Apparatus (1975 - 2010)

The Ministries of Culture and Industry

The Arab highway in Lebanon November 2010 | Tourists and touristic sites 100 The Monthly interviews Agial art gallery

issue number www.iimonthly.com • Published by Information International sal

SHARING THE LEBANESE GOVERNMENT APPARATUS (1975 - 2010)

4 LEADER: SHARING THE LEBANESE GOVERNMENT APPARATUS (1975 - 2010)

11 The Arab highway in Lebanon

12 The Ministry of Culture

14 The Ministry of Industry

16 Tourists and Touristic Sites

19 Parliamentary Immunity

20 Property Ownership by Non-Lebanese

26 Syndicate of Professional Filmmakers in Lebanon

28 Bishmizzine high school Page 37 30 Dizziness and Vertigo by Dr. Hanna Saadah

31 Fatherland by Dr. Hanna Saadah

32 Medicine’s exciting journey in search of intelligence by Antoine Boutros

33 The Monthly interviews Agial Art gallery

35 INMA funds the repatriation of Maurice Page 12 Page 26 Dunand Archives on Byblos excavations 42 36 Hezbollah in the eyes of Muslim Popular culture zua’ama and ﬁgures 37 Myth #39: Lebanese Immigration 43 September 2010 Timeline in Lebanon 38 Must-read books: Notables & Clergy in Mount 46 Infrastructure in Egypt Lebanon 47 39 Real estate index in Lebanon- Must-read children’s book: “The Zucchini Story” September 2010 40 Lebanon Families: Nawfal Families 48 Food Price Index - September 2010 41 Discover Lebanon: Ain Saadeh 50 Swine Flu (Inﬂuenza H1N1 2009)

50 Beirut Raﬁc Hariri International Airport - September 2010

51 Lebanon stats Editorialﹺ | 3

BOOKKEEPERS

It is not in defense of the Minister of Finance1 nor of Fouad Siniora that I pose the following question: where was the opposition at the beginning of the 1990s when Lebanon’s successive governments embarked on the In his article ‘The Myth of Irrational current economic path that enjoyed the vote of confidence Numbers’, like 1/3 = 0.333…, 1/6 of most elected parliamentarians of that era? Why this = 0.666…, 1/7 = 0.1428571, James sudden awakening to audit public spending in spite of Asher says: the overwhelming support to bring back Fouad Siniora as Prime Minister following the Doha meetings? “[…] irrationals are manufactured creating the myth that the irrationals are actually numbers. They It is said that there exist two types of numbers, those are not. They are artifacts of a flaw in long division. that we study and those we invent. It seems that the so They are a “red herring” to use a metaphor from called opposition does not study while the so called pro- Sherlock Homes. They led us on a merry chase government coalition is busy inventing. through volumes of math books. The irrationals are not in the set of real numbers”.2 Furthermore, where were the leaders of March 14 when the country was being plundered during the civil war Such is the story of truth, justice and numbers in and again after the Ta’ef Accord? They want justice Lebanon. now? What about justice for those who disappeared at militia manned checkpoints during the civil war; what about those who perished in Nahr El Bared, what about the Lebanese soldiers that were killed in unexplained circumstances?

Here, it is appropriate to mention the saying: when seeking to achieve Justice, the innocent is often trampled. The fact is that the so called opposition does not truly want to stop the wasting of public funds and the so called pro-government coalition is not seeking justice.

They say, we have ‘politically’ accused Syria of Hariri’s assassination, we have ‘politically’ accused the so called pro-government bloc of treason, and we also ‘politically’ kept quiet about the wasting of public funds. However, today the truth is being sought through the International Tribunal, the indictment of the false witnesses and the auditing of public accounts. But the fact of the matter is that none of these will lead to the truth.

Nonetheless, the Lebanese people will be thrilled to have bookkeepers keeping score, amongst both the so called opposition and the so called pro-government coalition. Both have mastered the art of calculating the length of the path to justice and to curbing corruption. The situation in the country might explode politically and violently, if our Zua’ama are so instructed. Likewise, the situation may suddenly become quiet if they are instructed otherwise.

1 Rayya Al-Hassan. 2 http://www.tpr-world.com/irrational _ numbers.pdf

issue 100 - November 2010 4 | Leader SHARING THE LEBANESE GOVERNMENT APPARATUS (1975 - 2010) SHARING THE LEBANESE GOVERNMENT APPARATUS Between Muslim and Christian Zua’ama Before and After 1975

as the war that Lebanon witnessed between 1975 and 1990 a Lebanese civil war or the war of others on Lebanese soil? While the Lebanese, among others, are split on the characterization of the war, which ended Wwith the adoption of the Ta’ef agreement, all sides agree on the factors that led to the breakout of the war. Domestic issues that escalated tensions include Lebanon’s confessional structure, the faulty distribution of power among the various confessions, the lack of development and the marginalization of rural areas. The intensification of Zua’ama rivalry for the spoils of the State coupled with regional factors that stem from the Arab-Israeli conflict, such as the presence of both civilian and armed Palestinians in Lebanon and other international elements, also greatly contributed to the outbreak of violence.

On the domestic level, Muslim Zua’ama began confessional group”. The rule of confessional representation demanding for the equal distribution of power and was abolished and its implementation in Grade One posts administration between them and Christian Zua’ama since and elsewhere considered a violation of the Constitution. the establishment of the Lebanese entity in 1920, and However, the implementation of this article in Grade One later in the post-independence period, in order to prevent posts served to change the confessional affiliation of some monopolization by the Christian majority of the most director generals. influential and active positions in the administration. They saw the population growth to be in favor of Muslims, Three Presidencies – Continuation of Old which meant that the grounds on which the Christians held Practices more power — their larger population — were no longer Since Lebanon’s independence, it has been customary legitimate. Thus, based on their new financial and social to distribute the top three positions in government by status, the Muslims demanded amendments of the political, confession: military and administrative distribution of power, as well A The post of president of the republic goes to the as a change in the system that dictates this distribution. Maronite confession. Since its independence, Lebanon has had 11 Maronite presidents. Old Article 95 A The post of speaker of parliament goes to the Shia’a Article 95 of the Constitution was used as the basis for power confession, except in October 1946 when Orthodox distribution among Lebanese confessions of the Zua’ama Habib Abi Shahla was elected speaker. Since its of these confessions. It stipulated that: “Temporarily and independence, Lebanon has had six Shia’a speakers of in search of justice and accord, confessions are justly parliament. represented in public services and in the formation of A The post of prime minister goes to the Sunni the cabinet without causing harm to the state’s interest.” confession, except in September 1952, when the then Muslim Zua’ama considered that “confessional justice” in army commander General Fouad Chehab occupied the the distribution of political and administrative posts was post for 18 days, and in September 1988, when the then not being respected. army commander General Michel Aoun was premier for two years. Since its independence, Lebanon has New Article 95 had 22 Sunni prime ministers. After the ratification of the National Accord Charter, or the Ta’ef Accord, many constitutional articles were amended Parliament: Transition from 6/5 to 50-50 to conform to the content of the charter, which ended the The first legislative elections took place on the eve of Lebanese war. Among the most significant articles that Lebanon’s Independence in 1943. The 55 parliament seats were amended was Article 95, which confirmed equality were divided on the basis of the 5/6 rule, or 25 Muslim between Muslims and Christians in parliament, in the members of parliament (MPs) versus 30 Christian MPs. formation of the cabinet, in Grade One posts and their The rule continued to be applied in all the elections that equivalents “without reserving any particular job for any followed, despite the change in the number of MPs.

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. SHARING THE LEBANESE GOVERNMENT APPARATUS (1975 - 2010) Leader | 5 Under the law that was ratified in 1960 and on the basis of A’alawite confession was not represented. which elections were held in 1960, 1964, 1968 and 1972, In a 30-member government, as has been the case for the the number of MPs rose to 99, with 45 Muslim MPs and line-up of most governments since the Ta’ef, ministers are 54 Christian MPs. distributed as follows: Following the signature of the Ta’ef accord, Article 24 A Maronite: 6 ministers of the Constitution was amended in 1990 and the 50-50 A Greek Orthodox: 4 ministers rule in parliament was adopted, so that elections would A Catholic: 3 ministers no longer be dependent on confessional considerations A Armenian Orthodox: 2 ministers (or a minister for (although this may never actually happen). Parliamentary minorities or Evangelical Christians) seats are distributed as follows: A Sunni: 6 ministers A Equally between Christians and Muslims A Shia’a: 6 ministers A Based on proportional representation among the A Druze: 3 ministers confessions of both groups A Based on proportional representation among regions After the Ta’ef: Continuation of Posts, Exchanges and the Creation of New Positions While the first paragraph was implemented, bringing After the ratification of the Ta’ef and the adoption of the number of MPs to 108 (and later to 128), equally equal representation between Muslims and Christians in distributed between Muslims and Christians, proportional Grade One posts or their equivalent, changes occurred in representation among the confessions was not: some posts while others remained in the hands of certain confessions, thus violating the principle of rotation. 64 Christian MPs As a result, some posts became monopolized by these A 34 Maronite MPs confessions. A 14 Greek Orthodox MPs The Maronites, who abandoned one of the most prominent A 8 Catholic MPs judicial posts (general prosecutor) to the Sunni confession, A 5 Armenian Orthodox MPs kept four main positions: that of the Governor of the Central A 1 Armenian Catholic MP Bank, the Commander of the Lebanese army, the President A Minorities have 1 MP of the Higher Judicial Council and the Director General of A 1 Evangelical MP the Ministry of Finance. The Sunni confession holds the Council of Service and Secretariat General in the Ministry 64 Muslim MPs of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants. The Shia’a confession A 27 Sunni MPs obtained the posts of First Governor of the Central Bank A 27 Shia’a MPs and the Head of State Security Service (in 1998, it became A 8 Druze MPs the Directorate General of General Security). The tables to A 2 A’alawite MPs follow show the distribution of Grade One posts or their equivalents among the confessions from 1975 – the eve of The number of Maronite MPs is the highest even though the Lebanese war – until today. the Maronite confession is not the largest. Furthermore, proportional representation was not adhered to in the distribution of parliamentary seats among regions, leading Since Independence in 1943, the Lebanese seeking to unfair representation. employment dreamt of a government job for security and status. They sought the support of the Zua’ama Government Formation: Respect of Balance to achieve trust. Appointments and promotions in the An imbalance in confessional representation used to occur public sector and especially the Senior government in post-independence government formation, to the point posts have always been a cause for rivalry between the that sometimes some confessions were absent. However, Zua’ama and therefore, it would be an oversimplification following the Ta’ef accord, the 50-50 rule and proportional if we assume that these posts are simply allocated on a representation were applied. Thus, the number of Maronite confessional basis. ministers was the same as the number of Sunni and Shia’a An in-depth study would take a look at the appointment ministers; Greek Orthodox ministers were in second place of each of the persons listed in the following table followed by Catholic and Druze ministers, holding equal to trace his/her allegiance to a Za’im in order to seats. The Armenian Orthodox community was represented determine the true level and segmentation of power by ministers proportional to their population, as were sharing between the various Zua’ama. the Armenian Catholics and other minorities, while the

issue 100 - November 2010 6 | Leader SHARING THE LEBANESE GOVERNMENT APPARATUS (1975 - 2010)

Positions occupied by the Maronite confession Table 1 Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 Confession in 1975 Lebanon’s Army Commander General Jean Toufic Kahwaji Iskandar Ghanem Maronite Governor of the Central Bank Riad Toufic Salameh Elias Sarkis Maronite Chief of Central Inspection Bureau - Presidency of Council of Ministers Georges Maroun Awad Hisham Al-Shaar Sunni President of the Supreme Judicial Council Ghaleb Abdallah Ghanem Emile Abu Kheir Maronite President of the State Consultative Council (Al-Shoura) Shoukri Salim Sader Antoine Baroud Maronite Director General of Finance - Ministry of Finance Alan Kosti Bifani Khattar Shebli Maronite Director General of Customs - Ministry of Finance Asaad Iskandar Ghanem Shawki Shaaban Sunni Vacant, currently occupied by Shafik Botrous Shikha Member of the Supreme Council for Customs Merhi Douihy Maronite The Organization was created in 1996 and replaced the Independant Housing Fund and President and Director General / General Organization for Housing Vacant the General Directorate for Housing, which was presided by a Druze. Governor of Beqa’a - Ministry of Interior and Municipalities Antoine Nouhad Suleiman Henri Lahoud Maronite Director General of Civil Defense - Ministry of Interior and Darwich Louis Hbeika Municipalities Director General of Co-ops - Ministry of Agriculture Joseph Salim Tarabay Kamil Qabeh Maronite Vacant, currently occupied by Dalal Director General of Tenders - Central Inspection Emile Barakat Yousef Yassine Sunni CEO and Director General of National Archiving - Presidency of Council of Ministers Fouad Badawi Obeid Vice President of the Council of the South - Presidency of Council of Ministers Jean Antoine Mkhayel Director General of Water and Electricity - Ministry of Energy and Fadi Georges Komair Rida Douhainy Shia’a Water Director General of Education - Ministry of Education and Higher Education Fadi Bahij Yaraq Salim Hreiz Druze Director General of the Presidency of the Republic Ambassador Naji Abi Assi Carlos Khoury Maronite Director General and Chief of Budget Division and Financial and Elie Assaf Ramez Khazen Maronite Economic Affairs Board of Directors and Director General of Traffic Management Mechanisms and Vehicles Farajallah Fawzi Srour Resumed its activities in 2000 Health, Social and Agricultural General Inspector at the Central Elias Kamil Tannous Al-Maarouf Inspection Board Khoury Joseph Abi Saleh Maronite Director General of Antiquities - Ministry of Culture Fredrick Ibrahim Husseini Maurice Chehab Maronite General Inspector - Government Commissioner at the Supreme Vacant (occupied by proxy Elias Disciplinary Authority Kamil Tannous Al-Maarouf Khoury) Hassan Ramadan Shia’a President of the Administrative Committee for the implementation Gloria Ann Abou Zeid of the Green Project President and Director General of Agricultural Scientific Research - Ministry of Agriculture Michel Antoine Frem General Administrative Inspector - Central Inspection Board Mtanious Khalil Halabi Fawzi Abou Diab Druze Head of Research and Guidance - Civil Service Board Nadia Michel Mrad Habib Mahfouz Maronite Vice-President of the Council for Development and Reconstruction Alan Najib Kerdahi Resumed its activities in 1977 President and Director General of Beirut and Mount Lebanon Water Joseph Mkhael Nseir The Association was created in 2000 Association Director General of Lebanese Standards and Specifications Authority Vacant National Institution of Guaranteed Deposits Khater Louis Georges Abi Habib Director of Casino du Liban Hmayed Kreidy Director General of Grain and Sugar Beet - Ministry of Economy and Trade Vacant Mounir Barbari Orthodox President of the Constitutional Council Issam Mounkad Suleiman The Council was created in 1993 President and Director General of Electricite du Liban Kamal Fouad Hayek Director General of Real Estate Bechara Mouris Karkafi The Directorate was created in 2002

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. SHARING THE LEBANESE GOVERNMENT APPARATUS (1975 - 2010) Leader | 7

Positions occupied by the Maronite confession Table 1 Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 Confession in 1975 Vacant: Council of civil services is President of the National Institute of Administration doing the work The Institute was created in 2000 Director General of Petroleum - Ministry of Energy and Water Vacant Ibrahim Shouiry Catholic Member of the Banking Control Commission Amin Awad Michel Francis Maronite Secretary General of the Higher Council for Privatization Ziad Salah Hayek The Council was created in 2000 President and Director General of Alissar Elie Philip Chdeed Alissar was created in 1996 Vacant, currently occupied by Nabil Director General of the National Employment Office Tabet The Foundation was created in 1977 Director General of the Chief of Ministerial Affairs - Presidency of the Council of Ministers Vacant Yousef Istfan Maronite Director General of Rachid Karameh International Exhibition Antoine Jerjes Bou Rida Positions occupied by the Orthodox confession Table 2 Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 Confession in 1975 Beirut Governor - Ministry of Interior and Municipalities Vacant (occupied by proxy by North Governor Nassif Kalloush) Metri Nammar Catholic Head of the Center for Educational Research and Development - Ministry of Education and Higher Education Laila Elias Maliha Georges Al Murr Orthodox Director General of the Ministry of Public Works Vacant Hamid Khoury Maronite Vacant (occupied by proxy by Head of Staff Department - Civil Service Council Inspector General Mtanious Halabi) Joseph Zaarour Maronite President of the Central Fund for the Displaced - Presidency of the Council of Ministers Fadi Salim Aramouni The Fund was created in 1993 Director General of the Departments and Local Councils - Ministry of Interior and Municipalities Khalil Shekrallah Hajal The Directorate was created in 2000 Vacant (occupied by proxy by Ali President of the Supreme Disciplinary Authority Mohammad Fakih) Mohammad Zouk Sunni General Inspector at the Central Inspection Board Fawzi Anis Neemeh Sharoush Tourikian Armenian Orthodox Member of the Banking Control Commission Abdallah Ywakeem Atieh Flado Khallat Orthodox Secretary General of the Center for Development and Reconstruction Ghazi Joseph Haddad The Council was created in 1977 Director General Head of Division at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Vacant Elias Nammar Catholic Director General Government Commissioner at the Central Bank Elie Maalouf Rajaa Hmadeh Druze Positions occupied by the Catholic confession Table 3 Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 Confession in 1975 North Governor - Ministry of Interior and Municipalities Nassif Georges Kaloush Iskandar Ghabril Orthodox President of the Economic and Social Council Roger Yousef Nasnas The Council was created in 1996 Director General of National Security Georges Qara’a The Directorate was created in 1984 Chairman - Director General of Tele Liban Ibrahim Khoury Director General of Roads and Buildings - Ministry of Public Works Fadi Elias Nammar Antoine Rayyes Maronite and Transportation Director General - Head of Technical Affairs Branch in the Presidency of the Republic Vacant Khalil Haddad Catholic Director General of Agriculture Vacant Moustapha Khaled Sunni Director General of Industry Dani Nicola Jadoun Alfred Debs Orthodox Chairman - Director General of Beqa’a Water Association Haykal Khalil Rai The Association was created in 2000 There was no Catholic member in the Member of the Banking Control Commission Mounir Layan Commission Rimi Shami - Catholic Director General of Equipments in the Ministry of Naji Marcel Andraous (Director General of Telegraph and Telecommunication Telephones) Chairman of the Commission of the Beirut Stock Exchange Vacant

issue 100 - November 2010 8 | Leader SHARING THE LEBANESE GOVERNMENT APPARATUS (1975 - 2010)

Positions occupied by Armenian Orthodox confession Table 4 Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 Confession in 1975 Director General of the Central Administration for Statistics Maral Soulak Toutlian Director General of the Ministry of Environment Borj Arman Hatjian The Ministry was created in 1993 The position of Fourth Governor was reinstated in 1985. The Vice Governor posts Fourth Vice Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon Haroutioun Yazakil Samouilian were amended so that the 1st VG would be Shia’a, the 2nd Druze, the 3rd Sunni and the 4th Armenian Orthodox

Positions occupied by the Sunni confession Table 5

Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 Confession in 1975

President of the Council for Development and Reconstruction Nabil Adnan Jesr The Council was created in 1977

Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vacant Najib Dahdah Maronite

Director General of Internal Security Forces Ashraf Ahmad Rifi Hisham Sha’ar Sunni

Director General of Civil Status - Ministry of Interior and Municipalities Nada Ramez Kousti Elie Eid Orthodox

Director General of Justice Oman Mahmoud Natour Hassan Refaat Sunni

Director General of Touristic Affairs - Ministry of Tourism Nada Aref Sardouk Hamdi Hajj Sunni

Secretary General of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Mohammad Souheil Bouji Omar Masika Sunni

Chairman of the Civil Service Council Khaled Kabbani Georges Salibi Orthodox

President of the Higher Relief Commission Yehya Raad The Commission was created in 1976

Director General of Higher Education Ahmad Kassem Jammal The Directorate was created in 1993

Vacant (occupied by proxy by the Mount Lebanon Governor Beqa’a Governor Antoine Suleiman) Fadel Hamawieh Sunni

Director General of Urban Planning Vacant Mohammad Fawwaz Shia’a

Director General of the National Institute of Administration Vacant The Institute was created in 2000

Director General of the Foundation for Promoting Investments - Presidency of the Council of Ministers Nabil Abdel Hafiz Itani The Foundation was created in 1994

President and General Manager of Management and Investment at Hassan Mohammad Kamel Koreitem Henry Faroun Catholic the Port of Beirut

Director General of Culture Omar Ali Halablab The Directorate was created in 2000

Director General of Land and Sea Transport Abdel Hafiz Bachir Kaisi Ali Khanafer Shia’a

Vacant (occupied by proxy by Director President and General Manager of OGERO General of Investment Abdel Meneim Younes Salem Maronite Yousef)

General Prosecutor Said Mosbah Mirza Kamil Jeajea Maronite

Member of the Supreme Council for Customs Vacant (occupied by Hassan Hnaineh) Orthodox

Third Vice Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon Mohammad Ahmad Baasiri

Chief of the Banking Control Commission Osama Mekdashi Salim Al Hoss Sunni

Director General of Aviation Hamdi Mohammad Chouk Zuhair Baydoun Sunni

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. SHARING THE LEBANESE GOVERNMENT APPARATUS (1975 - 2010) Leader | 9

Positions occupied by the Sunni confession Table 5

Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 Confession in 1975

Director General of the Legal and Administrative Affairs at the Presidency of the Republic Vacant Mahmoud Othman Sunni

Inspector General for Engineering - Central Inspection Board Faten Mahmoud Hamandi Georges Samaha Catholic

Director General of Investment and Maintenance - Ministry of Telecommunication Abdel Meneim Bahij Yousef Rimi Shami Catholic

Chairman and Director General of North Lebanon Water Association Jammal Abdel Latif Karim The Association was created in 2000

Member of the Higher Relief Committee Vacant Georges Choukair Maronite

Chairman and Director General of Middle East Airlines Mohammad Hout

Director General of Protocol and Public Relations at the Presidency Abdel Rahman of the Council of Ministers Vacant Sheikha Sunni

Positions occupied by the Shia’a confession Table 6 Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 Confession in 1975

President of the Lebanese University Zouhair Ali Shukur Edmond Naim Maronite

President of the Supreme Council for Customs Akram Mahdi Chdeed Issam Haidar Shia’a

First Vice Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon Raed Hussein Sharafeddine Armenian Orthodox

Director General of Economy and Finance Vacant Antoine Mousalli Syriac Catholic

Director General of Social Affairs Vacant The Ministry was created in 1993

Director General of General Security Brigade Wafik Ibrahim Jezzini Antoine Dahdah Maronite

Director General of Political Affairs and Refugees at the Ministry of Interior Vacant Samih Solh Sunni

Nabatieh Governor Mahmoud Mawla Ibrahim Fakih Shia’a

Secretary General of the National Council for Scientific Research Moueen Haidar Hamza

Director General of Media Hassan Mohammad Falha Charles Rizk Maronite

Director General of Emigrants Haitham Ali Joumaa The Directorate resumed its activities in 1993

General Inspector of Education Vacant (occupied by proxy by Shakib Mohammad Douik) Abbass Farhat Shia’a

Mounir Al Chairman of the Audit Bureau Aouni Ramadan Mahmasani Sunni

Director General of Youth and Sports Zaid Salman Khyami Ghaleb Fahs Shia’a

Director General of the National Social Security Fund Mohammad Ibrahim Karaki

Vice President of the Council for Development and Reconstruction Yasser Moustapha Berri The Council was created in 1977

Director General of the Council for South Lebanon Hashem Haidar

President of the Council for South Lebanon Kabalan Abdel Nemeim Kabalan

issue 100 - November 2010 10 | Leader SHARING THE LEBANESE GOVERNMENT APPARATUS (1975 - 2010)

Positions occupied by the Shia’a confession Table 6 Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 Confession in 1975 Director General of the Litani River Authority Ali Abboud (by appointment)

Member of the Banking Control Commission Ahmad Safa There was no Shia’a member in the Commission

Vacant (occupied by proxy Chief of Director General of Vocational and Technical Education Accounting Ahmad Diab) Roger Shmaly Maronite

Director General of the Economic and Social Council Farouk Mohammad Yaghi The Council was created in 1996

President and General Manager of the Regie of Tobacco and Tombacs Administration Nassif Saklawi

Chairman of the Executive Board of the National Office of the Drug Vacant

Manager of the Regie of Tobacco and Tombacs Administration Issam Ibrahim Salman

Member at the Supreme Disciplinary Authority Ali Mohammad Fakih Nicola Ghosn Orthodox

General Inspector at the Central Inspection Board Shakib Mohammad Douik Mohammad Ali Itani Sunni

Director General - Chief of the Legal Affairs Branch Division at the Office of the Council of Ministers Vacant Chafik Mnaimneh Sunni

Director General of Investment - Ministry of Energy and Water Vacant Maurice Ghazal Maronite

President of Intra Investment Company Mohammad Cheib Shafiq Mharram Sunni

Chairman of the Finance Bank of Lebanon Hassan Said Farran

President and Director General of South Water Association Ahmad Hassan Nizam The Association was created in 2000

Vacant (occupied by proxy Adnan Secretary General of the Parliament Daher ex-Secretary General)

Positions occupied by the Druze confession Table 7 Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 Confession in 1975 South Governor - Ministry of Interior and Municipalities Malek Izzat Abdel Khalek Halim Fayad Druze

General Inspector of Finance - Central Inspection Board Salah Adel Al-Danaf Adnan Hmadeh Shia’a

Vacant (occupied by proxy by Ahmad Director General of the Displaced - Ministry of the Displaced Mahmoud) The Ministry was created in 1993

Director General of Health - Ministry of Health Walid Said Ammar Robert Saadeh Maronite

Second Vice Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon Saad Amin Al-Andari Shafiq Mahrm Sunni

Chairman and Director General of the Railway and Public Transportation Authority Vacant

Director General of the State Employees Cooperative - Office of the Council of Ministers Anwar Ali Daou

Financial Auditor at the House of Parliament Chebli Shafik Masri

Director General for Parliamentary sessions and committees Riad Hussein Ghannam

Government Commissioner at the Council for Development and Reconstruction Walid Salim Safi Director General of Post (A’alawi) Mohammad Yousef

Note: This information, especially concerning 1975, was gathered from various sources. The Monthly team welcomes any additional information that would help fill in the gaps or comments that would rectify any incorrect information.

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. Leader CORRECTION - SUPPLEMENT

following tables complete the previous tables concerning the distribution of positions according to confession as a mistake was made, which led to the deletion of the names and confessions The of some of the post-holders of 1975.

Positions occupied by the Maronite confession Table 1 Confession in Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 1975 President and Director General / General Organization for Housing Vacant Fouad Zebian Druze The Organization was created in 1996 and replaced the Independent Housing Fund and the General Directorate for Housing, which was presided by a Druze Director General for Civil Defense - Ministry of Interior and Municipalities Darwich Louis Hbeika Samih El-Solh Sunni CEO and Director General of National Archiving - Presidency of Council of Ministers Fouad Badawi Obeid Bchara Habib Orthodox Vice President of the Council of the South - Presidency of Council of Mohamad Mahmoud Ali Ministers Jean Antoine Mkhayel Ahmad Shia’a. President and Director General of Agricultural Scientific Research - Ministry of Agriculture Michel Antoine Frem Jospeh Hrawi Maronite Khater Louis Georges Abi National Institution of Guaranteed Deposits Habib Michel Shar Catholic Director of Casino du Liban Hmayed Kreidy Wajih Saadeh Maronite President and Director General of Electricite du Liban Kamal Fouad Al-Hayek Fouad Al-Bizri Sunni Badih Lahoud, a Maronite was appointed by decree # 7901 dated May 20، 1974 Director General of Rachid Karameh International Exhibition Antoine Jerjes Bou Rida Amado Chalhoub Maronite Positions occupied by the Catholic confession Table 3 Confession in Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 1975 Chairman - Director General of Tele Liban Ibrahim Khoury Ramez Rizk Maronite Chaiman of the Commission of the Beirut Stock Exchange Vacant Antoine El-Khawaja Catholic Positions occupied by the Armenian Orthodox confession Table 4 Confession in Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 1975 Director General of the Central Administration for Statistics Maral Soulak Toutlian Ibrahim Trabolsi Positions occupied by the Sunni confession Table 5

Confession in Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 1975 The position of Fourth Governor was reinstated in 1985. The Vice Governor posts Third Vice Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon Mohammad Ahmad were amended so that the 1st VG would be Baasiri Shia’a, the 2nd Druze, the 3rd Sunni and the 4th Armenian Orthodox Chairman and Director General of Middle East Airlines Mohammad Hout Asaad Nasr Orthodox Positions occupied by the Shia’a confession Table 6 Confession in Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 1975 Mahdi Sadek, Shia’a was appointed. At the time, it was an authority and not a Director General of Social Affairs Vacant directorate. The Ministry of Social Affairs was created in 1993 Secretary General of the National Council for Scientific Research Moueen Haidar Hamza Joseph Nafaa Maronite Mohammad Ibrahim Director General of the National Social Security Fund Karaki Reda Waheed Shia’a Director General of the Council of South Lebanon Hashem Haidar Khaled Jumblat Druze Kabalan Abdel Meneim President of the Council for South Lebanon Kabalan There was no president for this council

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. Leader CORRECTION - SUPPLEMENT Positions occupied by the Shia’a confession Table 6 Confession in Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 1975 Ali Abboud (by Director General of the Litani River Authority appointment) Iskandar Zyadeh Maronite President and General Manager of the Regie of Tobacco and Tombacs Administration Nassif Saklawi Philippe Serhal Maronite Chairman of the Finance Bank of Lebanon Hassan Said Farran Position was established after 1975 Vacant (occupied by proxy Secretary General of the Parliament Adnan Daher ex-Secretary Ihsan Abou Khalil Shia’a General) Raed Hussein Armenian First Vice Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon Sharafeddine Joseph Aghodelian Orthodox Positions occupied by the Druze confession Table 7 Confession in Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 1975 Chairman and Director General of the Railway and Public Transportation Authority Vacant Adel Hamiyeh Druze Financial Auditor at the Council for the South Chebli Shafik Masri Position was established after 1975 Government Commissioner at the Council for Development and Reconstruction Walid Salim Safi Position was established after 1975 Positions occupied by the A’alawi confession Table 8 Confession in Position in 2010 Name in 2010 Name in 1975 1975 Director General of Post (A’alawi) Mohammad Yousef Omar Tabbara Sunni

In 1975, there were 106 Grade One Posts. Between 1975 and 2010, 38 Grade One Posts were created thus bringing the total number of positions to 144. The creation of these positions influenced confessional representation. The reorganization of the positions according to confession also affected confessional representation, some being favored at the expense of others, as shown in table 9. Indeed, the Maronite confession gained 10 positions while the Shia’a gained 20 positions and the Sunni merely obtained 7 positions.

Summary of the number of positions according to confessions Table 9 Total of newly established Confession Total positions in 2010 Total positions in 1975 positions since 1975 Maronite 44 34 10 Orthodox 12 11 3 Catholic 12 10 4 Armenian Orthodox 3 2 2 Minorities 0 1 0 Sunni 30 23 8 Shia’a 32 12 8 Druze 10 7 3 A’alawi 1 0 0 Total 144 100 38 Note: The confessions of the following positions were not included in the table: President of the Administrative Committee for the Implementation of the Green Project; Director General of the Central Administration for Statistics; Chairman of the Executive Board of the National Office of the Drug; Manager of the Regie of Tobacco and Tombacs Administration; Director General of the State Employees Cooperative-Office of the Council of Ministers; Director General for Parliamentary Sessions and Committees Note: This information, especially concerning 1975, was gathered from various sources. The Monthly team welcomes any additional information that would help fill in the gaps or comments that would rectify any incorrect information.

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. THE ARAB HIGHWAY IN LEBANON Public Sector | 11 THE ARAB HIGHWAY IN LEBANON

he Arab highway project goes back to the mid 1960’s and aims to connect Arab capitals. For this purpose, each one of the Arab states has been constructing highways and freeways that connect their capitals with Tthe borders of their neighboring Arab state or (states). The Arab highway in Lebanon According to this project, Lebanon should construct A The Ta’anayel-Masna’a part, passing through a highway that connects Beirut (Boulevard Camille Majdal A’anjar, which is 13 km long, is estimated Chamoun) to the Syrian-Lebanese border in the Masna’a to cost $60 million. It is expected to be completed at area passing through Hazmieh - Ba’abda - Jumhour - the beginning of 2011. A’aley - Saoufar - Dahr el Baidar - Mdeirij - Chtoura A The Boulevard Camille Chamoun-Hazmieh- - Ta’anayel - Majdal A’anjar - Masna’a. Jumhour parts, on which works are currently being Decree No. 9169 was issued on October 8, 1974, carried out. ratifying the plan to construct the Beirut-Syrian border highway. The scheme was amended several times Funding altering the highway’s track, especially by virtue of Several international bodies contributed to securing Decree No. 3143/93, which amended the Chtoura- a significant portion of the project’s cost, namely the Syrian border track and the Zahle entrance part. Saudi Fund for Development ($100 million) and the Furthermore, Decree No. 3420/93 amended the Saoufar- Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development ($110 Chtoura part; Decree No. 8546/2002 altered the Mdeirij- million) followed by the OPEC Fund for Development Chtoura part and the Chtoura-Hoch al-Omara part; and ($15 million). Decree No.11673/2003 modified the Hoch al-Omara- Syrian border part. Objections to the project Many objections to the project emerged, especially in Cost of the project the areas where works have already started. While the The project’s total cost is estimated at around $520 objections are numerous, we will summarize them in million although this is likely to increase due to the three categories: rise in the price of construction materials, labor and 1-Environmental: for example, in the town of Jdeeta, properties. Due to the length of the road (75 km), its residents consider that the Arab highway turns the complex geographical nature (mountains) and the town into a prison that absorbs smoke emanating from presence of a large number of inhabitants around it, cars and trucks crossing the highway. Furthermore, which in turn affects the cost of properties, the Lebanese the drilling necessary for its contruction pollutes the government decided to execute this project in several environment and ground wells. stages. On the one hand, it would execute it depending 2-Economic: some businessmen and establishment on the availability of funding and on the other hand, it owners in Chtoura and its surroundings consider that the would proceed in a way that is least likely to disrupt highway destroys the commercial market by redirecting mobility on these roads. traffic away from it. 3-Legal: the government stance is that the laws in Project phases Lebanon allow the government to expropriate less than A The Saoufar-Mdeirij part was completed at the end 25% of a plot of land for public use, without paying any of 2001 by constructing a highway and a bridge. The indemnity to the owner. On the other hand, residents’ latter was considered the highest in the Middle East. and MPs’ objections are based on the premise that the The cost of this part reached around $60 million. highway does not directly benefit them. A The Jumhour-Ba’alchmieh part (second part), The Arab highway is an important and vital project. which is 9 km long, is estimated to cost $75 million. Like many projects in Lebanon it has taken too long Work on this part is awaiting the receipt of funding. (35 years) to execute and its completion could perhaps A The Mdeirij-Chtoura-Ta’anayel part, which is take another 35 years. Furthermore, many people 20 km long, is estimated to cost $153 million. The will be harmed by its execution because the planning cornerstone for this part was laid in May 2009 and did not pay enough attention to social, economic and works are expected to be completed by May 2014. environmental considerations.

issue 100 - November 2010 12 | Public Sector THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE Significant powers and meager resources en years after the establishment of the Ministry of Culture, the cultural scene in Lebanon does not look any different. The Ministry needs to be boosted by a competent work force in order to be able to perform its Ttasks as set by the law. It should contribute effectively to the protection of Lebanon’s heritage.

Establishment The Ministry of Culture was established by virtue of A Developing innovation and production in its areas of Article 11 of Law No. 247 dated August 7, 2000, replacing specialization the Ministry of Culture and Higher Education introduced A review of the Ministry’s powers and expansive tasks by virtue of Law No. 215 dated April 2, 1993. undoubtedly shows that it is incapable of performing them due to the lack of human and financial resources. Tasks Law 215/93 specified the tasks of the Ministry of Culture Structure and personnel and Higher Education as the following: The Ministry of Culture is made up of: A Consolidating and revitalizing the cultural movement, encouraging creative talent and supporting of cultural The Directorate General of Cultural Affairs composed of: associations and bodies in the intellectual, literary and A The Directorate of Arts and Literature artistic fields A The Directorate of Cultural Industries and Knowledge A Sponsoring and developing a national library (Dar al- Economy Kutub al-Wataniya) and establishing, managing and A The Directorate of National Cooperation and disseminating public libraries across the country Coordination A Promoting archeological excavations, promoting the preservation of archeological sites and landmarks and Directorate General of Antiquities composed of: establishing and managing museums A The Directorate of Historic Monuments and Cultural A Managing cultural, heritage and artistic affairs such as Heritage Buildings cinema, theatre, exhibitions and various other forms of art A The Directorate of Archeological Excavations By virtue of Law No. 35 of October 16, 2008, the A The Directorate of Archeological Properties Ministry’s tasks were redefined.The Ministry of Culture’s areas of competence are archeology and heritage, historic The Joint Administrative Service properties, arts and literature, intellectual productions and cultural industries. It administers cultural properties and The Ministry has 184 posts distributed as shown in the other cultural affairs. following table. A Outlining the general cultural policy and coordinating its implementation Ministry of Culture posts Table 1 Setting policies, plans and programs to ensure the A Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade proper implementation of the cultural policy One Two Three Four Five A Organizing and managing the affairs of workers in its fields of specialization and providing them with Directorate General of Cultural Affairs 1 3 5 12 18 appropriate support A Establishing coordination and cooperation ties with Directorate General relevant committees and encouraging the exchange of of Antiquities 1 7 19 37 72 expertise between them Developing a knowledge driven economy to progress A Joint Administrative - 1 1 5 2 and keep up with international developments Service A Supporting research in all cultural fields A Establishing cultural facilities and centres

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE Public Sector | 13

A LBP 200 million: contributions to the International Center for Human Sciences in Jbeil A LBP 220 million: contributions to CLAC (Centres de Lecture et d’Animation Culturelle or Centres for Reading and Cultural Activities) A LBP 200 million: for the purchase of artwork, paintings, films and to restore ruins A LBP 428 million: salaries of permanent employees at the Directorate General of Antiquities A LBP 411: salaries of contractors at the Directorate General of Antiquities A LBP 870 million: salaries of freelancers at the Directorate General of Antiquities A LBP 200 million: archeological excavations A LBP 1500 million for the construction of roads (leading Under Destruction-Downtown Beirut to centered sites) A LBP 525 million: for the maintenance and operation of the UNESCO Palace The following public organizations, which enjoy financial and administrative independence, fall under the responsibility of the Minister of Culture: A The Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music In 2001, [...] the budget A The National Library reached“ around LBP 25.3 billion The General Commission for Museums A [...] In 2009, the budget dropped Budget In 2001, the first year in which an independent budget for to LBP 22.2 billion the Ministry was ratified, the budget reached around LBP 25.3 billion, what then formed 0.255% of the total state ” budget. In 2009, the budget dropped to LBP 22.2 billion or 0.136% of the total state budget. The most significant expenses are distributed on the following areas: Successive Ministers of Culture Since its establishment in 2000 and until the formation of A LBP 500 million: rental fee for the Ministry’s offices the current government at the end of 2009, the Ministry A LBP 821 million: salaries of permanent employees in has had nine successive ministers, mainly belonging the Directorate General of Culture to the Catholic confession. They are distributed by A LBP 11.4 billion: contributions to the Lebanese confession as follows: National Higher Conservatory of Music A LBP 585 million: contributions to UNESCO’s national A One Maronite minister committee A Two Greek Orthodox ministers A LBP 90 million: contributions to the Lebanese Foyer A Four Catholic ministers in Paris (a residence providing accommodation to A One Sunni minister Lebanese students studying in Paris) A One Druze minister A LBP 130 million: contributions to Lebanese cinematographs Emile Lahoud’s presidency: A LBP 130 million: contributions to Lebanese Ghassan Salameh (twice), Ghazi al-A’aridi, Karam playwrights Karam, Naji al-Bustani, Assa’ad Rizq and Tareq Mitri. A LBP 150 million: expenses to operate and maintain the Michel Suleiman’s presidency: UNESCO’s regional office in Beirut Tamam Salam and Salim Wardeh. A LBP 20 million: contributions to the Lebanese Writers Union

issue 100 - November 2010 14 | Public Sector THE MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY

THE MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY $ 2.8 million to boost a sector in decline!

he Ministry of Industry has naming of the Ministry of Industry and Coordinate with the Ministry of Tonly recently been established. Oil to become the Ministry of Oil’. Economy and Commerce to organise Among the most important reasons Decree No. 10357 was issued on June local industrial expos and participate in for making the industrial sector a 5, 1997 and amended Decree No. 9501 international industrial expos; Support priority and requiring the creation of November 7, 1996 (which includes national, regional and international of a ministry are the following: the Lebanese cabinet lineup), following bodies interested in the affairs of A The industrial sector contributes which the title of Minister Nadim Salim industry and industrialists; Contribute 17% to Lebanon’s GDP. changed from Minister of State for in raising the technical level of the A In 1994, the industrial sector was Industrial Affairs to Minister of Industry Lebanese work force, encourage the the source of 80% of Lebanese exports, and the title of Chahi Barssoumian was securing of technical competencies generating USD 450 million. amended to become Minister of Oil necessary for the growth of the industrial A The development and advancement instead of Minister of Industry and Oil. sector, coordinate with the Ministry of of the industrial sector provides Vocational and Technical Education on employment opportunities. In 2005, the Tasks plans and programs to boost vocational sector employed 250,000 people. The law establishing the ministry and technical training and establish A Legally established industrial specified its major tasks in order to vocational, technical and technological zones occupy an area of 13.7 million manage the affairs of the industrial schools and academies at various levels; square meters. sector, to contribute to its development Work and coordinate with the various A Actual industrial zones measure 44 and revitalization and to oversee the ministries, establishments and bodies million square meters and there is a need implementation of laws and regulations in a bid to develop the industrial sector; for a further 20 million square meters (it relating to industrial affairs and issues. Its Issue industrial statistics and collect is claimed) to meet the demands of the main tasks are the following: Regulate the necessary facts and information industry in the next ten years national industries, coordinate, protect regarding employment opportunities in The anticipated development of the and develop them; License the creation industrial projects in Lebanon and ways sector required the establishment of a of industrial establishments, including to market industrial products ministry, namely to outline its general those established within industrial policy. The above mentioned reasons zones and cities; Help establish new Structure illustrate the importance of creating a industries and secure public services According to the aforementioned law ministry and its role in the development that lead to the development of the establishing the ministry and Decree process of the industrial sector, which national industry; Propose the creation No. 13173 of October 8, 1998, and seems to still be in a state of decline. of industrial cities and zones and offer its amendments, especially Decree However, in practice, the ministry advice on all projects and designs; No. 13840 of December 24, 2004, failed to achieve its goals because Take measures that encourage the the Ministry of Industry consists of a the challenges that the sector faces development of national industries; directorate general, 11 authorities and are complicated and cannot be solved Receive requests concerning tariff 35 departments. by the mere creation of a ministry. protection and requests for support The central administration consists of the Furthermore, the ministry has a very from industrialists; Combat market Directorate General of Industry, which low budget, most of whch is allocated flooding and authorisations for export includes: The Cabinet Authority, to salaries and wages. and other forms of aid that fall under which consists of four departments: the category of market flooding; Administrative and Personnel Establishment Supervise the extent to which licensing department, Accounting department, The Ministry of Industry was conditions continue to be available Legal Studies and Affairs department established by virtue of Law No. for industrial establishments and and Public Relations and Complaints 642 of June 2, 1997. Article 1 of the supervise quality standards; Monitor department; The Technical Affairs law calls for ‘the establishment of an industrial legislation and participate and Industrial Services Authority, independent ministry to be called the in the preparation of international which includes four departments: Ministry of Industry, and to amend the treaties related to the industrial sector; Technical Studies department,

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. THE MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY Public Sector | 15 Industrial Services Department, Quality Mark. LIBNOR includes a single medical ones Control Department and Technical directorate general which consists of A Accreditation of parties authorized Rehabilitation Department; The three authorities: the Cabinet authority, to grant the Lebanese and non- Economic Studies and Industrial the Services authority and the Technical Lebanese conformity certificates and Development Authority composed of authority. The authorities include 10 marks four departments: Industrial Planning departments and 41 positions: 1 Grade A Accreditation of engineering offices and Development department, Exports One position, 3 Grade Two positions, that carry out supervision works Promotion department, Industrial 25 Grade Three positions, 9 Grade Four A Accreditation of parties that grant Protection and Support department positions and 3 Grade Five positions. conformity certificates for quality and Cooperation and Industrial A The Industrial Research Institute, management or environment Relations department; The Industrial which was established by the the A Contributes in raising the level of Information Authority, which American Technical Cooperation services provided by donor bodies or consists of two departments: Statistics Board in 1953 under the name ‘the laboratories and Industrial information department Industrial Institute’. An agreement for A Works towards a mutual recognition and IT department; The Industrial its management was signed between of accreditation certificates with Permits Authority, which includes the establishing party and the Ministry external accreditation bodies three departments: Industrial Permits of National Economy, the Ministry department, Industrial Zones department of Agriculture and the Industrialists’ Budget and Monitoring department. Association. The IRI was declared a In 1998, the first budget for the Regional authorities are located in: non-profit organization by virtue of ministry was ratified and reached the north, the south, the Beqa’a, Decree No. 10059 of August 17, 1955. LBP 2,496,500,000 (around USD 1.6 Nabatiyeh, A’akkar, Ba’albek and Its mission is to conduct industrial and million) amounting to 0.034% of the Hermel. They represent the Ministry scientific research and studies. There general budget. In 2009, it increased to in those muhafazat and are attached are currently 120 employees working LBP 4,227,400,000 (around USD 2.8 at the administrative and technical at the IRI. Its headquarters moved a million) amounting to 0.026% of the levels to the ministry’s directorate few years ago from Al-Manara, where general budget. The numbers show that general. Each authority is composed of it had been located since its creation, to the Ministry’s budget dropped in size in three departments: the Administrative the Lebanese University in Hadath. the State’s general budget. The Ministry’s Affairs and Complaints department, the A The Association for the budget is spent on the following: Industrial Services department and the Establishment and Management Rent and maintenance of offices: Permits and Monitoring department. of Industrial Centers, which was LBP 185 million; Allocations for established by virtue of a draft law salaries, wages and others: LBP 2,078 Staff implemented by virtue of Decree No. million or 50% of the ministry’s budget The ministry has 219 positions 1660 of January 17, 1979. It enjoys a expenditures; Research: LBP 200 distributed according to degrees as separate legal personality and financial million; LIBNOR: LBP 50 million; shown below and administrative independence. It The Lebanese Accreditation Council: Positions distributed by grade in the encourages the creation of industries LBP 300 million; IRI: LBP 125 Ministry of Industry and has the right to own the necessary million; The Lebanese Industrialists Grade 1 2 3 4 5 properties to establish, sell, lease, Association: LBP 300 million; The Total 1 11 108 79 20 invest and promote the centers. It has regional office of the United Nations the right to create free zones within Industrial Development Organization Institutions attached to the those centers. in Beirut: LBP 20 million Ministry A The Lebanese Accreditation The Ministry of Industry is attached Council, which was established by Successive ministers to and has guardianship authority over virtue of Law 572 of February 11, 2004. Since its establishment in 1997 until the formation of the current government in November four institutions: It enjoys a separate legal personality 2009, the ministry has had nine ministers: 3 A The Lebanese Standards Institution and financial and administrative Maronites, 2 Catholics, 2 Shia’a,1 Sunni, 1 Armenian Orthodox (LIBNOR), which was established independence. It is directly attached During the presidency of Elias Hraoui: by virtue of a law issued on August to the Ministry of Industry that has Nadim Salem. 23, 1962. It is in charge of setting, guardianship authority over it. The During the presidency of Emile Lahoud: Nassir al-Sa’aidi, George Afram, Elias Skaff, Leila promulgating and amending national Council performs the following: al-Solh, Bassam Yameen and Pierre Gemayel. standards and criteria and of granting A Accreditation of public and private During the presidency of Michel Suleiman: the right to use the Lebanese Conformity laboratories of all kinds except Ghazi Za’aiter and Abraham Dedeyan.

issue 100 - November 2010 16 | Public Sector TOURISTS AND TOURISTIC SITES TOURISTS AND TOURISTIC SITES They are mostly Arabs and Jeita Grotto is the most visited site in Lebanon

rom ancient times and until today, tourism has been considered a pillar in the Lebanese economy due to the numerous jobs and foreign income it secures. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, FLebanon’s travel and tourism industry was expected to generate LBP 11,722 billion ($ 7,776 million) in 2009, an equivalent of 28.1% of the total GDP.1

Luckily, the number of tourists visiting Lebanon is What are the tariffs for entering the Lebanese increasing over time, despite the continuous state of political touristic sites? instability. In this article of The Monthly, we will focus on These tariffs are presented in Table 1 and vary between the number and nationality of tourists that entered Lebanon foreigners, Lebanese citizens, students and children. The between 2004 and 2009 based on air trafﬁc information most expensive touristic site to visit is the Jeita Grotto from Raﬁc Hariri International Airport. We will also look followed by the Ba’albeck Citadel, the Tripoli Citadel and at the places these tourists visit, namely archeological and the Beiteddine Palace. cultural sites.2 Tariffs for entering touristic sites Table 1 What are the most frequently visited Lebanese Foreigner Lebanese Student Children touristic sites? Site Tariff Tariff Tariff Tariff A Jeita Grotto is the most visited touristic site with an Jeita Grotto 16,500 16,500 average of 280,000 visitors per annum. Baalbeck 12,000 7,000 2,500 1,000 A Baalbek Citadel is the second most visited Lebanese Tripoli Citadel 7,500 5,000 2,000 1,000 touristic site with 50,480 visitors per annum. Beiteddine Palace 7,500 5,000 2,000 1,000 Beiteddine Palace is the third most visited Lebanese A Byblos Citadel 6,000 4,000 1,500 1,000 touristic site with an average of 36,928 visitors per annum. Sour Ruins 6,000 3,500 1,000 1,000 Graph 1 enumerates the most frequently visited Lebanese Aanjar 6,000 3,000 1,500 1,000 touristic sites, for the period 2002 – 2008, according to the National Museum 5,000 3,000 3,000 1,000 number of visitors. Saida Citadel 4,000 3,500 1,000 1,000

[Graph 1] Most Frequently Visited Lebanese Sites (2002-2008) Niha Grotto 4,000 2,500 1,000 1,000 Source: Lebanese Ministry of Culture Faqra Grotto 3,000 3,000 3,000 1,000 0 50000 100000 150000 200000 250000 300000 Majdal Aanjar 3,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 Tebnine 3,000 2,000 1,000 1,000 Source: Ministry of Tourism (Central Administration of Statistics (www. Jeita Grotto 280,000 cas.gov.lb)

Baalbeck 50,480

Beiteddine 36,928 The trend of tourists between 2005 and 2008 Looking at the trend of visitors between 2005 and 2008, Byblos 33,726 Graph 2 shows that 2008 witnessed the largest number of visitors, followed by 2007. The 2006 July war, during Saida 24,089 which many of the visitors were obliged to leave, obviously Museum affected the trend. of Beirut 18,640

Faqra 7,454 1 - The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is a forum of business Tripoli 3,775 leaders in the Travel and Tourism Industry established in 1990 with the aim of quantifying the impact of tourism around the world (www.wttc.org). Sour 4,358 2 - Data extracted from Lebanese Central Administration of Statistics (www.cas.gov.lb). Niha 429

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. TOURISTS AND TOURISTIC SITES Public Sector | 17

[Graph 2] Number of Visitors to Lebanon Source: Directorate General of Civil Aviation

2008

2007 300000 283,927 2006

250000 2005 220,949

200000 197,298 162,133 145,291 141,653 139,218 138,315

150000 139,664 133,879 132,396 121,578 123,976 115,172 114,288 114,727 111,726 109,010 104,838 105,047 105,392 105,678 96,114

100000 87,154

50000

0 January March May July September November

Table 2 demonstrates that the summer (July, August) and the end-of-year seasons (December) witness the largest inﬂux of tourists. However, this isn’t true for 2006, where the promising summer season received a severe shock.

The number of arrivals and departures between 2005 and October 2009 is presented in Table 2. The year 2009 is likely to have had the largest number of visitors compared to the other years. The year 2008 experienced the biggest number of arrivals and departures in comparison to 2007, 2006, and 2005. The year 2006, on the other hand, experienced the smallest number of arrivals and departures. Transitory activity seems to be diminishing over time.

Number of Arrivals and Departures between 2005 - Oct 2009 Table 2 Passenger Movement (number) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total Number of Arrivals (disembarkers) 2009 124,318 139,406 152,277 203,006 187,852 284,799 361,626 221,113 215,775 156,469 - - 2,046,641 2008 111,726 101,230 133,879 146,165 105,392 224,953 283,927 220,015 162,133 156,469 141,653 238,005 2,025,547 2007 114,727 89,535 121,578 141,702 123,976 140,798 197,298 184,077 132,396 134,910 105,047 191,278 1,677,322 2006 145,291 95,837 109,010 147,928 139,664 216,690 105,678 20,568 114,288 135,326 96,114 138,039 1,464,433 2005 138,315 83,454 87,154 93,041 115,172 178,280 220,949 186,766 139,218 95,189 104,838 136,483 1,578,859 Number of departures (embarkers) 2009 179,032 135,091 147,526 186,474 157,426 173,422 257,450 389,736 245,599 191,987 - - 2,063,743 2008 163,402 106,799 132,526 139,155 91,373 134,143 197,814 323,319 200,152 191,987 154,857 178,486 2,014,013 2007 135,867 86,898 112,021 140,616 116,160 108,889 151,335 230,977 176,906 134,722 116,174 138,667 1,649,232 2006 160,612 103,437 106,446 139,239 212,831 129,966 62,671 16,306 95,263 108,829 112,869 117,650 1,366,119 2005 156,344 99,795 88,193 96,843 93,578 107,711 155,967 252,083 206,625 103,274 117,384 122,720 1,600,517 Source : General Direction of Civil Aviation

issue 100 - November 2010 18 | Public Sector TOURISTS AND TOURISTIC SITES Shedding the light on the 2006 Israeli war against Lebanon, the year started with a trend similar to that of other years.

The number of visitors increased in May and June when [Graph 3] Nationality of Lebanese Tourists in 2008 compared with the same months in 2005, 2007 and 2008. Source: General Directorate of General Security However, the number of arrivals was only 20,568 in August 2006. The number of visitors increased after the end of the Africans July war and reached 139,038 in December 2006. 3% The Nationality of Visitors entering Lebanon in 2008 Asians 11% Americans Graph 3 examines the nationality of visitors entering Europeans 12% Lebanon in 2008. Neither Syrians, foreign laborers nor 25% Palestinian refugees are accounted for in the calculations. The results appear as follows:

A 48% of tourists are Arabs, most of which are Saudi (219,738), Jordanian (180,876) and Kuwaiti (68,936).

Arabs A 25% are Europeans, most of which are from Western 48% and Northern Europe (292,387). Visitors from Western Europe are mainly French, German and British. Oceania A 12% are Americans. These are mainly from North 1% America (152,364).

A 11% come from Asia (excluding Arab countries), mainly from Southern Asia and are mostly Iranians.

A 3% come from Oceania and 1% come from Africa.

Qasr Moussa - Beiteddine Baalbeck Jupiter Temple

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. PARLIAMENTARY IMMUNITY Legislation | 19 PARLIAMENTARY IMMUNITY Freedom of opinion in its broadest sense arliamentary immunity aims at securing a legal system different to the one applicable to the general public. The objective of granting immunity to a member of parliament (MP) is to ensure that he/she performs his Prepresentative duty with the necessary freedom and independence vis-à-vis other authorities. Parliamentary immunity is provided for in article 39 of the Constitution, which stipulates that “No member of the Chamber may be prosecuted for his expression of opinions or votes during the term of his mandate”.

An MP is not responsible for the ideas and opinions he/ decision to lift immunity is taken by a relative majority, has she expresses, whether orally or by writing, during his exclusive effect and is only applicable to the specific act entire mandate. This prompted some jurists to describe this described in the request. In some cases, the Chamber does as absolute immunity of MPs in Lebanon, banning their not grant the permission to prosecute. Table 1 enumerates prosecution. However, this statement is not entirely true as the requests submitted to lift the immunity of various MPs immunity does not extend to civil lawsuits for compensation and the responses of the Chamber. Table 2 lists the cases where an MP is accused of having offended the dignity of where the immunity of some MPs was lifted, including the another. In this case, the latter shall have the right to bring date and the cause. a civil suit against the MP and claim damages. Moreover, Requests submitted to lift the immunity of various MPs and responses of the Chamber Table 1 article 40 states that: “No member of the Chamber may, Date of the while the session is in progress, be prosecuted or arrested Name of the MP submission Cause Result for breach of the penal law - barring cases of in flagrante Suleiman Al Ali 1953 Incitement to murder No response delicto - except with the approval of the Chamber”. Abdullah Al Hajj 1953 No response Nevertheless, if an MP was being prosecuted for in flagrante Emile Lahoud 1953 No response delicto, either prior to the beginning of the sessions of Bahij Takieddine 1953 No response parliament or before having been elected, the prosecution Writing of an article may continue during the sessions without the need to request opposing the Ghassan Tueini 1956 government of Abdullah No response permission from the Chamber. However, the Minister of Al Yafi Justice must inform the Chamber of this matter during the Request Najah Wakim 29-04-1992 The crime is not defined rejected first session. Furthermore, the latter has the right to decide Libel and slander against Request if it would be appropriate, following a report by the joint Najah Wakim Minister Elie Hobeika rejected committee (the Committee of the Council Bureau and the Threatening to kill judges and their families Committee for Administration and Justice), to stop the Nicolas Fattouch 5-12-2003 and committing acts of No decision prosecution of the said MP and to release him temporarily, libel and slander in 2002 and 2003 if detained, in order to attend the sessions until they come to Threatening to kill an end, at which point he may be returned to custody. judges and their families Nicolas 13-1-2006 and committing acts No decision Fattouch of libel and slander in Request of a permission to prosecute 2002, 2003 and 2004. The request of a permission to prosecute is submitted to Source: Records of the House of Representatives the Minister of Justice along with a memorandum from the Attorney General of the Court of Cassation describing Cases where the immunity of some MPs was lifted, including the date and the cause Table 2 the offence and the time and place it was committed. The Name of the Date the request to lift the immunity is then submitted to the President MP immunity was Cause lifted of the Chamber who calls the Committee of the Council Possession of weapons and Bureau and the Committee for Administration and Justice Rifaat Kazoun 1945 ammunitions to attend a joint session to consider the request. The joint Rifaat Kazoun 18-12-1952 Incitement to murder Obeid Issa committee has a two week period to issue a report. If the Najib Salha 31-1-1967 Involvement in the Intra Bank joint committee does not submit its report within this period, bankruptcy case Munir Abou 31-1-1967 Involvement in the Intra Bank the President of the Chamber must notify the Chamber of Fadel bankruptcy case this in its first session and it is up to the Chamber to decide Yehya Chamas 24-11-1994 Illegal drug trafficking whether to grant the joint committee additional time or Habib Hakim 7-12-1999 Wasting public funds to take hold of the request and decide on it directly. The Source: Records of the House of Representatives

issue 100 - November 2010 20 | Private Sector PROPERTY OWNERSHIP BY NON-LEBANESE PROPERTY OWNERSHIP BY NON-LEBANESE Property Ownership by Non-Lebanese in the Qada’a of A’aley 1.62% of the area

ada’a A’aley is an area that has been witnessing non-lebanese ownership for several years now, especially Qin the areas of Qobba, Ain Sawfar, A’aley, Bhamdoun Mhata and others. The Qada’a of A’aley has an area of 270 million square meters and is considered one of the small-size Lebanese districts. Its area equals that of the Qada’a of Nabatieh, Saida and Matn and is bigger than Baabda, Bcharri, Koura and Zgharta. Qada’a Baalbeck is the largest Qada’a with an area 2.1 billion square meters. Non-Lebanese own around 4.4 million square meters or 1.62% of the total area (including valleys, mountains, roads and inhabited regions). Table 1 shows the areas owned by non-Lebanese in A’aley, following the issuance of governmental decrees authorizing ownership as it exceeded the legal limit. Ownership of apartments and estates with an area measuring less than 3,000 square meters are not listed in Table 1. Table 1 shows that Saudis top the list of non-Lebanese acquiring estates in the area amounting to 372,859 square meters followed by Kuwaitis (who own 196,136 square meters), Qataris (who own 114,708 square meters) and Emiratis (who own 81,560 square meters). The most popular areas in which Non-Lebanese acquire properties are Aramoun (268,849 square meters), followed by Sawfar (201,715 square meters), Qobba (173,968 square meters) and A’aley (144,993 square meters). Table 1 shows the details of ownership by non-Lebanese in the Qada’a of A’aley.

Non-Lebanese ownership in the Qada’a of A’aley Table 1 Region Name and nationality Date Area m2 Purpose Al Qubba Lebanese Modern Company SARL June 5, 2009 1,942 Warehouse Develop and amend the existing Al A’amrousieh M.A. Ghandour & Sons SARL June 3, 2009 48,295 construction A’ain Sawfar Mukhlis Ahmad Shahrour (USA) December 23, 2008 2,419 Residential Bhamdoun (village) Nawaf Ibrahim Hamad Al Khalifa (Bahrain) September 17, 2008 8,797 Residential Kfarmatta Mahmoud Ali Fulladferd (UK) September 17, 2008 4,644 Residential, touristic and real estate Souq Al Ghareb Khaled Abdel Latif Issa (KSA) September 17, 2008 3,732 Real Estate Shemlan Huda Mohammed Omar Jamjoom (KSA) May 5, 2008 937 Residential Shemlan Dina Moubarak Jalsam Kanou (Bahrain) March 18, 2008 3,236 Residential A’aytet Nasser Rashid Sari’i Al Ka’abi (Qatar) March 18, 2008 6,624 Residential Souq Al Ghareb Abdullah Jassim Ali Jassim Al Thani (Qatar) January 18, 2008 2,882 Residential A’aley Al Jaber for Development SARL January 18, 2008 50,582 Real Estate 32+1,034 Bhmadoun (station) “The Real Estate Station” Company November 24, 2007 (1,066) Real Estate Al Qubba Open Arab University November 24, 2007 21,582 Educational Bhmadoun (station) Hamza Abbas Ali Muqames (Kuwait) November 17, 2007 64 Residential Sharoun Les Cour du roi investment Co SARL November 17, 2007 43,973 Touristic Mohamed Ina’am Nabih Al Fishawy and his wife, Jourit Btater Samar Ibrahim Issa Al Hartani and his minor November 3, 2007 9,975 divided Residential children, Wa’ed, Abdul Aziz and Malak (KSA) equally A’aramoun Hayat Hamdi Mahmoud Al Hindi (KSA) November 3, 2007 3,250 Residential Al Te’ezanieh AL Shahed Real Estate LLC August 28, 2007 13,100 Real Estate A’aynet + A’ain Lebanese Company for Real Estate Development 107,245 (toal Retain ownership A’anoub SARL August 22, 2007 area stated only) A’ain A’anoub Arz Lebanon SARL July 31, 2007 49,602 Retain ownership A’aley Khaled Hassan Al Abdullah Al Thani (Qatar) July 2, 2007 5,080 Residential A’aley Mohammad Faisal Qasim Faisal Al Thani (Qatar) July 2, 2007 6,019 Residential A’ain Al Jdeideh Thamar for Real Estate LLC July 2, 2007 18,886 Real Estate Residential, touristic and real A’ain Sawfar Al Bader Properties LLC June 16, 2007 6,282 estate

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. PROPERTY OWNERSHIP BY NON-LEBANESE Private Sector | 21

Non-Lebanese ownership in the Qada’a of A’aley Table 1 Region Name and nationality Date Area m2 Purpose Amina Ahmed Abdullah Ahmed AL Minnai wife iof A’aytet Issa Al Minnai (Qatar) June 12, 2007 873 Residential Shartoun Sabah Nasser Saud Al Sabah (Kuwait) April 27, 2007 6,015 Residential A’aley Hamad Nasser Jassim Al Thani (Qatar) April 27, 2007 3,572 Residential A’ain Sawfar Mukhlis Ahmad Shahrour (USA) April 27, 2007 7,255 Residential 3,250 + Bedghan + A’ain 50,034+ A’andab + A’aytet + Pearls Properties SARL April 5, 2007 11,440+ 2,237 Retain ownership Bhamdoun (station) (66,961) Btater Les Cour du Roi Investment Co SARL April 5, 2007 3,040 Touristic Behwara Al A’anoud Ibrahim Al Rasheed (KSA) April 5, 2007 26,900 Residential Hassan Abdullah Ghanim Al-Ghanim Almaadip Souq Al Ghareb (Qatar) April 5, 2007 622 Residential Bhmadoun (station) MAC for Touristic Properties Investment LLC April 5, 2007 1,996 Real Estate Ma’alem for Investment & Real Estate Development Bekhshteih SARL March 19, 2007 11,100 Real Estate Residential, touristic and real Bhamdoun village Bhamdoun Real Estate SARL March 16, 2007 10,688 estate Al Qubbah + 5,575 (total area A’aramoun Nashwa Bint Mohammed Bin Raji Al Tabshi (KSA) February 22, 2007 stated only) Residential A’ain Sawfar + 24,869 Bhamdoun (station) Valdeston SARL November 1, 2006 (24,653+216) Retain ownership A’aley Badr Saleh Al Salem Al Moubarak Al Sabah (Kuwait) November 1, 2006 9,452 Residential A’aley Boubyan Properties LLC October 11, 2006 2,680 Residential and commercial Bhmadoun (station) Abdel Latif Ahmed Abdel Latif Al Fawzan (KSA) October 11, 2006 2,409 Residential A’ain Al Marej + Al Mansourieh Ali Said Ali Al Shami (UAE) October 11, 2006 3,315 Residential Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman Mansour Al Zamil A’ain Sawfar (Kuwait) August 30, 2006 2,497 Residential A’ain Al Marej + Al Mansourieh Ikhlass for Investment SARL July 15, 2006 9,985 Retain ownership Ma’alem for Investment & Real Estate Development Bekhshteih SARL July 15, 2006 12,530 Real Estate Kfarmatta Noura Abdullah Bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud (KSA) June 8, 2006 2,985 Residential Al A’abadiyeh Marzouk Mohammed Al Ghanim (Kuwait) May 15, 2006 8,151 Real Estate Al O’umara Su.Y.Mi Lebanon SARL May 15, 2006 4,034 Retain ownership Bassam Yusuf Ahmed Mohamed Al Ghanim A’aytet (Kuwait) May 15, 2006 5,776 Residential A’ain Sawfar Khaleda Ali Saleh Al Fadala (Kuwait) May 15, 2006 10,640 Residential A’ain Ksour Jumeirah International LLC March 30, 2006 11,020 Real Estate Al Basateen + 5,345+14,216 Shemlan Hashim Said Hashim (KSA) March 22, 2006 (19,561) Residential A’ain Al Jdeideh Thamar for Real Estate LLC March 6, 2006 19,422 Residential A’ain Sawfar Al Bader Properties LLC March 6, 2006 4,015 Residential Fahed Bin Jassim Bin Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Thani Btater (Qatar) March 6, 2006 25,840 Residential Abdul Latif Bin Ahmad Bin Abdul Latif Al Fawazan Bhmadoun (station) (KSA) March 6, 2006 5,877 Residential A’ain Al Jdeideh Sheikha Abdulla Al Khalifa Al Sabah (Kuwait) March 6, 2006 1,476 Residential Bhamdoun (village) Bader Abdel Aziz Ali Ibil (Kuwait) February 27, 2006 3,138 Residential 23,520 + 5,975 Rishmaya Ali Abdullah Ali Al Nassib (Kuwait) February 10, 2006 (29,495) Agricultural Bhmadoun (station) Saud Nasser Al Saud Al Sabah (Kuwait) January 16, 2006 1,218 Residential Al Mansourieh + A’ain Al Marej + Mukhlis Ahmad Shahrour (USA) January 16, 2006 9,107(total area Residential village (Baabda) stated only) Bhamdoun Al Mahatta Real Estate SARL December 23, 2005 3,195 Retain ownership Hamad Khalifa Abdullah Al Abdullah Al A’atiyah Al Te’ezanieh (Qatar) December 6, 2005 6,467 Residential Kfarmatta Khalid Bin Saad Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud (KSA) November 29, 2005 6,039 Residential

issue 100 - November 2010 22 | Private Sector Non-Lebanese ownership in the Qada’a of A’aley Table 1 Region Name and nationality Date Area m2 Purpose Kfarmatta Al Jawhara Bint Turki Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud (KSA) November 9, 2005 3,543 Residential Al Qubba Hamad Nasser Hamad Abdullah Al Thani (Qatar) October 17, 2005 47 Residential Bhmadoun (station) Touristic Development Compny (Soudet) SARL October 17, 2005 4,885 Corporate Btaloun Kouroum Bhamdoun SARL October 5, 2005 5,477 Residential & touristic Shemlan Ahmed Nazhat Tayyeb (Canada) October 5, 2005 11,438 Residential & commercial Al Qubba Ahmed Ali Ahmed Al Fardan (UAE) October 5, 2005 265 Residential Btater Company Freres Investments LLC September 23, 2005 50,870 Commercial Al A’ayed Real Estate Company (Mejwal A’ayed Al Al Te’ezanieh Dihani and partners) LLC September 23, 2005 13,100 Commercial Bhmadoun (station) Bhamdoun United Real Estate SARL September 23, 2005 482 Touristic Munira Abdul Aziz Abdul Mohsen Al Rashed Bhamdoun (Kuwait) September 23, 2005 2,916 Residential Shemlan Huda Mohammed Omar Jamjoum (KSA) August 16, 2005 2,004 Residential Shemlan Mahmoud Mohamed Ibrahim Tbergi (KSA) August 16, 2005 6,623 Residential Bshamoun Shaker Abdullah Abdul Latif Al Othman (Kuwait) August 16, 2005 80 Residential Cooperation and Community Company for General Bhamdoun (village) Trading and Contracting - Sheikha Fadia Al Sabah July 1, 2005 10,277 Real Estate & co. LLC A’aley Mohamed Ahmed Ali Hassan Rai’it Al Ali (UAE) June 20, 2005 128 Residential A’aramoun Ali Mohamed Hassan Ashknafi (Kuwait) June 20, 2005 14,000 Real Estate A’aytet Shafiqa Ali Abdul Wahab Al Mutawa’a (Kuwait) June 20, 2005 5,485 Residential Souq Al Ghareb Ahmed Nuzhat Tayyeb (Canada) June 20, 2005 1,245 Residential A’ain Ksour Aresco Cotracting Riyadh LLC June 20, 2005 36,470 Real Estate A’aytet Omar Bin Saleh Bin SulaimanAl Hamadi (KSA) June 20, 2005 12,592 Real Estate Al Mansourieh + A’ain Al Marej Saud Hashim Mohammed Al Khalaf (Kuwait) June 20, 2005 7,110 Agricultural A’abieh Adnan Abdullah Al Ali Al Bassam (KSA) February 26, 2005 1,800 Residential Al O’umara Lebanese Modern Company SARL February 26, 2005 4,492 Corporate A’aramoun + Al 8,300+45,665 Qubbah Saleh Abdul Aziz Al Rashid Al Romaizan (KSA) February 7, 2005 (53,965) Residential Souq Al Ghareb Abdullah Khaled Hamad Abdullah Al Thani (Qatar) February 7, 2005 6,378 Residential A’aley Al Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa (Bahrain) February 7, 2005 5,019 Residential A’aley Khalid Youssef Bin Saleh Al Khalaq (KSA) February 7, 2005 1,714 Residential Al Mansourieh + A’ain Al Marej Yusuf Ali Mohamed al Mailam (Kuwait) February 7, 2005 2,625 Residential Majdal Al Ba’ana Barari Investment Company LLC September 28, 2004 45,563 Residential & touristic Bhmadoun (station) Bhamdoun United Real Estate SARL September 28, 2004 874 Hotel A’aytet Susan Abdullah Sami Al Bakri (KSA) September 10, 2004 1,015 Residential A’ain Sawfar Abdullah Khalifa Abdullah Al A’atiyah (Qatar) September 10, 2004 13,781 Residential Rishmaya Ali Abdullah Ali AL Nasib (Kuwait) September 10, 2004 22,744 Real Estate A’ain Sawfar Fee Real Estate Company LLC August 27, 2004 2,214 Residential & touristic Kfarmatta Ahmed Abdel Mohsen Abdel Kader Al Hamoud (Kuwait) August 5, 2004 4,523 Residential Modern Company for Business and Industrial Kfarmatta investment (a holding company with limited August 5, 2004 10,512 Corporate liability) (KSA) Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al A’aley Bonayhad (KSA) July 17, 2004 13,756 Residential Al Mansourieh + A’an Al Marej Ali Said Ali Al Shami (UAE) July 17, 2004 12,100 Residential Btater Al Frere Investment LLC June 16, 2004 60,595 Residential Btater Mozah Obeid Ghanim Abbas Al Muhairi (UAE) June 2, 2004 4,321 Residential Egypt - General Authority to fund the buildings of A’aramoun the Ministry of Foreign Affairs abroad May 7, 2004 4,310 Residential Salman Bin Mohammed Bin Khalid Bin Hutheili Remhala (KSA) March 27, 2004 29,000 Residential Al Qubba Saad Abdul Latif Ali Al Issa (KSA) March 17, 2004 6,316 Touristic Btalon Bader Mohammed Al Saad Al Ma’awa Sharji (Kuwait) March 17, 2004 12,688 Residential

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. Private Sector | 23 Non-Lebanese ownership in the Qada’a of A’aley Table 1 Region Name and nationality Date Area m2 Purpose A’ain Al Roummah Amina Ahmed Abdullah Al Manna’i (Qatar) March 8, 2004 17,666 Residential 159,055 A’aramoun + Real Estate Investment Group SARL February 25, 2004 + 82,234 Retain ownership Sharoun (241,289) Sayyed Haider Sayyed Mohammad Ridha Taqa Al Qubba (Pakistan) February 25, 2004 1,825 Residential A’aley Faisal Qassim Faisal Thani Al Thani (Qatar) February 25, 2004 9,947 Residential Btaloun Kouroum Bhamdoun SARL January 23, 2004 31,614 Residential Al Qomatieh Mohammed Said Mohammed Al Hussaini (UAE) January 15, 2004 2,051 Residential Abdul Mohsen Bin Said Bin Abdel Aziz Al Rasis A’ain Sawfar (KSA) January 12, 2004 934 Residential A’ain Al Jdeideh Mohammad Ridha Youssef Nabhani (Kuwait) December 15, 2003 826 Residential Bhamdoun (village) Abdullah Rashid Abdullah Al Houfaiti (Kuwait) December 15, 2003 2,023 Residential Shemlan Jawaher Mohammed Sultan Al Qassimi (UAE) November 29, 2003 14,501 Residential Bhmadoun (station) Al A’ayed Real Estate Company LLC (Kuwait) November 17, 2003 5,536 Touristic Abdullah Mishbib Abu Hayya Al Kanani Al Shahri Kfarmatta (KSA) November 17, 2003 3,407 Residential A’aley Mohamed Ahmed Ali Raqit Al Ali (UAE) November 17, 2003 8,700 Residential Bhamdoun (village) Ali Mulla Ahmed Abdullah Mulla Ali (Kuwait) October 25, 2003 6,049 Residential Sheikha Bint Abdul Rahman Bin Ahmad Al Sudairy A’aley (KSA) October 25, 2003 4,043 Residential Al Qubba Mohammed Ali Rashid Al Nua’aimi (UAE) September 9, 2003 4,522 Residential Al Basateen Farid Bin Jarallah Bin Saleh Al Harazi (KSA) September 6, 2003 4,400 Residential Al Mansourieh + A’ain Al Marej Abdul Latif Bin Ahmad Abdel Latif Al Fawzan (KSA) September 6, 2003 11,783 Residential Al Mansourieh + A’ain Al Marej Mohamed Ahmed Abdel Latif Al Fawzan (KSA) August 13, 2003 11,782 Residential Al Qubba Saad Bin Abdul Latif Bin Ali Al Issa (KSA) July 25, 2003 7,118 Residential A’ain Sawfar Mutlaq Bin Saleh Bin Mutlaq Al Hanaki (KSA) June 26, 2003 5,083 Residential A’ain Sawfar Nora Suleiman Abdul Kader Al Muhaidab (KSA) May 23, 2003 7,007 Residential Imad Abdul Kader Abdul Mohsen Al Muhaidab A’ain Sawfar (KSA) May 23, 2003 6,664 Residential A’ain Sawfar Issam Abdel Kader Al Mohsen Al Muhaidab (KSA) May 20, 2003 6,865 Residential Musa’ab Bin Suleiman Abdul Kader Al Muhaidab A’ain Sawfar (KSA) May 20, 2003 6,967 Residential Musa’ab Bin Suleiman Abdul Kader Al Muhaidab A’ain Sawfar (KSA) May 20, 2003 6,996 Residential Sulaiman Bin Abdul Kader Bin Abdul Mohsen Al A’ain Sawfar Muhaidab (KSA) May 20, 2003 7,062 Residential Bsous Waleed Khalifa A’ati Fayez Al Faleej (Kuwait) May 20, 2003 3,565 Residential Souq Al Ghareb Shahib and Rifai Properties LLC April 15, 2003 24,745 Real Estate Daoud Mohammed Dawoud Suleiman AL Qamlas Btaloun and his wife Nadia Abdullah Abdulaziz Fahed Al- March 5, 2003 2,815 (divided Residential Hamidi (Kuwait) equally) Bhmadoun (station) Falhan Bin Khalid Bin Mashari Al Ba’asir (KSA) February 21, 2003 4,465 Residential A’ain Sawfar Zein Al A’abidine Ya’acoub Yousef Rifai (Kuwait) December 20, 2002 4,783 Residential Btater Hamad Bin Khalifa Hamad Al Thani (Qatar) November 28, 2002 1,610 Residential A’ain Sawfar Faisal Yousef Al Marzouk (Kuwait) November 16, 2002 4,647 Residential Al O’umara Mohamed Sabry Mohamed Fa’ez Al Kurdi (Syria) November 8, 2002 5,073 Livestock investment A’ain Al Roummah Waleed Mohammed Al Fasih (USA) November 8, 2002 2,180 Residential Al Mansourieh + A’ain Al Marej Hisham AbdullahAl Hamad Al Saker (Kuwait) November 6, 2002 4,625 Residential Ibrahim Bin Barack Bin Abdul Mohsen Al Omani Btater (KSA) October 16, 2002 7,480 Residential A’aramoun Ghassan Ali Mohammad Yousuf Al Khawaja (USA) October 9, 2002 13,500 Residential Al Qubba Jamal Ali Al Assad (Syria) October 7, 2002 371 Residential Al Qomatieh Waleed Mohammed Al Faseeh (USA) August 7, 2002 1,683 Housing A’aytet Ayman Hussein Al Maghrebi (Syria) July 3, 2002 5,023 Residential A’aley Hasan Shukri Hussein Al Muhsin (Qatar) June 15, 2002 7,300 Residential Al Qomatieh A’alawi Bin Asa’ad Bin A’alawi Tunisi (KSA) June 14, 2002 3,324 Residential

issue 100 - November 2010 24 | Private Sector Non-Lebanese ownership in the Qada’a of A’aley Table 1 Region Name and nationality Date Area m2 Purpose Bhmadoun (station) Mohamed Abd Al Rahman Ahmed Al Rayyess (UAE) April 15, 2002 4,557 Residential 56 + 20,750 Al Qubbah + Btater Mohammed Abdullah Salim Al Farid (KSA) December 24, 2001 (20,806) Residential Residential, touristic and real A’ain Sawfar Al Bader Properties LLC November 12, 2001 49,993 estate Nasser Mohammed Abdul Mohsen Al Kharafi A’ain Sawfar (Kuwait) November 5, 2001 2,796 Residential Bhmadoun (station) Muta’ab Malhan Bin Khaled Bin Basis (KSA) September 28, 2001 2,804 Residential Bhmadoun (station) Melhan Bin Khalid Bin Mashari Al Basis (KSA) September 28, 2001 4,827 Residential General Company for Manfacturing og “Aluminun” Al O’umara Aluxal SARL September 17, 2001 14,528 Retain ownership Al Mansourieh + A’ain Al Marej Saud Bin Saker Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi (UAE)) July 18, 2001 27,100 Residential A’aley Boubyan Properties SARL February 8, 2001 3,992 Residential, touristic and real estate Residential, touristic and real Bhmadoun (station) MAC for Touristic Properties Investment LLC October 16, 2000 1,251 estate Al Qubba Khalil Mohammed Al Shami (Germany) August 11, 2000 45 Residential Al O’umara Norwegian Public Aid (Norway) December 28, 1999 2,819 Corporate Emirati Lebanese Company for Investment (Alec) Al Qubba LLC December 28, 1999 40,864 Touristic Bshamoun Aziz Subhi Subhi (German) December 23, 1999 76 Residential Al Qubba Haider Mohammad Ridha Taqwa (Pakistan) December 17, 1999 49 Warehouse A’ain Sawfar Wafra Real Estate LLC December 8, 1999 5,458 Residential A’aley Fawzia Sulaiman AL Sayyed Ali Al Rifai (Kuwait) November 11, 1999 1,640 Construction of a worship facility Bshamoun Hiba Hekmat Al Taji (UK) September 13, 1999 154 Residential Al Qubba Jamil Ali Al-Assad (Syria) July 20, 1999 190 Residential Al Qubba General Cement Lebanon SARL June 16, 1999 44 Corporate A’ain Sawfar Bader Nasser Al Kharafi (Kuwait) June 15, 1998 3,369 Residential A’ain Sawfar Hatef Nasser Al Kharafi (Kuwait) June 15, 1998 3,369 Residential Ibrahim Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and his wife Aisha 5,095 (divided A’aley Bin Salman Al Khalifa (Bahrain) May 13, 1998 equally) Residential A’ain Al Jdeideh Khalid Bin Faisal Bin Fahed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud (KSA) February 17, 1999 3,835 Residential General Company for Manfacturing og “Aluminun” Al O’umara Aluxal SARL April 21, 1998 5,515 Corporate Coca-Cola Lebanese Bottling Company SARL Al O’umara (Formerly Freres Beverages) March 4, 1998 18,906 Corporate Bhmadoun (station) Boubyan Properties LLC November 12, 1997 2,494 Touristic & commercial A’aley Wafra Real Estate LLC November 7, 1997 2,680 Touristic & commercial Abbadiyyeh Bank for Investment and Development July 30, 1997 924 Residential Shemlan Walter and Walid Sioufi (USA) June 27, 1997 2,872 Residential Al O’umara Freres Beverages SARL November 2, 1996 18,906 Factory Abd Al Karim Saud Abd Al Aziz Al-Saud AL Babtin Bhamdoun (station) (KSA) May 2, 1996 3,031 Al Muhaidab Holding Company for Trade and Al O’umara Industry LLC (KSA) December 11, 1995 1,905 Corporate A’ain Sawfar Fee Real Estate Company LLC November 9, 1995 5,775 A’ain Sawfar Abdul Wahab Abdul Aziz Saud Al-Babtin (KSA) September 19, 1995 191 Kahala Peter Bernard Midlhorst Holman (UK) July 17, 1991 3,698 The Lebanese Company for the manufacturing of Al Qubba glass and porcelain SARL September 19, 1988 17,166 The Lebanese Company for the Manufacturing of Al Qubba Glass and Porcelain SARL January 5, 1983 17,166 A’aytet Sayyed Mehdi Ha’eri Hussein (Iran) January 21, 1982 1,429 Keifoun Sayed Mohammad Ali Shahristani (Iran) January 21, 1982 1,050 Keifoun Abdul-Rassoul Hussein Ajman (Iran) January 21, 1982 800 Al Qubba Modern Cooling SARL October 14, 1980 1,955 A’aramoun Mission Laique Francaise (France) November 7, 1979 63,620 A’aramoun Peter John Austin (UK) June 7, 1979 1,050

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. Private Sector | 25 Non-Lebanese ownership in the Qada’a of A’aley Table 1 Region Name and nationality Date Area m2 Purpose Bshamoun International College August 17, 1978 14,223 Al Qubba Strange Hotel Company LLC February 26, 1975 3,860 Bshamoun bernard Paul Gustaire and Paul Louise Gensle (France) February 26, 1975 2,026 Bshamoun + (Faraya qada’a of Maurice Theodor Leopold Rene Dumont (France) January 31, 1975 3,022 (total area Kesrouane) stated only) A’aramoun Salwa Jiha Khalidi (USA) July 1, 1974 1,764 Bshamoun Center Geoffrey Smith Harold Batnson and his 1,182 (divided wife, Jill Margaret Batnson (UK) July 1, 1974 equally) Bshamoun Jane Lillian and William Nichols (UK) July 1, 1974 1,401 Bishamoun Michael Arthurheikk Lannion and his wife, 1,044 (divided Catherine Therese Lannion (UK) June 15, 1974 equally) Al Qubba European Sarabian Company for Oriental Glass Expansion of its laboratory and SARL June 6, 1974 2,197 the establishment of depots A’ainab Avril Irene Haitzmatagy Farouqi (UK) April 25, 1974 7,388 Shemlan Fadwa Yousef Obeid (USA) November 24, 1973 1,958 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern A’abieh Ireland (on behalf of the Minister of Building and June 5, 1973 9,517 Public Works) Credit Bank, Agricultural, Industrial and Real Estate A’aley SARL August 14, 1970 3,594 The Lebanese Company for the Manufacturing of Al Qubba Glass and Porcelain SARL January 29, 1970 3,627 Corporate Al Qubba Kamel Abdul Rahman Abdul Rahman (UK) January 29, 1970 8,687 A’aytet German Society for Oriental Research September 19, 1968 7,200 A’ain A’anoub Lebanese Deir of Mercy July 4, 1967 71,412 Educational PROPERTY OWNERSHIP BY NON-LEBANESE IN THE QADA’A OF MINNIEH-DINNIEH 0.14% of the area Qada’a Minnieh-Dinnieh is an area that has been witnessing non-lebanese ownership for several years now but this ownership is limited to two areas only: Bekaa Sefreen and Zouk Behneen. The Qada’a of Minnieh-Dinnieh has an area of 430 million square meters and is considered one of the medium-size Lebanese districts. Non-Lebanese own around 580,000 square meters or 0.14% of the total area (including valleys, mountains, roads and inhabited regions). Table 2 shows the areas owned by non-Lebanese in Minnieh-Dinnieh, following the issuance of governmental decrees authorizing ownership as it exceeded the legal limit. Ownership of apartments and estates with an area measuring less than 3,000 square meters are not listed in Table 2. Table 2 shows that two foreign companies are at the top of the list of acquirers. In addition, one Iranian national owns a small percentage of the area. The areas that witnessed ownership are Bekaa Sefreen (510,336 square meters owned by non-Lebanese) and Zouk Behneen (69,882 square meters owned by non-Lebanese).

Non-Lebanese ownership in the Qada’a of Minnieh-Dinnieh Table 2 Region Name and Nationality Area (m2) Date Purpose Zouk Behneen Madinat Al-Maarifa in North (SAL) 69,882 16 April 2005 Educational Bekaa Sefreen Al-Ghadir for investment 488,604 23 Sep 2005 Construction and commercial Bekaa Sefreen Abdallah Darwich Ali Rahmali Nzad (Iranian) 21,731.50 20 June 2005 Construction and residence

issue 100 - November 2010 26 | Private Sector SYNDICATE OF PROFESSIONAL FILMMAKERS IN LEBANON SYNDICATE OF PROFESSIONAL FILMMAKERS IN LEBANON

Establishment A The member should hold a diploma in the field of The syndicate of professional filmmakers was established his competence or have three years of experience in Lebanon in 1952 by virtue of Decision No. 25, issued documented by films and effective production. by the Minister of Social Affairs. The objectives of this syndicate were the following: to protect its members, A The joining fee has not yet been set as it is pending to ensure their interests are safeguarded, to encourage the issuance of the syndicate bylaws. The annual them to work in this field, to keep up with developments subscription fee is currently set at LBP 60,000. and to open up the industry to foreign markets by collaborating with syndicates in other Arab countries The syndicate’s organization through agreements and joint cooperation. Like its counterparts, the syndicate is composed of a general assembly, a syndicate council and specialized However, this decision remained a dead letter and a status committees. quo endured for 56 years, while creators in Lebanon remained affiliated with the Ministry of Labor, despite The General Assembly all their efforts to the contrary, until the promulgation The general assembly includes about 850 members (the of Law No. 56 dated 30-12-2008 by the House of right of membership is exercised by whoever abides by Representatives and signed by the President of the his/her financial obligations to the syndicate). Republic and the Prime Minister. On June 19, 2009, the Minister of Culture, Mr. Tamam Salam issued Decision The Syndicate Council No. 47 on the licensing of the syndicate of filmmakers. The syndicate council is formed of 12 members elected The syndicate of professional filmmakers then finally by the general assembly. 6 members are elected every became affiliated to the Ministry of Culture. two years, when the committee of the council is also re- elected. The committee of the council includes: Joining the syndicate A President The syndicate of professional filmmakers has about A Vice President 1,017 members, including deceased members. In fact, A Secretary the actual number is around 850 members. Among the A Treasurer conditions to join the syndicate the following are worth mentioning: The other members are the presidents of the specialized A The member should be Lebanese and not have been committees. The chairman of the syndicate is responsible convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. of the committees in general.

A He should be a technician working in the ﬁlm Specialized Committees production ﬁeld (scenarist, producer, programs A Foreign Relations committee producer, director of lighting, photographer, audio A Media committee engineer, interior designer, stylist, make-up artist, A Cultural committee montage cinema and television, transmission A Work committee technician, assistant director, assistant producer, A Personal Affairs committee assistant director of photography, assistant director A Legal committee of lighting, assistant interior designer, assistant audio A Public Relations committee engineer and other technicians). A Studio Affairs committee

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. SYNDICATE OF PROFESSIONAL FILMMAKERS IN LEBANON Private Sector | 27

The activities of the syndicate A Signing agreements of cooperation and coordination with other syndicates in the Arab World. Through these agreements and coordination efforts, the syndicate has succeeded in reducing the taxes imposed on those working in this ﬁeld in other countries. For example, in Egypt the tax due to the Lebanese artist amounted to 20% and was lowered to 2% and in Syria it amounted to 15% and was reduced to 3%.

A Obtaining the promulgation of Law No. 56 by the House of Representatives on 30-12-2008 by virtue of which the syndicate became afﬁliated to the Ministry of Culture and the issuance of Decision No. 47 dated 19-6-2009 by the Council of Ministers. Salim Turk at work

A Imposing mandatory membership on all those who work in the technical field of cinema production. Problems faced by the syndicate A Celebrating the first anniversary of the syndicate on A Working on obtaining the tax imposed on foreign 25-2-2009 where members of the first and second works by a single party in order to avoid conflicts generations are honored. and multiple collections (General Security, Syndicate of authors and composers, Ministry of Culture, A Establishing a cooperation fund. The council is competent syndicates and the Ministry of Finance). currently developing the bylaws of the fund, which are expected to include medical insurance cover, A Finding a solution to the tax imposed on advertising scholarships, specialization grants for the members agencies, knowing that the syndicate charges 10% of the syndicate and their children and a pension for and the general security 7% thus a total rate of 17%, those aged 64 and over. which is not accepted by the agencies.

A Proposing a tax on artistic works performed on the A The misunderstanding by some of the mandatory Lebanese territory by foreigners, amounting to 10% requirements for joining, namely the need for a and 2% for every local work or festival. The Ministry university diploma or the proof of work experience, of Culture along with the Ministry of Finance are and the non payment by some members of the annual responsible for collecting the tax and transferring it fees, which deprives them of the beneﬁt of the to the syndicate’s account. cooperation fund and the exercise of their syndicate rights. A Supporting cinematographic and drama works by reducing the taxes imposed on them. A The non-compliance of media companies with the deﬁned period of work where, for example, A Working on openness and communication between a photographer or director works for a period Arab syndicates and unions to incite and support exceeding the one stipulated in the Labor Laws, joint and common work sometimes reaching 20 hours without any additional compensation. A Organizing the Lebanese cinema and television festival. It is expected to be held on 1-3-2011.

issue 100 - November 2010 28 | Private Sector BISHMIZZINE HIGH SCHOOL BISHMIZZINE HIGH SCHOOL Bishmizzine – Al Kora – Lebanon

Establishment Bishmizzine high school was established in 1937, replacing the old school that opened its doors in 1905. In 1939, the school came under the auspices of “Zahrat Al Adab” (ﬂower of arts), a civil association of the people of Bishmizzine.

The school slogan Bishmizzine high school adopted the following slogan: “A Beam in Darkness Let it Grow”.

The school’s message

The 5 principles set out in Bishmizzine high school’s School Logo constitution, which define its goals and mission statement are: A The goal of the school shall be purely educational. It seeks to reach perfection through the amendment of its program, the selection of its professors, the responsibilities. It shall also train them to think and development of its teaching methods, the renewal of express their opinions freely and to be modest and self its buildings, the modernization and expansion of its critical before criticizing others. Moreover, it shall ensure equipment, laboratories and library, and the creation that its students learn how to cooperate, negotiate and to of an appropriate educational environment within its work for the public interest with pleasure and dedication, campus, which enables professors to shed light on the thus learning the meaning of sacrifice. specific capabilities of their students and allows students to perform at their best. The education system A The school shall be collaborative and involve the village The school adopts two complementary educational as a whole, through the participation of committees programs. The first one is adopted according to the modern composed of competent and efficient people and it shall educational methodology as approved by the Ministry of not have any commercial or political goals. Moreover, Education and implemented from kindergarten to secondary this school shall ensure education opportunities for all the school and includes the traditional three branches of study children of the village and region without any exception (General Sciences, Biology, and Economics and Social and poverty shall not deprive anyone from access to Sciences). The second program (commonly referred to as education. ‘high school’) is a specialized program for students coming A The school shall be nationalistic, non-partisan and seek from foreign countries, enabling them to join the freshman to develop and consolidate a sense of national spirit in its class upon entry into university. This second program is students. taught with no additional cost. A The school shall be a stronghold of spiritual and moral education and fight against intolerance, sectarianism and The school adopts in its educational system three languages: discrimination. Arabic, English and French (trilingual). A The school shall produce righteous citizens and independent and intellectual men and women. It shall The school has recently established a special department not limit its efforts to teaching students and providing dealing with students suffering from learning difficulties. A them with knowledge and information required to pass group of specialists (in speech therapy, psychomotricity and the official examinations. It undertakes at the same specialized educators) follow up on the students, on a case time to accustom them to exercise their rights, perform by case basis. This step was highly appreciated by parents. their duties, enjoy their freedom and assume their

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. BISHMIZZINE HIGH SCHOOL Private Sector | 29 The siblings’ discount is automatically deducted from the tuition fee without the need to submit a request, according to the following: A 10% for the second sibling A 20% for the third sibling A 30% for the fourth sibling and others.

Excellence scholarships are automatically granted and deducted from tuition fees, without the need to submit a request, to outstanding students according to the following: 40% for each student getting an average of 90% and above as of sixth-grade.

Financial aid is granted to successful and deserving students, who demonstrate good morals and discipline and are in ﬁnancial need. In order to obtain such aid, a request must be submitted to the administration between May 1 and June 30 of each year. The ﬁnancial aid committee examines the requests and makes its decisions before September 1, thus giving parents enough time to organize themselves (in case their request is rejected).

The school’s characteristics Bishmizzine and its school have a long history in the Children’s playground education field, over 100 years old. The school’s graduates are spread all over the world and hold some of the highest degrees in both literary and scientific fields. Students and the administrative and teaching Bishmizzine has a distinguished geographic location. It is a committees central spot gathering all the surrounding villages and cities The school has an administrative committee emanating and is located within a quiet and healthy environmental from “Zahrat Al Adab”. It supervises all educational, atmosphere, free from all types of pollution. administrative and financial matters. The administrative Bishmizzine high school is a non-profit institution, its goal committee consists of the director and his assistants, the is solely educational and it aims to produce free, ethical and secretariat, the accountants and the treasurer, the library creative generations acceding to the highest ranking posts secretary in addition to the heads of departments, the proctor in society. and other employees. The policy of Bishmizzine high school is one of openness and its students belong to different sects and backgrounds. The school has 69 teachers, most of them work full-time It teaches its students the principle of tolerance of others while some of them work part-time. They are all Lebanese, regardless of his color or sex… hold university degrees and have significant experience in The school is open to students with special needs and helps the field of education and teaching. They keep up with the them integrate with other students. This forms part of its constant developments in the educational field by participating cultural policy, which seeks to educate students to accept in various educational conferences and workshops. one another, regardless of their differences. In the academic year 2009-2010, the school had 562 registered students. Activities Bishmizzine high school believes that education is not Tuition fees, aid and scholarships limited to teaching in classrooms. Thus, the school organizes The tuition fee for the 2009-2010 academic year ranged different cultural and educational journeys and provides from LBP 2,000,000 for kindergarten to LBP 3,750,000 for a variety of sports activities. Students also participate in the final year. literary, scientific and technological competitions organized There are three types of discounts: siblings’ discount, by universities and educational associations in Lebanon, excellence scholarships and financial aid. where they often receive prizes.

issue 100 - November 2010 30 | Health DIZZINESS AND VERTIGO Dr. Hanna Saadah

izziness is a general term that includes four syndromes: A) vertigo—the illusion of motion, B) pre-syncope—the feeling that one is about to faint, C) disequilibrium—the feeling of unsteady Dgait, and D) light-headedness—the feeling of a vague imbalance inside one’s head.

To follow are pertinent examples from each of these four syndromes. A. Vertigo is the false sensation of motion when B. Pre-Syncope—faint-headedness as if one is about nothing is actually moving. One may feel that the room is to collapse and lose consciousness—is caused by insufficient spinning or that one is tumbling. Moreover, one or both ears blood supply to the brain, which in turn causes the person to may feel plugged, have diminished hearing, or emit a ringing sweat, become nauseous, and turn pale. The two commonest sound. The four commonest causes of such illusion of motion causes of such pre-faints are: are: 1. Postural Hypotension—the dropping of one’s blood 1. Vestibular Neuritis—inflammation of the balance pressure upon rising from a sitting or lying-down position—is nerve of the inner ear—is usually caused by viral infections usually caused by overactive blood pressure medications or or migraines. The episodes come on suddenly, last several by dehydration from any cause such as diarrhea, sweating, days, and then slowly resolve without treatment. When such and prolonged exercise. It usually resolves momentarily as episodes prove recurrent, the usual cause is a dormant herpes one begins to move and can be avoided by getting up slowly virus that reactivates periodically, causing the same syndrome while holding the arms above one’s head for a few seconds. to recur. Treatment with anti-viral medicines may shorten 2. Cardiac Arrhythmias—abnormal heartbeats that the course if given early, and anti-viral medicines when taken reduce brain blood supply—cause a faint feeling that may daily may prevent or lighten the vertigo attacks. be followed by syncope. It is not position dependant and is 2. Meniere’s Disease—high ear canal fluid always serious. When an older person feels suddenly faint or pressure—is caused by build up of fluid in the balance canals faints for no reason, a cardiologist should be consulted. of the inner ear. Menire’s recurrent and prolonged episodes of vertigo may result in diminished hearing and ear ringing. The C. Ataxia—a disequilibrium that results in gait vertigo responds to diuretics, which reduce the fluid overload unsteadiness—is caused by diseases of the brain balance and decrease the ear canal pressure. centers or of the peripheral nerves. The diseases are numerous 3. Benign Positional Vertigo—sudden, brief attacks but can be diagnosed with a careful neurological examination of vertigo provoked by head turning even when the patient and some special tests. Common causes are brain tumors, is in bed—is caused by floating crystals inside the balance brain and nerve degenerations, strokes, high brain water, and canals of the inner ear and is the commonest cause of episodic pernicious anemia, which is a vitamin B12 deficiency. vertigo. Regardless of posture, when the head is moved from one position to another, the floating crystals tumble in the ear D. Light-headedness—a vague feeling of dizziness canal fluid, agitate the balance nerve, and cause brief vertigo or imbalance inside the head—is usually pervasive, chronic, spells. The vertigo resolves in less than a minute but leaves tends to fade in and out without reason, and is not influenced the head feeling slightly fuzzy for a while. The treatment is by head position, body posture, or blood pressure. Gait is to maneuver the floating crystals out of the inner ear canals unaffected, function is preserved, the physical and neurological and down into the ear canal sinks. This Epley maneuver can examinations are intact, and all tests and investigations are be done in the office setting and can provide dramatic relief. normal. The commonest causes of this syndrome are anxiety Otherwise, the condition may last several months before it disorders, with or without panic. Once the anxiety is treated, the spontaneously resolves. dizziness disappears. Heightened brain sensitivity, increased 4. Hyperlipidemic,Transient Ischemic Inner Ear brain alarm, excessive brain adrenaline, and unconscious Attacks—sudden, prolonged spells of vertigo caused by hyperventilation are the suspected causes. This dizziness can a sudden drop in inner ear blood supply—is seen in older be reproduced or magnified with forced hyperventilation in persons who have high cholesterol. Once the cholesterol the office setting. The condition is very common and is often is lowered, the vertigo resolves. Other factors such as high misdiagnosed and mistreated. blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking may amplify the bad effects of high cholesterol on the inner ear circulation.

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. www.hannasaadah.com - www.information-international.com - [email protected] Poetry | 31 FATHERLAND Dr. Hanna Saadah

Inspired by the endless wars that have plagued beautiful Lebanon, causing constant waves of immigration ever since time began. The love of country and the yearning to return are very powerful emotions.

I watch the trees undress in autumn sun Fatherland, before I gray, I shall be back Reveal their private branches one by one I shall be back, one misty autumn day Unmindful of my gaze, no blush, nor cry To hug your loving dirt against my chest Embrace the humming wind and mark the sky. And plant a garden on your ruddy breast Loiter together in the timid afternoon These clouds of misty perfume and the breeze Until the sun begins to blush before the moon. Bring back your face amidst the naked trees And tipsy violins and all the sins Some weary nights I wonder if you sleep Of gushing youth and ah, the memories— I see the worry on your mountain face Where mighty, melancholy, mountains, peak And frowning furrows run so dark and steep And olive branches meditate and speak And little soldiers run about the place… Unto the earth who is so old and noble Hoary mountain land repose, un-frown your brow And the vine Forget the little soldiers now Invites the birds to gossip on her cheek. Look back a thousand scores, recount The many times some little soldiers ran about your mount… Fatherland, oh, Fatherland What do the little soldiers know? If only I could hold your hand So they come and so they go And stand upon your shore And you will have their dust and mine Behold your hoary mountains dive into the sea and snore And every year there will be snow. With mystifying grace Implore the endless waves to wash your ancient face. Fatherland ... The footsteps of the Lord stood once upon your sand And the sea amid a storm stood still And there are little soldiers under every hill And the cedar trees upon the mount command: “Thou shalt not kill” And quietly pray for peace In the land of the Lord our Father In the Fatherland.

www.hannasaadah.com - www.information-international.com - [email protected] issue 100 - November 2010 32 | Eyeing Horizons 6 MEDICINE’S EXCITING JOURNEY IN SEARCH OF INTELLIGENCE Antoine Boutros

s philosophers in the past tried to understand the secrets of the human body from a medical point of view, a silent struggle emerged between the scientific theories of Aristotle - who dominated philosophical and even Areligious thinking from 600 BC until the 17th century, and whose philosophy was adopted by the Church and was sacrosanct - and Galen, one of the 1st century rising physicians who was known by the Arabs as Galenus during the golden age of the Abbasids between 750-850 AD. The conflict was complex but what interests us here is the conflict that arose around the location of intelligence in the human body and consequently the role of the brain.

To start with, the main differences could be attributed to different methodologies. In his experiments on dead animals, Aristotle noticed that their veins were devoid of blood and thus concluded that veins were originally prepared to transfer the soul into the body. In return, our rising doctor Galen who was appointed as physician of Gladiators, dealt with live bodies, even though they were on the verge of dying. On many occasions, he came across the frightening case that was and still is feared by physicians namely the abrupt opening of the carotid artery, which supplies the head and neck with blood when it is being slaughtered. Within moments the blood would flow out like a water fountain. This allowed Galen to discover that veins are filled with blood not air.

Galen acknowledged the scientific paradigm authored by Aristotle, which formulated the concept of the four elements (fire, earth, water and air). As the essential components of nature along with the four bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile). As the essential components of the living body. Galen also agreed to the presence of the three basic souls that move the living being (the nutritive, the perceptive and the rational). In order to reconcile his discoveries with Aristotle’s theories on veins, Galen simply said that the veins transfer both the blood and the soul.

In addition to that, Galen saw that an imbalance in the blood mixtures is responsible for diseases. Therefore, a person’s healing depends on the re-balancing of these mixtures. Black bile causes sadness and psychological breakdown thus he called it melancholy, a word still used today. Yellow bile creates the neurological state responsible for violence and until today we describe someone as having a “yellowish temper”. He gave phlegm the characteristic of laziness and until today the word phlegm is used to describe a dull or cold person. Galen noticed that patients secrete phlegm, so he believed that it was the cause of the condition, and not the result as it is known today. Until this day, the white substance that separates red cells and serum in a blood sample is tested because it can reveal many problems. The white substance is nothing but the white cells that gather inside the blood when a person is suffering from an infection in order to defend the body.

Galen also considered that the presence of a surplus of phlegm in the blood causes colds and thus invented the procedure of blood- letting or hijama, which involves the drawing of blood by using hot cups with reduced air pressure or by phlebotomy, as a cure for weakness or frailty. For 15 centuries barbers practiced the trade of hijama using hot air cups or leeches to suck out the surplus of mixtures causing the disease. The method is still used in many regions in the world. Up until half a century ago, only a minority of households did not have special cups for hijama.

Although two millenniums have passed since Galen, he remains among us in our culture and medical customs despite wide scientific advancements that followed. The reason for this is that his theories included a lot of truth and little sorcery. But whether Galen was close to answering our main question, concerning the exact location of intelligence in the human body, is what we will answer in the upcoming article.

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. www.irthsumer.com - www.information-international.com - [email protected] Interview|33

The Monthly interviews AGIAL ART GALLERY

gial Art Gallery, established in Beirut since 1990, specializes in the promotion of contemporary art Afrom the Arab world, with a particular focus on Lebanon. Herein follows an interview with the owner of the gallery, Saleh Barakat.

Firstly, could you give us a brief biography and explain the reasons that lead you to establish a gallery? I was born and I grew up in Lebanon. My father had dedicated himself to social and volunteer work but I pursued my studies in management at the American University of Beirut followed by a fellowship at Yale. Coming from a background that valued social work and art, and having lived in Beirut all my life, I decided to found Agial Art Gallery in 1990. Within its walls, I wanted to provide Arab Artists with a space to exhibit their Modern Arab Art.

How do you define the Modern Arab Art you are Gallery Owner Saleh Barakat looking for? Is there a school of Arab Art you think is emerging? I believe in art. I do not seek to categorize it. Of course, culture and origin play a major role in influencing the of Lebanon as a platform for the Arab world. Lebanon is artist’s work. However, an artist’s core is not dependent on not a detached entity. It is part of a cultural community his/her origin. When an artist rises to the level of creation, shared by other Arab countries. We share a language, he or she is released from his or her environment and they habits, history and other elements. Thus, Arab Art should are able to express their vision, their future, the world be given a common space of interaction. created by their imagination, perceived only by their eyes. After 2005, the region witnessed a revival of Art. Galleries The place artists reach is beyond all other people’s line of opened in neighboring countries, providing their patriots sight. with more exhibition spaces. In parallel, Lebanon was also witnessing a new and abundant development. This explains How do you describe the evolution in the artistic why Agial’s main focus today is Lebanese artists. movement from 1990 until today? When I first started working in this domain, the artist/ On what basis do you select your permanent collection? audience interaction in Beirut was limited to a few artists How would you describe the community of Artists that exhibited in a few known galleries, visited by a few whose work you choose to exhibit? known collectors who purchased a certain amount of The Artists that have established a long-term relationship work. When I entered the ring, I wanted to expand this with the gallery are people whose vision I understand and limited pool, and go beyond what was already available. share. I am always in touch with the cultural movement So I provided the chance for artists from the entire Arab in the country, and several young artists visit the gallery, world to emerge into the spotlight. These artists were from attend the various exhibitions and events and stay in all over, including Iraq, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, etc. touch. Through time, we develop a certain bond. If this This desire for expansion stemmed from my perception bond displays a certain caliber of agreement and harmony, it leads to exhibitions and a solid friendship.

issue 100 - November 2010 34 |Interview How would you describe the recent subject of War in Arab Art? The events of September 11 have turned the eyes of the creation of new media. However, these developments are world towards the Middle East, specifically towards the not always welcome. For example, breaking the shape of a Arabs. Several questions concerning us as a people have canvas to create a work that meets sculpture and painting risen. These reflections, underlined by the numerous wars may be ill received by the more traditional artists that that punctured Arab history, have shed the light on today’s strongly respect and adhere to the previously determined young Arab Artists’ reflections upon their environment. limits of art. In parallel, those who seek change may reject the traditional aspects of art and encourage change for the How about the new techniques in the world of Art? sake of change. Some modern artists mix media or defy the boundaries in Art. What is your position concerning this issue? The element of success, I believe, is the ability to create novelty while maintaining both truth and balance in a Lebanon has been witnessing new practices in art for the work. This makes relationships between two sorts of art, past 15 years. They are apparent in the nature of concepts between past and present, possible. that form the basis of artists’ work or the new techniques that were forged (for example, blending two or three 7. How many exhibitions do you organize per year? different techniques). The gallery has exhibited several We do not have a quota or a strict monthly schedule. examples of art going beyond the limits, with artwork no Several factors, such as holidays and the time it takes to longer two dimensional but rather three dimensional. set up different installations between one exhibition and another, interfere but I would say an average of 6 or 7 per This has existed since the first initiative of Art. If we were year. to look through history, changes, ranging from the simplest to the most intricate, have shaped Art throughout the world, from the invention of a new sort of print color to the

Agial Art Gallery

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. Art & Culture|35 INMA FUNDS THE REPATRIATION OF MAURICE DUNAND ARCHIVES ON BYBLOS EXCAVATIONS

The Social and Cultural Development Association (INMA) presided by Mr. Jawad Adra, funded the return of the Maurice Dunand Archives on Byblos excavations from Geneva to Lebanon following 33 years of absence. The archives, also known as the ‘Dunand Archives’, consist of hundreds of site plans, thousands of photographs and drawings as well as records of objects discovered by Maurice Dunand, a French archeologist renowned for directing the excavation of Byblos in Lebanon in 1926, succeeding Pierre Montet (Egyptologist and curator at the Louvre). The first excavations on the Byblos site were conducted by Ernest Renan between 1860 and 1861.

I received orders to return urgently“ to Lebanon to verify whether agents of a political party had removed anything in late August from our warehouses in Byblos

The archives were” shipped to France in 1975 in order to From right: Jawad Adra, and Malek El-Khoury avoid their destruction during the civil war and transferred to the Faculty of Arts at the University of Geneva in 1987 after the passing away of Dunand. Talks to bring the works back to Lebanon began as early as 1999, but due to lack of funds, an agreement to that effect was only signed at the end of July 2010. Today, they are stored at the National Museum, under the authority of the Directorate General of Antiquities at the Ministry of Culture. In his notes on the excavations, Dunand says: “In 1981, when I was on vacation in France, I received orders to return urgently to Lebanon to verify whether agents of a political party had removed anything in late August from our warehouses in Byblos (the content of five trucks)… Alerted by officials of the French Embassy, at the end of 1982, I returned to Lebanon in early January 1983. Back in our little facility of the Cultural Center, I noticed that our office, our bedroom, the living room were empty. What remained of our equipment was piled to the ceiling in the kitchen. We had nothing else to recover. Thus ended our stay in Lebanon after 58 years Durand Archives of intense archaeological activity on the ground.”

issue 100 - November 2010 36 |Art & Culture Popular Culture POPULAR CULTURE

Apple for perfuming clothes

Listen O Rida!

… I once spit an apple from my mouth! Once, your grandfather Bou Najm came back at night and had, in his pocket, an apple the size of a big walnut. I remember that evening was stormy. Snowy and windy outside… we screamed Apple! Apple! After the impact of the surprise faded, we exclamed: an apple in winter!

Grapes have a season, ﬁgs have a season, apples have a season, pomegranates have a season and all other fruits have seasons. If the season of grapes, ﬁgs, apple, and pomegranates is over, people would fast from those fruits and were denied them until the season was back. But apples in the snowy season was something that no one could imagine!

We looked at the red, shiny apple and our mouths watered. One of us went to fetch a knife to cut it, but Rida, the unexpected happened! At the last moment, the family decided that the apple was not to be eaten! It was for perfuming the clothes! It was in fact so small that if it were to be divided, one of us would have ended up with such a small piece that couldn’t even be chewed or even felt by the taste buds…

I said to my bother sleeping next to me… we’ll eat the apple. We stayed up until it was quiet and we were sure everyone was asleep. I sneaked into the box and took the apple from between the clothes. I came back to bed and covered my head. I gave it to my bother and said to him: “Take a bite!” He took a bite and handed it over to me. I took mine and gave it back to him, but he was spitting what was in his mouth. You know why we spit the apple? It was a rotten, bitter apple. In those days, us children were like goats. We chewed anything edible, sweet, sour or salty: ﬂowers, plants, paper, roots, pulp, and wild fruits!

… but this shiny red apple was rotten and too bitter for the pharynx to even swallow!

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

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. Debunking Myths Art & Culture|37 Myth #39 LEBANESE IMMIGRATION Lebanese immigration is attributed to Myth: ambition and the pursuit of education (as taught in school books)

Lebanese Immigrants Statue

The Lebanese immigrated because wave of immigration leading to the departure of approximately one third of its population and the dissipation of a high proportion they were subjected to poverty, Fact: of its capital outside its borders.2 The main reason behind this famine, unemployment and the deterioration of was the outbreak of civil war in the country that lasted 15 years the security, political and economic situation. and resulted in deteriorating security, political and economic The Lebanese didn’t immigrate because they were ambitious conditions. or because they loved to travel, but because they suffered from Immigration continued to increase even after the end of the poverty and destitution during many stages of history. war in 1990 as a result of Israeli occupation and aggressions, The wave of immigration goes as far back as the nineteenth which caused further disruption to the domestic labor market century although it witnessed an important increase in the and growth levels. Indeed, the levels of unemployment rose twentieth century on the eve of World War I. During the war, the and human and economic losses increased. As indicated in a Lebanese people suffered from difficult economic conditions study prepared by “Information International” in 2001 on “The due to the policies implemented by the Ottomans, which characteristics of immigrants and those seeking emigration” were occupying the country at the time. The latter imposed a (1991 – 2001) second episode”, the absence of employment Turkish currency with a very low monetary value, mandatory opportunities is the main reason for the Lebanese immigration conscription, compulsory labor and a maritime blockade that (70.4%), followed by the desire to live and study abroad hindered trade and prohibited imports and exports. This bad (13.2%), political and security reasons (10.8%), the absence of economic situation was aggravated by the lack of agricultural the rule of law and good governance in Lebanon (1.5%) and lands in Mount Lebanon and the wave of locusts that invaded other reasons (4.1%)3. Lebanon in 1915 and destroyed its crops. As a result, a significant After 2000, immigration persisted in order to escape from number of Beirut’s traders confiscated food and contributed to a country embroiled in and constantly threatened by Israeli the spread of the famine. aggressions, deteriorating security conditions, explosions, Immigration continued throughout the mandate period (1918- assassinations, demonstrations and ever increasing levels of 1943), when political and economic conditions continued to poverty and unemployment. Indeed, immigration and the deteriorate because the French did not work to improve the search for work opportunities abroad were perceived as the only situation in the country and did not fulfill their promise of solutions to escape these ongoing issues. A study prepared by granting Lebanon full independence. “Information International” in 2008 showed that the biggest Between 1943 and 1975, immigration further increased due proportion of would-be immigrants is among the youth age to a poor administration of the country by those in power and group: 58.7% of 18-24 year-olds, a proportion gradually the proliferation of corruption, bribery and inflation. Another decreasing with age. important factor encouraging immigration was the instability in Hence, Lebanese immigration was not an easy or recreational the region resulting from the Palestinian crisis and its impact option at all, but it was a compulsory option to save people from on the domestic situation, creating internal disturbances and poverty, famine, difficult economic and social conditions and to worsening the economic situation. Between the middle of seek a better future. the nineteenth century until the end of 1959, around 439,100 2 - Jihad Nasri Al Akel: modern immigration from Lebanon and the 1 dealing of public and private institutions with it (1860-2000), page 187. Lebanese left the country. 3 - The Lebanese immigration according to Information International: Between 1975 and 1990, Lebanon witnessed an even larger ‘The reality of the Lebanese emigration’, first episode and ‘The characteristics of the immigrants and those seeking emigration’, second 1 - Jihad Nasri Al Akel: modern immigration from Lebanon and the episode (1991-2001), p 18. dealing of public and private institutions with it (1860-2000), page 183.

issue 100 - November 2010 38 |Art & Culture Must-Read Books NOTABLES & CLERGY IN MOUNT LEBANON The Khazin Sheiks & the Moronite Church (1736 – 1840). Richard van Leeuwen

Historical Overview Despite the positive aspects of enhanced economic The Khazins had a favourable attitude opportunities, supreme control of the Ottomans over Mount towards the Vatican, but the distinction Lebanon weakened as of the end of the 16th century. This of the Maronite church made them occurred as a result of the increasing interference of European refuse the consolidation with Rome in countries in the region. organizational matters. This caused a The infiltration of European countries into Mount Lebanon disparity between the Maronites of peaked in the first decades of the 17th century as a result of Mount Lebanon and those of Aleppo. the amiable relationships between Fakhr al-Din and the duke This disparity was increased by of Tuscany. This was reflected in the increase in silk exports the new network of relationships from the region. When the French took over and Bashir al- developed by the Maronites, especially with Shihab became ruler of Mount Lebanon (1790-1840), a new the Vatican and the French. Consequently, the influence of the policy was established in order to spread his authority over a Khazins over the Church started to weaken and the political region highly reactive and interactive with the world market. instability at the end of the 18th century shocked the social He adapted a regional tax system, embedding his power and structural foundation of the Maronites. around socio-economic developments. These changes marked a line separating the two different phases of ruling and Mount The Role of Waqfs Lebanon became a prosperous area threatening the stability of In the beginning, the institution of Waqf 1 served as a means of the Ottoman authority in Syria. capital accumulation, and contributed to the integration of the However, during the 18th century, power balances fostered new authority of the Khazin Sheiks in Kisrawan. Throughout the trade networks. Bashir al-Shihab stimulated the integration of 18th century, a dual function of the Waqfs appeared following Mount Lebanon as an economic substructure all the while the expansion of the Lebanese Order, which gathered the attempting to safeguard its incorporation into the Ottoman lands under its control, thus challenging traditional interests. administrative system. At the start of the 19th century, the This is how the Waqf institution assisted in the process of demand for silk in the internal Ottoman market, especially transformation and shifted the balance of power. Egypt, increased, while exports to Europe declined. Political Leadership Local Notables: The Khazin Sheiks The economic potential and the support of the clergy gave The political and economic changes in the region affected the the Khazins political legitimacy to represent the Maronites. position of the local notables. First, the Khazin Sheiks became When the political and economic role of the Khazins declined tax farmers in Kisrawan, profiting from trade opportunities towards the end of the 18th century, direct links between with Tuscany and France. This subsequently strengthened Bashir al-Shihab and the Church and the Maronite community the Khazins grip on the economy, but this situation did not were created. last as trade with their European counterparts declined as Throughout the 19th century, the Ottomans focused on the of the second half of the 18th century. New groups made incorporation of the Christians into their social structure. up of merchants and moneylenders replaced the Muqata’a They did so by allowing religious authorities to represent their system on which their power was based. This resulted in the communities. This was disliked by the Khazin Sheiks who integration of the agricultalre potential of Mount Lebanon and opposed the interference of the clergy into politics. In1845, the incorporation of the whole area into a new trade system. Yusuf Khazin was elected patriarch, and this furthered their isolation. Relationship with the Church The Vatican sought an incorporation of the Eastern Christian Churches into the ‘Mother Church’ (Catholic Church), thus This book was published by E. J. Brill Leiden in 1994 facilitating and supporting the penetration of European economies into Syria. A new ideological outlook emerged 1 - Literally, the word ‘waqf’ means detention. However, in Islamic law it affecting the Christian communities in the Ottoman Empire. refers to an inalienable religious endowment.

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. Must-Read Children’s Books Art & Culture|39 “THE ZUCCHINI STORY”*

“The Zucchini Story” is a story about a little boy from Beirut whose mother promises to buy ice cream only if he eats zucchini.

The book uses a combination of Lebanese colloquial language, formal Arabic and a few foreign words to narrate the story. These features make the story more real and bring it closer to the reader. The book also provides an explanation of Lebanese key words in the story and contains colored illustrations.

“The Zucchini Story” is recommended for children aged between 6 and 10 because its sentences are very simple and easy to read, the words are similar to those used in daily vocabulary and the storyline is short. The colors and illustrations are attractive to children, motivate them to read and explain the texts.

*“The Zucchini Story” is part of the collection “Dar Al-Adab Lilsighar”, or “House of Literature for Children”, written by Samah Idriss. The ﬁrst edition was published by “Dar Al-Adab” in Beirut in 2003. The collection also includes the following books: ‘A new mom!’, ‘The blond girl’, ‘Under the bed’.

issue 100 - November 2010 40 |Art & Culture Lebanon Families NAWFAL FAMILIES

From Houran to Koura Trablous Zgharta Balamand Roads A‘arjes Ehden Becharre The Cedars “Nawfal” is an Arabic name used to refer to many things Batroun Hadet Hasroun Ras Baalbeck Deir el Ahmar like the sea, baby hyenas, jackals, generous men and Maqne Qasr el-Banat

Hadath handsome youth. Thus, many families were given this Jbail Iaat Baalbeck Jounieh Ghazir name but they did not have the same origins. It is said that Niha

BEIRUT Zahle Bani Nawfal originate from Horan. They moved to Koura Baabda Shtaura Aley Dahr el-Baidar Bhamdoun and settled in Anfeh. It is also said that they originate from Anjar Deir el-Qamar Meshref Beiteddine Moukhtara either Homs or Halab. Qaraoun Lake Yanta

Saida Jezzine Some members of the Nawfal families traced books while Libbaya Aiha some served the Patriarchs and monasteries. They also Hasbaya Nabatiye Marjayoun worked in medicine and science for a long time. Of the Beaufort Castle most prominent is Jerjes Nawfal known for his literature. He was famous in Tripoli and loved by all confessions. He presided over the writing of three rulers of Tripoli. Orthodox: 243 members Nawfal families that came from Tripoli also resided in Kfar Mashki – Rachayya: 80 members, Kboula – Akkar: Rmeileh and Chouf square near Saida where they owned 34 members, Zahrieh – Tripoli: 24 members, Achrafieh – groves. Beirut 1: 22 members, Knaba Broumana – North Matn: 20 The total size of the Nawfal family is around 1,619 members, Tel – Tripoli: 20 members, Mina – Tripoli: 13 members, belonging to different confessions and spread members, Saifi - Beirut 1: 13 members, Bazbina – Akkar: across Lebanon as follows: 7 members. Some are also located in Jebrail (Akkar): 6 members, Maronites: 666 members Bhamdoun (A’aley): 4 members. Damour - Chouf: 171 members, Tertej – Jbeil: 106 members, Mdawar – Beirut 2: 67 members, Dkoun – A’aley: Catholics: 203 members 63 members, Einab – A’aley: 49 members, Shwaleek Roumieh – North Matn: 73 members, Jdeidet Hay Al- – Jezzine: 39 members, Bteddine Lokoush – Jezzine: Madares – Marjaayoun: 49 members, Al-Miyeh w Miyeh – 27 members, Kawkaba – Hasbaya: 27 members, Sina – Saida: 27 members, Abra – Saida: 11 members, Achrafieh Jezzine: 17 members, Bachoura – Beirut 2: 15 members, – Beirut 1: 10 members, Kfar Mashki – Rachayya: 8 Mina El-Hosn – Beirut 3: 13 members, Mkassar Al-Abed members, Zahrieh – Tripoli 8 members. – Saida: 13 members, Zouk Mkayel – Keserouane: 11 members, Ayntoura – North Matn: 10 members, Kfar Hatta Some are also located in Batroun: 4 members, Zouk – Batroun: 10 members, Azour – Jezzine: 7 members, Mosbeh (Keserouane): 4 members, Sin el Fil (North Jezzine: 7 members. Matn): 4 members, Mar Nicola (Saida): 4 members, Jeidet Some of them are also located in Baabdat (North Matn): Hay Al-Saray (Marjaayoun): 1 member. 6 members; South of Kartaba (Jbeil): 4 members and Aqaibeh (Jbeil): 4 members Sunni: 166 members Chouifat Hay Al-Qobba – A’aley: 139 members, Chemlan Druze: 246 members – A’aley: 22 members. Kfeir - Hasbaya: 188 members, Shbanieh – Baabda: 18 Some are also located in Ras Beirut (Beirut 3): 3 members, members, Kfar Matta – A’aley: 17 members, Sawfar – Hasbaya Hay Al-Saray: 1 member, Mazraa (Beirut 3): 1 A’aley: 10 members. member. Some of them are also located in Ras Beirut (Beirut 3): 6 members, Msaitbeh (Beirut 3): 4 members, Baouchrieh Shia’a: 70 members (North Matn): 3 members. Ansar – Nabatieh: 38 members, Zqaq El-Blat – Beirut 3: 32 members.

Protestant: 25 members in Aynab – A’aley.

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. Discover Lebanon Art & Culture|41 AIN SAADEH Qada’a of Matn Etymology Ain Saadeh is an Arabic word that was given to an individual named “Saadeh” who lived in the area a very Trablous Zgharta Balamand Roads A‘arjes long time ago and played a signiﬁcant role there. According Ehden Becharre The Cedars Batroun Hadet Hasroun to historians and archaeologists, the area witnessed many Ras Baalbeck Deir el Ahmar Maqne activities at the time, which explains the abundant presence Qasr el-Banat Hadath Jbail Iaat Baalbeck of archaeological ruins. In order to uncover what remains Jounieh Ghazir Niha IOÉ©°SAin Saadeh ÚY hidden, excavations and works are needed today. BEIRUT Zahle Baabda Shtaura Aley Dahr el-Baidar Bhamdoun Anjar Deir el-Qamar Location Meshref Beiteddine Moukhtara The town of Ain Saadeh is located in the Mohafaza of Qaraoun Lake Yanta Saida Jezzine Mount Lebanon at an altitude of 610 meters above sea Libbaya Aiha

Hasbaya level. It lies 13 kilometers away from Beirut, 18 kilometers Nabatiye Marjayoun from the center of the Mohafaza, and occupies an area of Beaufort Castle 548 hectares. It can be reached via Dekwaneh and Fanar. Population There are an estimated 1,538 registered residents in Ain has a charity (Jesus’s Heart), a sports and cultural club, a Saadeh, mainly Maronites living in 3,000 houses and fraternity named the Immaculate Conception, the Cedars’ occupying around 400 commercial shops. scouts and Maronite scouts. Voters Economy In 2000, the number of registered voters was 986, of whom 569 cast their ballots. In 2009, the number reached 1,106, The town’s main source of income is business and and 726 cast their ballots. They belong to the following agriculture (vegetables, fruits, pines and olives). Other families: sources of income are related to tourism. The town has A Madi: 49 members 2 hotels: Royal Park and Delsol and several restaurants A Bou Aoun: 48 members including: Nabe’e Al-Saadah, Qalaah and L’os. A Bou Ghosn: 35 members A Ibrahin: 32 members Archeological sites A Abi Hila: 29 members Of the most signiﬁcant archaeological sites are: A Ghosteen: 27 members A Roman sarcophagus A Khoury: 26 members A Qalaah restaurant – Ain Saadah A Daoud: 26 members A The Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation (built 124 A Bitar: 24 members years ago) A Monsef: 22 members The summer residence of the Maronite Archbishop of A Samrani: 19 members Beirut. It consists of some aqueducts, stone relics and cellars recently renovated in order to preserve their historical Local authorities value. This residence also has a church established by There is a municipal council currently headed by Antoine Archbishop Toubya Aoun in 1852 and dedicated to Virgin Maroun and consisting of 15 members. There are also 2 Mary. There are some other churches on site, such as the mukhtars, Bchara Bou Dames and Shaaya Madi, and a chuches of St. Therese and St. Rita, the latter was recently three-member ikhtiyariah body. renovated. Education and Economy Problems The town has several schools: Freres – Mont La Salle, Two The town’s most signiﬁcant problems are family disputes Sacred Hearts (Ain Najem), and La Sagesse, in addition and a lack of development. to the Freres technical school and Kafaat. The town also

issue 100 - November 2010 42 |Media When Politicians talk HEZBOLLAH IN THE EYES OF MUSLIM ZUA’AMA AND FIGURES In favour Nohad al-Mashnouq: “It is an direction of this weaponry toward the 7, its residues are still present and I honest weapon and it is not permissible enemy” (As Safir on March 22, 2010). wish that the resistance had not gone to address it, read it or discuss it as a and taken us through this experience weapons arsenal. It is a cause and it is Against ... I feel that this weapon should not a righteous cause (...) Hezbollah is a Ibrahim Chamseddin: “The be used another time” (As Safir on serious organization, it has its roots and authority of decision making in March 9, 2010). a serious military security apparatus” Hezbollah is in the hands of those who Oqab Saqer:“...The confidence (Al Hayat, May 12, 2005). are outside the borders of the homeland factor between Hezbollah on the Salim Hoss:“Hezbollah is the (...). The resistance cannot be confined one hand and the Lebanese state and guarantee, Hezbollah is the most keen to Hezbollah. It should be borne in its security services on the other is [to ensure] there will be no breakout mind that we supported this resistance absent” (Al Mustaqbal on March 16, of strife in Lebanon and is the most in its confrontation with Israel (...). 2010). capable to prevent it” (Arabiya.net, When he [Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah] Mosbah al-Ahdab:“Hezbollah’s March 26, 2006). became involved in partisan work, agenda encroaches each day at the Ousama Sa’ad:“The guarantee for he treated the resistance as one of his State’s expense... The summary of the continuation of the country and personal belongings and acted as any these events obligates Hezbollah to its stability is the continuation of the other political party (...). Hezbollah is review its performance before it takes resistance, which means the survival not in harmony with Islamic history the country to the point of no return. of Hezbollah” (The National News and the commandments of Ali [bin It also obligates the State, especially Agency on July 20, 2006). Abi Talib]” (Now Lebanon website on the Ministries of Defense and Interior Abdul Raheem Murad: “The June 24, 2008). and the various security services, weapons of the resistance should be Mohammad Rachid Qabbani: to swiftly end the expansion of strengthened and supported along with “Hezbollah has transformed itself Hezbollah’s influence at the expense anything that can help it confront any from a resistance movement to the of state institutions ...” (Al Mustaqbal Israeli aggression (...) “(Al Liwa’ on Israeli occupation to an armed force on May 4, 2008). November 9, 2009). occupying Beirut and violating its “We are in favour of the possession Mustafa Hamdan: “(...) We are sanctity” (An Nahar on July 8, 2008). of weapons when they are [used] to aware of the sacrifices made by the men Ahmad Karami: “The survival of confront the Israeli enemy but we are of the resistance in terms of hard work, Hezbollah’s weapons within specific against it when it is directed towards blood shedding, money and planning, boundaries is necessary so long as Lebanon, as occurred on May 7 ... until they reached where they are today Israel continues to occupy Arab lands Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is not the (...) I am with Hezbollah on the road and to raise the level of tension” president of Lebanon” (Al Liwa’ on to Jerusalem, especially since it has (Kuwaiti An Nahar on June 22, March 22, 2010). succeeded as a resistance movement, 2009). Tammam Salam : “...The weapons particularly with the leadership of Mustafa A’allouch: “Hezbollah of the resistance must remain within Hassan Nasrallah” (Al Akhbar on itself is unwilling to resolve [the issue certain boundaries and should not go January 23, 2010). of] weapons on the dialogue table, it beyond them” (Al Mustaqbal on June Omar Karami : “The Arab and is part of a regional camp, linked to 6, 2010). Muslim nation has moved from a state a regional system and to the Iranian “We take pride in the accomplishments of weakness and defeatism to one of agenda. The Revolutionary Guard was of the resistance, the capturing of balancing prevention and fear with the one to establish Hezbollah” (Al hostages is a victory for all the regards to the Israeli enemy, thanks to Mustaqbal on March 2, 2010). Lebanese, but after the liberation of the acquisition of weapons and their Najib Miqati :“My opinion of the the Cheba’a Farms the weapons of protection against the pressures of resistance is fixed and absolute and Hezbollah should be placed within all the charlatans, trouble makers and I did not hide it from the Sayyed. the framework of the State’s strategic corrupt people who want to obstruct the It concerns the grim episode in the agenda” (Now Lebanon website on history of the resistance which is May July 8, 2008).

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. September 2010 Timeline Media|43

September 2010 Timeline in Lebanon THE MAIN FOCUS IS ON THE FALSE WITNESSES; Aoun: “President does nothing but cry”; Hariri: “The false witnesses have harmed and sabotaged the relationship between Lebanon and Syria”; Jamil al-Sayyed to Hariri: “I will take back my right from you with my own hands”; Al Mustaqbal bloc: “What are the resistance’s weapons doing inside the airport’s receptions?!”; Hezbollah: “The international tribunal is an Israeli- American one”; Disagreements between MPs over the tribunal’s funding; Car accidents with dozens of victims September 2 The Council of Ministers ratifies a which he refuses to be a mere that I am going to a brotherly and friendly number of judicial and administrative bystander. He criticizes Hariri without country. We assessed the mistakes that appointments. naming him directly for the aftermath we made towards Syria that affected During an iftar attended by Army of the Burj Abi Haidar clashes. the Syrian people and the relationship Commander General Jean Qahwaji, Hariri responds to Nasrallah’s remarks between the two countries”. Prime Minister Saad Hariri asks: “Can saying: “No one defines where I go. I Former Minister Abdul Rahim Murad we handle this amount of weapons in am not the one carrying the knife, I am hosts an iftar banquet at his Beirut Lebanon?!” carrying a pen, giving out books and home in honor of Hezbollah leaders MP Walid Jumblat visits the Syrian teaching people. Beirut belongs to all and the Association of Islamic Charity Embassy in Beirut and meets with the the Lebanese and should not be exposed Projects. Syrian ambassador. to weapons”. Hariri backtracks on an approval he An explosion occurs in the southern made on Friday (with Hezbollah) September 3 town of Shehabieh in the home of saying: “On Friday there was political During an iftar in Qoreitem in honor Mohammad Salloum. Conflicting talk that we did not expect to hear of personalities from Keserouane, reports emerge on the cause of the and on Saturday media reports were Metn, Batroun and Jbeil , Hariri calls explosion, some stating that the unfortunately not reassuring ... What for “investing in the security system explosion took place in a Hezbollah we said on Friday night was said full to ensure stability and prosperity in weapons depot while others claim it stop, we will continue to work towards the country and to compensate for the was caused by a power generator that calm dialogue and I will commit to problems that occurred a week ago was on fire. my word and to general appeasement that had a high cost for the State on the of the situation”. economic, touristic and moral levels. September 6 The last time an investment in the In a speech during his visit to the September 7 security system was made was when town of Nabiyeh in the northern Reactions and statements to Aoun’s President Amine Gemayel was in office Metn, General Michel Aoun verbally remarks and his verbal attack of in 1982”. attacks the President of the Republic President Michel Suleiman, most Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir’s scheduled and accuses him of doing nothing but significantly from the president himself visit to Jbeil is postponed for security, cry. He also criticizes the Ministers of who responded saying: “My doors political and family reasons. Defense, Justice, Interior and Finance are open, let General Aoun take an and calls for the disbandment of the appointment so we can discuss all that September 4 Information Branch because it has no he has to say”. General Issam Abu In a speech on the occasion of legal standing. Jamra considers Aoun’s position a the International Day of A Quds, In an interview with Asharq Al Awsat “dissonance”. Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed newspaper, Hariri says: “The false Hassan Nasrallah renews his rejection witnesses harmed us as a family, September 8 to cooperate with the international sabotaged the relationship between A horrifying car crash on the Jiyeh tribunal and insists he will only Syria and Lebanon and politicized the highway on the way to Saida leaves six cooperate with the Lebanese judiciary, assassination. When I go to Syria I feel people dead and 19 wounded when a

issue 100 - November 2010 44 |Media September 2010 Timeline fast driving truck hit a number of cars that had stopped at an Internal Security including Marwan Hamadeh, Charles miscalculations and there is no need for Forces (ISF) checkpoint, placed to Rizq, Johnny Abdo, Ashraf Rifi, Saeed a new May 7 to occur for Jamil Sayyed. detect speeding. Mirza and Wissam al-Hassan. He He considers that the cancellation of A Council of Ministers session headed further states that Hariri is “buried in funding of the international tribunal by Hariri at the Grand Serail postpones Solidere, which is a usurped land” and must happen as a result of consensus, looking into the transfer of mobile addressing [Saad] Hariri he adds “I even if it causes strife. phone funds to the municipalities and swear on my honor, Hariri, if you do The finance and budget committee the Ministry of Finance, the latter not give me back my right, I will take it disagrees over the funding of the requesting they be transferred to it first with my own hands”. tribunal, March 14 MPs withdraw from and then to municipalities. the session and the case is referred to September 14 the general assembly of the committee. September 9 Syrian President Bashar Assad meets After meeting President Suleiman in the Lebanese Minister of Energy and Water, September 18 Ba’abda Palace, Speaker Nabih Berri Jebran Bassil, in Damascus. American envoy George Mitchell considers Hariri’s comments to Asharq MP Suleiman Franjieh visits Diman visits Lebanon and states: “No peace Al Awsat a window to the truth and an and attends a lunch hosted by Sfeir, thus without Lebanon and no solution at its important breakthrough. ending a two-year rift between them. expense”. Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea New American Ambassador to Lebanon In an interview with Hezbollah’s Intiqad sees the international tribunal as the Maura Connelly arrives to the country. Magazine, Syrian Ambassador to only body with the authority to identify Lebanon Ali Abdul Kareem considers the false witnesses, a statement that has September 15 Hariri’s remarks to Asharq Al Awsat to been considered by some as a response Speaking at a mass in commemoration be an important step forward that must to Hariri’s remarks to Asharq Al Awsat. of the assassination of his father be followed through in order to reveal According to MP Sami Gemayel, President Bashir Gemayel, MP Nadim the truth about the false witnesses. anyone who considers himself a soldier Gemayel accuses Syria of being behind The international tribunal’s preliminary in Welayat al-Faqih is a collaborator so all the assassinations in Lebanon trial Judge Daniel Francine issues a that the term is not merely restricted to starting with Kamal Jumblat to Rafik ruling on Sayyed’s request of evidence those who collaborate with Israel. Hariri and Bashir Gemayel. He also regarding the false witnesses. He verbally attacks Hezbollah. considers that the international tribunal September 10 Aoun calls on citizens not to respond to has the power and jurisdiction to look Friday is declared Eid el-Fitr for the any requests of the information branch into the matter. He gives prosecutor Sunni and the Shia’a confessions or Judge Saeed Mirza and to “fight” with Daniel Bellemare and Sayyed a unanimously. the branch on “my account” because it month, until October 1, to submit their Following a statement issued by the ISF is illegal. He describes it as an “armed remarks. in response to Aoun’s remarks on the gang” protected by its leader. information branch, Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ziad Baroud states September 16 September 20 his disapproval to that statement and Upon the request of Minister of Justice Sayyed returns from France following declares that he will take disciplinary Ibrahim Najjar, Prosecutor Saeed Mirza a subpoena issued against him. He is measures against those who issued it. requests a hearing of Sayyed concerning welcomed at the airport by opposition the remarks he made on Sunday against leaders and Hezbollah representatives September 13 the judges and the Prime Minister, as a and renews his verbal attacks against MP Hassan Fadlallah says: “We want prelude to taking necessary measures. Hariri, the information branch, General this system (which fabricated the false However, Sayyed happens to be outside Ashraf Rifi and Judge Saeed Mirza. witnesses) to be dismantled and for its the country (in France). In response to the remarks made by leaders to be uncovered.” Sayyed at a press conference, MP During a press conference, General September 17 Mohammad Kabbara says: “He Jamil Sayyed accuses Hariri and his In an interview with Kalam el-Nass who attacks the Za’im of the Sunni team of backing the false witnesses (an LBC talk show), Jumblat confirms [confession], Saad Hariri, or the status and says that he expects the Syrian that May 5 and May 7 had their own of the premiership, either directly or judiciary to summon some important circumstances that stemmed from a otherwise, will be taught a lesson by the lebanese figures for interrogation, lack of trust, false information and confession”.

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. September 2010 Timeline Media|45

Aggressive debates take place between in uncovering 26 Israeli espionage September 28 Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Ali Jouzo and networks. In an interview with An Nahar, French Progressive Socialist Party in ‘Iqleem Ambassador to Lebanon Denis Pietton el-Kharroub.” September 23 says: “The indictment that will be Former President Amine Gemayel The Syrian President calls Hariri. issued by the tribunal will not be spends two days in the Beqa’a and Zahle In a statement, the General Secretariat the end of the world if members of and visits Beqa’a Mufti Sheikh Khalil of the March 14 bloc considers that the Hezbollah are accused of involvement al-Mayss in Azhar al-Beqa’a in Majdal manner in which Sayyed was welcomed in president Hariri’s assassination, and A’anjar. Welcoming Gemayel, Mayss at the airport constitutes a violation by this indictment will not change Paris’ says: “It is not a coincidence that both Hezbollah and undermines the State, way of dealing with Hezbollah.” names (Amine and Bachir) belonged using gang-style methods. to the Prophet, Prophet Mohammad al- American Under-Secretary for Defense September 29 Amine and Mohammad al-Bachir.” Michele Flournoy visits Lebanon and Al Mustaqbal bloc holds its weekly confirms the USA’s continuing support meeting headed by Hariri and issues September 21 to the Lebanese Army and to the a statement in which it renewed its MP Oqab Saqr considers that Sayyed government’s rising control. commitment to the international was behind the article in the German tribunal and stability in Lebanon. It Der Spiegel newspaper, which accused September 24 stated that attempts to manipulate Hezbollah of assassinating Hariri, and The Council of Ministers meets at the national consensus over the tribunal further accuses Sayyed of asking Hariri Grand Serail and begins discussions on will only lead to disagreements and to pay him $7 million to keep silent. the 2011 State budget. strife among the Lebanese, adding He later reveals that the mediator was In a letter to the Pope and the Mideast that all campaigns of intimidation and Mustafa Nasser, who denies the matter. Synod, Aoun considers that the project threats will not work. of a Jewish state will lead to new Suleiman continues his visit to September 22 displacements and wars. Mexico. The Council of Ministers meets in the Ba’abda Palace and their discussions September 25 September 30 focus on the false witnesses and the Suleiman addresses the United Nations A Council of Ministers’ session at events that took place at the airport, General Assembly in New York and the Grand Serail, headed by Hariri, without reaching any decision. Hariri meets with American Secretary of State discusses the possibility of renting ships refuses to equate the status of the four Hillary Clinton and Iranian President to generate electricity. officers’ with the blood of the martyrs Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The General Secretariat of the March and that of his father. MP Faysal Daoud invites the Syrian 14 bloc issues a statement saying it is In a statement following a meeting ambassador in Lebanon to his house in suspicious of the Iranian President’s headed by former Prime Minister Fouad Rashia, along with a number of political visit to Lebanon. Siniora in Qoreitem, Al Mustaqbal figures including MP Walid Jumblat. bloc criticizes “Hezbollah’s armed October 1 parades at the airport” and wonders September 27 The Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal what Hezbollah’s weapons were doing In an interview with Al-Jadeed TV for Lebanon Daniel Bellemare appeals inside the VIP halls of Rafik Hariri from New York, Suleiman calls on a ruling by the preliminary trial judge International Airport. the international tribunal to restore its to hand over documents and evidence Aoun says that there will be no tribunal credibility by showing its independence, regarding the “false witnesses” to unless the false witnesses file has been distancing itself from politicization and Sayyed. completely handled, adding that they leading a true investigation exploring The Iranian ambassador to Lebanon will have to appear before the judiciary all the possibilities. visits Jumblat at his Clemenceau “no matter what”. He also called for a Speaking at a ceremony in honor of residence. no-confidence vote against the Minister Russian Ambassador Sergei Poukine of Justice saying that he is willing to in Mukhtara Jumblat says: “We got the withdraw his confidence in him. tribunal and we wish we never had; in Director General of the ISF General order to be fair to Hariri the truth behind Ashraf Rifi visits the information branch the false witnesses must be revealed.” and compliments its work, especially

issue 100 - November 2010 46 | Arab World Focus INFRASTRUCTURE IN EGYPT Any improvements?

n August 2006, a collision of two passenger trains in Egypt caused the death of more than 58 people. That crash incited a wave of rage among Egyptians over the poor state of the transportation infrastructure. In July 2008, 37 Ipeople were killed in a collision between a train and several vehicles at a level crossing in northern Egypt. Most recently, in October 2009, a passenger train collided with the back of another passenger train ahead of it on the tracks just outside Cairo, destroying several cars and killing at least 18 people. All of this raises the question about the durability of the Egyptian infrastructure! Egypt’s Infrastructure Situation Table 1 gives an overview of the Egyptian infrastructure. A According to the CIA World Factbook, the mobile Egyptian Infrastructure in telephone system in Egypt is viewed as a large and Table 1 figures reasonably modern system that has undergone extensive Type of Infrastructure Number World rank upgrading. Yet, the landline system is monopolized by Telephones (lines in use) 9.6 million (2009) 23 “Egypt Telecom”, which provided fixed lines for only Telephones (Mobile cellular) 55.35 million (2010) 20 15 persons per 100 in 2008. In 2010, there were three Internet hosts 177,443 (2009) 65 mobile networks serving 55 million subscribers, meaning Internet users 11.414 million (2008) 27 that more than half of Egypt’s population is in possession Airports 86 (2010) of a mobile telephone line. Despite the relatively high Airports with paved runways 73 (2010) 66 number of internet users, the ranking of internet hosts Airports with unpaved remains low. runways 13 (2010) 15% of airport runways in Egypt and 20% of the Egyptian Heliports 6 (2010) A roads are still unpaved. Pipelines (gas) 6,262 km Railways, the backbone of Egyptian transportation, Pipelines (liquid petroleum A gas) 956 km operate 5,500 km of rail using standard gauge of Pipelines (oil) 4,319 km 1435 mm. 62 km of the network is electrified. However, Railways 5,500 km 33 significant deficiencies in the status and maintenance of Metro lines 2 (a third line is the equipment are present as exemplified by the many under construction) accidents that have taken place, due to lack of funding, Number of Stations 53 corruption and the fact that many services are controlled System length 65.5 km by the government. In response to the accidents, an Average number of investment program was launched in 2007 with the aim passengers per year in the 700 million two lines of modernizing the rail network and improving the safety Roadways 65,050 km standards. In 2008, there were around 7,149 fatalities Roadways (paved) 47,500 km 71 from road accidents in Egypt, which is a globally high Roadways (unpaved) 17,550 km rate and causes huge losses to the economy. Waterways (including A There are around 3,500 km of waterways in Egypt. The Nile River, Lake Nasser, 3,500 km 30 most important ports and harbors are in Ayn Sukhnah, Alexandria-Cairo waterway Alexandria, Damietta, El Dekheila, Sidi Kurayr, and and Suez Canal) Suez. Egypt ranks 63 in the world with respect to Merchant Marine 67 merchant marine. Bulk carrier 11 Cargo 28 A Despite the resources that Egypt is endowed with, a Container 2 63 population of 82 million people occupies merely 4% of Passenger cargo 4 the territory (40,000 km2 out of a total 1,001,450 km2), Petroleum tanker 13 only one example of the pressing need for a better system Roll on/roll off 9 of governance and improvements in the infrastructure Ayn Sukhnah, system. Alexandria, Damietta, Ports and Terminals El Dekheila, Sidi 1- An Internet host is a computer directly connected to the Internet; Kurayr, Suez normally an Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) computer is a host. The Source: CIA World Factbook number of hosts is one indicator of the extent of Internet connectivity. issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. Index|47 REAL ESTATE PRICE INDEX IN LEBANON – SEPTEMBER 2010

or the fifth consecutive month, the real estate market is witnessing a state of stagnation, with the month of September being the worse affected so far. This stagnation is expected to continue in the upcoming Fmonths unless significant changes occur, such as new and large investments in the market, a decrease in the prices of real estate or the emergence of positive political developments. Specialists in the real estate market do not expect any decrease in prices to take place in the near future, but rather see them increasing or stabilizing at best. Tables 1 and 2 list the prices of a number of estates and apartments sold in September 2010. Prices of some apartments sold in September 2010 Table 2 Prices of some estates sold in September 2010 Table 1 Region Area m2 Price (USD) USD/m2 Region Area m2 Price (USD) USD/m2 Beirut Beirut Ramlet El-Baida 1,500 18,000,000 12,000 Zarif 180 297,000 1,650 Achrafieh (Sassine) 620 3,317,000 5,350 Verdun 125 375,000 3,000 Achrafieh (Rizk) 830 3,735,000 4,500 Achrafieh (Sasssine) 210 598,500 2,850 Baabda Achrafieh 270 823,500 3,050 Eshbanieh 2,450 514,500 210 Talet El Khayat 290 1,102,000 3,800 Baabda 1,100 1,518,000 1,380 Wata Mssaitbeh 250 500,000 2,000 Hazmieh 650 871,000 1,340 Sodeco 185 592,000 3,200 Matn Broumana 1,650 907,500 550 Baabda Bekfaya 1,000 230,000 230 Hazmieh 170 323,000 1,900 Dekwaneh 500 750,000 1,500 Hazmieh 300 600,000 2,000 Sin el Fil 1,800 4,446,000 2,470 Yarze 240 480,000 2,000 Monte Verde 1,980 1,544,400 780 Hadath (Hay Amercan) 200 300,000 1,500 Rabieh 570 513,000 800 Hazmieh (Brazilia) 160 288,000 1,800 A’aley Chyah (Mouawad) 140 168,000 1,200 Ba’aleshmay 1,220 512,400 420 Haret Hreik (Kneeseh) 127 148,600 1,170 Bchamoun 1,250 168,750 135 Bchamoun 2,300 483,000 210 Matn Khaldeh 1,500 1,237,500 825 Horsh Tabet 240 628,800 2,620 Deir Kobel 1,800 207,000 115 Antellias 145 171,100 1,180 Keserouan Ain Saadeh 400 500,000 1,250 A’ajaltoun 1,100 198,000 180 Naccash 175 192,500 1,100 Faraya 870 160,950 185 Awkar 165 222,750 1,350 Ballouneh 950 579,500 610 Rabieh 225 371,250 1,650 Adma 1,050 850,500 810 Broumana 200 290,000 1,450 Faqra 670 368,500 550 Source: Information International September 2010 A’aley Khaldeh 140 130,200 930 Non Lebanese ownership Doha Hoss 230 230,000 1,000 The Real Estate Authority issued a study listing the area owned by non- Doha Aramoun 160 144,000 900 Lebanese from January 4, 1969 until August 31, 2010, which amounted Bchara 130 130,000 1,000 to a total of 33,914,398 square meters or 0.326% of Lebanon’s total area. The study showed that ownership by non-Lebanese is concentrated Keserouan in specific locations such as: Adonis 175 190,750 1,090 A Qada’a A’aley, where the area owned by non-Lebanese reached Ballouneh 180 180,000 1,000 5,823,761 square meters or 2.157% of the total area of the Qada’a, Sahel Alma 200 220,000 1,100 A Baabda, where the area owned by non-Lebanese reached 4,968,999 square meters or 2.615% of the total area of Baabda, Adma 210 407,400 1,940 A Matn, where the area owned by non-Lebanese reached 4,669,938 Haret Sakher 165 235,950 1,430 square meters or 1.73% of the total area of Metn, Kaslik 150 300,000 2,000 A Beirut, where the area owned by non-Lebanese reached 1,150,413 square meters or 6.463% of the total area of Beirut, Source: Information International September 2010 A Zahle, where the area owned by non-Lebanese reached 2,733,478 square meters or 0.64% of the total area of Zahle, and A Chouf, where the area owned by non-Lebanese reached 2,650,246 square meters or 0.564% of the total area of Chouf.

issue 100 - November 2010 48 |Index TOWARD A LEBANESE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOOD PRICE INDEX: SEPTEMBER 2010 he month of September witnessed a stability in the prices of 64 items, while the prices of 15 items slightly decreased and the prices of 21 items slightly increased. This reflects the stagnation that the Tmarket is currently witnessing. Market specialists confirm that items are being sold at cost price, which is something that had never occurred in the past.

Prices of consumer and food products in September Table 1 Prices of consumer and food products in September 2010 (in LBP) 2010 (in LBP) Table 1 Prices Prices Prices beginning beginning Prices Item and brand of beginning % of price beginning % of price of October change Item and brand of of October change September 2010 September 2010 2010 2010 Oil Dairy Products Afia corn oil (3.5 liters) 11,250 11,200 0.44- Candia full cream milk (1 liter) 2,400 2,500 4.1+ Mazola corn oil (3.5 liters) 12,950 12,950 0 Candia full cream yoghurt (2 kg) 5,200 5,200 0 Mazola corn oil (1.8 liters) 6,950 6,950 0 Bonjus labneh (1 kg) 3,750 3,750 0 Slim corn oil (2 liters) 7,000 7,000 0 Taanayel labneh (500 g) 5,400 5,400 0 Wesson corn oil (2 liters) 7,250 7,250 0 Candia labneh (500 g) 5,200 5,200 0 Ghandour soya oil (3.8 liters) 10,500 8,250 21.4- Taanayel yoghurt (1 kg) 3,250 3,250 0 Alfa corn oil (4 liters) 11,250 11,250 0 Smeds cheese (400 g) 4,250 4,350 2.3+ Al-Wadi Olive Oil (1/2 liters) 6,250 7,500 20 + Picon cheese (360 g) 3,500 3,350 4.2- Ketchup and Sauces Picon cheese (160 g) 1,700 1,700 0 Libby’s Ketchup (567 g) 2,960 2,960 0 Double-crème cheese (1 kg) 8,000 8,000 0 Extra Ketchup (340 g) 980 980 0 Fresh country cheese (1 kg) 8,450 9,000 6.5+ Extra Ketchup (2.2 kg) 5,540 5,540 0 Khashkawan cheese (1 kg) 11,000 12,250 11.3+ Dolly’s Mayonnaise (500 ml) 3,950 3,950 0 Lurpak butter (200 g) 2,500 2,500 0 Al-Wadi Mayonnaise (500 ml) 4,250 4,100 3.5- Tatra butter (200 g) 2,100 2,350 11.9+ Al-Bsat Tahina (900 g) 6,490 6,490 0 Al-Maalaqtain margarine (2 kg) 7,950 7,950 0 Al-Bsat Tahina (450 g) 3,500 3,500 0 Al-Baqara al-Haloub margarine 25,850 25,850 0 Taous tomato sauce (70 g) 660 600 9- (2kg) Taous tomato sauce (425 g) 3,250 3,250 0 Vegetaline margarine (2 kg) 14,950 14,950 0 Tala tomato sauce (675 g) 3,000 3,000 0 Nido full cream milk (bag) (2,250 g) 18,950 18,950 0 Fruits and Vegetables Nido full cream milk (2,500 g) 23,100 23,100 0 Orange (1 kg) 2,000 2,000 0 Tatra full cream milk (1,800 g) 17,500 17,500 0 Tomatoes (1kg) 1,500 2,000 33.3+ Tissues and Detergents Cucumbers (1kg) 2,000 1,850 7.5- Mimosa tissues (500 g) 2,750 2,500 9 - Bananas (1kg) 1,250 1,250 0 Fine tissues (200 tissues) 1,350 1,350 0 Lemons (1 kg) 2,000 1,250 37.5- Primo tissues (200 tissues) 1,200 1,370 14.1++ Apples (1 kg) 2,000 2,000 0 Gipsy tissues (300 tissues) 2,550 2,350 7.8- Potatoes (1 kg) 1,000 1,250 25+ Mimosa toilet papers (4 rolls) 2,250 2,500 11.1++ Yes detergent (900 g) 2,270 2,250 0.9- Clorox (1 liter) 1,500 1,500 0 Persil (4 kg) 17,000 17,850 5+ Ariel (4 kg) 18,200 18,000 1-

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. Index|49 Prices of consumer and food products in September Prices of consumer and food products in September 2010 (in LBP) Table 1 2010 (in LBP) Table 1 Prices Prices beginning Prices beginning Prices Item and brand of beginning % of price Item and brand of beginning % of price September of October change September of October change 2010 2010 2010 2010 Cereals Meat, Fish and Eggs Khater white lentils (1 kg) 3,650 3,650 0 Zwan chicken (200 g) 2,200 2,250 2.2+ Khater chick-peas fahli (1 kg) 3,500 3,500 0 Zwan beef (200 g) 2,250 2,250 0 Khater beans (1 kg) 1,990 2,000 0.5+ Luncheon meat beef (198 g) 1,150 1,150 0 Peeled wheat (1 kg) 2,100 2,200 4.7+ Al-Mona chicken (200 g) 2,100 2,200 4.7+ Pineal Lima Bean (1 kg) 3,750 3,750 0 Al-Taghzia beef (200 g) 1,925 1,925 0 Brown Fine Burgul (1 kg) 1,900 1,750 7.9- Al-Taghzia chicken (200 g) 1,750 1,750 0 Egyptian rice (1 kg) 2,250 2,250 0 Geisha sardine (125 g) 1,400 1,400 0 American rice (1 kg) 2,000 2,000 0 Deli sardine (125 g) 1,100 1,100 0 Italian rice (1 kg) 3,250 3,100 4.6- Milo sardine (125 g) 990 990 0 Al-Wadi Hommos Tahina (380 g) 1,250 1,350 8+ Geisha tuna (200 g) 3,950 3,950 0 Chtaura Hommos Tahina (380 g) 1,100 850 22.7- White Bell tuna (200 g) 2,250 2,250 0 California Gardens beans (450 g) 1,250 1,350 8+ White Diamond tuna (200 g) 2,250 2,250 0 Al-Wadi beans (450 g) 990 990 0 Skipper tuna (185 g) 1,750 1,750 0 Chtaura beans (480 g) 1,100 1,450 31.8+ Eggs (30 eggs) 3,950 3,500 11.4- Libby’s corn (340 g) 1,540 1,540 0 Beef (1 kg) 14,000 14,000 0 Pasta Sheep (1 kg) 20,000 20,000 0 Barilla spaghetti (500 g) 2,100 2,100 0 Coffee and Tea Antonio Amato spaghetti (500 g) 2,200 2,200 0 Najjar coffee (1kg) 2,000 12,000 0 Monte spaghetti (500 g) 2,150 2,150 0 Brazil coffee (1 kg) 11,000 11,000 0 Sugar and Salt Al-Hisan tea (180 g) 2,600 2,600 0 Sugar (2 kg) 3,000 3,350 11.7+ Nestle (250g) 2,500 2,750 10+ Al-Ousra Sugar (5 kg) 8,750 8,750 0 Halvah and Jam Salt (700 g) 280 280 0 Al-Wadi halvah (454 g) 3,850 3,850 0 Box of salt (738 g) 1,250 1,250 0 Al-Bsat halvah (450 g) 3,000 3,000 0 Chtaura apricot jam (1 kg) 4,500 4,500 0 Al-Wadi apricot jam (1 kg) 4,500 5,500 22.2+ Source: Information International September 2010

issue 100 - November 2010 50| Did you know that? Statistics from around the World Swine Flu (Influenza H1N1 2009)

A 214 countries and overseas territories reported laboratory confirmed cases of influenza H1N1 2009, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).

A 250,000 to 500,000 deaths every year are caused by seasonal flu. While the common flu affects the very young (under 5), the elderly (over 65) and the chronically ill, the majority of swine flu cases hit healthy young adults.

A Over 18,449 deaths have been reported as deaths caused by influenza H1N1 2009 between April 2009 and August 2010.

A Over 622,482 cases have been reported as confirmed infected cases since April 2009.

A 4,438 confirmed deaths occurred in North America alone and 4,098 occurred in South America, according to a report published on August 31, 2010.

A 19,893 is the number of confirmed cases in Germany and 243 is the number of confirmed deaths caused by H1N1.

A 14,500 is the number of confirmed cases in Saudi Arabia and 128 is the number of confirmed deaths caused by H1N1.

A During a press conference on August 10, 2010, the WHO’s Director General stated that the world has now entered the post pandemic-period confirming that ‘the new H1N1 virus has largely run its course’.

Beirut International Airport Rafic Hariri International Airport Traffic September - 2010 Drop in traffic by 4.8% Airport traffic in September 2010 compared to August 2010 and September Table 1 Airport traffic dropped during the month of 2009. September compared to that of the month of % of % of change August and reached 28,032 passengers or a rate change September Traffic Aug-10 Sep-10 Sep-09 2009- of 4.8%. The number of arrivals increased by Aug-Sep 2010 September 39,045 passengers and the number of departures 2010 decreased by 68,090 passengers, following the Arriving airplanes 3,158 3,010 2,560 4.6- 17.5+ latter’s significant increase in August. Departing airplanes 3,162 2,991 2,548 5.4- 17.3+ Total No. of airplanes 6,320 6,001 5,108 5- 17.4+ The total number of passengers from the beginning Arriving passengers 212,978 252,023 217,577 18.3+ 15.8+ of the year until the end of September reached Departing passengers 363,267 295,177 245,902 18.7- 20+ 4,242,777 compared to 3,790,366 during the same Transit passengers 2,207 3,220 2,539 48.9+ 26.8+ period last year, amounting to an 11.9% increase. Total No. of passengers 578,452 550,420 466,018 4.8- 18.1+ Imported goods (per ton) 3,338 3,575 3,180 7.1+ 12.4+ Table 1 shows the airport traffic in September 2010 Exported goods (per ton) 3,158 3,068 2,624 2.8- 16.9+ compared to August 2010 and September 2010 Total amount of goods (per ton) 6,496 6,643 5,804 2.2+ 14.4+ Source: Information International and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation

issue 100 - published by Information International s.a.l. StatsNumbers&

A USD 1.7 billion have been paid by the Central Fund for the Displaced, since it began work its in 1993 until December 2009, to secure the return of the displaced. Of them, USD 650 million were spent on evacuations, including USD 212 million for evacuations from the Solidere area.

A USD 36.2 million represents an estimate of Lebanon’s contribution to the international tribunal’s expenses for 2011. Lebanon has already paid USD 63.3 million to cover the work of the investigation committee and the international tribunal from the date of its establishment until 2010, bringing the total amount paid to Happy Independance Day around USD 100 million. July 2006 War Against Lebanon - INMA activities with the Displaced Children

A USD 753.7 million were transferred by the Lebanese government to the High Relief Commission in aid to Pakistan, Publications following the devastating floods that hit the Publications by Publications by INMA (in Arabic): country in August 2010. Information International: 1-“I am Responsible, All of Us are Responsible” 1-Salaries and Remunerations in the Public Sector 2-“Our Environment is Our Home” 2-Public Seaside Properties 3-“My Society is My Responsibility” A LBP 225 million (USD 150,000) 3-Lebanon’s Parliamentary History 1920-2000 4-“My Society is My Responsibility” Workbook were allocated by the Ministry of Justice 4-Taxes and Fees 5-“I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards as credit to buy a power generator for the 5-Lebanon in Figures 1992-2002 State Building” 6-Lebanon in Figures 2003-2004 6-“I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards Justice Palace in Jdeidet el-Metn. 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 1.7 billion is the annual amount 9- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, paid as wages to 70 State attorneys, each candidate and confession-North District lawyer making LBP 2 million a month. 10- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, candidate and confession-Beirut District 11- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, candidate and confession-Mount Lebanon A LBP 206 million were paid to host the District meetings of the Lebanese-Egyptian Joint 12- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, Committee, which met in Beirut between candidate and confession-Beqa’a District June 13 and 19, 2010. Of them, LBP 52 13- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, To subscribe: candidate and confession-South and Nabatiyeh Al-Borj Building, 4th Floor, Martyrs Square million were paid as transport expenses Beirut Central District (car rentals) of the Egyptian delegation. District Telephone: 961-1-983008/9 961-3-262376 14- Municipal Elections 2010 Fax: 961-1-980630 [email protected] www.iimonthly.com www.information-international.com © Information International SAL All rights reserved License No. 180/2003 Responsible Director: Hala Saghbini Toys for the children of the Beddawi Palestinian Camp

On Sep 18, The Social and Cultural Development Association (INMA), Ghassan Jdeed Foundation (Dr. Fida Jdeed) and Mr Badr El Haj funded the activity “a toy for the Palestinian children of Beddawi”. This activity included the distribution of 385 toys to 201 boys and 184 girls, aged between 5 – 6 years. From Right: Abou Khaled Al-Ali, Abou Riad Shetly, Jawad Adra, Abou Mohammad Soueid. Standing: Hassan Salem

KG2 children

Kamal Abdallah and Nour-Lyla Adra distributing the gifts The children after they received their gifts