVIEWS ARTIST issue number www.iimonthly.com • Published by Information International sal OUSSAMA BAALBAKI

WHAT IS THE CONFESSIONAL SYSTEM IN LEBANON THAT “PEOPLE WANT TO OVERTHROW”?

4 LEADER:THE CONFESSIONAL SYSTEM IN LEBANON THAT “PEOPLE WANT TO OVERTHROW”

9 WHO ELECTS THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC?

14 BANKS’ REVENUES FROM LEBANESE TREASURY BONDS

19 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS IN THE SOUTH

21 MAINTENANCE OF THE LEBANESE UNIVERSITY IN HADATH Page 27 22 THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE Page 34

25 SO CALLED “ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN” IN CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM

26 PHYSICIANS’ IMMUNITY

27 SYNDICATE OF MARITIME AGENTS

29 BEIRUT MODERN SCHOOL

31 VITAMIN D (THE SUN VITAMIN) BY DR. HANNA SAADAH Page 22 32 BBMING, TEXTING AND CELLING WHILE DRIVING BY DR. SAMAR ZEBIAN 42 BETWEEN RABIEH AND MUKHTARAH 33 THE NATURAL WAYS OF STORING INFORMATION BY ANTOINE BOUTROS 43 MARCH 2011 TIMELINE IN LEBANON

34 THE MONTHLY INTERVIEWS ARTIST 46 FOREIGN LABOR IN IRAQ OUSSAMA BAALBAKI 47 REAL ESTATE INDEX IN LEBANON- 36 POPULAR CULTURE MARCH 2011

37 MYTH #45: THE BALFOUR DECLARATION: A 48 FOOD PRICE INDEX - MARCH 2011 FINAL STATEMENT?

38 MUST-READ BOOKS: ADMINISTRATIVE 50 COSMETIC PROCEDURES IN USA DECENTRALIZATION IN 100 QUESTIONS (2009)

39 MUST-READ CHILDREN’S BOOK: GOLDILOCKS 50 BEIRUT RAFIC HARIRI INTERNATIONAL AND THE THREE BEARS AIRPORT - MARCH 2011

40 LEBANON FAMILIES: BUSTROS FAMILIES 51 LEBANON STATS 41 DISCOVER LEBANON: BOLONIA

* COVER CONCEPT BY HAIDAR SAFFAR 3 | EDITORIAL THE TRUE STORY OF AIN AL-ROUMMANEH BUS

here are those who believe that the Lebanese have “ignorantly” decided not to discuss the causes Tof the civil war, which started in 1975 and supposedly ended in 1989. And they are bewildered how a society can move so swiftly from a Hanoi to a Hong Kong. Crimes were committed with impunity and no reconciliation process took place. Yet, we read about national unity everyday and about Lebanon being a unique multi-confessional model of peaceful co-existence. Discussions about how Britain, Germany or Japan re-built their societies after World War II and about conservation of cultural heritage and national memory and how austerity measures were adopted, are not welcomed. This happens for a reason. And the reason is: the war has not really ended. It has just taken a different form and a lower level of intensity. We have simply chosen to jump from the game of blood tinted with money during times of “war” to the game of money tinted with blood in times of “peace”. Considering that we are still in a state of war, denial is convenient and so is the continuous worthless talk about a fictional “national debate”.It would therefore be a good idea to write a new convenient “history” of the civil war that we can teach to new generations, which will also be a novelty to historians. And here is the introduction to the book:

Youth of Lebanon, you have been told that there was Example 1 a civil war from 1975 until 1989, and that the sparkle was Japan: “They” survived with a handful of rice for a family “in April 1975 because of the Ain Al-Roumaneh bus when of 4 for 24 hours quietly standing in a queue and bowing. allegedly tens of Palestinians were killed by the armed militia Lebanon: “We” accept handouts without needing them, of the Phalanges. This story is simply not true. The truth is no queueing no bowing but we pay back by our votes in that Lebanon is situated on an earthquake fault line extended elections. from Nahr Al-Kabeer to Naqoura and from the Mediterranean to Eastern Mountains and on that day we had an earthquake Example 2 rated 9/9 on the Richter scale, which caused the bus accident. Japan: “They” accept calamities in silence. Perhaps you Later on, Lebanon witnessed many after shocks and in 1982, have heard about this Japanese lady who was dug out of coinciding with Israel’s occupation of South Lebanon and the rubble apologizing to the rescuers for not being able Beirut, another earthquake reaching 8 on the Richter scale to help them. took place. The intensity of the earthquake caused a perpetual Lebanon: “We” don’t ... we don’t ... and we don’t ... * split between Eastern and Western Beirut. Youth of Lebanon, do not believe that the Lebanese Example 3 have killed each other. Nor have they committed any Japan: “They” do not raise photographs of their prime atrocities. As for our Zua’ama, they were working hard as minister and do not extend their appreciation for his help. rescuers and volunteers in the Red Crescent, Red Cross and Lebanon: “We” raise the photographs of our Zua’ama proudly Civil Defense. Druze and Maronites did not fight. Muslims and always thank them while cursing them in our hearts. and Christians did not fight. Sunni and Shia’a never had a problem. Nor did a Sunni have a problem with a Sunni, a Example 4 Shia’a with a Shia’a, a Druze with a Druze, a Maronite with Japan: “They”, the Buddhists, don’t know God and His a Maronite. We were all one, working to rescue the victims Prophets of the earthquake. Lebanon: “We”, the Lebanese, are the cradle of civilization Youth of Lebanon, do not believe that anyone capitalized and the example of co-existence and do not pray for idols during the earthquake era, stole, killed or embezzled. unless they are Zu’ama. Afterwards, when things became quiet in 1989, Lebanon’s Zua’ama embarked on a campaign of reconstruction, The Japanese stood for one minute in silence for their using their own money and connections to support these victims and carried on working. We are in constant efforts. Public land and public money were protected. Most mourning for our earthquake victims while at the same of all, remember that the banking sector worked for the time rejoicing being Lebanese at White and Sky Bar and unity of Lebanon and its reconstruction tirelessly after the on Facebook, Twitter and satellites. earthquake with exemplary altruism. Please do not believe those who tell us to learn from Japan. Japan has nothing to Youth of Lebanon, we have never forgotten the victims teach us. They have been subjected to two nuclear bombs, of the 1975 earthquake including the children of Qana. many earthquakes and tsunamis and damaged nuclear Japan has a lot to learn from us. reactors and look how they behaved. * Please fill in the blanks ” issue 106 - May 2011 4 | LEADER THE CONFESSIONAL SYSTEM IN LEBANON WHAT IS THE CONFESSIONAL SYSTEM IN LEBANON THAT “PEOPLE WANT TO OVERTHROW”?

number of Lebanese people, estimated by some at a few thousand and by others, with a glimpse of hope, at tens of thousands demonstrated last March chanting “the people want the fall of the A confessional system.”

This coincided with an open-ended sit-in of a number of A The southern administrative district for the Druze young men and women in front of the Sanayeh Garden ruled by a Druze with a population of 63,590 and in Beirut Central District. Other demonstrations individuals distributed as follows: 25,450 Druze, and sit-ins may occur and the protesters may succeed 17,350 Maronites, 15,590 Catholics and 5,200 or fail, but the goal of the demonstrators is difficult Orthodox. to achieve because it does not merely entail the This partition was not the solution but the cause of war annulment or amendment of a law, the implementation and conflict, especially in light of the diversity of the of a decision or a particular measure. Rather, it means confessional structure in each administrative district abolishing Lebanon as we have known it since 1920 and foreign interventions. These conflicts reached their and reconstructing it because the confessional system peak in 1860, and in order to put an end to them, the and Lebanon are twins. In this article, we will discuss two administrative districts were abolished and another the emergence of the confessional system, the various system – the Mutasarrifiyya or governorate system – confessions and the core of the confessional system. was established, reducing the area to 3,500 km2. It turned Lebanon into one state to be ruled by a Christian Emergence of the confessional system governor appointed by the Ottoman Sultan and assisted History of confessionalism in Lebanon: from “Nizam by an administrative council of 12 members representing Al Qa’im Maqamatein” or the two administrative the confessions forming the Mutasarrifiyya (4 Maronites, districts to the “Mutasarrifiyya” or governorate 3 Druze, 3 Roman Catholics, 1 Sunni and 1 Shia’a). Confessionalism was the cornerstone of Mount Moreover, this system introduced confessionalism into Lebanon in the sixteenth century. In 1516, the Ma’an the judiciary, the courts and elections. family (Druze) started its Za’ama through a relative independence from the Ottoman Empire, which at the The French mandate and the establishment time dominated the East and many other parts of the of the State of Greater Lebanon world. In 1697, the rule moved to the Chehabs who At the end of World War I in 1918 when the Ottomans remained in power until 1842. During this period, the were defeated, Mount Lebanon came under the French major powers especially the Ottomans, the British mandate. and the French, used the two major confessions, i.e. the Maronite and the Druze, in their disputes and as a On September 1, 1920, General Gouraud, the French result of these conflicts, Mount Lebanon, with an the High Commissioner ruling Mount Lebanon at that time, area of approximately 5,400km2, was divided in 1843 announced the birth of Greater Lebanon after working into two regions or so-called administrative districts hard to define its boundaries as well as its demographic and confessional structure. Lebanon’s area is now :(ﻗﺎﺋﻤﻘﺎﻣﻴﺘﲔ) estimated at 10,500 km2. Even the announcement of the A The northern administrative district for the establishment of a new state had a confessional aspect, Christians ruled by a Christian with a population of be it due to the presence of the Maronite Patriarch 74,700 individuals distributed as follows: 56,580 and the Muslim Mufti or to the speech given by the Maronites, 10,150 Druze, 6,720 Catholics and 1,250 French general: “… before the people of all religions Orthodox. present in Mount Lebanon, these religions that were close yesterday and are united today in a country strong due to its past and that will be great in the future… issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. THE CONFESSIONAL SYSTEM IN LEBANON LEADER | 5 Representing the Lebanese authorities are the sons of the oldest families, the Zua’ama and religious figures of various confessions and religions, I want to pay a special tribute to Patriarch Howayek who came down from the During the French mountains for this glorious day…” The constitution “ was adopted on May 23, 1926, and from its various Mandate, the French provisions one can conclude that confessionalism and the belonging of the citizen to a confession and not to Governor De Martel the homeland was the norm. issued Resolution 60 The recognized confessions During the French Mandate, the French Governor De dated March 13, 1936, Martel issued Resolution 60 dated March 13, 1936, acknowledging the existence of various confessions acknowledging the and legally recognizing them. These confessions are: existence of various

A Christian confessions amounting to 12 confessions including: Maronite; Roman Orthodox; Roman confessions and legally Catholic ; Armenian Orthodox; Armenian Catholic; recognizing them Syriac Orthodox; Syriac Catholic ; Assyrian Orthodox; Chaldean Latin; Evangelical (recognized in 1951); Orthodox Copts (recognized in July 1966) ”

A Muslim confessions amounting to 5 confessions including: Sunni; Shia’a; Druze; Alawite; Isma’ili Confessionalism in the constitution The Lebanese constitution includes many articles A The Israelites mentioning the confessional system and discriminating between the Lebanese on a confessional basis. These articles are: Number of Lebanese by confession The registered Lebanese population (resident and Article 9: There shall be absolute freedom of religion. immigrant) reaches around 4.8 million individuals The state in rendering homage to God shall respect all among which 34.8% are Christian, 65.1% Muslim and religions and creeds, and guarantees and protects the 0.08% Jewish. They are distributed as follows: free exercise of all religious rites provided that public order is not disturbed. It also guarantees that the A Maronite: 927,000 Roman Orthodox: 324,000 personal status and religious interests of the population, A to whatever religious sect they belong, is respected. A Roman Catholic 210,000 A Armenian Orthodox: 108,000 Article 10: Freedom of education is guaranteed insofar A Armenian Catholic: 24 ,000 A Evangelical: 22,000 as it is not contrary to public order and morals and does A Syriac Orthodox: 20,000 not interfere with the dignity of any of the religions A Syriac Catholic: 13,000 or creeds. There shall be no violation of the right A Latin: 15,000 of religious communities to have their own schools A Chaldean: 4,000 provided they follow the general rules issued by the A Copts: 180 state regulating public instruction. A Sunnite: 1.41 million A Shia’a: 1.41 million Article 19: (amended by the constitutional law issued A Druze: 263,000 on 17-10-1927 and the constitutional law issued on A Alawite: 43,000 21-9-1990) A Israelites: 4,000 A Constitutional Council is established to supervise the constitutionality of laws and to arbitrate conﬂicts that N.B: these figures are not official because the first arise from parliamentary and presidential elections. and only official census was in 1932. The President, the President of the Parliament, the Prime

issue 106 | May 2011 6 | LEADER THE CONFESSIONAL SYSTEM IN LEBANON Minister, along with any ten Members of Parliament, the principle of expertise and competence. However, have the right to consult this Council on matters that Grade One posts and their equivalents are exempt from relate to the constitutionality of laws. The officially this rule, and the posts must be distributed equally recognized heads of religious communities have the between Christians and Muslims without reserving right to consult this Council only on laws relating to any particular job for any confessional group but rather personal status, the freedom of belief and religious applying the principles of expertise and competence. practice and the freedom of religious education. The State funds the confessional system Article 22: (annulled by the constitutional law Personal status and the funding of spiritual courts issued on 17-10-1927 and re-drafted by virtue of the The Lebanese are not subject to a unified system of constitutional law issued on 21-9-1990) personal status laws. Rather, each confession has its With the election of the first Parliament on a national, own personal status laws (individuals can change their non-confessional basis, a Senate is established in confession and follow the provisions of their newly which all the religious communities are represented. acquired confession). Furthermore, the state protects Its authority is limited to major national issues. the work of the courts by financing them, equipping them and ensuring the implementation of the personal Article 24: (amended by the constitutional law issued status laws through governmental institutions, whether on 17-10-1927, Resolution 129 dated 18-3-1943, civil or military. The government allocates a budget to the constitutional law issued on 21-1-1947 and the these courts from its general budget. According to the constitutional law issued on 21-9-1990). figures of the 2010 draft budget law, these expenditures The Chamber of Deputies is composed of elected reached about LBP 14.7 billion distributed as follows: members; their number and the method of their election A Sunni Shari’a courts: LBP 4.302 billion are determined by the electoral laws in effect. Until A Al Jaafaria Shari’a courts: LBP 4.45 billion such time as the Chamber enacts new electoral laws A Druze religious courts: LBP 1.2 billion on a non-confessional basis, the distribution of seats is A Christian spiritual courts: LBP 4.74 billion according to the following principles: a. Equal representation between Christians and Funding of Islamic spiritual institutions Muslims. The state allocates a part of its general budget to the b.Proportional representation among the confessional Islamic religious authorities while it does not do the groups within each religious community. same with regards to the Christian religious authorities. c.Proportional representation among geographic On one hand, this supports the confessional system regions. and on the other hand, it creates an imbalance because Exceptionally, and for one time only, the seats that the Lebanese Christian citizen pays taxes and fees to are currently vacant, as well as the new seats that finance the expenditures of religious institutions he/she have been established by law, are to be filled by is not affiliated to. The funds allocated for the financing appointment, all at once, and by a majority of two of such institutions amounted to about LBP 4.9 billion thirds of the Government of National Unity. This is to according to the 2010 draft budget law, distributed as establish equality between Christians and Muslims as follows: stipulated in the Document of National Accord [The A Ifta’ departments: LBP 1,464 million Taif Agreement]. The electoral laws will specify the A The Higher Islamic Shia’a Council: LBP 888 details regarding the implementation of this clause. million A Jaafari Ifta’: LBP 1,420 million Article 95: (amended by the constitutional law issued A Sheikhdom of the Druze confession: LBP 358 on 9-11-1943 and the constitutional law issued on 21- million 9-1990) A Alawite Islamic Council: LBP 782 million … During the transitional phase: a. The confessional groups are to be represented in a just Funding of free private schools and equitable fashion in the formation of the Cabinet. Besides public schools funded by the state and private b. The principle of confessional representation in schools financed by the parents of students, there are public service jobs, in the judiciary, in the military and free private schools that receive, in addition to fees paid security institutions, and in public and mixed agencies by parents, contributions from the state. are to be cancelled in accordance with the requirements These schools are private elementary schools that do of national reconciliation; they shall be replaced by not include kindergartens or middle schools and beyond

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. THE CONFESSIONAL SYSTEM IN LEBANON LEADER | 7

(i.e. Grade one to Grade Six). There are two types: A Exemptions from taxes and fees. A Schools licensed by religious bodies, institutions A Donations and aid provided to public benefit NGOs or associations that are legally recognized. Their by institutions and individuals subject to income tax objective must be the dissemination of education are considered tax deductible. without seeking any financial gain. A Donations made to public benefit NGOs and bequests A Schools licensed to individuals, whose license are exempt from all taxes or charges, including application was submitted before October 1, 1964. municipal fees. According to the School Guide issued by the Center for Educational Research and Development, the number Internal and external funding of the system, under of this type of school amounts to 369 with 126,812 a confessional mask students. Of the total number, 289 schools are owned Under the veil of confessionalism, a complex economic by religious institutions. system was put in place. Its activity peaked during the civil war and its complexity increased following the Each school receives a contribution from the state for Ta’if. Thus, the Council of the South, the Council each student enrolled amounting to 135%-160% of for Development and Reconstruction and the Central the minimum wage, which is equal to LBP 675,000- Fund for the Displaced coupled with direct and indirect 800,000. The state’s contribution to the expenses of support to this type of agriculture or that type of industry these schools (free private schools owned by religious and employment and promotions, not only in the public institutions) amounted to LBP 37-40 billion per year. sector but also in the private sector and in universities, These schools also obtain a contribution from the were all created to strengthen the system. We end up parents reaching a maximum of 150% of the minimum with hospitals, universities, banks and political parties wage (LBP 750,000). funded by the public under a confessional mask but in reality they represent a network of interests of various Confessions exempt from taxes and fees individuals and organizations, which resort to their Law No. 210 dated May 26, 2000, stipulates the confession as soon as their interests are threatened. The following: “each confession recognized by law and situation is rendered even more complex with external every legal person legally belonging to it, prior to the political and military pressure as well as funding. promulgation of this law, shall be exempt from all direct and indirect taxes, fees and allowances.” Thus, this Attempts and aspirations to abolish law considers confessional institutions as government confessionalism institutions. It might be useful for young activists calling for “the fall of the confessional system” to revert to their country’s Contracts between the Ministries and socio-religious history to be inspired and benefit from the experience associations of women, men and political parties who have already The Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of attempted to abandon and abolish this system. Social Affairs annually contract with dozens of religious associations, both Islamic and Christian, working in There have been a number of civil, political and official the field of social services (hospitals, nursing homes, attempts at abandoning confessionalism, most of which clinics, distribution of drugs, care for orphans and the revolved around the issuance of an optional civil personal disabled) in such a way that these institutions replace status law. Some went as far as proposing reforms to the the state. However, it is actually the state that is the real electoral law and removing an individual’s confession financer of these contributions. from his/her register. What all these attempts have in These institutions receive an estimated LBP 175-200 common is that they failed and were not able to attain billion annually. their objectives; they only managed to relay their idea to part of the population for a limited period of time. Public benefit NGOs The Council of Ministers issues decrees considering From rebels or reformers foreign to the system like some associations, mostly belonging to religious Ahmad Fares Shidyaq in the nineteenth century institutions, public benefit NGOs, which enable to Antoun Saadeh and the Lebanese Communist the latter to take advantage of the many benefits in Party, Gibran Khalil Gibran at the beginning of the Legislative Decree No. 87 dated June 30, 1977, and its twentieth century, to Zua’ama like Kamal Jumblatt amendments. Among these benefits we mention: and Camille Chamoun to Gregoire Haddad and Linda A Assistance and subsidies granted by the State, Matar, who called for “a civil social status system” in municipalities and public institutions.

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1951, the economic confessional system embedded abstained claiming that its timing was inappropriate and and regenerated itself while talk about reforming it two ministers were absent, Walid Jumblatt and Hagop continued. Demerjian. However, Hariri refused to sign the decree to transfer the draft law to Parliament and popular The most significant attempts were the following: movements opposing the draft law took place… The objection from the Christian confessions was less A In January 1925, the French High Commissioner aggressive than that of the Muslim confessions…” Maurice Sarrail undertook to dissolve the Representative Council and decided to adopt secularism in a bid to put Protests may be a means to bring down the confessional an end to the influence of religious leaders by adopting a system. However, protestors and those demanding new electoral law that would abandon the distribution of the abolition of this system should realize the extent seats according to confession. The draft law was issued to which it is deeply-rooted and entrenched in the in April 1925 and sparked numerous reactions. The state. “The state” funds a system on which Lebanon fiercest came from the Maronite Patriarchy following was based effectively creating “many Lebanons”. which Sarrail was pressured by his government that Thus, the amendment of “confessional articles” in the made him retract his decision in June 1925 and go back constitution, the abolition of the diversified personal to the confessional electoral system. Sarrail left his post status system and the adoption of a unified one, the of commissioner in November 1925 without achieving termination of funding of social religious associations his goal. and the annulment of laws that support confessionalism, be it in judicial appointments or elections, are essential A Following the outbreak of the Lebanese civil war preludes to the abolition of the confessional system and in 1976 during which confessionalism flared, some its separation from the state. Lebanese groups deliberately removed their confession from their identity cards. This was a means to express their disapproval of the confessional system, knowing that this removal was not legally supported.

A Former President of the Republic Elias Hrawi writes in his book, “Awdat Al Joumhouriyyah Min Al Douweilat Ila Al Dawla” (The Return of the Republic from fiefdum to the State): “the abolition of confessionalism in Lebanon has been a dream of mine since youth and I was more convinced of this once I started getting involved in the public sector. I realized that confessionalism prevents the establishment of a modern state built on confidence, integrity and equal opportunities for all citizens. Given that making the dream come true was one of the many impossibilities in a country like Lebanon I began thinking that proposing the idea of civil marriage might be a means to abolish confessionalism in the future.” Thus, on February 5, 1998 (about 9 months prior to the expiration of his mandate on November 24, 1998), Hrawi proposed a draft law on optional civil status to the Council of Ministers. He adds in his book: “On April 18, 1998, in a tense atmosphere, the Council of Ministers held a clamorous session due to the controversy between myself and the prime minister (Rafic Hariri) who tried to convince me, to no avail, to postpone the draft law. The project Non-Sectarianism campaign obtained the approval of 21 ministers, was opposed by March 2011 Hariri and 5 ministers, while Minister Suleiman Franjieh

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. WHO ELECTS THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC PUBLIC SECTOR | 9 WHO ELECTS THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC?

he Monthly, Issue 104 of April 2011, featured an article entitled “Who elects Lebanon’s president?”. There were some omissions and certain errors in the article thus we felt it was important to re-write it in a more Tconsistent manner to meet the standards of The Monthly. Who elects the president of the republic? Article 49 of the the parliamentary Lebanese constitution describes the election mechanism. elections but It states that the president of the republic is elected by attention was also parliament in a secret ballot with a majority of two thirds on Solh. Would he of the votes (86 votes) in the ﬁrst round. Should that not remain committed be the case, the candidate has to obtain the majority of to Edde or switch votes in the following round(s) to be elected President and to Bechara El- his mandate is of 6 years. A second term is not allowed Khoury’s camp, except after a period of 6 years following the end of his especially given that mandate. Judges and Grade 1 employees can only be he was subjected General Catroux elected 2 years after their resignation or retirement. to Syrian, Iraqi and Egyptian pressure to stand by Britain’s candidate However, the constitution was amended several times in Bechara El- Khoury? order for its provisions to match the candidate chosen by In the end, Solh succumbed and leaned to El-Khoury’s external powers. In addition, the majority of MPs more camp, promising to be prime minister in the next often than not abide by the “request” of external forces. government, which represented the Arab and Lebanese camp demanding liberation from France. Edde Since Lebanon’s independence in 1943 until the most represented the Lebanese camp attached to France and recent elections of May 25, 2008, the presidential was portrayed as wanting to turn Lebanon into a French elections have been governed by external interventions district. where MPs have been mere constitutional tools. In light of this ﬁerce competition, the English General, Bechara El-Khoury: Edward Spears, was afraid to lose the battle and a British and Arab candidate maneuvered to withdraw the candidacies of Edde and El- Parliamentary elections took place on August 29 and Khoury and replace them with Camille Chamoun, also a September 5, 1943. They were of great importance because pro-British candidate. He obtained the approval of many they would determine the pattern of the presidential Zua’ama for this move, including Solh, Adel Osseiran, elections that were to follow. In each electoral district Abdel Hamid Karami and even El-Khoury and Edde. (5 districts, effectively the Mohafazat), the competition And thus, Chamoun was to become president. was between two lists: the Constitutional List, headed by Bechara El-Khoury, leader of the Constitutional Bloc However, Edde retracted from his position and informed Party supported by Britain and another list, headed by General Spears of this change upon visiting him. This Emile Edde, leader of the National Bloc Party supported angered the French who considered that Edde was trying by France. to form a relationship with the British without letting them know and so they abandoned him and accepted In preparing the electoral list, Edde sought to get Riyad Bechara El-Khoury. On September 21, 1943, Parliament Al Solh on his list in the South, a list presided by Ahmad (composed of 55 MPs) met and Bechara El-Khoury was Al Ass’ad, in view of France’s opposition to Solh who elected by 44 votes. There were 3 abstentions and 8 of was against the French presence in Lebanon. The French Emile Edde’s supporters were absent. themselves did not trust Solh. He succeeded in his efforts El-Khoury became president due to the support of however Bechara El-Khoury obtained a majority in General Spears and the leaders of Syria, Iraq and Egypt,

issue 106 | May 2011 10 | PUBLIC SECTOR WHO ELECTS THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC

including Shukri El-Khoury, Bechara El Khoury’s brother) and Abdallah Al Quwatli, Al Hajj’s ballot paper was found blank. Jamil Mardam, President Camille Chamoun sought to renew his Nouri Al Said, mandate by gathering a parliament backing this decision. Saadallah Al Parliamentary elections were held in the summer of 1957 Jabiri and Al and witnessed extensive fraud operations, which meant Nahass Basha. that many important figures opposing Chamoun lost such as Kamal Jumblatt, Sa’ib Salam, Ahmad Al Ass’ad El-Khoury took and Maroun Kanaan. This resulted in considerable advantage of internal indignation accompanied with regional changes, this French, including a coup in Iraq, toppling Nouri Al Said and the British and monarchy that Chamoun was close to, and the Baghdad Arab support Pact, which saw the light due to American support to dissolve and was against President Gamal Abdel Nasser. Thus, parliament five Chamoun could not achieve his objectives. months prior to Some say (President Taqieddine Al Solh) that the the expiration Americans deceived Chamoun, pretending to support his of his mandate, re-election and then backing out. Youssef Salem states: in a bid to be “the Americans supported Chamoun’s re-election but General Spears re-elected by the changed their mind after the fall of King Farouq.” new MPs. The election of May 1947 became renowned for its lack of transparency and fraud. The newly elected parliament President Fouad Chehab: American-Egyptian amended Article 49 to enable the re-election of El- agreement Khoury, with a mandate lasting until 1955. However, The US government sent Robert Murphy as a special regional developments (the establishment of the state of envoy to Lebanon following the American military Israel and the fall of King Farouq of Egypt) and national landing in Lebanon to work on calming the situation incidents (the assassination of Riyad El Solh and the and the drift towards civil war as a result of the conflict spread of corruption) pushed the British to give up on between Chamoun and his opponents. Initially, Murphy him. His power weakened and thus he resigned in 1952, suggested Youssef as a presidential candidate while the half way through his term. Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Al Ma’oushi suggested former President Bechara El-Khoury. The Americans President Camille Chamoun: chosen by the refused and suggested the Army Commander Major British and Shishakli General Fouad Chehab. The majority of MPs opposed The majority of MPs, notably the Christians, were in this candidacy but US pressure and the agreement favor of electing Hamid Franjieh as president following with Egypt made it a more likely choice. This option El-Khoury’s resignation. The Muslim MPs were in favor was suggested from the outset and documents reveal of electing Camille Chamoun since he supported the that President Gamal Abdel Nasser met with the US Arabs and more specifically the Palestinian cause. The Ambassador to Cairo on May 20, 1958, and suggested British Ambassador to Lebanon, Chapman Andrews, that the Army Commander Fouad Chehab as a candidate and President Adib Shishakli tilted the majority towards to the presidency, as this would put an end to the crisis, Chamoun. especially given that the US would pressure its allies in Andrews asked Michel Chiha (one of the drafters of Lebanon (the Christians) and Egypt would do the same the Lebanese constitution and Bechara El-Khoury’s with its allies (the Muslims). brother in law) to contact President Bechara El-Khoury to request that his MPs support Chamoun’s candidacy, To put this American-Egyptian agreement to work, the and this is what happened. In addition, Syrian President MPs met (66 MPs at the time) on July 31, 1958, and Adib Shishakli pressured the Sunni MPs from Trablous elected Army Commander Major General Fouad Chehab and Beirut to support Chamoun. Thus, Hamid Franjieh’s as president. He obtained 43 votes in the first round chances of success weakened. This British-Syrian will while his opponent Raymond Edde obtained 10 votes. was translated into parliament meeting on September 23, There were 2 blank ballot papers and 1 was considered 1952, and electing Camille Chamoun as president of the void (56 MPs were present, the 10 that were absent were republic, with 74 votes. One MP absented himself (Salim supporters of Chamoun). A second round was held given

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. WHO ELECTS THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC PUBLIC SECTOR | 11 that no one candidate obtained a two thirds majority (44 by what was known as the threefold alliance (Camille votes). Chehab obtained 48 votes, Edde 7 votes and there Chamoun, Pierre Gemayyel and Raymond Edde), which was 1 blank ballot paper. However, Chamoun remained supported President Fouad Chehab’s policies and the in office until the end of his mandate on September 23, Chehabi approach in the state, represented by Charles 1958. Helou and officers of the Second Bureau (the Lebanese Intelligence). Before the expiration of Chehab’s mandate, his surrounding sought to renew his candidacy after obtaining Chehab’s supporters sought to obtain Gamal Abdel Egyptian support that was apparent from the stances of Nasser’s support for their candidate (Chehab or another). Egypt’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Abdel Hamid Ghaleb. They worked to attract MPs that weren’t aligned with However, the US was against this renewal and this was the Chehabi approach. Here, Egyptian influence played made clear by the US Ambassador to Lebanon, Armin a very limited role. Abdel Nasser preferred to remain Meyer, who pressured Chehab not to accept renewal. neutral and not to interfere in the presidential elections. Thus, the search began for a candidate that would Thus, the battle was fought without foreign interference continue in Chehab’s path. or influence. The competition was between the candidate of the threefold alliance, Suleiman Franjieh, and the President Charles Helou: American-Egyptian Chehabi candidate, Central Bank Governor Elias Sarkis. agreement This is one of the rare times MPs elect a president without In the search for a replacement for President Fouad the result already being known. Parliament convened Chehab, there were two candidates: Prince Abdel Aziz on August 17, 1970, to elect a president. In the first Chehab and Charles Helou. President Fouad Chehab round, Elias Sarkis obtained 45 votes, Suleiman Franjieh suggested Charles Helou to the US Ambassador, who obtained 38 votes, Pierre Gemayyel gathered 10 votes, was also supported by the Maronite Church, clergymen Jamil Lahoud 5 votes and Adnan Al Hakim 1 vote. As no and the Vatican. Despite his declining popularity, the candidate obtained a two thirds majority, a second round Americans agreed to this suggestion and worked to was held. Suleiman Franjieh won by 50 votes against 49 obtain Gamal Abdel Nasser’s approval of this decision, for Elias Sarkis. Thus, because external powers were too after Egypt had decided to support the candidacy of busy to interfere in the Lebanese presidential elections, Fouad Amoun. Finally, an agreement was reached on internal forces were tied and the candidate won by proposing Charles Helou as president. a difference of 1 vote. There is no doubt that these Thus, MPs met (99 MPs at the time) on August 18, 1964, elections, in which foreign interference was absent, were and elected Charles Helou as president with 92 votes. also characterized by internal pressure balanced between Pierre Gemayyel obtained 5 votes and 2 blank ballot the Second Bureau and the presence of hundreds of papers were found. armed men, supporters of candidate Suleiman Franjieh, in front of Parliament. President Suleiman Franjieh: a president elected by a close call without intervention President Elias Sarkis: Syria, the primary During the June 1967 war between Israel and several decision maker Arab States, Palestinian armed presence in Lebanon On April 13, 1975, war broke out in Lebanon. Part of the increased. In a bid to control this presence and following population was requesting the resignation of President pressure by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Suleiman Franjieh while another part supported him. Lebanon signed the Cairo Agreement in November The President decided to stay put until the last minute 1969. Then Army Commander Major General Emil of his mandate. But Syria’s military entry into Lebanon Bustani represented Lebanon, hoping that his signing made Syria the key player in the Lebanese arena along of the agreement, which was considered a violation of with the Palestine Liberation Authority headed by Yasser Lebanon’s sovereignty, would open the door for him to Arafat, which became a state within the state through its the presidency, the elections of which were to take place control of a various number of Lebanese regions. the following year. But supporters of President Fouad A settlement was reached to bring forward the date of Chehab who had kept their positions in state departments the elections provided that President Franjieh would and the army during Presdient Charles Helou’s mandate remain in office until the end of his term on September and were preparing to nominate Fouad Chehab (or one 12, 1976. of his allies), used the Council of Ministers to obtain Syria chose to support candidate Elias Sarkis while Bustani’s dismissal at the beginning of 1970. In 1968, the PLO opposed this decision and implicitly went the Lebanese had elected a new parliament that was won with Raymond Edde’s candidacy, supported by the

issue 106 | May 2011 12 | PUBLIC SECTOR

Lebanese National Movement headed by Kamal Commander Jumblatt. In practice, it appeared to be against the Major General Lebanese National Movement, the Lebanese left wing Michel Aoun, and Kamal Jumblatt to avoid confrontation with Syria. and President In the electoral session held on May 8, 1976, at the Amine temporary parliamentary headquarters in the Mathaf Gemayyel (Museum) area, missiles hailed at the building and himself (who its surrounding in a bid to disrupt the session. But the wanted to extend elections were held, with 68 MPs present, and Sarkis his mandate obtained 63 votes in the first round and 5 blank ballot under the pretext papers were found. He won in the second round with of avoiding 66 votes and 3 blank ballot papers were found (69 MPs a vaccum) were present for the second round). prevented it. The famous phrase of President Bashir Gemayyel: the Israeli choice Richard Murphy, At the beginning of 1982 and with the ongoing Lebanese the US envoy, war, attention was on the presidential elections to be is worth Ariel Sharon held in September. Several hypotheses were put forward, mentioning: including the extension of President Elias Sarkis’s “Mikhael Al Daher or chaos.” Chaos occurred and mandate but the latter refused. Bashir Gemayyel, leader President Amine Gemayyel left the presidency with no of the Lebanese Forces, declared his candidacy to the successor. On the eve of the expiration of his mandate presidency following which the party worked to obtain (September 22, 1988), he used his constitutional right parliamentary acceptance of this nomination. The election to name a transitional government headed by the of Bashir Gemayyel as president was not only difficult but Army Commander Michel Aoun. Some assert that the seen as impossible, due to Muslim opposition to him. But “Christian opposition” to electing Mikhael Al Daher the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in June 1982 made the was backed by the US, meaning that it had retreated impossible, possible. Israel supported this nomination (it from its agreement with Syria to nominate Al Daher. is claimed that the US opposed it) and the Lebanese Forces worked to ensure that the necessary quorum would be met President René Moawad: Syrian-Saudi- during the electoral session and managed to make some American agreement hesitant MPs attend it. On August 23, 1982, the session While violence and fighting escalated, Arab and was held at the military school in Fayadiyah with 62 MPs international interventions led to the adoption of the present, which is the legal quorum required to hold the National Accord Document in Ta’if in Saudi Arabia. session (the quorum was met after waiting several hours). In addition, a Syrian-Saudi-American agreement on Bashir Gemayyel obtained 58 votes in the first round while nominating René Moawad as president was reached. The Raymond Edde obtained 1 vote and 3 blank ballot papers MPs moved from Ta’if in Saudi Arabia to the Qulai’at were found. In the second round, Gemayyel won by 57 military base in A’akkar and met on November 5, 1989, votes and 5 blank ballot papers were found. However, to elect a president. In the first round, René Moawad the elected president was assassinated on September 14, obtained 35 votes while Dr Georges Saadeh, leader of 1982, before acceding to his functions. the Kataeb (Phalangist) Party, obtained 16 votes and Elias Hrawi gathered 5 votes. There were 2 blank ballot President Amine Gemayyel: papers. In the second round, René Moawad obtained 52 successor to Bashir votes and 6 blank ballot papers were found. Following Bashir Gemayyel’s assassination, Israel Moawad was assassinated on November 22, 1989, on worked to obtain Amine Gemayyel’s nomination to the Independence Day and fingers pointed towards Israel presidency. The latter was supported by Muslim MPs while some accused Major General Aoun and others that had previously opposed the election of his brother directed their accusations towards Syria, which became Bashir. A parliamentary session was held on September the primary suspect following its withdrawal from 21, 1982, with 80 MPs present. Amine Gemayyel Lebanon in 2005. obtained 77 votes and 3 blank ballot papers were found. With the end of Amine Gemayyel’s mandate in sight, an President Elias Hrawi: the Syrian option American-Syrian consensus was reached to nominate Following the assassination of President René Moawad, MP Mikhael Al Daher as president. But the Christian Syria wanted a rapid election of a successor and Elias opposition, namely the Lebanese Forces and then Army Hrawi was chosen. The MPs met on November 24, issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. PUBLIC SECTOR | 13 1989, at the Park Hotel in Chtoura. In the first round, held a session on September 3, 2004, and approved Hrawi obtained 46 votes out of 59 MPs present and in the amendment: “exceptionally and for one time only, the second round, he obtained 47 votes and was declared the current president’s mandate will be extended for president. a period of 3 years ending on November 23, 2007.” In 1995 and with the end of his mandate approaching, This amendment obtained the approval of 96 MPs Syria wanted to renew his mandate for another 3 while 29 opposed it and 3 were absent. In order to stop years. Some believe that the extension represented this extension, the UN Security Council intervened a form of success for Rafic Hariri in that it prevented following US and French pressure, and issued, on the Army Commander Emile Lahoud from acceding to the eve of the extension’s approval, Resolution 1559, as a presidency. The signs of a possible extension came in a form of pressure on Syria to discourage it from going speech by President Assad to one of the newspapers in ahead with its suggestion. which he said that a majority of the Lebanese support the extension of Hrawi’s mandate. The Council of Ministers President Michel Suleiman: Arab and met on October 16, 1995, and transmitted to Parliament international agreement a draft law amending Article 49 of the constitution. Following the end of Emile Lahoud’s mandate, no Parliament met on October 19, 1995, and approved the successor was elected despite scheduling 19 sessions amendment of Article 49 and the extension of Hrawi’s to elect a president. However, none were able to gather mandate: “exceptionally and for one time only, the current the required quorum. This was in the midst of rising president’s mandate will be extended for a period of 3 conflicts between the Lebanese following Israel’s war years ending on November 23, 1998.” This amendment on Lebanon in July 2006 and the establishment of the obtained 110 votes in favor and 11 votes against, while 7 Special Tribunal for Lebanon to try the murderers of MPs were absent. Rafic Hariri. In addition, Lebanon was at the brink of civil war after the incidents of May 7, 2008. Thus, a meeting President Emile Lahoud: the Syrian option gathering Lebanese leaders from all factions was held At the end of Hrawi’s mandate, the option of nominating in Doha under Qatari, Syrian, Saudi, Egyptian, US and Army Commander Emile Lahoud resurfaced, with French auspices, and resulted in the Doha Agreement strong Syrian approval. The idea was accepted by some and the agreement on electing Army Commander Michel opposition MPs (belonging to both Rafic Hariri and Walid Suleiman as president. Jumblatt’s parliamentary blocs) who had wanted Jean Parliament met on May 25, 2008, and elected Michel Obeid to become president. Parliament met on October Suleiman as president of the republic with 118 votes 13, 1988, and approved an amendment to Article 49 of out of 127 MPs (without amending Article 49 although the constitution allowing “exceptionally and for one time Suleiman was Army Commander and thus considered a only, the election of a president of the republic from the Grade 1 employee who cannot be elected without prior judiciary or a Grade 1 employee…” amendment of the constitution). Parliament met again on October 15, 1998, and elected Emile Lahoud as president with 118 votes, which was the Since Lebanon’s independence in 1943 until today total number of MPs present, while 10 MPs belonging (May 2011), there have been 12 presidents, only one of to Walid Jumblatt’s bloc were absent. MPs belonging whom, Suleiman Franjieh, was elected without foreign to Rafic Hariri’s bloc were present despite their implicit intervention. All the others acceded to power according opposition to this election. However, they complied with to the will of foreign powers to which MPs responded, Syrian wishes. thus merely being implementation tools. Over the During the summer of 2004 when the end of President decades, the nationality of these influential powers Lahoud’s mandate approached and following the changed. While it began with British influence, it was developments in Lebanon and the region (US invasion then Arab and British, then American and Egyptian, of Iraq in 2003 and talk of a peaceful consensus), a followed by Syrian, American and Israeli, and finally Syrian option of extending Lahoud’s mandate for Syrian, American and Saudi Arabian. 3 years appeared while some MPs, namely those belonging to Rafic Hariri’s bloc and Walid Jumblatt’s Ambassadors and envoys have played a major role in allied bloc, strongly opposed this option. This did not choosing presidents. Among them we name Catroux, prevent the Council of Ministers, presided by Rafic Spears, Muprhy, Abdel Hamid Ghaleb, Philip Habib, Hariri, from meeting on August 28, 2008, and drafting Ghazi Kanaan, David Kamhi, Ariel Sharon, Hamad Bin a constitutional law to extend the mandate by an extra 3 Jassem Al Thani and Abdel Aziz Khojah. So who will years. The latter was transmitted to Parliament, which choose our next president in 2014?

issue 106 | May 2011 14 | PUBLIC SECTOR LEBANESE TREASURY BONDS BANKS’ REVENUES FROM LEBANESE TREASURY BONDS (1993-2010): $27.4 BILLION

uring the Lebanese civil war (1975-1991) and even after it, the banking sector remained resilient. Later, its function changed to become a financier of the deficit of the Lebanese state, which triggered many Ddiscussions and various conflicting views on the following:

A Lebanese banks had a vested interest in financing compared to the private sector. The second underwriter the state’s deficit and the high interest rates. This is of treasury bonds is the Lebanese Central Bank, which what kept it going and allowed the sector to prosper issues certificates of deposits that the banks underwrite, at the expense of others. in order to reuse some of those funds to underwrite treasury bonds themselves, and then the banks become A A real partnership emerged between the banks the primary underwriters of treasury bonds. and certain politicians based on the following: “banks finance the state, irrespective of waste and corruption, and in turn they receive high interests.” Treasury bonds (in The question is: what would have happened had “ the banks not gone into the “treasury bonds game”? addition to the increase Could they have survived? Would they have invested their money in the private sector instead? Would the of taxes and fees) were state have had to trim its apparatus and streamline its operations to become more efficient? Would Lebanon one way of financing this look much different than it does today? deficit and securing the In this article, we will reveal the size of the Lebanese cost of borrowing. This treasury bonds, their evolution, the segmentation by bank and the interests paid. We will then highlight the is why the size of these volume of the profits from his arrangement. bonds increased from Segmentation of Lebanese treasury bonds LBP 6,024 billion in 1993 As a result of the increase in government spending as of 1990 and the decline in revenues, public deficit to around 74,000 billion grew and increased year after year. Treasury bonds (in addition to the increase of taxes and fees) were at the end of 2010. The one way of financing this deficit and securing the cost of borrowing. This is why the size of these bonds banks’ share in these increased from LBP 6,024 billion in 1993 to around bonds decreased from 74,000 billion at the end of 2010. The banks’ share in these bonds decreased from 79.6% in 1993 to 60% at 79.6% in 1993 to 60% at the end of 2010, as illustrated in Table 1. However and even now, the government is still the major borrower the end of 2010” issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. LEBANESE TREASURY BONDS PUBLIC SECTOR | 15

Segmentation of Lebanese treasury bonds by year (1993-2010) Table 1 Banks’ Banks’ Share of Share of Total % shares in shares Bonds Bonds Total banking banking Total of bank Year bonds in in bonds (LBP billion) ($ million) (LBP billion) sector sector (LBP billion) shares in LBP in $ (LBP billion) ($ million) bonds (%) (%)

1993 6,024 - 6,024 4,437 - 4,437 73.6 - 73.6

1994 9,242 400 9,914 7,272 - 7,272 78.7 - 73.3

1995 12,815 700 13,950 9,045 155 9,296 70.6 22.1 66.6

1996 17,054 822 18,344 12,578 301 13,050 73.7 36.6 71.1

1997 19,380 1,100 21,072 13,193 595 14,108 68 54.1 66.9

1998 21,109 2,550 24,972 15,842 2,000 18,872 75 78.4 75.5

1999 24,780 5,570 33,176 17,295 2,799 21,514 69.8 50.5 64.8

2000 25,731 5,218 33,597 17,589 3,769 23,270 68.3 72.2 69.2

2001 26,484 7,819 38,271 14,567 5,470 22,813 55 70 59.6

2002 24,548 12,779 43,812 16,700 6,838 27,008 68 53.5 61.6

2003 26,013 13,007 45,621 11,940 6,364 21,533 45.9 48.9 47.2

2004 25,766 15,709 49,448 12,111 8,791 25,363 47 55.9 51.3

2005 28,290 16,413 53,032 14,072 9,306 28,100 49.7 56.7 53

2006 29,158 17,540 55,600 16,429 10,673 32,518 56.3 60.8 58.4

2007 30,253 17,976 57,351 16,440 11,074 33,134 54.3 61.6 57.8

2008 37,644 17,789 64,461 23,781 10,354 39,389 63.1 58.2 61.1

2009 44,577 18,005 71,719 27,181 11,566 44,618 60.9 64.2 62.2

2010 47,237 17,737 73,975 27,235 11,700 44,872 57.6 66 60.6

Source: Quarterly Bulletin issued by the Central Bank for each of the years mentioned, except 2010.

Note: since 1994, the government started issuing bonds in foreign currencies given the availability of liquidity in foreign currencies and the decrease of the interest rate on them.

The IPOs of major banks in treasury bonds Banks acquire a large part of Lebanese treasury bonds, to the extent that some banks invest more in treasury bonds than in loans to the private sector, as illustrated in Table 2. Thus, bonds represent 46.7% of the total amount of loans and the 17 banks mentioned hold 95.6% of the total amount of bonds and 90.7% of loans. In practice, 7 banks hold 74% of the total amount of bonds.

issue 106 | May 2011 16 | PUBLIC SECTOR LEBANESE TREASURY BONDS

IPOs and loans of major Lebanese banks Table 2 IPOs of treasury bonds Loans to the private sector Bank ($ million) $ million) Bank Audi – Audi Saradar Group 4,993 6,746 BLOM Bank 4,541 4,018 Byblos Bank 3,372 3,196 BankMed 2,247 3,122 Fransabank 2,402 2,308 Banque Libano-Française 1,431 2,260 Bank of Beirut 2,319 1,795 Société Générale 1,109 1,393 Lebanese Canadian Bank 959 1,319 Crédit Libanais 1,939 1,290 Bank of Beirut and Arab Countries (BBAC) 1,295 679 Banque de Crédit National 282 533 Emirates Lebanon Bank 169 452 First National Bank 744 447 Lebanon & Gulf Bank 406 445 Banque Bemo 152 404 HSBC 126 398 Total 29,486 30,805 Total bonds-Total Credits 29,766 33,949 Source: Bilanbanques 2010.

Interest paid on public debt (1993-2010) Table 3 Interest paid on public Year debt (LBP billion) Interest paid on public debt (1993-2010) 1993 325 Due to the increase in public debt as a result of the 1994 1,595 ongoing deficit in the budget and the increase of the 1995 2,155 interest rate (see Table 6), the state paid large sums 1996 4,228 of money in interest on public debt reaching around 1997 4,120 LBP 72,000 billion ($ 48 billion) between 1993 and 2010, which represents 90.6% of the total amount of 1998 3,041 public debt reaching LBP 79,200 billion at the end 1999 3,905 of 2010. Lebanese banks benefited between 55%- 2000 4,175 65% from these interest rates averaging around LBP 2001 4,500 41,300 billion ($27.4 billion) and were thus able to 2002 4,622 pay interests to their depositors, attract deposits and 2003 4,874 make large profits enabling them to increase their 2004 4,021 capital. Table 3 illustrates the development of interest 2005 3,534 paid on public debt. 2006 4,557 2007 4,940 2008 4,957 2009 6,087 2010 6,218 Total 71,854 issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. LEBANESE TREASURY BONDS PUBLIC SECTOR | 17

Banking sector profits (1993-2010) At a time when most economic sectors are suffering from decline and stagnation to the point that many At a time when most establishments have had to close down, the banking “ sector seems to be the only prosperous one. The economic sectors are Banking Commission’s point of view is that this is normal as profits only represent 14% of banks’ suffering from decline and capital. The Commission does not recognize that this was mainly due to the issuance of treasury bonds, stagnation to the point especially since the interest on these bonds reached that many establishments 38% as previously shown and that the unprecedented surge in deposits’ volume and sudden increase in have had to close down, the banks’ capital would not have taken place if it weren’t for government borrowing. banking sector seems to be Thus, the banking sector should be grateful to the state and its bonds for the profits it has generated over the only prosperous one the years, as illustrated in Table 4. It should be noted that 6 banks alone hold 74% of the banking sector’s ” profits. In 2010, the profits of these 6 banks reached $1,216.3, distributed as follows: ABank Audi Saradar: $ 352.2 million Capital of banking sector ABLOM Bank: $ 330.7 million The profits generated by banks (in addition to the AByblos Bank: $178.4 million presence of new investors) considerably increased their AFransabank: $ 147 million capital during the period ranging between 1993 and ABank Med: $ 107 million 2010. Thus, the total amount of capital rose from LBP ABank of Beirut: $101 million 444 billion to LBP 13,901 billion or 3,030%. Table 5 illustrates the capital of the banking sector from 1993 Banking sector profits (1993-2010) Table 4 until 2010. Amount of Year bank profits ($ Capital of banking sector Table 5 million) Year Capital (LBP billion) 1993 63 1993 444 1994 101 1994 676 1995 177 1995 1,146 1996 262 1996 1,943 1997 380 1997 2,990 1998 437 1998 3,620 1999 340 1999 4,019 2000 216 2000 4,376 2001 343 2001 4,463 2002 312 2002 5,023 2003 396 2003 5,499 2004 461 2004 5,809 2005 519 2005 6,411 2006 668 2006 8,718 2007 850 2007 9,439 2008 1,067 2008 10,705 2009 1,426 2009 11,977 2010 1,642 2010 13,901 Total 9,660 Source: Annual Reports – Association of Banks in Lebanon Source: Annual Reports-Association of Banks in Lebanon

issue 106 | May 2011 18 | PUBLIC SECTOR LEBANESE TREASURY BONDS

Interest rates on Lebanese treasury bonds in LBP (1993-2010) Table 6 Period 3 months 6 months 12 months 24 months January 1993 13% 15% 20.99% 26% December 1993 17.22% 19.65% 21.07% 23.99% December 1994 13.49% 14.83% 14.73% 15.84% July 1995 20.56% 22.43% 27.37% 26.68% August 1995 22.83% 25.13% 33.3% 28.26% September 1995 25.3% 27.91% 37.85% 29.05% October 1995 24.56% 27.37% 36.86% 29.96% December 1995 16.01% 17.21% 18.26% 23.39% December 1996 14.29% 16.15% 17.02% 20.54% December 1997 13.09% 13.97% 15.20% 16.73% December 1998 11.77% 13.21% 14.84% 16.66% December 1999 11.18% 12.12% 13.43% 14.64% December 2000 11.18% 12.12% 13.43% 14.14% December 2001 11.18% 12.12% 13.43% 14.14% December 2002 7.77% 9.15% 9.13% 9.20% December 2003 5.48% 6.53% 6.87% 7.84% December 2004 5.15% 6.31% 6.69% 7.74% December 2005 5.22% 7.24% 7.75% 8.50% December 2006 5.22% 7.24% 7.75% 8.50% December 2007 5.22% 7.24% 7.75% 8.50% December 2008 5.10% 7.10% 7.58% 8.26% December 2009 4.59% 5.77% 5.80% 6.40% December 2010 3.39% 4.52% 4.81% 5.94% Source: Quarterly Bulletin- Central Bank

In summary A Lebanese banks acquire 60.6% of Lebanese government bonds, followed by the Central Bank that underwrites bonds through the banks’ funds so that the banks are the real underwriters of bonds. A Lebanese banks have been able to obtain high revenues from treasury bonds as a result of the high interest rates on these bonds, especially in the summer and autumn of 1995 when interest rates reached 38%. This is what caused the increase of public debt in the following two years, 1996 and 1997, which reached respectively LBP 4,228 billion and LBP 4,120 billion. A Between 1993 and the end of 2010, interest rates paid on public debt reached LBP 71,854 billion, which represents 90.6% of the total of public debt. A Between 1993 and 2010, Lebanese banks made proﬁts amounting to $ 9,660 million. A This arrangement between the state and the banks gave impetus to an unprecedented growth in bank deposits, bank revenues and capital leading to a mutation in the economy.

Again, the importance of the banking sector and its role in Lebanon cannot be understated. However, those involved in the sector must recognize that they are part of a larger economic sphere and of a country. If the latter falls, they will fall with it.

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS IN THE SOUTH PUBLIC SECTOR | 19 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS IN THE SOUTH

Municipal and Ikhtiyariah elections in the Municipal and Ikhtiyariah elections in the Qada’a of Sour Qada’a of Bint Jbeil There are 60 municipalities in the Qada’a of Sour The Qada’a of Bint Jbeil is composed of 36 with 744 council members. The municipal elections municipalities (this is the total number of towns in the held on May 23, 2010, resulted in the following: Qada’a) with 489 council members. The municipal elections held on May 23, 2010, resulted in the A 24 municipalities were won by acclamation, following: supported by the Amal Movement and Hezbollah. A The Amal Movement and Hezbollah won in 24 A 6 municipalities were won by acclamation as a re- municipalities. sult of an alliance between the Amal Movement and A Families won in 5 municipalities. Hezbollah. A The Amal Movement won in 2 municipalities. A The alliance of the Amal Movement and Hezbollah A Hezbollah won in 1 municipality. won, despite mutual striking off processes within A The Future Movement and Al Jama’ah Al Islamiyah the same electoral list, in 23 municipalities. won in 1 municipality. A The Amal Movement won in 1 municipality. A Al Jama’ah Al Islamiyah won in 1 municipality. A Hezbollah won in 1 municipality. A No elections took place in 1 municipality (Alma Al A The March 14 bloc won in 1 municipality (Ain Sha’ab). Abl). A The Future Movement won in 1 municipality. A 1 municipality was dissolved (Yater).

Municipal and Ikhtiyariah elections in the Municipal and Ikhtiyariah elections in the Qada’a of Jezzine Qada’a of Hasbayya The Qada’a of Jezzine is made up of 35 municipalities The Qada’a of Hasbayya is composed of 15 with 363 council members. The municipal elections municipalities with 183 council members. 5 held on May 23, 2010, resulted in the following: municipalities were won by acclamation and the elections were postponed in the municipality of Al A 11 municipalities were won by acclamation, some Khalwat while the remaining 9 others witnessed by an agreement between the Amal Movement competition, which resulted in the following: and Hezbollah (4 municipalities), others by family alliances (6 municipalities) or with the support of A Families won in 1 municipality.The Progressive the Free Patriotic Movement (1 municipality). Socialist Party, the Syrian Social Nationalist Party A Families won in 8 municipalities. and the Lebanese Democratic Party won in 1 A The Free Patriotic Movement won in 6 municipality. municipalities. A The Free Patriotic Movement, the Lebanese Forces A The Lebanese Forces won in 4 municipalities. and the Communist Party won in 1 municipality. A The Free Patriotic Movement, the Lebanese Forces A Al Jama’ah Al Islamiyah, the Future Movement and and families won in 2 municipalities. families won in 1 municipality. A The Free Patriotic Movement, the Amal Movement A The Future Movement and families won in 1 and Hezbollah won in 2 municipalities. municipality (Sheba’a). A An alliance of various political parties won in 1 A The Progressive Socialist Party won in 1 municipality. municipality. A The Free Patriotic Movement and Hezbollah won in A The Syrian Social Nationalist Party and the Lebanese 1 municipality. Democratic Party won in 1 municipality. A The Syrian Social Nationalist Party and the Progressive Socialist Party won in 2 municipalities.

issue 106 | May 2011 20 | PUBLIC SECTOR MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS IN THE SOUTH Municipal and Ikhtiyariah elections in the Qada’a of Saida There are 46 municipalities in the Qada’a of Saida with 555 council members. The municipal elections held on May 23, 2010, resulted in the following:

A The alliance of the Amal Movement and Hezbollah won in 15 municipalities.

A 14 municipalities were won by family support.

A 12 municipalities were won by acclamation, most with the support and agreement between the Amal Movement and Hezbollah.

A The Future Movement and Al Jama’ah Al Islamiyah won in 1 municipality (Saida).

A The Free Patriotic Movement, the Lebanese Forces and families won in 1 municipality.

Saida A The Free Patriotic Movement won in 1 municipality. Jezzine The Lebanese Forces won in 1 municipality. Nabatiyeh A Sour Hasbayya A 1 municipality was dissolved (Al Baysariyyah). Marja’ayoun

Bint Jbeil Municipal and Ikhtiyariah elections in the Qada’a of Nabatiyeh The Qada’a of Nabatiyeh is composed of 39 municipalities with 522 council members. The Municipal and Ikhtiyariah elections in the municipal elections held on May 23, 2010, resulted in Qada’a of Marja’youn the following: There are 26 municipalities in the Qada’a of Marja’youn with 352 council members. The municipal elections A 13 municipalities were won by acclamation held on May 23, 2010, resulted in the following: (supported by the Amal Movement and Hezbollah), which represents one third of the municipalities of A 8 municipal councils were won by acclamation, the Qada’a. namely as a result of a consensus between the Amal Movement, Hezbollah and families. A The Amal Movement and Hezbollah won in 23 municipalities. In some municipalities, striking off A The Amal Movement and Hezbollah won in 10 processes occurred within the electoral list supported municipalities. by the Amal Movement and Hezbollah. A Families won in 6 municipalities (1 of which was A The Free Patriotic Movement won in 1 supported by the Lebanese Forces). municipality. A Hezbollah won in 1 municipality. A Hezbollah won in 1 municipality. A Elections weren’t held in 1 municipality because of A Families won in 1 municipality. a lack of consensus and the withdrawal of candidates (Abl Al Saqi).

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. LEBANESE UNIVERSITY PUBLIC SECTOR | 21 MAINTENANCE OF THE LEBANESE UNIVERSITY IN HADATH USD 1 MILLION PER MONTH

n August 1997, construction started on 9 faculties of the Lebanese University in the region of Hadath, which was later named Rafic Hariri University City following the assassination of Rafic Hariri. The works were completed Iin 2005 – 2006 at a cost of around USD 343 million. The faculties can accommodate around 33,000 students, around 44.5% of the total number of students at the university. Operation and maintenance contract In its Decision No. 17 dated July 3, 2003, the Council of Ministers commissioned the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR) to hold a public bidding for “the operation and maintenance of the University City in Hadath.”

The CDR contracted with Al-Khoraﬁ National on September 7, 2005, for a period of 3 years for USD 26,448,444 including VAT. The CDR also contracted with LACECO (owned by MP Salim Diab, who was close to Hariri, and was the company that supervised the construction) to monitor the implementation of the contract for 4% of the contract value, amounting to USD 1.05 million. Both contracts were to end on September 30, 2008. Contract renewal Prior to the end of the contract, the Lebanese University’s administration reported that the two companies were performing well and suggested the renewal of their contracts with certain amendments to include more facilities such as the building of the faculty of sciences (a 10-year old building), the science cafeteria, the library, the dorms, due to the difﬁculty of the university’s administration to undertake these responsibilities because of the lack of technical and administrative means. The Council of Ministers agreed to assign the CDR to renew the contract on condition that its price would not exceed the current one.

The negotiations between the CDR and Al-Khoraﬁ led to the renewal of the contract but at a higher price that reached USD 25,550,893 excluding VAT for a period of 3 years detailed as follows:

A Al-Khoraﬁ adopted the same remuneration fees used in the old contract amounting to USD 19,364,040 excluding VAT.

A For the additional spaces, Al-Khoraﬁ calculated the extra cost on a proportional basis (based on the same prices of the old contract). This amounted to USD 6,186,853 for a period of 3 years excluding VAT.

LACECO also drew up a new contract after including the new spaces the cost of which amounted to USD 1.3 million. Thus, both contracts reached USD 34,584,143 including VAT, an increase of around USD 7 million from the original contract price.

The cost of “operating, maintaining and monitoring” the University City reached around USD 11.5 million annually, or an average of USD 1 million per month, a considerable amount that does not include electricity and water fees and is limited to maintenance and cleaning, which are not expected to be cumbersome given that the buildings are still new. The contract price was supposed to be decreased rather than increased and in the absence of that, another tender should have been held instead of wasting time and money and continuing with the same old contractors.

issue 106 | May 2011 22 | PUBLIC SECTOR THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE LBP 78 BILLION OR $ 52 BILLION ANNUAL BUDGET TO “DEVELOP LEBANON’S AGRICULTURE”

he Ministry of Agriculture, like agriculture in Lebanon, is marginalized. During a press conference held on April 7, 2011, the Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Al Hajj Hassan, confirmed the marginalization of the sector Tby the successive Lebanese governments since the 1990s in all areas, including budgeting and human resources. Establishment and duties Personnel The Ministry is among the first that were established The Ministry employs 1,176 individuals distributed as upon the creation of the state of Greater Lebanon. It is follows:Category 1: 1; Category 2: 26; Category 3: 256; in charge of the agriculture sector and responsible for Category 4: 683; Category 5: 210 developing it. These positions are distributed among authorities, departments and divisions as illustrated in the following Structure tables. The Ministry is composed of: A The General Directorate: which includes 3 The Central Administration positions (one Category 1, one Category 4 and one The Diwan Table 1 Category 5) and is composed of: Category 2345 A The Central Administration: the Diwan (Bureau)- Diwan Authority 1 - - 2 Directorate of Studies and Coordination- Administrative Department -32217 Directorate of Animal Resources (the Office (2 divisions) of Animal Breeding was added to it in 1983)- Financial Affairs Department -281 Directorate of Plant Resources (the Office of (1 division) Sericulture and the Office of Fruit Production Legal Department - 2 - - were added to it in 1983)- Directorate of Rural Public Relations -21- Development and Natural Resources. and Information Department A Regional Offices A The Board of Planning and Coordination: it studies Directorate of Studies and Coordination Table 2 medium and long term plans, their agendas as well Category 2345 as the annual goals of agricultural administrations. Directorate of Studies and It conducts trainings and workshops and coordinates Coordination 1--- between the Ministry and other authorities. It is • Administrative Department - 1 5 8 headed by the Minister of Agriculture, his deputy is • Statistics and Economic Studies 1-1- the Director General of the Ministry while the other Authority directors and the president of the Diwan constitute -Economic Studies Department - 3 4 - the remaining members of the Board. -Statistics Department -21- A The Superior Agricultural Council: agricultural • Planning and Documentation 1--1 plans are put forward to the Council. It is headed Authority by the Minister of Agriculture, his deputy is the -Planning Department - 1 2 - Director General of the Ministry and the other -Documentation and IT Deparment - 3 6 1 • Programs and Development members are: the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Projects Authority 1--1 at the Lebanese University, the Director General of -Programs Department -21- Cooperatives, the Director General of the National -Development Projects Department - 2 1 - Bank for Agricultural Development, a representative of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and • Education and Extension Authority 1 - 1 - -Agricultural Education and Agriculture appointed by the Minister and 3 farmers’ Training Department (2 divisions) -34- representatives appointed by the Minister. -Extension Department (2 divisions) - 4 7 2

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE PUBLIC SECTOR | 23

Directorate of Plant Resources Table 3 Directorate of Rural Development Table 5 Category 2345 and Natural Resources Directorate of Plant Resources 1 - - - Category 2345 • Administrative Department - 1 3 5 Directorate of Rural Development 1--- • Plant Protection Authority 1 - - - and Natural Resources -Plant Protection Department - 3 4 - • Administrative Authority - 1 4 3 -Phyto-Pharmacy Department -471 • Forests and Natural Resources (2 divisions) Authority 13-- • Field and Horticultural Crops Authority 1--- -Forestry Department - 1 3 - -Horticulture Department - 11 14 - -Pastures and Public Gardens Department -45- -Field Crops Department -43- -Nurseries, Ornamental Plants and -Fisheries and Wildlife -4101 Flowers Department -13- Department -Sericulture Department - 4 5 5 • Rural Engineering Authority 1-1- • Agricultural Economics and 1--- -Rural Projects and Irrigation Marketing Authority Department -35- -Agricultural Economics Department -13- -Supplies and Mechanization Department -465 -Plants Products Marketing Department -23- • Agricultural Industries Authority1-1- • Import/Export Control and Plant 1--- -Agro-Industrial Development and Quarantine Authority Control Department -13- -Import/Export Department -13- -Food and Nutrition Department - 1 3 - -Plant Quarantine Department - 3 10 1 • Packaging and Storage Authority 1 - - - -Packaging Department -13-Regional Ofﬁces -Storage Department -12- Regional Offices Table 6 Category 2345 Directorate of Animal Resources Table 4 Regional Offices 5 - - - Category 2345 Administrative Division (5) - 5 25 50 Directorate of Animal Resources 1 - - - Studies and Coordination Department (5) - 15 35 - • Administrative Department 1 4 4 - Plant Resources Department (5) - 60 80 50 • Animal Breeding Authority 1 2 - - Animal Resources Department (5) - 40 60 15 -Animal Breeding Department - 3 3 - Rural Development and Natural Resources Department (5) -2523510 -Poultry Breeding and Production -23- Department Agricultural Center (24) - - 24 24 -Livestock Breeding, Meat and Dairy Production Department -23- Note: there are 5 regional offices, one in each Mohafaza (except Beirut), and 1 agricultural center in each Qada’a. -Animal Nutrition Department - 2 3 - • Animal Health Authority 1 - - - Cooperatives: from Housing to Agriculture -Animal Protection Department (2 divisions) -371 By virtue of Law No. 247 (on assimilation, abolition -Veterinary Health Department and establishment of ministries and councils) issued on (2 divisions) -17- August 7, 2000, the Ministry of Housing and Cooperatives was abolished. The General Directorate of Cooperatives • Agricultural Economics, 1--- Processing and Marketing Authority that was part of the Ministry, its staff and apparatus were -Agricultural Economics -14- transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture. Department Law No. 73/31 (on the functions, powers and personnel -Animal Products, Processing and Marketing Department -14- of the Ministry of Housing and Cooperatives) issued on December 21, 1973, and its amendments, speciﬁed the • Import/Export Control and Animal Quarantine Authority 1--- personnel of the General Directorate of Cooperatives -Import/Export Department - 1 3 - with 97 positions distributed as follows: Category 1: 1; -Animal Quarantine Department - 5 10 2 Category 2: 3; Category 3: 27; Category 4: 50; Category 5: 16.

issue 106 | May 2011 24 | PUBLIC SECTOR THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE budget (which reached an estimated LBP 22.9 billion in Administrations linked to the Ministry of the 2010 draft budget law). The objective of the Office Agriculture is the study and implementation of “the project of land There are two main administrations in the agricultural reclamation”, in a bid to make them arable. The Project sector that are linked to the ministry and they are: the employs 59 individuals. Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute and the Green Plan Office. Budget In the 2010 draft budget law, the Ministry’s budget The Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute reached LBP 78 billion, which is relatively little given The Institute was created by virtue of Decree 16766 the importance of the sector and its need for financing. dated August 7, 1957. It is considered a public sector It should be noted that 30% of the ministry’s budget (not organization, enjoys legal personality and financial and including the budgets of the Green Plan Office and the administrative independence. It does not fall within the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute) is used to pay jurisdiction of public accountability laws nor the Court salaries, wages and allowances. The budget is distributed of Audit, unless otherwise stated in its bylaws. Among as follows: its goals, we mention: A Allowances, salaries and wages: LBP 13.1 billion A Organize research activities, coordinate, undertake A Pesticides: LBP 3 billion and implement them when necessary, especially those A Laboratory materials: LBP 3 billion related to the improvement of agricultural production A Contribution to the Green Plan: LBP 22.9 billion and the development and regulation of the use of A Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute: LBP 10.3 agricultural machinery and irrigation. billion A Improve the livestock and poultry industries A General Directorate of Cooperatives: LBP 2.09 billion A Classify agricultural products A Technical equipment: LBP 6.7 billion The Institute employs 224 individuals and its budget A IT equipment: LBP 1.9 billion derives from the Ministry. In the 2010 draft budget law, A Transportation equipment: LBP 1.3 billion it reached an estimated LBP 10.3 billion. A Land maintenance: LBP 575 million A Building maintenance: LBP 725 million The Green Plan Office A Construction: LBP 1.7 billion The Office was created by virtue of Decree No. A Construction of specialized structures: LBP 600 13785 dated September 9, 1963. It is managed by an million administrative committee and is linked to the Ministry. The latter allocates it a certain budget from its own Ministers A Suleiman Franjieh’s mandate (1970-1976): Henri Edde - Since Lebanon’s independence in 1943 until the formation Edouard Souma - Fouad Nafa’a - Suleiman Al Ali - Fahmi of the latest government (formed on November 9, 2009, and Shahin - Sabri Hamadeh - Suleiman Al Ali - Zein Maki - resigned on January 12, 2011), there have been 78 ministers. Majid Arslan - Rachid Karami.

Elias Sarkis’s mandate (1976-1982): Assa’ad Rizk - Michel Bechara El Khoury’s mandate (1943-1952): Majid Arslan A A Doumat - Amine Al Bizri - Joseph Skaff - Moustapha (2) - Jamil Talhouq - Ahmad Al Assa’ad - Yousef Hrawi - Durneiqa. Kamal Jumblatt - Suleiman Nawfal - Majid Arslan - Baheej Taqieddine - Boulos Fayyad - Yousef Hrawi - Suleiman Al Amine Gemayyel’s mandate (1982-1988): Pierre El Khoury Ali - Nazem A’akari (2) - Sa’ib Salam. A - Adel Osseiran. Camille Chamoun’s mandate (1952-1958): Georges Hakim A Government headed by Major General Michel Aoun - Jean Skaff - Kazem AlKhalil (2) - Salim Haidar (2) - Joseph A (1988-1989): Lutfi Jaber - Issam Abou Hamra. Skaff (3) - Majid Arslan - Kazem Al Khalil - Majid Arslan.

Elias Hrawi’s mandate (1989-1998): Mohsen Dalloul (3) - Fouad Chehab’s mandate (1958-1964): Fouad Najjar - A A Adel Qortas - Shawqi Fakhoury (2). Pierre Gemayyel - Fouad Najjar (2) - Mohammad Safieddine - Suleiman Franjieh - Joseph Skaff - Fouad Najjar. A Emile Lahoud’s mandate (1998-2007): Suleiman Franjieh - Ali A’ajaj Abdallah - Ali Hussein Khalil - Elias Skaff - Trad Charles Helou’s mandate (1964-1970): Fouad Najjar - Ali A Kanj Hamadeh - Talal Al Sahili. A’arab - Joseph Najjar - Bashir Al Othman - Said Hamadeh - Khaled Jumblat - Anwar Al Khateeb - Raymond Edde - Abdel Latif Al Zein (2). A Michel Suleiman’s mandate (2008- presumably 2014): Elias Skaff - Hussein Al Hajj Hassan. issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN LEGISLATION, JUDICIARY & CRIME|25 SO CALLED “ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN” IN CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM uman civilizations across the world, be it in liberal or conservative societies, have been confronted with what is referred to as “illegitimate children” for years. For two decades now, Lebanon has been witnessing an Hincrease of this phenomenon. Deﬁnition of an “illegitimate child” in Lebanon An “illegitimate child” is a child born to unmarried parents. Christianity and Islam have differing opinions regarding this issue. Christian confession An “illegitimate child” belongs to one of two categories:

A A child born to unmarried parents who can get married at any time, given the absence of prohibiting factors, and recognize the child and register him/her.

A A child born to parents who cannot marry (one parent is already married, the parents are related…), who the courts cannot recognize and who cannot be registered.

Recognizing an “illegitimate child” There are 2 ways to recognize an “illegitimate child”:

A Consensual recognition: the honest recognition of a person’s paternity or maternity of an “illegitimate child”, which cannot occur after the child has reached the age of majority. In this case, recourse to the judiciary is necessary to verify the recognition.

A Judicial recognition: an “illegitimate child” may conﬁrm his ﬁliation to his father or mother by bringing his case to a specialized court (court belonging to the child’s confession). There are 2 kinds of cases:

A Illegitimate paternity case: proving that the “illegitimate child” is ﬁliated to the father before the courts in four situations: kidnapping and rape, temptation by fraudulent methods, the existence of letters, the publicly acknowledged cohabitation of the man and the woman. This case is brought by the mother if the child is a minor within 2 years of his/her birth. If the mother does not bring the case forward, the child may do so upon reaching the age of majority, within a 1 year period. A Illegitimate maternity case: proving that the “illegitimate child” is ﬁliated to the mother. This case is brought by the father if the child is a minor within 2 years of his/her birth. If the father does not bring the case forward, the child may do so upon reaching the age of majority, within a 2 year period.

The inheritance rights of an “illegitimate child” The “illegitimate child” inherits from the person who has recognized him (consensually or judicially) and his share is equal to a quarter of what he would have obtained if he had been a “legitimate child”, if the father or mother have “legitimate offspring”. In the absence of “legitimate offspring”, he inherits half. He inherits three quarters if there are heirs (who are neither offspring nor parents) and inherits everything if there is no “legitimate heir”. Islamic confession Islam considers that any relationship that is not governed by marriage is illegitimate and what results of it is an “illegitimate child” who can neither be recognized nor obtain any rights.

issue 106 | May 2011 26|LEGISLATION, JUDICIARY & CRIME PHYSICIANS’ IMMUNITY THE IMMUNITY OF PHYSICIANS n ordinary circumstances, disease threatens a patient’s life. However, a physician’s mistake may sometimes threaten the patient’s life. The patient’s parents then often attribute the death to a mistake Icommitted by the physician. Medical mistakes have become a problem because, in many cases, they are difficult to prove.

Before 2001, physicians did not enjoy any immunity authorized after the Syndicate gives its opinion within from criminal prosecution for acts resulting from the the above-mentioned period.” exercise of the profession. The transition happened after the trial of three doctors before the military court Cases of arrest and interrogation of for causing the death of Sergeant Khalil Hamad at the physicians and requests for obtaining Military Hospital. permission to prosecute A On December 23, 2003, the Syndicate of Physicians The case and the transition condemned the arrest of Dr. Mario Aoun, stating that the Sergeant Khalil Hamad was brought to the Military prosecution of any physician and his accusation require Hospital on August 14, 1999, in a critical state and he the previous notification of the Syndicate, regardless of died the next day. The three physicians who supervised the motive of the prosecution. It pointed out that these his treatment were arrested on September 1. The practices constituted an infringement to civil freedoms government representative at the military court brought and a violation of freedom of opinion and expression. suit against the first doctor S.M. for keeping the patient six hours without taking any action to transfer him to A On February 22, 2007, the Financial Public the intensive care unit. He also brought suit against the Prosecution sent the Syndicate of Physicians a second physician, doctor G.A., for leaving the patient letter requesting it to give its opinion concerning the without treatment and against the third, doctor N.N., prosecution of a number of forensic physicians who for leaving the patient 14 hours without transferring prepared false reports to citizens, following the last him to the intensive care unit. On September 5, they Israeli attacks on Lebanon, who then benefited from were tried before the military court and sentenced to compensation from the Higher Relief Commission. On 5 days in prison. They were released the same day the March 15, the Financial Public Prosecution received an verdict was issued. It is worth noting that the three answer from the Syndicate of Physicians, the content doctors were detained in rooms reserved for officers of of which was not made public. On March 20, two the military police and brought before the court without physicians, Dr. Faysal Dalloul and Ali. H, were arrested handcuffs. and sued. However, it seems the Syndicate was not in favor of their detention. This can be concluded from the On September 7, 1999, more than 2,000 physicians statement of the Syndicate’s President made on March headed to Sahat Al Nijmeh in Beirut’s Central District 26 requesting the release of the physicians who had in response to a call by the Syndicate of Physicians of been recently arrested in the cases of the Higher Relief Trablous and Beirut demanding the establishment of a Commission and the expired medicines, promising limited immunity for physicians. to take disciplinary action against any physician who had committed an offense, after investigation. Aoun On April 6, 2001, Law No. 313 was issued amending the raised the issue of the arrest of physicians without prior law issued on December 7, 1946. Article 44 of the new permission from the Syndicate. Five physicians were law stipulates that: “During the criminal prosecution arrested in this case and four of them were released, of a physician, the Syndicate shall have the right to whereas Nehme Al Mallah is still detained. give its scientific opinion within a period of fifteen days on whether the alleged offense was caused by the The prosecution of physicians without prior permission exercise of the profession. The prosecuted physician from the Syndicate does not create any legal right for the is interrogated in the presence of the President of the Syndicate, like the one that emanates to the Syndicate Syndicate of Physicians or his deputy. The pre-trial of Lawyers in the event a lawyer is questioned. Indeed, detention of a physician prosecuted for an offense a lawyer can defer his prosecution until the permission arising from the exercise of the profession shall only be of the Syndicate has been obtained.

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. SYNDICATE OF MARITIME AGENTS PRIVATE SECTOR|27 SYNDICATE OF MARITIME AGENTS IN LEBANON

History and Objectives The Syndicate of Maritime Agents in Lebanon was established by virtue of Decree No. 246/1 dated November 6, 2006. Its objectives include the protection and encouragement of the profession, the improvement of its standards and the protection of its interests. It also works to develop it on the economic, industrial and commercial levels, protect the members’ interests, defend their rights, improve their social, health, cultural, financial and professional conditions according to the laws and regulations in force. Finally, it provides professional and material assistance to its members within the resources available to it. The headquarters of the Syndicate are located in Beirut, near the Port of Beirut. The Syndicate’s Organization The syndicate consists of a General Assembly and a Board. The General Assembly The General Assembly consists of all the maritime agents in Lebanon affiliated with the Syndicate (around 30 agents), some of which were the first maritime agencies in the world. The General Assembly convenes an ordinary meeting at least once a year upon the Board’s request. It can be called to convene an extraordinary meeting whenever the Board deems it necessary. The General Assembly contributes to the achievement of the Syndicate’s goals and objectives and thus has the following competencies:

The Port, Quarantine Photo by: Mohamed Mashlab 2011 issue 106 | May 2011 28|PRIVATE SECTOR

A The election of the Syndicate’s Board members A The amendment of the Syndicate’s bylaws A The study and ratification of the budget A The ratification of the Syndicate’s final accounts A Acquiting Board members The Board The Board includes 12 members: the president, the first vice president, the second vice president, the secretary, the treasurer and 7 other members. The members are: AHassan Jaroudi (President) AAntoine Khayyat (First Vice President) ARoger Mrakadi (Second Vice President) AGeorges Qurban (Secretary) AMichel Francis (Treasurer) AHariette Jolie AEdouard Courdahi ASamir Na’imi AAli Ghandour AKhairallah Al Zein AAtef Ma’adarani AShadi Hakim

The president The President represents the Syndicate before the courts and administrative authorities, presides over Board meetings, implements its resolutions, and signs contracts and documents implementing Board decisions. He also supervises the work of all the committees, ensures the implementation of the Board and General Assembly decisions. With the secretary, he signs all the ofﬁcial and administrative correspondences and prepares the annual report. With the treasurer, he signs the expenditures, and prepares the ﬁnancial statement and the draft annual budget. Finally, he works to resolve professional disputes between Syndicate members and third parties.

Challenges The Port, Quarantine The Syndicate is faced with the rapid developments Photo by: Mohamed Mashlab 2011 in the ﬁeld of transportation, which are not in sync with the legal developments in Lebanon. Problems concern legal texts, for example those related to the electronic signature, which should be amended and updated with new provisions. The Syndicate and politics The Syndicate is prohibited from being involved in politics and participating in meetings or demonstrations of a political nature. Moreover, the members are prohibited from discussing any factional, sectarian or political topic in any meeting convened by the Syndicate.

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. BEIRUT MODERN SCHOOL PRIVATE SECTOR|29 BEIRUT MODERN SCHOOL

The School’s History Educational Programs BMS is a private Lebanese educational institution, BMS offers classes from the pre-Kindergarten level established in 1995. Its campus is situated off the Beirut to Grade 12 and follows the Lebanese National International Airport Highway, only 5 – 10 minutes Curriculum. It has an English and a French section. away from Beirut’s Central District and is aspiring to Arabic as a second language is offered to students be one of the leading schools in the region. coming from abroad who have not learned Arabic before. The school states that the program is geared The School’s Mission towards social and emotional development. According to the school’s administration, the school’s mission is to develop self conﬁdent young citizens Faculty and Staff with active and creative minds, who have a sense of According to the school’s administration, the understanding and compassion for others. The focus is coordinators and teachers at the school are academic thus on the whole child. By working on an integrated professionals who possess the educational background and diversiﬁed curriculum that reaches across all age and experience required to plan, execute, and facilitate levels, students are encouraged to meet academic successful and character-building learning experiences challenges with openness, enthusiasm and willingness for students. In addition, the entire administrative staff in order to reach their fullest potential as independent runs the school’s logistics. thinkers. BMS respects the individual needs of each child. It fosters a caring environment and emphasizes the Enrolment social, emotional, physical and intellectual development Students are admitted to BMS without regard to race, of each learner in an atmosphere of cooperation and creed, gender, national origin or religious beliefs. respect for differences and community values. Applicants to all levels are evaluated on the basis

Beirut Modern school Photo by: Mohamed Mashlab 2011

issue 106 | May 2011 30|PRIVATE SECTOR BEIRUT MODERN SCHOOL of their academic abilities and willingness to conform to the school’s rules and regulations in addition to the interview and scores obtained in the entrance exam. Priority is given to those who meet the criteria for acceptance upon early application. The school has about 600 students. Activities BMS offers a wide range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Students become involved in sports, music, drama, and school sponsored clubs.

For example, BMS is involved in the “Connecting Classroom Project” sponsored by the British Council. Another project the students are involved in is “The importance of raising bees” with the AFDC organization. The Physics department is also participating with the “Recycling of batteries” project sponsored by Bee’atouna organization. BMS is currently aspiring to enter the International School Award competition.

What is so unique about BMS? According to the school’s administration, BMS: A encourages students to meet academic challenges in order to reach their fullest potential as independent thinkers. A respects the individual needs of each child, socially, emotionally and intellectually. A provides students with choices and guides him towards the right one. A provides a safe and nurturing environment. A respects individual differences.

Beirut Modern school Photo by: Mohamed Mashlab 2011

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. HEALTH | 31 VITAMIN D (THE SUN VITAMIN) Dr. Hanna Saadah

here has been a plethora of published information on the myriad functions and benefits of Vitamin D, its normal levels, its perceived global deficiency, and the many dietary Tways to supplement it. Because our current state of knowledge is far from satisfactory, extrapolated opinions have proliferated beyond scientific evidence, and colorful myths have filled our knowledge vacuums. When a very specific band of Ultraviolet B Sunlight penetrates our skin, it transforms its Vitamin D precursors into Vitamin and growth, and frequent falls. D3, which then must pass through a liver transformation step 2. Osteomalacia, results from poorly mineralized adult bones followed by a final kidney activation step before it becomes and leads to bone pains, muscle weakness and cramps, gait Calcitriol, which is the biologically active form of Vitamin D. instability, and false fractures seen on x-rays. The blood Animal sources of Vitamin D are mainly deep-sea-fatty-fish, levels of calcium and phosphorus are usually low and the bone egg yolks, and liver. enzymes are high when the Vitamin D deficiency is severe. Measuring the biologically active Vitamin D, Calcitriol, for There are many purported benefits of Vitamin D besides many reasons, is not practical. Instead, its circulating, liver- improving bone and muscle health but evidence for such processed form, pro- Calcitriol, is used for defining deficiency benefits is observational (soft) and not derived from randomized and sufficiency. Current standards, which are still debatable, controlled studies: state that a level less than10 ng/ml suggests deficiency, a level 1. High quality studies have shown a reduction in falls and between 10 to 30 ng/ml suggests insufficiency, a level of 30 fractures in those elderly who take at least 800 D units/day, to 76 ng/ml suggests sufficiency, and levels above 76 ng/ml whereas taking ½ a million units once a year paradoxically may be harmful. Depending on which method is used for increased the falls and fractures. measurement, these values could vary and they will certainly 2. An observational study in individuals older than 65 whose change with future research. Vitamin D levels were over 40 ng/ml showed a 45% lesser Historically, Francis Glisson in 1650 was the first to publish mortality than those with levels less than 10 ng/ml, but it is not a medical treatise on the common childhood bone disease known whether the levels were the cause or the result of this known as Rickets. Sniadecki was the first to report in1882 lower mortality. the association of Rickets with the lack of sunlight. By the 3. Other observational studies hint at reduced cardiovascular 19th century, cod liver oil had become an effective treatment mortality and reduced risks of high blood pressure, diabetes, for Rickets and the work of Mellanby & McCollum led to obesity, and high triglycerides. the discovery of Vitamin D as the active ingredient in cod 4. Observational, uncontrolled studies hint at a reduced colon liver oil. This led to the fortification of milk and other foods and breast cancer risk in those with robust Vitamin D levels. with Vitamin D in the 20th century causing Rickets—and the Other common cancers do not seem to be reduced by higher adult form of Rickets known as osteomalacia—to become Vitamin D levels. uncommon in the developed world. 5. The incidence of multiple sclerosis increases in higher Calcitriol, the only biologically active form of Vitamin D, is latitudes where less sun exposure and lower levels of Vitamin a true hormone that acts mainly on the first part of the small D are common. Children with low Vitamin D levels may intestine, the duodenum, to enhance calcium absorption. It have more asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and schizophrenia. also acts on the bone-making and bone-breaking cells that Overweight individuals with low Vitamin D levels have more mobilize skeletal calcium. depression and those who receive Vitamin D improve. Certain The levels of Vitamin D achieved with supplements, diets, or body aches and muscle cramps may also respond to Vitamin sun exposure vary with the individual’s race, age, body fat, and D. genetic factors as do the clinical manifestations of deficiency 6. Both Vitamins D2 and D3 are widely available as supplements and insufficiency. The two most important clinical conditions and are equally effective. Taking 800-2000 units daily may be that result from Vitamin D deficiency are: wise in those who are elderly, dark skinned, or those who do 1. Nutritional Rickets, a disease of children, results from not get enough sun. inadequate mineralization of growing bones and continues To conclude, information about Vitamin D is rapidly evolving to be prevalent among those breast-fed children all over the but scientific knowledge that can guide clinical decisions is still world who have no access to preventive medical care. It leads lacking. It is best to proportion our beliefs to the evidence. to leg and ribcage deformities, bone pains, delayed walking

www.hannasaadah.com - www.information-international.com - [email protected] issue 106 | May 2011 32 | THE AMAZING BRAIN BBMING, TEXTING AND CELLING WHILE DRIVING The mind’s largely immutable multitasking bottleneck Dr. Samar Zebian

n 2003 The Lebanese Ministry inaccuracy of distance judgments between cars, and ultimately of Public Works and Transport higher accident rates (in driving simulators). I(MoPWT) commissioned a Swedish National Road Consulting As I write this, I literally hear some readers indignantly firm (SweRoad) to examine and make recommendations professing something like this-“I am a good driver and can to improve road safety in Lebanon. SweRoad had their do two things at the same time without a problem, especially work cut out for them because Lebanese accident driving and talking.” Indeed!!! Some people (very few statistics are……to put it politely-SKELETAL. SweRoad, people) are competent dual-taskers. In a high fidelity driver and local organizations including the Lebanese Red simulation study, Watson & Styer (2010) found only 1 in 200 Cross, Kunhadi and YASA converge on the view that the (0.005%) competent dual-taskers. This person was able to present MoPWT’s information system does not permit a brake at the right time every single time it was required, keep a detailed understanding of road safety. consistently safe distance from another car and avoid collision while performing another task. Nevertheless, they found that The Lebanese Red Cross is on-record stating that traffic fatalities the vast majority of people show a performance decline in one and injuries are underestimated by 75–100 %. As evidence or both tasks. for the under reporting, consider that in 2002 the Lebanese Research also suggests that mobile use is more distracting than Red Cross (which handles approximately 80% of ambulatory talking with a car passenger or listening to music, even though services including those for the Civil service and the Army), these tasks may seem similar to talking on your cell. If we reported 5,725 injuries and fatalities whereas official records carefully examine tasks in the way that cognitive scientists do, indicate 3,5401. A discrepancy of a similar magnitude was in terms of micro-processing demands, significant differences found in 2003. Despite the under reporting, SweRoad’s report emerge. Conversations with passengers in the real world are concluded that “the overall road safety situation in Lebanon is self-paced, less urgent, and because the passenger is aware poor. The actual number of casualties is high in relation to the of the driving situation, conversations were suppressed when number of inhabitants and motor vehicles and compared with driving conditions where most demanding. In contrast cell countries with good safety records.” phone conversations are faster paced and require drivers The current road safety situation is attributed to several to make more utterances than they normally would with a proximal and distal factors, including, road engineering passenger. With respect to listening to music, three studies have and maintenance, policing, car registration and inspection concluded that the distraction caused by listening to music was procedures, driver education and driver behavior/distraction. far less than cell phone distraction. In this article I will examine one main cause for distraction- the The potential for distraction increases with texting because it use of mobile devices. involves both physical and cognitive distraction. Retrieving, Although the Lebanese statistics do not report the causes of and in particular, sending text messages prevents drivers from accidents, comparative international data suggests that 20-30% maintaining their lateral position on the road and therefore of accidents are caused by mobile related driver distraction significantly reduces detection. In addition, drivers spend up and a highly sited epidemiological study suggests that mobile to 400% more time with their eyes off the road when they are use increases the risk of collision by 400% (Redelemeir & texting a message. Tibshirani, 1997). Importantly this study and others suggest If you know someone with a “not me” attitude, or if you are that hands-free phones are not significantly safer than handheld too rushed to wait until you reach your destination to make or units. return a call—Please remember that your brain is more limited Epidemiological studies are important but they don’t replace than your inflated notion of your multitasking abilities. behavioral studies. High fidelity computerized driver Redelemeir, D. A., & Tibshirani, R. J. (1997). Association between cellular telephone calls simulators are used to experimentally study the influences and motor vehcile crashes. The New England Journal of Medicine , 363, 453-458. of mobile use (hand held or hand-free) on driving behavior. Strayer, D. L., & Johnston, W. A. (2001). Driven to distraction; Dual-task studies of simulated driving and conversing on a cellular telephone. Psychological Science , 9, 462-466. Research shows that talking on hand-free mobiles results in Strayer, D. L., Drews, F. a., & Johnston, W. A. (2003). Cell phone induced failures of visual the following: delayed brake reaction times, impaired object attention during simulated driving. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied , 9, 23-32. Watson, J., & Styer. D.L (2010). Supertaskers: profile in expert extraordinary multitasking detection, increased inattentional blindness, an increase in the ability. Psychonomic Bulletin and Review, 17, 479-485. 1- SweRoad report, 2004

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. [email protected] - www.information-international.com EYEING HORIZONS | 33 THE NATURAL WAYS OF STORING INFORMATION Antoine Boutros

riting the genetic code with a three-character system gives the opportunity to register a large amount of instructions in a small amount of space. The number of possible Wsequences in the DNA molecule depends on the length of the sequence multiplied by four (since 4 is the number of the genetic alphabet) , which means that the amount of diversity that a code can provide is very large. In the DNA cell, every one million “characters” represent a longitudinal distance that does not exceed 3.4×105 nanometers or 0.034 centimeters and occupy a total volume that does not exceed 106 cubic nanometers or 10-15 cubic centimeters. Therefore, we can conclude that a human cell with a diameter equal to 20 microns contains 3×109 nucleotides capable of storing all the genetic information in a cube each side of which does not exceed 1.5 microns or 1.5× 10-4 cm. Therefore, if this kind of genetic information was printable, it would need one million pages.

Thus, if the human being is proud of modern technology’s ability to invent chips capable of storing large amounts of information, this achievement is in fact very small when compared with the miraculous storage available inside a cell. The core memory used in the early days of computers was capable of storing 4,096 bits in an area not exceeding 6,400 mm2 , whereas the Dynamic RAM chip allows the storage of 1,048,576 bits in an area not exceeding 50 mm2, forming a spatial storage density capacity of 21,000 in each mm2 (1,048,576 divided by 50).

On the contrary the DNA molecule consists of a double spiral and this is where the comparison between the storage capacity of a DNA molecule and the man-made storage devices indicate enormous differences. In fact, the DNA storage density is estimated to be around 45×1012 more than the storage capacity of the dynamic millennium chip. How can we explain this huge difference? The answer lies in three factors:

First: the DNA molecule technologically uses a cubic volumetric technology i.e. a three-dimensional one; whereas the synthetic chips use a spatial storage technology, i.e. a two-dimensional one. Although the chip consists of many layers, the storage elements are always two-dimensional.

Second: theoretically, one molecule is enough to represent one unit of information. This economical technology is exactly what goes into the design of a DNA molecule. Despite all the scientific efforts, miniaturization is still far from achieving this objective.

Third: one major disadvantages of the chip is that it is designed to only work in the 2 mode switch that is the binary language: zero and one. On the other hand, the DNA molecule incorporates four chemical symbols, which allow a quadruple code that can be translated by two bits in each situation. The stored accumulated human knowledge is currently estimated in the world’s libraries at 1018 bits (i.e. number 10 to the power 18). If we want to store this considerable amount of information in natural storage containers i.e. in the DNA molecule, 1% of the size of a pinhead is enough. However, if we want to use chips, we would need a long chain of chips extending from the earth to the moon.

Life surrounds us in many diverse ways. Despite their simplicity, even single-celled organisms are more complicated and targeted in their design than any other human invention. Although mater between living and energy are two essential qualities for existence, they do not play any role in distinguishing between living and solid systems. Among the most prominent characteristics of living organisms is the information that they contain related to the necessary operations to achieve their functions or to multiply and continue. According to V. Braitenbreg, a German cybernetics scientist, “the information transfer plays a key role in everything alive. When insects move pollen from one flower to another, this process is in fact a process of transferring genetic information carried by the dust as a tool of fertilization. Whereas the material, i.e. the tool and the mean used in the transfer process, is of no real importance.”

www.irthsumer.com - www.information-international.com - [email protected] issue 106 | May 2011 34|INTERVIEW The Monthly interviews ARTIST OUSSAMA BAALBAKI orking on panes of reflections between man and his surrounding, Artist Oussama Baalbaki shows a unique style in depicting his concepts in terms of style and mood. The Monthly interviews Mr. Baalbaki about the Wsteps he goes through to compose his art. How do you describe the beginning of your Secondly, I use faces of famous people such as thinkers, path to Art? philosophers or writers. I emerged from a family who already had roots in the The third sort is a face I compose. Although I have never Art, as most of my relatives had been drawn to painting, met them, I feel that they represent my deepest and most sculpture, theatre or music. In a background imbibed by intimate visuals. this energy, I grew up knowing that Art was my destiny. I was mostly attracted to drawing human faces as a child. What about the other elements you use in However, during my academic years at the Lebanese your painting? University’s Fine Arts Department, I switched to depicting I still am infatuated with natural scenery. When it comes natural scenery and improving my technique. Somehow, into my work, I always tint it with melancholy, destruction, after my graduation in 2002, I went back to the mystery of decay, while making sure to keep its beauty intact. I believe faces and found them creeping back into my paintings. that broken cars, dying nature and other scenes may bring My first exhibition in Dar Al-Nadwa contained paintings out unexpected charm. of faces from my close circle or imagination but it still had traces of me exploring my technique and bringing out the best academic take on depicting reality. But during later exhibitions, I delved into concepts to compose implicit expression. What are these concepts? And how do you translate them? The concepts revolve around contemporary issues we face everyday. So the idea I tackle is an expression of my instinct towards these issues. In means of expression, I resort to realism to perceive and translate this instinct. As for the visual elements, my paintings are all monochromatic. As a combination, realism expressed in monochromatic paintings also draws the line between reality and dream, and that same line exists in the way I perceive life’s double standards. Between concept and technique, my main goal remains to create a beautiful work, so I use sensation to direct brush strokes. I stick to monochrome because I believe that these emotions are represented most intensely and abundantly through the shades of one color. Why were you fascinated by faces as a child? The face is the main bearer of any personal and emotional aspect of its owner, which triggers passion in me. There are three sorts of faces that occur in my work. Firstly, a face may be used merely as a screen that transmits a psychic state that I choose regardless of the person depicted. Usually I choose a person who is close to me such as a Oussama Baalbaki friend or a relative. issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. INTERVIEW|35

get more involved in the work. I am not only painting my face, I am placing myself in my own geographic, emotive and natural environment before the audience. The work will gain momentum and may develop in a fashion that I cannot control or predict, and I expect to find challenge and criticism in that step. Can you tell us about how you form the symbolism of destruction? It is more a state of ruin. Through depicting it, I try to find the human reflection in it. This reflection may mean a mess in all people’s psyche. I don’t really look deeply into the symbolism of the elements when I first paint them. I listen closely to what my intuition dictates to me and let myself fall out of any precaution of logic to melt into my work completely. The dimensions of this symbolism are perceived later, when I am preparing myself to present my work to my audience. How does your audience react to your work usually? I consider that my work carries implicit disruption coming from compressed violence. This implication is silent, so I “Enlightment”, 2009, Acrylic on Canvas, 140x170cm realize that the audience is attracted to my work gradually because the core takes a while to emerge to the viewer since I also depict man’s environment and habitat, such as the it is surrounded by a surreal and somewhat strange fence. interior of a home because it is a theatre that reflects his nature, emotive state and thoughts. Destruction comes into play here too but takes small elements such as a lamp or another belonging. It helps me depict man’s constant state of concussion and instability. Currently I am moving to depict my own face, not because I am a fan of self portraits, but because I would like to experience a further step of fusing myself with my art. Of course, I am aware that my audience may perceive this step in many different ways, and I do not wish to confine them to any strict explanation that justifies this decision. From your end, how do you believe your relationship with your audience will change once your face will appear in your paintings? I move from being an observer to being face-to-face with the world. I Untitled, 2009, Acrylic on Canvas 170x140cm

issue 106 | May 2011 36 | ART & CULTURE POPULAR CULTURE POPULAR CULTURE

Our neighbor Nastas

There weren’t any children in Nastas’s home -Um Nemr- to play with. Her male children immigrated to Brazil and the females were all married. Nastas was not hospitable and was not rich… She wasn’t from the elderly who were saint-like… She was so tall, like no other in the village. They say in the village that she walked with her head raised towards the sky.

She was very active. She grew vegetables, raised silkworms alone, went to the ﬁeld and came back with a basket on one shoulder and another in her hand. She went before dawn and came back before sunrise.

I remember she never let us children play near her house. We disturbed her with our yelling and screaming…

I remember her competing with her neighbor in curses and insults. When two families would become enemies, the ladies would go to the top of their homes and start the swearing. This would go on for ﬁfteen minutes or half an hour and then each one would go back to work, until it started again the next day.

I don’t know why there was hostility between Nastas and the women in her neighbor’s home. I do know that it was an old hostility though. I know that Nastas would sometimes attack the house with a stick that belonged to Nemr. I t was said that she once made all the women in that house bleed.

I remember when she died and they buried her in the court yard. I saw her. The big woman lying in bed! Now I don’t like to see someone dead and I try my best not to. The image of our loved ones should remain beautiful in our minds and should not be one of death and awful stillness.

Sources translated from: Anis Freiha, Isma’a ya Rida - First Edition 2006, Dar Nawfal, Beirut

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. DEBUNKING MYTHS #45 ART & CULTURE | 37 THE BALFOUR DECLARATION: A FINAL STATEMENT? On November 2, 1917, the British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour sent a letter to Baron Rothchild, the leader of the British Jewish community, stating “sympathy with Jewish Zionist aspirations for a Jewish homeland.” It later became known as the Balfour Declaration and paved the way for the establishment of an Israeli state in the Middle East, more speciﬁcally in Palestine.

MYTH: THE BALFOUR DECLARATION WAS A FINAL STATEMENT

Despite the fact that the letter represented the ﬁrst political FACT: recognition of Zionists’ aims by a Great Power like Britain, the Balfour Declaration was not a ﬁnal statement.

A The letter did not contain any promises, it only showed sympathy and a primary commitment toward Zionist aims. .(ﻭﻋﺪ ﺑﻠﻔﻮﺭ and not ﺇﻋﻼﻥ ﺑﻠﻔﻮﺭ A The translation of the word declaration in Arabic is not promise (it is A British diplomacy was anxious to convince Weizmann, a Russian Zionist, that the Zionist movement should accept Uganda, rather than Palestine, as a homeland. A Britain played with all sides: Jews (Balfour Declaration), French (Sykes-Picot agreement in 1916) and Arabs (Hussein Bin Ali, Sharif of Mecca, in 1915). A Lloyd George wrote in his memoirs, “The Balfour Declaration represented the convinced policy of all parties in our country and also in America, but the launching of it in 1917 was due, as I have said, to propagandist reasons”.1 A Weizmann says in his book, Trial and Error: A“As to the meaning of the word “National Home” to which the Zionists attach so much importance, he (Balfour) understood it to mean some form of British, American, or other protectorate, under which full facilities would be given to the Jews to work out their own salvation…”. “It will be among other things, my painful duty to retrace to their beginnings the steps which have placed such a gap between the promise of the declaration and the performance…”.2

A “I soon discovered that the Balfour Declaration, which had made such a stir in the outside world, had never reached many of Allenby’s ofﬁcers, even those of high rank. They knew nothing about it, and nothing about the sympathy shown at that time to our aims and aspirations by prominent Englishmen in every walk of life”.3

A “…the general relations between the British authorities on the spot and the Jewish population grew more and more strained, and there were only a few points where normal friendly relations existed and where the indispensable good will was actively being fostered.”4 A There was also sympathy, especially at the British Foreign Ofﬁce, with the Palestinians and a fear that British interests in the wider Arab world would be adversely affected. A At the beginning of the 1930s, the relationship between the British authorities and the Jews in Palestine steadily declined. The international situation worried the British, especially with regards to the possibility of Arabs supporting the Axis powers (Italy and Germany). As such, British support for Zionism became irritating and antagonized the Arabs against Britain.5 In 1939, the British Government published a White Paper restricting Jewish immigration and offering independence to Palestine within ten years. This effectively reversed the Balfour Declaration, setting out a plan for the emergence of a unitary state in Palestine, with an Arab majority.6 A The circumstances of Britain’s decision to withdraw from Palestine in 1947 did not augur well for good relations between Britain and the new Jewish state. Economically exhausted, distrusted by both sides, harried by Jewish illegal immigration and the militias of the Zionist right, Clement Attlee’s Labour government handed over the problem to the United Nations. On 29 November 1947, the UN adopted resolution 181 on the partition of Palestine (Britain abstained). The British left Palestine in May 1948, leaving behind an inter-communal war. The following strife-torn months left a certain legacy of distrust between Britain and the new State of Israel.7 A The Jews decided to approach King Faisal I. In his memoirs, Weizmann says: “… I found the Emir in full agreement, as Lawrence later conﬁrmed to me by letter.”8 With more meetings carried out between Weizmann and Faisal, negotiations resulted in an agreement drawn up by Colonel Lawrence, and signed by the Emir and Weizmann.

The fact that Arab leaders were attached to the British government namely Faisal I and later on Farouk of Egypt and Abdullah of Jordan, facilitated and helped the creation of Israel.

1- David Lloyd George, War Memoirs, p.724; 2- Chaim Weizmann, Trial and Error, p.266; 3- Ibid 2, p.272; 4- Ibid 2 p.278; 5 -“An analyticalissue and historical106 | May overview 2011 of British policy toward Israel” by Jonathan Spyer; 6- Ibid 5; 7- Ibid 5; 8- Ibid 2, p.293. 38 | ART & CULTURE ADMINISTRATIVE DECENTRALIZATION IN 100 QUESTIONS Minister Ziad Baroud’s office at the Ministry of Interior The beneficiaries of the and Municipalities issued a book in January 2011 entitled administrative decentralization “Administrative decentralization in 100 questions”. law are indentified as such: A The people The book consists of an introduction and 8 chapters A People living in the A Introduction: Administrative decentralization in the regions National Accord document A Minorities A First: Steps A Political groups A Second: Importance of administrative A Elites decentralization On the social level On the other hand, the book On the economic level highlights the fear of some A Third: Foundations of administrative people with regards to administrative decentralization, decentralization in that it would be a first step towards achieving political On the administrative level decentralization. Thus, the book proposes that the Geographic and demographic situations administrative decentralization project coincide with A Fourth: Motives and threats that accompany administrative reform that includes the re-division decentralized administration of administrative regions based on non-confessional A Fifth: The model of decentralized administration considerations and the introduction of a new electoral that can be adopted in Lebanon system in the municipalities in a bid to limit the possibilities Judicial council: relationship with municipalities, of further political divisions. relationship with non-exclusive administration Furthermore, the book proposes that the elector vote in his Standards for specifying judicial boundaries and place of residence rather than in the municipality in which positions he is registered and suggests shortening the mandate of Relationship between non-exclusive authority and municipal councils to four years instead of six. It explains decentralized authority the powers of the decentralized administrative units such Special man power in the decentralized authority as their ability to impose taxes, to borrow money in order departments to finance their projects. It also specifies their organization, A Sixth: Powers of decentralized authority ministerial representations in these regions and the means A Seventh: Administrative reforms that are expected of establishing courts. to accompany administrative decentralization In the book’s annexes, the following can be found: On the employment level A Articles in the constitution that are related to On the administrative level administrative decentralization On the financial level A National Accord Document (related provisions) On the procedural level A Projects and proposals related to administrative Independent Municipal Fund decentralization laws introduced by: A Eighth: Conclusion and evaluation A MP Auguste Bakhos on June 20, 1995. A Draft Bill referred to Parliament by Decree No. 1066 The objectives of the book as stated by Minister Baroud are dated August 6, 1999, which the government withdrew as follows: in 2001. A To combine methodologically and in question-answer A Law proposal on administrative decentralization form all that is related to administrative decentralization presented by Elias El Murr, former Minister of Interior from strategic options, priorities, debates without and Municipalities, on November 1, 2001. ignoring implementation challenges. A Law proposal on administrative decentralization A To act as a basis for discussion, specifying the options presented by MP Robert Ghanem, President of the available for the legal text to be adopted. It would also Parliamentarian Committee for Administration and be a starting point for further work on the subject. Justice, dated July 6, 2007.

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. ART & CULTURE | 39 “GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS”*

“Goldilocks and the Three Bears” tells the story of a little girl named Goldilocks who enters the house of three bears during their absence and the events that follow.

The aim of the story is to teach children the importance of discipline, respecting the property of others and forgiveness. The book is illustrated by lively and humorous drawings on each page. The images help the children better understand the story and encourage them to predict what might happen next. It also includes four puppets representing the main characters. Children can practice their English by reading the book with the help of an adult and then role playing the story using the puppets. The story is recommended for children at the elementary level but adults can read the book and present a play using the puppets to pre-school children.

*This book, from the collection “Finger Puppet Theatre”, is published by Scholastic Books. The collection “Finger Puppet Theatre” includes other stories such as: Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel and Three Little Pigs.

issue 106 | May 2011 40 | ART & CULTURE LEBANON FAMILIES BUSTROS FAMILIES Came from Aleppo and changed from Orthodox to Catholic

Zgharta Origin of the family Balamand Roads A‘arjes Ehden Becharre It was mentioned in several sources that the origin of the The Cedars Batroun Hadet Hasroun Ras Baalbeck family is from Greece and attributed to the grandfather Deir el Ahmar Maqne “Slibostrous” but the name was shortened to “Bustros”. It Qasr el-Banat Hadath Jbail Iaat is said that the grandfather came to a big city and named it Baalbeck Jounieh Ghazir “Bustros” meaning big city. The family came from Greece Niha

BEIRUT Zahle to Aleppo in the mid 16th century and the grandfather Baabda Shtaura Aley Dahr el-Baidar Bhamdoun died there. The children and grandchildren branched to Anjar Deir el-Qamar Syria, Lebanon, France, Greece and Egypt at the mid Meshref Beiteddine Moukhtara 18th Century. Maalouf considers that the name “Bustros” Qaraoun Lake Yanta

Saida Jezzine originates from “Slibostrous” or “Slinostrous”, which Libbaya Aiha is a Coptic word from “Bloustrous Stavrous” meaning Hasbaya “Cross” and the forefathers of this family are Greek Nabatiye Marjayoun Cypriots who worked in trade between Cyprus and Beirut Beaufort Castle and eventually decided to settle there. There might not be a relationship between the “Bustros” family in Beirut and the one in Ba’albeck. Bustros Palace became the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior and Expatriates (it is said that it was sold when it Members became obsolete and was to be turned into a tower) while The Bustros family is a small family with 200 members, another obsolete palace close to the newly established the majority belonging to the Catholic confession although Ministry was turned into a car park. The Bustros family originally they belonged to the Orthodox confession. They played an important role in the 18th and 19th century. are distributed as follows: Personalities from the Bustros family Catholics: 165 members History books narrate that the Khedive (Viceroy) Sa’id A Ain Bouday – Ba’albeck: 115 members Basha, ruler of Egypt, was a guest to the Bustros family A Mar Nicolas – Saida: 15 members in their palace during the summer of 1859 and made A Ras Beirut – Beirut: 11 members the family his agents in Lebanon, which entitled them A Harisa – Keserouane: 10 members to protection and immunity. In the era of the French A Bekfaya – North Matn: 10 members commissioner Georges Trabaud, Nicolas Bustros was A Achrafieh – Beirut: 4 members appointed his secretary and member of his council. A Orthodox: 30 members A Tahwitat Al-Nahr – Ba’abda: 8 members Political and social figures of the Bustros family include: A Achrafieh – Beirut: 7 members A Moussa Bin Antoun Bustros (died in 1850): member of A Rmeil – Beirut: 15 members the Consultative Diwan in the era of Ibrahim Basha. A Salim Bin Moussa Bin Antoun Bin Jirjis Bustros Bustros family in Hay Sorsouq (died in 1881): a rich figure who lived in Britain and When mentioning the Bustros family, one must also mention befriended the Emperor of Russia, Alexander III, the Sorsouq Street in Achrafieh. This neighborhood saw along with leaders of the Orient and Europe. He was the light in 1840 and housed palaces of 7 rich Orthodox an author. families: Sorsouq, Tueni, Bustros, Trad, Dagher, Ferneineh A Artist Danie Bustros who died in 1998. and Fayyad. These families married between each other, A Bishop Cyril Salim Bustros, Orthodox Bishop of especially the Tueni and Bustros families. Ba’albeck. Some palaces became obsolete with the years while some A Edouard Bustros, one of Beirut’s dignitaries. were destroyed during the war and colonization. The A Evelyn Bustros (died in 1971), founder of the Zahret Al Ihsan School.

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. DISCOVER LEBANON ART & CULTURE | 41 BOLONIA FOREST Qattara changed by the French to Bolonia Forest Etymology This village was known by the Trablous Zgharta Balamand Roads name “Qattara” or “dropper” Voters A‘arjes Ehden because its people would bring iron In 2000, the number of voters was Becharre The Cedars Batroun Hadet Hasroun from the village of Marjaba and 517 of whom 358 cast their ballots. Ras Baalbeck Deir el Ahmar Maqne “distill” it to make the village rich In 2011, the number reached 594 Bolonia Forest É«fƒdƒH áHÉZ Qasr el-Banat in pine trees and oak, used to light voters of whom 429 cast their ballots Jbail Hadath Iaat Baalbeck

ﬁres. During the French mandate in distributed among the following Jounieh Ghazir Lebanon (1918-1943), they noticed families: Niha the concentration of pine and other BEIRUT Zahle Baabda Shtaura kinds of trees that made it look like Maronites Aley Dahr el-Baidar Bhamdoun Anjar the “Bois de Boulogne” near Paris A Salameh: 70 voters Deir el-Qamar Meshref Beiteddine and so they called it Bolonia Forest. A Zaghrini: 90 voters Moukhtara Today, it is also known by the name A Nassif: 20 voters Qaraoun Lake Yanta “Wata Al-Mrouj” and “Bolonia A Sarkis: 20 voters Saida Jezzine Libbaya Aiha Forest”. A Jweis: 32 voters A Daniel: 20 voters Hasbaya Nabatiye Marjayoun Location A Karaki: 20 voters Bolonia, one of the most popular A Mfarej: 15 voters summer resorts, is located in the A Zaghreen: 12 voters Qada’a of Metn in the Mohafaza A Ghostine: 6 voters of Mount Lebanon at an altitude of 1,200m above sea level. It is Catholics bordered by Al-Mrouj from the A Kfouri: 150 voters (of the biggest Educational and sports East, Dhour Al-Shweir from the families) institutions West, Khenshara from the North A Samaha: 30 voters There is one private school in the and Mtein from the South. A Saliba: 12 voters municipality, the Sisters of the A Murr: 8 voters Two Sacred Hearts, which was It lies 30km away from the city of established in 1945, with around Beirut, 25km from the center of Sunni 800 students. There is also a youth the Qada’a and occupies an area of A Hussein: 14 voters sports’ club, established in 1962. 202 hectares. It can be reached via A Mbarak: 4 voters Antellias Bekfaya – Dhour Shweir Economy – Bolonia. Orthodox The inhabitants mainly rely on A Bachour: 8 voters tourism (restaurants, coffee shops, Population hotels) for income generation. They The estimated registered population Local authorities also work in the 16 organizations is 874. There are also around 400 Bolonia or “Wata Al-Mrouj” of the municipality, in addition to homes most of which are palaces is considered one of the oldest employment in the public and private and villas. municipalities in Lebanon. It was sectors. Among the most renowned The population is distributed as established by Decree No. 7342 establishments is the Bolonia Forest follows: dated January 19, 1952, and has been Hotel, which opened its doors in 1930, A Maronites: 60% headed by George Yousef Kfouri and the Ain Al Ghabeh restaurant, A Catholics: 32% since 2007. The village also has a established in 1956. A Orthodox: 5% Mukhtar, Abdo Halim Zaghrini, and A Sunni: 3% a 3 member ikhtiyariah body.

issue 106 | May 2011 42|MEDIA WHEN POLITICIANS TALK BETWEEN RABIEH AND MUKHTARAH Jumblatt: “Aoun must leave … The unity of Mount Lebanon goes on with the presence of Major General Aoun in Chouf” Aoun: “Jumblatt’s discourse is shallow…Jumblatt is recently educated”

n a bid to ascertain his reconciliatory moves, Walid Jumblatt visited Major General Aoun in Rabieh and their discussion revolved around Mount Lebanon and the displaced. Following their dispute during the civil war, and Aoun’s persistence Ithat his encounter with Jumblatt would not be but in a church, they met in the Ba’abda Palace after the parliamentary elections in the presence of the President of the Republic where they agreed on further coordination and meetings.

Walid Jumblatt Michel Aoun A“A military arrival to the Presidency is a declaration A“Jumblatt has trespassed the boundaries of decency in of war because the Lebanese Army is a tool for the US his political discourse, he has also exceeded the limits of and Israel and it is against anything that is Arab” (An civil peace with his warnings and threats against anyone Nahar on August 3, 1988). who requests the departure of the Syrian troops from Lebanon (…) Magically, his conscience was awakened A“Save yourself (Aoun) more victims, your army more and he started calling for dialogue” (February 2, 1998). defeats and the Lebanese people from more desolation and A“He (Jumblatt) is an extremist and not a moderate. destruction and just leave. Your continued presence will He will remain as such so long as he keeps placing lead to more destruction and it will not change anything conditions to any dialogue with others” (An Nahar on in the equation” (An Nahar on September 4, 1989). June 7, 2002). A“Jumblatt’s discourse is shallow and when discourse A“Michel Aoun has the tools and supporters but he is reaches such a level, there is no point for communication. a coward, we are all out there while he is in refuge (…) Jumblatt and Hariri are seeking to settle the Palestinians He is the one who degraded the military institution” (An in Lebanon” (Al Mustqbal on June 21, 2005). Nahar November 30, 1989). A“I will not forget the two massacres of 1977, following the assassination of the Za’im Kamal Jumblatt, and 1983 A“Major General Michel Aoun was brought as a that resulted in 3,000 dead… He must apologize publicly barricade to defend the security system, and if this is what and to all the victims’ families, without forgetting the Lahood wants then let him keep him” (Al Mustqbal on Damour massacre” (Al Mustaqbal on October 1, 2006). June 14, 2005). A“We did not come to Chouf to organize political rallies but to face the past and start a new historical A“We have surrounded the tsunami, got rid of the big lie period (…) Lebanon is not the unity of Christians with that is called Michel Aoun and put him back in his place. each other and the unity of the Druze with each other, The people’s will was victorious (…) Aoun is now a past but the unity of Christians and Druze together (…) There element of failure” (Al Mustaqbal on June 20, 2005). are many reasons for my visit to Chouf among which are humanitarian, personal and political duties. This visit A“Reconciliation was made final in 2001 when Aoun encompasses the whole of the Chouf, Christians and was abroad and his crowd was detained and beaten. They Druze, in order to restore harmony in Mount Lebanon” tried to disrupt the reconciliation but the solidity of the (Al Akhbar on September 22, 2010 following his visit to Lebanese people and the supporters of the Free Patriotic Chouf). Movement was stronger, and reconciliation was imposed despite all the obstacles. We must teach the future *Dory Chamoun: “My closest allies are members of the generations not to fall into the trap of nations, which opposition such as Major General Michel Aoun” (An Nahar almost destroyed the unity of Mount Lebanon. Today, the on Mat 15, 1995). “Michel Aoun is free to jump over his unity of Mount Lebanon goes on with the presence of father’s grave to get to where he wants but he is not free to Major General Aoun in Chouf” (Al Akhbar on February jump over my father’s grave to get to where he wants. What 22, 2010). would it have cost him to visit Dany Chamoun’s grave upon his return, to place a flower on it instead of going to that of an unknown soldier, pretending to be Charles de Gaulle” (Al Siyassi Newspaper on March 3, 2010).

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. MARCH 2011 TIMELINE MEDIA|43 THE PEOPLE WANT THE FALL OF THE CONFESSIONAL REGIME AND “LEAVE US ALONE” Hariri visits Saudi Arabia and meets with the Crown Prince and the Minister of Interior; Merger of the Lebanese Canadian Bank and Société Générale; Ra’ad calls for a halt of cooperation with the International Tribunal;Aoun: “Our choice was resisting Israel not opposing the Sunni”; Williams: “Lebanon falls under Chapter VII in accordance with resolution 1757”; March 14 forces call on the people to oppose the weapons; Hariri: “We oppose the weapons just as the two Imams, Sadr and Chamseddine, did”..And he takes off his jacket…; Al Ra’i is the new Patriarch and the Syrian Ambassador visits Bkirki; Wahab apologizes after describing a veiled woman as a trash bag ; 7 Estonians are kidnapped in the Beqa’a

March 3 “This is a violation of national for Lebanon Michael Williams, A The Council of Maronite Bishops sovereignty.” He calls for a freeze Speaker Nabih Berri emphasizes declares Wednesday March 9 as a of cooperation with all the branches the need for the UN to respond date to start the meetings that will of the Tribunal. to Lebanon’s request to assist in elect the new Patriarch to replace A The death of the former the demarcation of the maritime Sfeir. Director General of the General borders and the economic zone. Security, Wafiq Jezzini, who had Williams urges Lebanon not to March 4 been sent to retirement 3 months waste time and to start exploring A Hariri leaves Beirut for Saudi ago (4-12-2010). gas and petrol reserves in line with Arabia. In a statement to Al Nahar, what Israel has started to do. he says: “I will not be a partner in March 6 weapons aimed at the Lebanese A A second protest in Beirut March 9 people” and “there will be no demanding the fall of the A Hariri visits Patriarch Sfeir in resurrection of the country with the confessional system. Bkirki and states: “The Patriarch weapons.” A Hariri continues his visit to stood with justice and independence A Central Bank Governor, Riyad Saudi Arabia and meets with Crown and did not differentiate between Salameh, declares that the Board of Prince Sultan and the Minister of the Lebanese.” He answers Berri Directors of the Lebanese Canadian Interior Prince Nayef. confirming that he is with an equation Bank decided to merge with Société A Lebanon’s Army Commander between the army, the people and Générale, in the framework of an Major General Jean Kahwaji visits the resistance only if it is under the agreement supported by the Central Saudi Arabia upon the invitation of umbrella of the state but will be Bank. the Saudi Arabian Chief of Staff and against it if anyone assumes that the meets with Crown Prince Sultan. military, the people and the state are March 5 tools in the hands of the weapons. A The head of the Loyalty to the March 8 His position on the weapons does Resistance bloc, MP Mohammad A In his weekly talk with Al Anba’ not target the Shia’a confession but Ra’ad, holds a press conference at newspaper, MP Walid Jumblatt its militarization is what harms it. the National Assembly during which considers that the March 13 A Geagea considers Hezbollah’s he reveals that the International celebration undresses Lebanon in military presence a threat to Investigator, Daniel Bellemare, front of Israel. Lebanon. requested information from A After meeting the US A After a meeting of the Change ministers considered as suspicious Ambassador Maura Connelly and Reform bloc, Aoun declares: and intelligence-like. He adds: and UN Special Coordinator “For us Christians, the Shia’a are

issue 106 | May 2011 44|MEDIA MARCH 2011 TIMELINE Muslims and so are the Sunni. calls on the people to protest against Our choice was resisting Israel not the weapons in Sahat Al Hurriyah- March 15 opposing the Sunni.” Freedom Square. A In his weekly talk with Al Anba’ A UN Special Coordinator for A Hariri hosts a luncheon in honor newspaper, MP Walid Jumblatt Lebanon, Michael Williams, states of the Sunni Muftis and Imams states: “We refuse the internal use to Al Safir newspaper: “Lebanon during which he addresses them of the weapons because that is a does not need Chapter VII because stating that the use of weapons destructive choice.” Resolution 1757 already placed it against righteousness will not work A Al Akhbar newspapers publishes under its jurisdiction.” and is unacceptable. He goes on to Wikileaks documents regarding the A MP Ghazi Yousef accuses Aoun say that any weapon used against the 2006 July war and the stances of of embezzling public funds while people becomes illegal. certain MPs and ministers, some holding the post of Prime Minister of whom allegedly called for a in 1990 and placing state funds in March 12 continuance of the war. his personal accounts. A In a speech to the Lebanese people from Beit Al Wasat in the presence March 16 March 10 of a number of ministers, MPs and A Bishop Bechara Al Ra’i is elected A Berri stressed on the need to form political figures, Hariri reiterates as the new Maronite patriarch the government as soon as possible his opposition to the weapons, replacing Patriarch Sfeir. and considers that the militarization adding that only the army’s weapons A In a statement, the Ministry campaign of the March 14 bloc is a protects the Lebanese. He addresses of Interior and Municipalities cry over losing power and authority the Shia’a saying: “We are standing affirms its cooperation with the and not justice. up just as you did when the weapons International Tribunal and adds that A Al Jadeed Television reveals that were victorious. The Imams, Sadr the latter requested an unspecified Wissam Al Hassan traveled to Egypt and Chamseddine, also opposed the number of available fingerprints but to meet with Mohammad Zuhair Al weapons.” then specified the number to a few Siddiq. A statement of the Internal A General Prosecutor Daniel hundred. Security Forces clarifies that Al Bellemare submits to the pre-trial A Hariri in front of crowds and Hassan left on March 7 to Egypt on judge a more detailed indictment families in Beirut: “The spreading board an Egyptian Airlines aircraft than the one submitted on January of weapons in towns, the crisis to meet with the new head of the 17, 2011. and the lack of accountability and Egyptian intelligence services Major A In a talk with Al Safir newspaper, monitoring is the real problem General Murad Muwafi and returned the French Ambassador to Lebanon, facing the Lebanese and threatening on March 8 on a private plane. Denis Pietton, says: “Hezbollah is their security and stability.” A Aoun visits Patriarch Sfeir in cooperating with the International Bkirki. Tribunal despite what it says.” The March 17 A Closing of the patriarchal edifice ambassador denies this statement. A MP Bahiyyah Hariri visits doors and its guarding by Amine Mukhtarah and, in the presence of Keserwan Al Khazen and former March 14 Walid Jumblatt, places a wreath MP Farid Al Khazen in line with A A large popular celebration of of flowers on the tomb of Kamal the custom in order to elect the new the March 14 forces and supporters Jumblatt. Patriarch. in Martyr Square and Hariri states: A The Syrian Ambassador to “It is impossible for the weapons to Lebanon, Ali Abdel Karim Al Ali, March 11 remain in the face of righteousness visits Bkirki for the first time since A A snowstorm hits Lebanon with and we will not accept the weapons’ his appointment to congratulate the snowfall reaching areas located tutelage.” He removed his tie and new patriarch, Bechara Al Ra’i. at 900m and heavy rain across the jacket in the midst of the speech in a A The Spanish Minister of Foreign country. bid to excite the crowd. Affairs, Trinidad Jimenez, visits A The March 14 bloc holds a A Aoun: “Hariri is no longer the Lebanon. meeting in Bristol and issues its nation’s martyr due to the excessive A Hariri declares from Trablous: political agenda. Marwan Hamadeh use of name.” “I will not allow anyone to eradicate reads its headline: “Opposition to the me politically.” weapons in protection of Lebanon, A Former minister Wi’am Wahab: freedom, justice and democracy.” It “A thousand apologies from me

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. MARCH 2011 TIMELINE MEDIA|45

if I harmed the veiled woman.” and allegations against banks in A A celebration took place on This apology comes after Wahab which Mikati has shares in a bid Friday on the occasion of Patriarch described the veiled woman as a to corner him.” The Central Bank Bechara Al Ra’i acceding to his “trash bag”, which triggered the indirectly refutes this statement. functions. denunciation of many personalities A Demonstrations in Beirut and Islamic organizations including March 22 supporting Al Assad followed Hezbollah. A MP Walid Jumblatt meets with by fights and gunshots in Tareeq Aound in the latter’s residence in Jdeedeh and Al Naba’a. March 18 Rabieh. A Hariri continues his visit A MP Marwan Hamadeh: “The March 29 to the North and addresses the blatant distortions of Wikileaks are an A MP Walid Jumblatt calls for crowds saying: “Why is Hezbollah attempt at political assassination.” speeding up the formation of the distributing weapons in Trablous, government and draws attention to Minnieh and Dinniyeh.” March 23 Lebanese interests in Arab States. A Central Bank Governor Riyad A Bahrain suspends its flights to Salameh: “Any talk about banks Lebanon and warns its citizens of March 30 being involved in prohibited matters traveling to Lebanon, in a response A The Lebanese Army and the is inaccurate.” to Nasrallah’s speech on the current Information Branch conduct search situation in Bahrain. operations in Majdal A’anjar and March 19 A Aoun accuses President Suleiman villages in the Beqa’a looking for A Patriarch Bechara Al Ra’i in a of paralyzing the government if he the 7 kidnapped Estonians. Evidence talk with Al Nahar: “Visiting Syria refuses to sign the decrees forming of involvement of Islamic forces is not prohibited.” the latter. in the kidnapping emerges and Rifi A In a speech at the Rachid Karami A Hariri: “Hezbollah is exporting declares the arrest of 4 nationals International Fair in Trablous, Hariri division and strife.” involved in the kidnapping. declares: “The predominance of the A MP Walid Jumblatt meets with weapons is what leads to sedition. March 24 Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Any other talk is an attempt at A Syrian President Bashar Al Assad Hassan Nasrallah. intimidation and a reversal of receives MP Suleiman Franjieh. A Aoun is in favor of Baroud facts.” A 7 Estonians are kidnapped in participating in the next government AA Hezbollah delegation visits Zahleh while they were riding but not as Interior Minister. This Bkirki to congratulate Patriarch bicycles, on their way back from follows a statement by Patriarch Al Bechara Al Ra’i. Damascus. Ra’i in which he expressed that the presence of Baroud in the Ministry March 21 March 25 of Interior is useful. A In a ceremony of solidarity with A In an address to delegations the Arab people, Hezbollah Secretary visiting him in Beit Al Wasat, Hariri March 31 General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah states: “The weapons have become A The Washington Post publishes declares his intention to file a suit a tool for exporting the revolution”. an Israeli map uncovering 950 against those instigating against the A Syrian President Bashar Al Hezbollah locations, including resistance. He added that Mikati is Assad receives MP Walid Jumblatt. weapons warehouses, observation being pressured by ambassadors and ALeader of the Lebanese Forces posts and tunnels. states. On the situation in Bahrain he Samir Geagea: “We are preparing said: “Armies were sent to defend a a lawsuit against Hezbollah for April 1 regime that is not even threatened.” violating the constitution and A In the uncovering of his father’s A A third demonstration demanding various laws.” statue in front of the Serail, Hariri the fall of the confessional system in states: “We didn’t carry weapons which banners with faces of political March 28 and in your absence they are raising leaders were raised, with the slogan: A A bomb explodes on Saturday the weapons in Beirut.” “Leave us alone”. night in front of an Assyrian A Minister Joubran Bassil to Al A In a talk with Al Manar TV, Orthodox Church in Zahleh through Nahar: “We do not regret Mikati’s MP Walid Jumblatt says: “Jeffrey the use of a mobile phone but the nomination yet – we want the Feltman is preparing new accusations damage is strictly material. Ministry of interior.”

issue 106 | May 2011 46|ARAB WORLD FOCUS FOREIGN LABOR IN IRAQ ITS NUMBERS ARE UNKNOWN AND IT IS THE REASON BEHIND UNEMPLOYMENT AND INSTABILITY

evels of foreign employment in Iraq decreased dramatically after Iran-Iraq war (1980 - 1988), Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and the imposition of an economic embargo on the country (especially since Lthe unemployment rate in Iraq was the highest in the region at that time). However, with the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, these levels increased significantly despite the fact that employment remained regulated by the old labor law, which prevents the recruitment of foreign laborers unless they had obtained a work permit in accordance with the conditions and procedures defined by directives issued by the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs (according to article 23 of the Iraqi Labor Law, No. 71 of 1987). However, Iraqi governments formed after the invasion have not put in place new laws and regulations for foreign laborers.

Data indicates that most of the migrant workers coming to Iraq are working illegally and do not have work permits since the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs only granted a limited number of permits to domestic workers and workers in the health and tourism sectors. Asian Labor (particularly Bangladeshi and Indian) enters Iraq and works in hotels, restaurants and hospitals. In this context, Nouri Al-Hilfi, Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, mentions that “groups of foreign laborers are flocking into the country to work in the Green Zone for the benefit of foreign troops. Upon the expiration of their contracts, they illegally work in different sectors. It appears that a lot of offices and private companies bring in foreign laborers without a legal basis (…). Having recourse to foreign laborers is not limited to the private sector but extends to some government projects, whether directly or through contractors. What is interesting is that this labor is concentrated in the sector of services and professions that does not require any expertise.” The U.S. civil administrator “Paul Bremer” issued a decision to bring in foreign laborers and employ them within the Green Zone. Employers justify the recruitment of foreigners because of the low salaries (around $150 – 200 per month), their long working hours (from 14 to 20 hours per day) and the fact that they accept to undertake any kind of work that Iraqis might not accept. Moreover, the employers do not abide by any social obligations toward these workers, except for food and housing. Officials in Iraq stress on the fact that foreign employment needs to be subject to certain terms and conditions and organized by an agreement between the Ministry of Labor and employment offices. In fact, foreign labor has a negative impact on the high unemployment rate in the country. The Department of Labor and Vocational Training in the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in Iraq issued a statistical study on the number of registered unemployed individuals in the department’s database in which it indicated the presence of about 1.5 million unemployed individuals. The unemployment rate in the country is estimated by some at 16% and by others at around 40%.

Currently, there are no official statistics on the number of foreign laborers in Iraq. In fact, the unstable security, political and social situation prevents the control of their entry and recruitment by the coalition forces or the so-called specialized civil employment agencies that attract laborers by exploiting their poverty and seducing them with higher salaries and better working conditions than those of their country of origin. According to the former Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Mahmoud Al-Sheikh Radhi, “this phenomenon has a significant impact on the security level; it is an uncontrolled labor, a security violation and it can be used by many parties for purposes damaging the country.” He stressed on “the necessity to prevent the entry of foreign laborers to Iraq and stop their licensing by all competent civil offices.” The capital Baghdad and the two provinces of Najaf and Karbala are considered among the areas that have the largest number of foreign laborers. Iraqi authorities tend to issue warnings and sanctions to employers who do not prioritize national laborers and resort to foreign laborers. Businessmen, companies, restaurants and commercial shops owner criticize these procedures and the Iraqi authority’s policy in dealing with this issue as well as the deprivation of the country of foreign expertise. The Arab Labor Organization warned of the risks of an increasing number of foreign laborers, stressing on the necessity of giving priority to nationals and then to Arabs in a bid to implement the Arab Labor Agreements.

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. INDEX|47 REAL ESTATE INDEX MARCH 2011

n March, the real estate market entered a state of stagnation where activity was limited to a small number of transactions. A number of reasons have been put forward for this including of the stalling of government Iwork, the absence of government formation accompanied by political tension, the consequences of which are reflected in the economic sector. In addition, the recent upheavals in the region suggest the possibility of a decline in deposits from the Lebanese living abroad. In parallel, the increase in the price of oil will lead to financial surpluses in the Gulf, which in turn, once the situation in Lebanon stabilizes, should increase the level of real estate investment. As for prices, they remained stable despite the current state of stagnation. However, those involved in the real estate market predict that prices will be on the increase, especially in Beirut and its suburbs. Tables 1 and 2 list the prices of a number of estates and apartments sold in March 2011.

Prices of some apartments sold Prices of some estates sold Table 2 in March 2011 Table 1 in March 2011 Region Area (m2) Price (USD) USD/m2 Area Price Beirut Region (m2) (USD) USD/m2 Badaro 180 396,000 2,200 Beirut Badaro 200 500,000 2,500 Achrafieh 350 1,575,000 4,500 Achrafieh 170 442,000 2,600 Ras Beirut 420 5,040,000 12,000 Achrafieh 130 409,500 3,150 Msaitbeh 1400 11,200,000 8,000 Ras Al Nabee 175 787,500 4,500 Hamra 160 640,000 4,000 Gemmayzeh 300 2,700,000 9,000 Tallet El-Khayat 250 1,000,000 4,000 Baabda Tallet El-Khayat 460 1,886,00 4,100 Baabda 1,000 1,200,000 1,200 Baabda Yarzeh 1,400 2,100,000 1,500 Mar Taqla 300 750,000 2,500 Mar Taqla 180 306,000 1,700 Baabda-Presidential Palace 450 801,000 1,780 Baabda 150 165,000 1,100 Furn Al Shubbak 160 208,000 1,300 Matn Al Sfeir 150 150,000 1,000 Ain Saadeh 1,600 1,440,000 900 Haret Hreik 120 144,000 1,200 Bekfayya 900 405,000 450 Matn Al Raboua 1,750 1,050,000 600 Broumana 160 264,000 1,650 Broumana 1,200 780,000 650 Zalka 200 240,000 1,200 Mansourieh 170 263,500 1,550 A’aley Baabdat 200 280,000 1,400 A‘aley 1,000 250,000 250 Sin El Fil 180 270,000 1,500 A’aramoun 1,450 217,500 150 Sin El Fil( Horch Tabet) 160 496,000 3,100 Souq Al Ghareb 1,100 297,000 270 A’aley Bchamoun 120 132,000 1,100 Keserouane Khaldeh 200 180,000 900 A‘ajaltoun 750 300,000 400 A‘aramoun 160 128,000 800 Al Ma‘aysra 2,800 98,000 35 Doha A‘aramoun 240 360,000 1,500 Faqra 1,200 360,000 300 Doha A‘aramoun 140 168,000 1,200 Keserouane Farayya 1,070 481,500 450 Jounieh 180 207,000 1,150 Ballouneh 1,100 693,000 630 Ballouneh 200 220,000 1,100 Source: Information International March 2011. Adma 210 357,000 1,700 Sahel Alma 150 240,000 1,600 Zouq Mosbeh 200 290,000 1,450 Jounieh Ghadir 150 150,000 1,000 Source: Information International March 2011.

issue 106 | May 2011 48|INDEX FOOD PRICE INDEX OF 100 PRODUCTS: MARCH 2011 he price of the 100 items we list every month were stable during the month of March 2011. The price of 63 items remained unchanged, the price of 19 items witnessed a limited increase and Tthe price of 18 items limitedly decreased. Price of products during March 2011 Price of products during March 2011 (in LBP) Table 1 (in LBP) Table 1 Prices Prices Prices Prices Item and brand beginning beginning % of price beginning beginning % of price of March of April change Item and brand of March of April change 2011 2011 2011 2011 Oil Dairy Products Afia corn oil (3.5 liters) 13,500 13,900 + 2.9 Candia full cream milk 2,450 2,450 0 Mazola corn oil (3.5 liters) 13,500 13,750 + 1.8 (1 liter) Candia full cream yoghurt Mazola corn oil (1.8 liters) 7,250 7,250 0 (2 kg) 2,350 2,500 + 6.3 Slim corn oil (2 liters) 7,250 7,250 0 Bonjus labneh (1 kg) 3,990 3,990 0 Wesson corn oil (2 liters) 7,500 7,500 0 Taanayel labneh (500 g) 5,650 5,650 0 Ghandour soya oil (3.8 liters) 11,250 11,250 0 Candia labneh (500 g) 3,600 4,500 + 25 Alfa corn oil (4 liters) 13,750 12,250 - 10.9 Taanayel yoghurt (1 kg) 3,000 3,450 + 15 Smeds cheese (400 g) 4,350 4,450 + 2.3 Al-Wadi Olive Oil 6,450 6,450 0 (1/2 liters) Picon cheese (360 g) 3,850 3,850 0 Ketchup and Sauces Picon cheese (160 g) 1,950 1,950 0 Libby’s Ketchup (567 g) 1,500 1,500 0 Double-crème cheese (1 kg) 6,250 5,750 - 8 Extra Ketchup (340 g) 980 980 0 Fresh country cheese (1 kg) 8,900 7,000 - 21.3 Extra Ketchup (2.2 kg) 5,500 5,500 0 Khashkawan cheese (1 kg) 13,250 11,000 - 17 Dolly’s Mayonnaise (500 Lurpak butter (200 g) 2,750 2,750 0 ml) 4,000 3,950 - 1.2 Tatra butter (200 g) 2,400 2,400 0 Al-Wadi Mayonnaise (500 ml) 4,300 4,250 - 1.1 Al-Maalaqtain margarine (2 kg) 7,950 7,950 0 Al-Bsat Tahina (900 g) 6,890 6,890 0 Al-Baqara al-Haloub Al-Bsat Tahina (450 g) 3,650 3,650 0 margarine (2kg) 31,075 31,850 + 2.5 Taous tomato sauce (70 g) 715 770 + 7.7 Vegetaline margarine (2 kg) 14,750 14,750 0 Taous tomato sauce (425 g) 3,250 3,400 + 4.6 Nido full cream milk (bag) 19,890 19,890 0 Tala tomato sauce (675 g) 3,000 3,100 + 3.4 (2,250 g) Nido full cream milk Pasta (2,500 g) 24,500 24,750 + 1 Barilla spaghetti (500 g) 2,100 2,100 0 Tatra full cream milk (1,800 g) 16,000 16,000 0 Antonio Amato spaghetti 2,200 2,200 0 (500 g) Coffee and Tea Monte spaghetti (500 g) 2,150 2,150 0 Najjar coffee (1kg) 14,000 14,000 0 Sugar and Salt Brazil coffee (1 kg) 12,250 12,250 0 Sugar (2 kg) 3,750 3,100 - 17.4 Al-Hisan tea (180 g) 2,750 2,750 0 Al-Ousra Sugar (5 kg) 9,500 9,250 -2.6 Nestle (250g) 2,350 2,350 0 Salt (700 g) 350 350 0 Box of salt (738 g) 1,400 1,400 0

issue 106 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. INDEX|49 Price of products during March 2011 Price of products during March 2011 (in LBP) Table 1 (in LBP) Table 1 Prices Prices Prices Prices beginning beginning % of price beginning beginning % of price Item and brand of March of April change Item and brand of March of April change 2011 2011 2011 2011 Cereals Meat, Fish and Eggs Khater white lentils (1 kg) 3,750 3,750 0 Zwan chicken (200 g) 2,200 2,450 + 11.3 Khater chick-peas fahli Zwan beef (200 g) 2,250 2,450 + 8.9 (1 kg) 3,750 3,750 0 Luncheon meat beef (198 g) 1,800 1,800 0 Khater beans (1 kg) 1,950 1,950 0 Al-Mona chicken (200 g) 2,100 2,100 0 Peeled wheat (1 kg) 2,500 2,250 - 10 Al-Taghzia beef (200 g) 1,925 1,925 0 Pineal Lima Bean (1 kg) 3,250 3,250 0 Al-Taghzia chicken (200 g) 1,750 1,750 0 Brown Fine Burgul (1 kg) 2,000 1,750 - 12.5 Geisha sardine (125 g) 1,100 1,100 0 Egyptian rice (1 kg) 1,950 1,950 0 Deli sardine (125 g) 1,100 1,100 0 American rice (1 kg) 1,850 1,850 0 Milo sardine (125 g) 1,090 1,100 + 0.9 Italian rice (1 kg) 2,700 2,700 0 Geisha tuna (200 g) 3,990 3,500 - 12.2 Al-Wadi Hommos Tahina (380 g) 1,340 1,340 0 White Bell tuna (200 g) 2,150 2,200 + 2.3 White Diamond tuna (200 g) 2,250 2,250 0 Chtaura Hommos Tahina 1,100 1,100 0 (380 g) Skipper tuna (185 g) 1,750 1,750 0 California Gardens beans (450 g) 1,100 1,100 0 Eggs (30 eggs) 8,000 6,800 - 15 Al-Wadi beans (450 g) 950 950 0 Beef (1 kg) 17,000 16,000 - 5.9 Chtaura beans (480 g) 1,500 1,150 - 23.4 Sheep (1 kg) 27,000 28,000 + 3.7 Libby’s corn (340 g) 1,750 1,750 0 Tissues and Detergents Halvah and Jam Mimosa tissues (500 g) 2,750 2,750 0 Al-Wadi halvah (454 g) 4,250 4,250 0 Fine tissues (200 tissues) 1,350 1,350 0 Primo tissues (200 Al-Bsat halvah (450 g) 3,150 3,150 0 tissues) 1,300 1,100 - 15.3 Chtaura apricot jam (1 kg) 5,500 5,500 0 Gipsy tissues (300 2,750 2,750 0 Al-Wadi apricot jam (1 kg) 4,500 4,500 0 tissues) Mimosa toilet papers (4 rolls) 3,100 3,100 0 Yes detergent (900 g) 2,200 2,200 0 Clorox (1 liter) 1,500 1,500 0 Persil (4 kg) 18,250 18,250 0 Ariel (4 kg) 18,250 18,250 0 Fruits and Vegetables Orange (1 kg) 1,250 1,500 + 20 Tomatoes (1kg) 1,250 700 - 44 Cucumbers (1kg) 1,500 1,000 - 33.4 Bananas (1kg) 1,250 1,500 + 20 Lemons (1 kg) 700 650 - 7.1 Apples (1 kg) 2,000 2,000 0 Potatoes (1 kg) 900 950 + 5.6

issue 106 | May 2011 50| Did you know that? Statistics from around the World Cosmetic Procedures in the USA (2009) A $10.5 billion is the amount Americans spent on A 20 % of all cosmetic procedures were performed cosmetic surgeries in 2009. on ethnic minorities. A 10 million surgical (15%) and non surgical (85%) A 59 % of women say they approve of cosmetic cosmetic procedures were performed in 2009 surgery. (American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). A 51 % of men say they approve of cosmetic A 9 million cosmetic procedures were performed surgeries. on women, constituting 90 % of the total A 37 % of women would consider cosmetic procedures. surgeries for themselves, either now or in the A 900,000 cosmetic procedures were performed future. on men, constituting 9% of the total procedures. A 19 % of men would consider cosmetic surgeries A 2 % of the total procedures were performed on for themselves, either now or in the future. people aged 18 age and less. A 30 % of married Americans would consider A 20 % of the total procedures were performed on cosmetic surgeries themselves, either now or in people aged 19 to 34. the future. A 44 % of the total procedures were performed on A 27 % of unmarried Americans would consider people aged 35 to 50. cosmetic surgeries themselves, either now or in A 27 % of the total procedures were performed on the future. people aged 51 to 64. A 73 % of women would not be embarrassed to A 7 % of the total procedures were performed on have cosmetic surgery. people aged 65 and over. A 66 % of men would not be embarrassed to have cosmetic surgery.

Beirut International Airport Rafic Hariri International Airport – Traffic March 2011 Traffic increase by 13.2%

The airport traffic at Rafic Airport traffic in March 2011 compared to February 2011 and March 2010 Table 1 Hariri International Airport % of change % of change during the month of March February March 2010 2011 increased by 13.2% Traffic Feb-11 Mar-11 Mar-10 and March / March compared to the month of 2011 2011 February 2011. However, it decreased by 4.5% in Arriving airplanes 1,913 2,094 2,459 9.4+ 14.8- comparison with the month Departing airplanes 1,911 2,095 2,444 9.6+ 14.2- of March 2010. Total No. of airplanes 3,824 4,189 4,903 9.5+ 14.5- The number of passengers Arriving passengers 152,705 181,467 187,595 18.8+ 3.2- to date reaches 1,024,744 Departing passengers 147,621 162,557 173,698 10.1+ 6.4- compared to 1,073,157 during the same period last Transit passengers 6,890 3,769 2,933 45.3- 28.5+ year, a decrease of 4.51%. Total No. of passengers 307,216 347,793 364,226 13.2+ 4.5- Imported goods (per ton) 2,730 3,882 4,220 42.2+ 8- Table 1 shows the airport traffic during the months Exported goods (per ton) 2,068 2,244 2,628 8.5+ 14.6- of February and March Total amount of goods 2011, the month of March (per ton) 4,798 6,126 6,848 27.7+ 10.5- 2010 and the percentage of Source: Information International and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation change.

issue 106 - The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Stats & Numbers | 51

StatsNumbers& A USD 220,000 is the cost of 15 agricultural machines that the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute requested to be bought in 2010 based on a mutual agreement with its producers in Halab, Syria. The machines are to be placed at the disposal of farmers in centers belonging to the Institute in Tal Aamara, Torbol, Kfardan, Sour and Aabda, at an average of one machine per center. What is worth noting is the Institute’s exaggeration in terms of figures: it claims the production of wheat will increase from 70,000 tons to 220,000 tons per year due to these new machines.

A LBP 18 billion is the value of the fund that the General Directorate of State Au Port de Tripoli Security has requested to secure urgent Photo by: May Abdouny 2010 equipment following the appointment of the new Director General of the directorate Publications Major General Georges Qara’a in May 2010. Publications by Publications by INMA (in Arabic): Information International (in Arabic): 1-“I am Responsible, All of Us are Responsible” 1-Salaries and Remunerations in the Public Sector 2-“Our Environment is Our Home” A LBP 239 million is the amount paid 2-Public Seaside Properties 3-“My Society is My Responsibility” in rent for the headquarters of the General 3-Lebanon’s Parliamentary History 1920-2000 4-“My Society is My Responsibility” Workbook Directorate of State Security. The Directorate 4-Taxes and Fees 5-“I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards is requesting building a new headquarter 5-Lebanon in Figures 1992-2002 State Building” that can accommodate bigger numbers 6-Lebanon in Figures 2003-2004 6-“I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards and provide better working conditions. 7-Lebanon in Figures 2005-2006 State Building” Workbook 8-Lebanon’s MPs and Lebanese Parliamentary 7-“Lebanon Wars, why?” Elections 1960 - 2009 8-Discrimination in Lebanon A LBP 412.5 million is the cost of 9- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, installing 100 solar system lighting units candidate and confession-North District on the Dahr Al-Baydar road. This agreement 10- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, was made between the Ministry of Public candidate and confession-Beirut District Works and Transportation and a private 11- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, company. The Court of Audit rejected the candidate and confession-Mount Lebanon deal in its decision issued in April 2010. District 12- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, candidate and confession-Beqa’a District LBP 3.6 million is the amount paid in A 13- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, subscription fees by the Ministry of Energy candidate and confession-South and Nabatiyeh and Water to the official gazette for the years District 2007, 2008 and 2009. This implies that the 14- Municipal Elections 2010 To subscribe: Ministry has 10 subscriptions, each at a cost Al-Borj Building, 4th Floor, Martyrs Square Beirut Central District of LBP 120,000 annually. This happens in Telephone: 961-1-983008/9 961-3-262376 most ministries where subscriptions are Fax: 961-1-980630 [email protected] not limited to the legal departments and www.iimonthly.com extend to other departments that do not www.information-international.com necessarily use the official gazette. © Information International SAL All rights reserved License No. 180/2003 Responsible Director: Hala Saghbini

ANTOUN SAADEH EVENTS BOOK SIGNING FROM ESTABLISHMENT TO MEDIA LAW TRAINING BY MARTYRDOM (1932 – 1949) INTERNEWS IN PARTNERSHIP Dar Kutub organized the book signing of Antoun Saadeh, From WITH INMA Establishment to Martydrom (1932 – 1949), a book written by Antoine Internews in partnership with The Social and Cultural Boutros and signed by the author on March 21, Development Association (INMA), organized a media 2011 at Information International offices, Al-Muntada law training over 3 days from April 12 – 14, 2011, in conference room, located in Martyr Square. The event Al-Muntada conference room located in the offices of was attended by politicians, journalists, members of Information International. The training was attended by political parties. 15 journalists and human rights activists from Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Egypt, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Tunis and Yemen. The training was given by MP Ghassan Mkhaiber, Mrs. Magda Abu Fadil, Director of the Journalism Training Program at the American University of Beirut, Dr. Mahmoud Tarabay, media professor at the Lebanese American University, journalist Sanaa El-Jack, lawyer Tony Mikhael and media activist Maya Rahal.

Mr. Boutros signing the book Mrs. Sanaa El-Jack Mrs. Magda Abu Fadil

FROM HANNA SAADEH ON JAWAD ADRA’S EDITORIAL “TWITTER WILL NOT CLEANSE THY HANDS”, MARCH 2011 Power rules and justiﬁes And then it dies with all its lies “Then a new power will rise To do the same and die the same Powers cannot ever be wise Group picture with the participants No one wins the power game Homo sapiens are a shame”