The Lebanese opposition movement, FPM, looks to be backed by France and most probably the United States.
The FPM is a Lebanese opposition movement, which has been vigorously calling for Lebanese independence from Syrian tutelage, and is headed by former army commander General Michel Aoun, who is currently in exile in France.
Rice had been "very involved" in U.S. policy toward Lebanon and had played a role in drafting the U.S.- and French-sponsored UN resolution 1559, which calls for the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon, for the disarmament of armed groups and for the respect of the Lebanese Constitution with regard to the presidential elections in May 2005. #msg-4599326
It is interesting that the sub intruder in Israeli waters is thought to be American or French. #msg-4592216
-Am
Opposition Protest in Lebanon May Lead to Clashes
Posted 11-18-2004 10:41:14 (GMT 11-18-2004 16:41:14) BEIRUT -- Lebanon might witness a clash between Internal Security Forces (ISF) and opposition members tomorrow, if the opposition holds a demonstration in Beirut's central district despite an official decision by the Interior Ministry banning public gatherings.
"We will go on with the demonstration, and we do not care about the ban, it is our constitutional right," said Antoine Nasrallah, senior official at the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), which is organising the demonstration to commemorate Lebanese Independence Day.
The FPM is a Lebanese opposition movement, which has been vigorously calling for Lebanese independence from Syrian tutelage, and is headed by former army commander General Michel Aoun, who is currently in exile in France.
"We just cannot understand how celebrating the Lebanese Independence Day might be a threat to internal security," said Nasrallah.
"It just goes to prove that the current Lebanese authorities are going on with their suppressive methods, despite winds of change brought by the international community," he added, referring to UN Security Council resolution 1559 and the recent international pressure on both Beirut and Damascus to end the Syrian hegemony over Lebanon.
From his French exile, General Aoun also asserted on Tuesday the movement's intension to stage the peaceful demonstration, urging people to participate in the protest he labeled as "defying Syrian occupation". "This is not only celebrating Lebanese independence which took place 61 years ago, we are also remembering that this independence is still incomplete, as Lebanon is still suffering from Syrian occupation." Aoun said that the demonstration will take place under international focus, as "all eyes were open and watching events in Lebanon" in the wake of UN resolution 1559.
"Should the regime of agents and traitors now in power seek to confront the demonstrators, so be it. We will add their move to their bulged file when we bring them to justice after Lebanon's forthcoming liberation," Aoun said.
However, the government apparently intends to suppress the planned demonstration, with newly elected Interior Minister Suleiman Franjieh recently saying that he would not approve the demonstration. "I will not allow them to demonstrate even if they ask for a permit, because a ministerial decision bans demonstrations," Franjieh said, adding that as former Interior Minister Elias Murr had used water to disperse demonstrators, he would also use all methods at his disposal "to oppress them."
In October 2002, Murr issued a decision to ban demonstrations. This decision had, in the past few years, triggered legal dispute between the opposition and the government over the legality of the ban, with legal experts saying it was unconstitutional. "The Lebanese constitution approves organizing demonstrations as a means of expression, and protects this right," said Lebanese legal expert Edmond Naim.
In fact, article 13 of the Lebanese constitution stipulates on the freedom to "express one's opinion orally or in writing, the freedom of the press, the freedom of assembly, and the freedom of association are guaranteed within the limits established by law." "The freedom of assembly means that people have the right to demonstrate and express their opinion," said Naim. "Such a constitutional right can not be apprehended by a Cabinet's decision."
Lebanon: '1 million' people demonstrate in support of Syria
History:
There is new evidence of Iranian-Syrian collusion to transform Lebanon into a safe haven for al Qaeda. Iran has already signaled its intention to allow its proxies to replace Arafat’s Fatah movement as the most important armed Palestinian force in Lebanon. #msg-4579110
Rice had been "very involved" in U.S. policy toward Lebanon and had played a role in drafting the U.S.- and French-sponsored UN resolution 1559, which calls for the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon, for the disarmament of armed groups and for the respect of the Lebanese Constitution with regard to the presidential elections in May 2005. #msg-4599326
Lebanon apparently cognizant of Bush’s use of mass demonstrations to coerce demands in Ukraine and other places has beat him to the punch as has Iran.
"The legal means to resolve this problem have been exhausted. The street will now speak," a Ukrainian opposition deputy, Petro Poroshenko, told reporters after the commission's announcement. #msg-4653701
Iran well aware of U.S. attempts at regime change and that this includes a fanning of opposition fires utilizing the power of the ‘street’ as most recently seen in Ukraine has called on one million basij forces in what looks like a show of force and countermove to any U.S. intervention. #msg-4685257
Welcome to the era of mass demonstrations or the battle of the bands.
-Am
Lebanon: '1 million' people demonstrate in support of Syria 30-11-2004, 20:31
About "1 million" Lebanese took to the streets Tuesday to demonstrate against the UN Security Council resolution 1559, and to reassure their commitment to the "unity of track and destiny with Syria," organizers said.
Resolution no. 1559 calls for withdrawal of "foreign forces" from Lebanon.
National and political parties as well as clergymen from across the country participated in the Beirut demonstration, carrying photos of both Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Emile Lahoud of Lebanon, shouting slogans in rejection of foreign intervention.
The demonstration was described as the "greatest in Lebanon’s history."
On his part, Deputy Secretary General of Hizbullah Sheikh Na’im Qassem reiterated during the evnt Lebanon’s rejection of the UN Security Council resolution.
“People came from all Lebanese regions to say no to foreign intervention, yes to resistance and to relations between Syria and Lebanon … we believe that it’s in the interest of Lebanon is to stand with Syria under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad,” Sheikh Qassem said in Beirut Tuesday.
He expressed appreciation of the sacrifices offered by Syria to help Lebanon keep national unity and stability.
Meanwhile, Chief of the Syrian National Socialist Party in Lebanon Jubran Arbaji, echoed Sheikh Qassem remarks, adding that the resolution No. 1559 also targets the national resistance and aims at isolating Lebanon from its Arab environment.
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