May Wednesday 03 -2000:

Lebanese civilian injured by "Israeli" fire in southern Lebanon

" A Lebanese civilian was injured Monday in artillery fire targeting residential areas of a village close to the "Israeli"-occupied zone of southern Lebanon, police said.

Hussein Ali Farhat was hit by a bullet when parts of Baraasheit came under heavy machine gun fire from a position held by "Israel's" proxy militia just inside the zone, they said.

"Since the beginning of the year four civilians have been killed and 71 injured despite an April 1996 agreement between the belligerents to spare civilians…(1)

For its part, the IR released a statement in which it reported the following "Israeli" aggressions:

00:25, the perimeters of Kfar Romman town exposed to a hail of Lancher machine gun bullets.

Between 1:15 and 22:55, thirty nine 155mm missiles slammed into the peripheries of Jibaa town.

5:10, Arid El-Zennar area was targeted by three 81mm rounds and a volley of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets.

5:30, the surroundings of Baraasheit compound came under twenty five 155mm and 120mm missiles, whereas six 155mm missiles landed the outskirts of Haddatha town.

10:00, a barrage of 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds hit Baraasheit town wounding the citizen Hussein Abdallah Farhat who was moved to Najem Hospital for treatment.

Between 10:15 and 13:30, Mount Al-Rafih was shelled by eleven 105mm tank rounds.

10:20, five 155mm missiles were unleashed at the surroundings of Tohorra outpost.

10:25, three 81mm rounds were fired at the surroundings of Soweida outpost.

11:05, Mount Sojod was targeted by four 155mm missiles.

11:10, one 155mm missiles fell on Tasseh Well watercourse.

18:00, a volley of 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds struck the peripheries of Majdal Zoun village.

Between 18:20 and 20:55, nineteen 155mm missiles slammed into the perimeters of Yater village.

18:35, Mount Kabir, west of Siddiqeen village, was shelled by four 155mm missiles.

19:15, the "Israeli" fighter-bombers dropped one air-to-surface missile into the northwestern of Yater village.

20:50, six 120mm shells were pounded into Arid El-Zennar area and the perimeters of Loweizeh village.

20:50, a hail of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets hit Arid El-Zennar area.

22:55, the peripheries of Ain Qana came under three 155mm missiles.

23:45, the deserted Lebanese Army barracks exposed to three tank rounds and a barrage of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets.

23:55, the perimeters of Kfar Romman town came under several 81mm rounds and a hail of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets, whereas Ali Taher woodland was showered by 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire…(2)

1-          AFP, 2-5-2000.

2-          IR statement, 2-5-2000.

May Thursday 04 -2000:

Fourteen Lebanese civilians wounded in "Israeli" air raid on southern Lebanon

" The wounding of 14 Lebanese civilians Wednesday in an "Israeli" air raid aimed at the home of a leader of Amal movement sparked a wave of tit-for-tat attacks between "Israel" and Lebanese guerrillas.

"In the initial incident "Israeli" planes carried out four raids on the villages of Arab Salim and Habboush, firing a total of eight air-to-ground missiles, a Lebanese police spokesman said.

Police said two elderly women, including the mother of Abbas Hallal, the Amal official in Habboush, an 18-month old baby and his 40-year old mother were hurt by shrapnel for a missile which also caused considerable damage to their two-storey house.

"Six people -- a mother and her five children aged from five to 13 -- in a car driving near the house were also injured, the police added.

"Four more people walking past the house were also hurt.

As for Hallal himself, he suffered bruising when he fell down the stairs trying to get out of the building.

All the casualties, whose injuries were described as moderate, were taken to hospital in the town of Nabatieh.

"Other missiles exploded about 15 metres (yards) from a school bus on the road linking Habboush to Arab Salim, north of the central sector of the occupied zone, the police said, but there were no injuries".

Ninety minutes later two houses in the village of Khorbet Selem north of the occupied zone were damaged by a missile fired from an ""Israeli"" helicopter, Lebanese police said, adding that "by a miracle" there were no casualties.

"A civilian was injured Tuesday when his village came under fire, prompting Hizbullah to respond by firing mortar bombs at an "Israeli" position.

Since the beginning of the year four civilians have been killed in "Israeli" shelling of southern Lebanon and 85 injured despite an April 1996 agreement between the belligerents to spare civilians"…(1)

For its part, the IR released a communiqué in which it mentioned the following "Israeli" aggressions:

1:55, Jabbour hilltops came under an air raid and several 155mm missiles.

3:00, five 81mm rounds landed Arid El-Zennar area, whereas the surroundings of Bir Kallab outpost exposed to a hail of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets.

3:10, Habboush River watercourse was targeted by a volley of 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds.

4:10, two 120mm shells were fired at Mount Sojod.

5:50, a number of 155mm missiles were unleashed at Mount Safi.

Between 5:55 and 6:50, eight 155mm missiles slammed into the perimeters of Jibaa town.

6:00, a barrage of heavy machine gun bullets struck the peripheries of Haddatha town.

Between 6:10 and 19:30, Kfour ravine was bombarded by thirteen 155mm missiles.

Between 13:55 and 19:25, Sawan area was pounded by fourteen 155mm missiles.

14:35, the ""Israeli"" war jets raided twice into Habboush River watercourse.

14:45, the ""Israeli"" warplanes raided into the house of Amal Movement's official of Habboush Abbas Hallal striking it directly. Abbas and his mother and wife were moderately injured, whereas his house was heavily damaged.

15:25, Qaissieh Valley was shelled by five 155mm missiles.

Between 15:40 and 19:55, twenty 155mm missiles fell on west of Yater village.

15:55, three 155mm missiles landed Jib Soweid area, east of Majdal Zoun village.

19:05, the perimeters of Haddatha town came under three 155mm missiles.

19:10, four 120mm shells, one of which is smoke, hit the surroundings of Bir Kallab outpost.

19:45, two 155mm missiles were unleashed at the peripheries of Hay El-Masslakh of Nabatieh.

20:00, the deserted Lebanese Army barracks at Nabatieh was shelled by three 155mm missiles.

20:05, one 155mm missile hit Khorbet Selem town.

21:30, the "Israeli" fighter-bombers dropped a number of air-to-ground rockets into Mount Abou Rashed.

22:55, an "Israeli" gunboat was seen cruising off the coast of Khaizaran town.

23:00, the surroundings of Shayar Azour came under one missile and a barrage of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets…(2)

Lahoud slams ‘heinous crime’…(3)

"President Emile Lahoud denounced the Jewish state’s air raid on civilians in Habboush on Wednesday as a “heinous crime for which there is no excuse.”
“This crime will surely prove to the public that "Israel" does not seek peace and security,” Lahoud said in a statement shortly after the 12 civilians were wounded in an "Israeli" air raid on the Iqleem al-Toffah village.

Agent Etian Saqr extorts occupation, threatens to stay after withdrawal…(4)

"As the date for the "Israeli" occupation forces' withdrawal from south Lebanon is drawing near while the status of the Lahd militiamen is unclear amidst growing tension and concern, the oldest but least important collaborator, Etian Saqr, tried to reassure the occupation's agents and issued a statement in which he thought he could extort the occupation's command.

"The soldiers and residents of the (occupied) zone have decided to stay in their villages and not leave them after "Israel" withdraws from south Lebanon, Saqr said at a press conference in occupied al-Quds (Jerusalem).

"They will defend themselves against any side that plans to harm them, said the president of the so-called "cedar guards' party" at the conference that was attended by some opposition members of the ""Israeli"" Knesset.

"The occupation's Knesset on Tuesday postponed for the third time a discussion on the militia's future".

1-          AFP, 3-5-2000.

2-          IR statement, 3-5-2000.

3-          The Daily Star, 4-5-2000.

4-          Manar TV, 3-5-2000.

May Friday 05 -2000:

"Israeli" jets raid power stations near Beirut, in north Lebanon

""Israeli" jets raided power stations near the capital and in northern Lebanon early Friday, while firing a missile near a Syrian intelligence post in the east, police said.

An AFP photographer said an electricity worker was slightly injured in the raids which came after the death of an "Israeli" soldier in a Hizbullah attack into northern "Israel" meant to avenge the killing of two Lebanese civilian women in an "Israeli" shelling.

"Israeli" jets struck a power station in the mountainous region of Bsalim, northeast of Beirut, at around 2:45 a.m. (2345 GMT), abruptly cutting electricity supply in many parts of the capital and its nearby regions, they said.

Many residents woke up in panic at the sound of the jets breaking the sound barrier over Beirut.

Witnesses told AFP that fire broke out in the Bsalim station.

The fighter-bombers also struck a power station in the Beddawi region, further up from the northern port city of Tripoli, the police said.

The worker who was wounded there, 28-year-old Daoud Fawaz, was hit in the arm by broken glass. Two of the station's three transformers were destroyed, the photographer said.

The warplanes returned about an hour later to strike again at Bsalim and Beddawi, they said.

"Israeli" warplanes also fired a missile in front of a position of the Syrian intelligence forces on the main highway linking eastern Lebanon to Syria, they said.

The fighter-bombers fired at around 3:20 a.m. (0020 GMT) a missile some 10 meters (33 feet) away from a building where Syrian intelligence forces are based, they said.

"The explosion of the missile has damaged the building and provoked a crater four meters (13 feet) deep, cutting the Beirut-Damascus international road in the village of Taanayel," the police said.

"Israeli" jets had earlier raided in a residential area on the main road between the cities of Zahleh and Baalback, at around 2:20 a.m. (2320 GMT), they said.

Detonations were heard for several minutes in the area, they said.

"Five other "Israeli" raids were also staged into valleys near the villages of Khorbet Selem, Majdal Selem, Wadi al-Qaissieh and Burj Qalaway -- all east of the southern port city of Tyre", they said…(1)

For its part, the IR issued a statement in which it reported the following "Israeli" aggressions (2):

00:05, three 155mm missiles landed Mazraat Hamra.

00:45, three 155mm missiles fell on the perimeters of Mlikh and one another on the surroundings of Bir Kallab.

Between 16:50 and 20:10, sixteen 155mm missiles slammed into the peripheries of Yater village.

Between 16:55 and 21:15, Qaissieh Valley was bombarded by more than twenty eight 155mm missiles.

Between 17:00 and 21:50, Sawan area was pounded by twenty seven 155mm missiles.

17:00, three 81mm rounds were unleashed at Sakhrieh Hill which is located at the perimeters of Arab Salim town.

Between 17:00 and 18:55, six 155mm missiles were fired at Kfour ravine.

17:50, the surroundings of Mazraat Ilman exposed to a volley of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets.

Between 18:15 and 18:30, the perimeters of Sultanieh village came under more than thirteen 155mm missiles.

Between 18:20 and 21:20, more than six 155mm missiles hit the peripheries of Khorbet Selem town.

18:20, several 155mm missiles landed the perimeters of Jmaijmeh village.

Between 18:35 and 20:55, the peripheries of Kfar Dounine village came under twelve 155mm missiles.

At 18:55 and 19:00, the "Israeli" fighter-bombers dropped more than four air-to-surface rockets into the perimeters of Sultanieh village.

At 19:23, 19:50 and 19:58, the "Israeli" war jets raided into the area between Deir Intar and Majadel.

20:50, six 155mm missiles struck the area between Jmaijmeh and Khorbet Selem towns.

1- AFP, 5-5-2000.

2- IR statement, 4-5-2000.

May Saturday 06 -2000:

Israel back off from new Lebanon strikes (1)

Israel backed off from further aggression against Lebanon Friday despite a new Hezbollah rocket strike on the north of the country.

Israel's public radio said the security cabinet had decided not to launch further attacks on Lebanon following the raids early Friday, but reserved the right to hit back at the appropriate moment.

Israel did not want to unleash a military escalation in Lebanon, after its air attacks on power facilities in the wake of a Hezbollah rocket strike Thursday, an unnamed senior official was quoted as saying.

The radio said members of the inner cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Ehud Barak were satisfied with the air raids, considering they had served their purpose of "punishment and dissuasion."

Thursday's Hezbollah rocket attack, itself in retaliation for deaths and injuries of civilians in southern Lebanon in air raids and shelling by Israel and its militia allies, killed one soldier and wounded another and injured 26 civilians in the northern town of Kiryat Shmona.

Friday's strike, which targeted Kiryat Shmona and the northwestern locality of Shlomi, caused one slight injury in the latter place.

Hezbollah: enemy must understand that it is responsible for aggressions against civilians (2)

Following the declaration of the Zionist security cabinet's decision to halt its latest aggression on Lebanon following the Islamic Resistance's bombardment of the colonies of Kiryat Shmona and Shlomi, Hezbollah Secretary General his Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah issued the following statement:

"The enemy government must understand very well that it is responsible for any aggression against civilians or infrastructures and that if it wants to distance its northern colonies from the threat of rockets, it has first to deter its army and collaborator militia from staging any such aggressions.

"We will always view the Israeli enemy as the one responsible for the transgressions and practices of the militia.  It is not acceptable for it to evade this responsibility for one second whatsoever.

"I hail the steadfastness of our honorable people and kiss the hands of the Islamic Resistance's men who have bravely defended their people and homeland.  I reiterate the Resistance's pledge to its dignified people to proceed with Jihad until the complete victory is achieved with Allah's assistance."

Hezbollah: our people must live safely (3)

Hezbollah Shura Council member his Eminence Sheikh Mohammed Yazbek underlined that the Israeli enemy is deceiving and deluding as it claims that it will withdraw in a bid to circumvent the victories scored by the Islamic Resistance.

The Israeli pullout is nothing but the result of the Islamic Resistance's blows, he said.

Speaking at Martyr Ali's funeral in Baalbek, Yazbek said, "The enemy wanted to bring down the April understanding and to remind us of its massacres when it bombarded our families in Habboush and killed a mother and her daughter in Qatrani."

What is an apology by the enemy good for after killing our people? he asked, adding, "The Resistance wanted the enemy to understand and to draw the UN and the world's attention that our people must live safely, so the Resistance fired the Katyusha rockets in retaliation for the enemy's aggressions.

By attacking infrastructures and civilians, the enemy wants to withdraw from a scorched earth, Sheikh Yazbek concluded.

Lebanese leaders react furiously to Israeli air aggressions...(4)

President Emile Lahoud  issued a statement denouncing the raids and saying that Israel “bears the responsibility of any consequences of such attacks.”

He added: “Israel reveals, once again, the extent of its criminal and racist behavior, which is worsening in the absence of international denunciation.”

Lahoud vowed that “such atrocities will not force Lebanon to stop adhering to its rights and unvarying principles.”

He argued that Israel, by choosing to hit Lebanon while UN envoy Terje Roed-Larsen was here to discuss Israel’s pledge to pull out of the south, “attempted to undermine UN Security Council Resolution 425 and force Lebanon to accept its conditions.”

While receiving a delegation from the General Labor Confederation earlier on Friday, Lahoud said that “pro-government and opposition leaders alike, together with the government and Parliament, are united today. This is the source of our strength.” He added: “Israel is catching its last breath regarding its occupation. It wants to leave Lebanon and doesn’t know how to do so. The Israelis want to subdue us with their withdrawal after previously failing to do so.”

Lahoud described an extraordinary meeting of the Arab League’s  scheduled for Saturday as another sign of Arab support for Lebanon.

He also brushed aside Israeli claims that an attack on the house of an Amal Movement leader in Habboush on Wednesday was a mistake. The attack, which left 12 civilians wounded, “cannot be a mistake because of its timing,” he argued.

Premier Salim Hoss said that the raids were “another example of Israel’s arrogance and barbarism … The attacks, by taking place while Israel was supposed to be preparing for a pullout … clearly show the world that Israel is two-faced and insincere.”

Hoss condemned the attacks in talks with the ambassadors of the UN Security Council’s five permanent members. He is due to hold similar meetings with Arab ambassadors on Saturday.

He also discussed the attacks in telephone calls to Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and Arab League Secretary-General Esmat Abdel-Meguid.

He received a telephone call from Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa Miro, who expressed his country’s solidarity with Lebanon.

Hoss also received a phone call from UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who discussed the results of Larsen’s talks in Lebanon.

Speaking later at a dinner he hosted for the 13th anniversary of his National Action Forum, Hoss reiterated that for the Israeli pullout to be complete, it should include the Shebaa Farms, which the Jewish state seized piecemeal over the past two decades.

He added that the pullout “will bring about Israel’s first defeat because it will be forced out of Arab land for the first time. This great achievement is coming into being thanks to the sacrifices of the resistance movement and the Lebanese people.”

In a news conference, Larsen deplored “Israel’s attacks and punitive raids against civilian targets in Lebanon. And I call on Israel to refrain from further military action against Lebanese territorial integrity.”

Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said: “The enemy’s government must understand that it bears the responsibility of any attacks on civilians or infrastructure.

“If it wants to keep its … settlements safe from Katyusha rockets, it has to deter its army from carrying out attacks similar to Friday’s and deter its militias from carrying out any attack,” he added in a statement.

Hizbullah’s highest official in the south, Sheikh Nabil Qaouq, said: “We will not plead for international mediation and efforts to restore our land and right. But we shall restore it with the power of arms, fire and blood.”

Speaking in Doueir, Nabatieh, at the funeral of Hizbullah fighter Jalal Rammal, who died in action last week, he added: “The Islamic Resistance will not tolerate the Israeli government’s targeting of civilians and civilian facilities. As long as Lebanon’s civil facilities are in danger, Israel’s facilities will remain so.”

Vital infrastructure destroyed again in latest Israeli air aggressions (5)

People across the country were woken by thunderous shelling in the early hours of Friday morning as Israeli jets blasted two power relay stations, plunging large sections of Beirut, the Bekaa and the north into darkness.

No casualties were reported but a watchman at one of the power stations was wounded in the arm by broken glass.

The raids were the third against power plants in a year.

Three transformers at the Bsalim power station, northeast of Beirut, were completely destroyed while three others sustained serious damage but “might be repairable” pending further reports, according to Electricite du Liban.

Meanwhile, Israeli bombers blasted the Deir Ammar power station in Baddawi, north of Tripoli, to rubble, leaving Akkar, Baalbek and Hermel in total darkness.

“It’s still premature to estimate the extent and cost of damage before the submission of a comprehensive report (of Bsalim and Deir Ammar),” Electricity and Water Resources Minister Suleiman Traboulsi said during an inspection of the Bsalim plant. “The station is now non-operational and has been isolated from the network,” he added.

Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Najib Mikati confirmed that “as in the past, reconstruction will take place immediately, bringing things back to normal.”

He also said that generators would be supplied to ensure the distribution of drinking water through the networks.

Even by midday, smoke and steam jetted out of the wrecked transformers, leaving repairmen wary of starting their work.

“They could go up in flames at any moment,” said one, pointing out that the wreckage still contained boiling oil.

“The EDL board called an emergency session at noon to assess the situation and make appropriate decisions,” said Rebecca Abi-Daher, media advisor to EDL director-general George Mouawad.

Jalal Halawi, heading an Egyptian delegation of electrical engineers, said he would report what he saw to the president of the Electricity of Egypt and discuss possibilities for aid.

The Israeli bombers also struck near Syrian headquarters along the Damascus Highway near Chtaura, creating a crater 10 meters deep and 20 meters wide, severing the road.

A power rationing schedule has still not been worked out, pending final assessments of the damage incurred.

A senior official at the Qadisha Electricity Company said the company could provide up to six hours of power to the northern areas hit by the raids.

Meanwhile, residents near the Bsalim station had a restless night, traumatized by the tremendous explosions caused by the Israeli shelling.

“I can’t even describe to you how the thunderous booms sent vibrations through the building,” said Elie George, a resident who lives about 300 meters from the facility.

“It felt as though we were being exposed to a gush of high pressure,” he added.

“Our two-month-old baby daughter cried non-stop for three hours from the trauma. We felt helpless, unable to do anything for her except hold her close and comfort her.”

George, whose house does not have a bomb shelter, said he would not be going anywhere in the event of resumed shelling. “We have no choice.”

A hairdressing salon located across from the plant suffered serious damage as a result of Friday’s raids.

Fouad Rashdiki, the salon’s owner, estimated that the three raids over the past year had caused damage valued at least $10,000 ­ with broken windows, mirrors and twisted aluminum.

Friday’s five raids in the north also caused damage to Deir Ammar’s vocational institute and sparked panic among residents, who fled to neighboring fields and orchards until the shelling stopped.

At about 11am, Israeli jets broke the sound barrier over the power plants of Deir Nbouh and al-Hreisheh, but no additional air raids were carried out.

Arab League Calls Emergency Meeting on Lebanon...(6)

The Arab League will hold an emergency meeting on Saturday in light of the upsurge of “Israeli” aggression Lebanon, league sources said on Friday.

The meeting will be held in Cairo at the level of permanent representatives, after Arab League Secretary-General Esmat Abdel-Meguid held intensive contacts with the Lebanese Prime Minister Selim al-Hoss and the league's representative from Oman, chair of the current league session.

The meeting is due to examine the dangers of the Israeli military aggression in South Lebanon which has led to the killing of Lebanese civilians and the wounding of others, league sources added.

Iran condemns Israeli attacks on Lebanon (7)

Iran on Friday condemned Israel's latest attacks on Lebanon and expressed its concern over the fate of the Middle East peace process, the official IRNA news agency reported.

"The international community must give serious attention to the sensitive situation of the region and use all means at its disposal to stop the Zionist invasion in southern Lebanon," foreign ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi said, cited by IRNA.

He said that Israel, which the Islamic republic of Iran does not recognise, was "trying to mask its defeats" by launching "savage" attacks on its northern neighbour.

His comments came after the Israeli air force staged a series of strikes against civilian infrastructure targets in Lebanon overnight that left one civilian wounded.

Iran supports Hezbollah, which leads the armed campaign to drive Israel out of southern Lebanon.

Beirut makes case for Shebaa (8)

Lebanon submitted documents and maps on Friday to prove to UN experts that the Shebaa Farms were part of Lebanese territory before they were captured piecemeal by Israel over the past two decades.

The second half of the meeting between UN experts and government officials at Baabda Palace was attended by President  Emile Lahoud, Premier Salim Hoss and UN Middle East envoy Terje Roed-Larsen. The president’s participation was said to have contributed highly to consolidating the Lebanese stand.

As Israel plans to withdraw its troops from the south, Beirut is demanding that the Jewish state relinquish the fertile Shebaa Farms.

The Lebanese delegation included the head of the Surete Generale, Major General Jamil al-Sayyed, and one of Hoss’ foreign-affairs advisers, Yehya Mahmasani. Among the UN delegates was topography expert Miklos Pinther, to whom the Lebanese presented seven arguments, supported by documents, to counter UN claims:

All ownership deeds in the various Shebaa Farms are Lebanese, issued and stamped by the Lebanese government.

A Cabinet decision was issued in 1948 saying that the state owned 3 million square meters in the farm of Machhad al-Tayr. The decision was made following judicial discord between Lebanon and the Sunni religious court. The decree contradicted a decision by the Sunni religious authority that described the land as religious endowment property. Proving that such a rift actually existed, the mufti of the republic, Sheikh Mohammed Qabbani, asserted on Friday that the “Islamic authorities own 3 million square meters in the Shebaa Farms.”

The Lebanese delegation refuted the Israeli argument that Shebaa was occupied in 1967 ­ that is, during the Arab-Israeli war ­ which means that a settlement on the issue would have to be part of UN Resolution 242. Beirut argued that the area of Bastara, within the Shebaa Farms, was invaded much later, in 1989, leading to the displacement of more than 30 families.

Lebanese officials asked that if the Shebaa Farms were considered Syrian or were the subject of conflict between Syria and Lebanon, why hadn’t UN experts questioned Syria about it?

According to political sources, Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa asserted to Hoss that Syria was convinced that the Shebaa Farms were Lebanese territory. However, Syria would only express this stance if asked about the ownership of the disputed farms, the sources said.

The Lebanese delegation argued that even though Beirut did not make its claim until recently, that fact did not alter the fact that it was Lebanese land.

The Lebanese officials said that during the occupation, Lebanon avoided raising matters related to the Israeli border. These issues were left for when Israel would plan to fully withdraw, which did not occur until this year. When Israel started saying that it would pull out in accordance with Resolution 425, it became Beirut’s right and duty to ask for every inch of Lebanese territory, the delegation argued.

This point was raised following remarks made by a senior official from UN forces in the Golan, who attended the meeting and argued that UN forces had always dealt with the Shebaa Farms as Syrian territory.

The delegation presented a military map in which the Shebaa Farms were included, contradicting maps UN experts have submitted that did not mention the farms. The military map was printed in 1966 on the basis of an earlier one published in 1945.

The delegation argued that a Lebanese-Syrian committee, formed in 1949, had officially recognized the Shebaa Farms as Lebanese territory. The delegation supported its account of the committee’s findings with official notes from the Syrian Foreign Ministry at that time.  

Hundreds march on UN House to demand return of Shebaa farms (9)

Hundreds of people took to the streets on Friday to protest the invalidity of UN Resolution 425 if Israel fails to relinquish the Shebaa Farms as part of its withdrawal from south Lebanon.

The demonstration, which included officials and members of the public, was in response to statements by UN special Middle East envoy Terje Roed-Larsen, who indicated that the fertile strip is not part of the territory from which Israel should withdraw.

Lebanon has warned that a failure to give back the farms, located in 15 villages, will be considered an incomplete withdrawal. Marching to a background of patriotic songs, drum beats and taped accounts of Shebaa’s annexation, protesters demanded that the United Nations force Israel to return the farms, which the Lebanese government claims were fenced off with barbed wire by Israel.

UN Resolution 425 “means a complete withdrawal from Shebaa,” said one of the banners brandished by Boy Scouts from Arqoub, one of the areas seized by Israel in 1967.

“Human rights are raped in Arqoub. So, where are you America?” another banner read, held high between a blanket of Lebanese flags.

The hour-long march, which was organized by the Committee for Descendants from Arqoub, set-off from the busy Barbir thoroughfare and proceeded to the UN House downtown, where Larsen was holding a press conference. The envoy did not meet the protesters, the majority of whom  represented the Arqoub Committee. Instead, UN representative, Saeed Shamseddine, was handed a memo addressed to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in which the displaced citizens of Arqoub and Shebaa demanded that the international body observe Lebanon’s right to regain the Farms.

“The United Nations, which is currently scrambling to implement Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426, is duty-bound to dislodge all Israeli occupation forces from all Lebanese occupied land, and in particular the Shebaa Farms and hamlets on Mount Hermon,” said a statement by the committee.

“Any implementation of the two UN Resolutions which overlooks our demands will only be interpreted as an Israeli troop redeployment,” the statement added. A truck accompanied the demonstrators, its loudspeakers blaring an account of Israel’s seizure of Shebaa, which was reportedly turned into a Jewish colony housing the Falasha immigrants from Ethiopia in 1985.

“This is the land of my ancestors. I am here to demand the return of my land,” said Ali Wehbeh, 64, from Arqoub as he waved a copy of the title deed to his farm.

Marjayoun-Hasbaya MP Nazih Mansour affirmed that Shebaa would be regained by force if the international community fails to convince Israeli to hand back the territory.

“What is taken by force, should be liberated by force,” he told the gathering which chanted Allah Akbar as he praised the resistance movement.

1 - Jerusalem 5-5-‏2000

2 - Manar TV 5-5-2000

3 - Same source

4 - The Daily Star 5-5-2000

5 - Same source

6 - Future TV 5-5-2000

7 - Jerusalem 5-5-2000

8 - The Daily Star  5-5-2000

9 - Same source

May Monday 08 -2000:

Arabs urge UN to stop "Israeli" attacks in Lebanon…(1)

" Lebanese Prime Minister Salim Hoss on Sunday thanked the Arab League for supporting Lebanon after "Israeli" raids on the country.

"This position is in accordance with the position adopted in the special session of the council March 11 in Beirut, showing solidarity with Lebanon when faced with "Israeli" aggression," Hoss told reporters. "We express our deep thanks to our Arab brothers."

Arab League head Esmat Abdel Meguid sent a message Sunday to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan calling for the immediate application of UN Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426 of 1978, which call for "Israel's" withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

The Council of the Arab League met Saturday in Cairo and called for a freeze in normalization efforts with "Israel" after the Jewish state's "aggressions," reiterating the position it adopted in March after "Israeli" air raids February 7 and 8 on Lebanese civilian installations.

"Israeli" Prime Minister Ehud Barak pledged last month to pull "Israeli" troops out of Lebanon by July and has made it clear the withdrawal will go ahead regardless of whether an agreement is reached with Syria .

""Israel" launched the overnight raids Thursday after attacks by the militant Islamist group Hizbullah into "Israel", themselves a riposte to "Israeli" attacks on Lebanese civilians".

Arab Americans strongly condemn "Israeli" attacks on Lebanon…(2)

" The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) issued the following statement last week regarding "Israel's" retaliatory attacks in southern Lebanon.

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) strongly condemns the "Israeli" bombing of civilian areas in Lebanon over the past three days which have killed at least two civilians, injured many more and once again plunged much of Beirut into darkness. Tensions increased after two "Israeli" attacks on Lebanese civilians on Wednesday, May 3. "Israeli" forces shelled the southern Lebanese village of Al Katrani killing two civilian women, 82-year-old Almaza Muzhir, and her 40-year-old daughter Ilham Tawil. In a separate attack, "Israeli" warplanes bombed the village of Habboush, wounding fourteen Lebanese civilians, including five children. The injured included two elderly women, an 18-month old baby and his 40-year old mother, and a mother and her five children aged from five to 13.

After Lebanese resistance forces retaliated against targets in northern "Israel", "Israeli" warplanes once again bombed Lebanese power stations in Beirut. In spite of its announcement that it intends to withdraw from most of occupied Lebanon in June, "Israel" continues to attack civilians and fuel dangerous escalations of tension. The US State Department has called for maximum restraint on all sides and has condemned attacks on civilian targets. ADC notes, however, that the State Department was silent when only Lebanese civilians were targeted on Wednesday and commented on the situation only after "Israeli" civilians were also drawn into the conflict.

Yet again, "Israel" has chosen to respond to attack and murder Lebanese civilians in support of its brutal occupation of southern Lebanon and then claim “retaliation” when bombing more civilian targets, including power stations. ADC urges the press not to simply repeat this official "Israeli" line, and to acknowledge in its reports that the current fighting began with "Israel's" attacks on Lebanese civilians on Wednesday.

""Israel's" campaign to continuously attack and destroy the Lebanese power grid, which it has attacked at least three times in the past year is a cruel attempt to prevent the Lebanese people from rebuilding their infrastructure and economy after years of devastating civil war. "Israel" has occupied southern Lebanon since 1978, when the UN Security Council, including the United States, unanimously demanded in Resolution 425 that "Israel" withdraw its troops from Lebanon “forthwith” and without condition. ADC President Hala Maksoud said “In order to have any credibility, our government must also adopt a single standard whereby it is equally outraged at attacks on Lebanese civilians as it is by attacks on "Israelis".”

1- AFP, 7-5-2000.

2- ADC, 5-5-2000

May Tuesday 09 -2000:

Hoss praises Arab League's call for freezing normalization…(1)

"Prime Minister Salim Hoss welcomed the Arab League’s call for a freeze in normalizing relations with "Israel", saying it was another sign that Arabs fully supported Lebanon.
“I’d like to thank our Arab brethren for their support,” he said in a statement. “The call reiterated a similar position held by Arab foreign ministers in Beirut in March.”
In an emergency meeting on Saturday held after "Israeli" warplanes bombed two power stations, the League’s permanent representatives “urged Arab states that have relations with "Israel" in the framework of the peace process to review these ties after the aggression.”
They also called for “a halt to all Arab participation in the multilateral negotiations until there is substantial progress on all tracks of the peace process.”

Syria, Egypt demand full "Israeli" pullback…(2)
"Egypt expressed concern after a visit by Syrian President Hafez Assad on Monday that "Israel" would not leave all of south Lebanon by July in a planned withdrawal.
There are “fears of how complete the "Israeli" withdrawal will be,” Foreign Minister Amr Moussa told a news conference with his Syrian counterpart, Farouk al-Sharaa.
As Damascus and Cairo were coordinating their positions, "Israeli" Premier Ehud Barak also found himself squeezed between territorial demands from the Palestinians and resistance to land concessions from his closest political partners.
"Assad held talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak before leaving without speaking to reporters. “The first thing to be done is to realize a complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory,” said Moussa.
The withdrawal “should be complete on land, sea and air and an honest implementation of Resolutions 425 and 426,” Moussa said, referring to UN Security Council resolutions calling for an "Israel" withdrawal from Lebanon".

PM tells expatriates, "We count on you abroad"…(3)
"Prime Minister Dr Salim al-Hoss explained to a group of Lebanese expatriates in Australia the Lebanese daily suffering due to the "Israeli" aggressions against the people and their properties, especially the enemy's attacks against Lebanese infrastructures.

Al-Hoss urged the delegation to intensify the action taken by the Lebanese community and the contacts with Australian officials to relay a clear image of the "Israeli" aggressions and the heavy losses inflicted on the power stations in the recent "Israeli" aggression on May 4.

Lebanon will not abandon one span of its territories, especially the Shibaa Farms. It will resist with all forms to liberate its soil from "Israeli" occupation, he said.

The premier commended the action taken by the Lebanese communities around the world to support Lebanon.

This (action) is a huge support, at this stage, and a way to reinforce the Lebanese stand to liberate its occupied soil at the international forums, he said.

1-            The Daily Star, 9-5-2000.

2-            Same source.

3-            Manar TV, 8-5-2000.

May Wednesday 10 -2000

Militia unveils occupation's post-withdrawal plan…(1)

Less than 24 hours after he begged for the Lebanese government's pardon to his militiamen and his threat to create unrest if his requests are denied, agent Antoine Lahd said the occupation's militia will maintain a border strip in south Lebanon after the "Israeli" pullout.

The strip will extend along the border between Mount Hermon and Naqoura, the chief of the occupation's collaborators told Reuters, adding that he would maintain the borders with the "Israeli" entity open.

Agent Lahd said he would return to the "Israeli" occupation the heavy arms it has given to his militia as he would not need them since he "does not intend to attack anyone".

Asked about a potential confrontation between his militia and the UNIFIL troops, Lahd said he did not believe disarming is among the responsibilities of the international force.

Iran promises aid after Israeli raids

Lebanon thanks Iran for support of resistance against "Israel": IRNA

"The Iranian ambassador to Lebanon said on Tuesday that his country was planning to help Lebanon reconstruct the power stations devastated by last Friday’s "Israeli" air raids but did not specify what type of aid Iran would offer.
Mohammed Ali Sobhani made the announcement following talks with Finance Minister George Corm which focused on the latest regional developments as well as different fields of cooperation between the two countries.
“We’re seriously looking into how we can help in the rebuilding of the power stations and we will soon announce it,” Sobhani said.
He stressed that his country would always stand beside Lebanon in the face of all pressure from the Jewish state.
“Iran has always been concerned with providing whatever possible help for Lebanon,” Sobhani said.
Iran helped fund the rebuilding of power stations destroyed by "Israeli" air raids last February and in June 1999….(2)

Meanwhile, " Lebanon's Prime Minister Salim Hoss thanked Iran for its support of the Lebanese resistance against the "Israeli" occupation in a call to Tehran officials, Iran's state IRNA news agency said Tuesday.

"Lebanon pays homage to Iran for its support of the resistance as well as the Lebanese government," Hoss told Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi in a telephone convseration, according to IRNA.

Hoss also reiterated "the determination of the Lebanese people to reconstruct its damaged installations as soon as possible," referring to power sites bombed by "Israel" last week.

Kharazi for his part expressed "the serious concern of Iran, as head of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, about the raids."

The "Israeli" air strikes that knocked out two electricity relay stations followed the death of an "Israeli" soldier and injuries to some 30 settlers in rocket strikes on northern "Israel" by Hizbullah guerrillas, launched in reprisal for civilian casualties under "Israeli" fire in southern Lebanon.

Kharazi said the attacks were a "flagrant violation" of a 1996 accord not to target civilians in the hostilities in south Lebanon.

The Iranian minister met Monday with Hoss's predecessor Rafiq Hariri, who is making a private visit to Tehran"…(3)

1-            Manar TV, 9-5-2000.

2-            The Daily Star, 10-5-2000.

3-            AFP, 9-5-2000.

May Thursday 11 -2000:

Hizbullah: agent Lahd is extorting, his strip means continuation of occupation…(1)
"Hizbullah Deputy Secretary General his Eminence Sheikh Nahim Qassem casted doubt on agent Antoine Lahd's ability to carry out the threat he had launched on Tuesday regarding his intention to maintain a border strip along the border with occupied Palestine.

Lahd's threat is a way to have the UN intervene and say to Lebanon: "We have a problem here, help us solve it and give these people (the collaborators) something, Sheikh Qassem told as-Safir daily.

Concerning the liberation of Aramta yesterday, Qassem said, "Evacuations will be repeated over the next few days; they may be part of an "Israeli" plan to partition the pullout steps in order to curb the big withdrawal in the last day."

What Lahd is saying aims at political extortion. The strip he intends to establish is an "Israeli" occupation, and we will deal with it as a strip whose responsibility is completely shouldered by ""Israel"", and not restricted to Lahd's group. Any explanation that might be given in this regard is rejected, the deputy secretary-general said.

"I think the UN envoy, Terje Roed-Larsen, heard the Lebanese officials reject that the collaborators get any special treatment, be given guarantees or that they do not undertake full responsibility for their acts".

Lahoud salutes youths withdrawal will be victory for us…(2)

President Emile Lahoud said that he had high expectations of Lebanese youth and national unity on Wednesday, stressing that the "Israeli" withdrawal was a victory for Lebanon and a prelude to economic prosperity.
“Our young people have proved their strength. They’re strong because they suffered during the war and paid dearly to become adults,” he told visitors. “They used to ignore shelling and go to school without knowing if they’d be back. One example of their strength is their liberation of Arnoun.”
"Israeli" troops annexed Arnoun into the occupation zone last year but it was reclaimed by unarmed students who tore down the barbed-wire barricades. "Israel", however, re-occupied the village weeks later and has retained control ever since.
“In peacetime, our young people will continue to build up their strength,” said Lahoud, who has decorated the reception hall at the Presidential Palace with photographs of young people liberating Arnoun.
The president hailed Lebanon’s unity, saying: “In the past, people used to shoot each other for any trivial reason. Today, we have a truly national army and a resistance movement. Sectarianism has no place in the army or the resistance movement.” He said that thanks to Syria, he managed to rebuild the 75,000-strong army while he was its commander between 1989 and 1998.
On "Israel's" expect withdrawal, he said: “We want the withdrawal to take place according to international resolutions. It is "Israel", not Lebanon, which has a long history of violating international law. “They say they want to leave before their self-imposed deadline of July. Let them leave today. The withdrawal will be a victory for us.”
Lahoud warned of "Israeli" plans to destabilize Lebanon, hinting that former army commander General Michel Aoun had mobilized his supporters to call for Syria’s withdrawal to serve "Israel's" interests.
“The young people who demonstrated are not collaborators with "Israel",” he said. “Those who mobilized them are.”
He reiterated Lebanon’s insistence on an "Israeli" pullout from Shibaa, saying that only Lebanon and Syria had the right to delineate their common border.
“The United Nations doesn’t have the authority to interfere in such matters. An expert in international law agreed with this when I met a UN delegation last week,” he said.
He also said that Beirut had turned down a request to have human-rights groups attend the trials of the “Israeli”-proxy militiamen, saying that their presence would violate Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Lahoud, who received several MPs, including Chouf MP Walid Jumblatt, accused "Israel" of “launching air strikes … to discourage foreign businessmen from investing here.”
“The "Israelis" want Lebanon to remain at their mercy,” he argued, “because they don’t want it to become an economic threat to them.”

Hoss: ‘Lahd should turn himself in’…(3)

"Prime Minister Salim Hoss reiterated his call on Wednesday for the “Israeli”-ellied militia commander Antoine Lahd to turn himself in to Lebanese authorities.
“I said it two days ago and I repeat it now: Antoine Lahd must turn himself in to the judiciary instead of asking for amnesty for his militiamen who continue to aggress Lebanese civilians and army,” Hoss said.
He was addressing a delegation of Mediterranean news agencies’ directors who had called on him with head of the National News Agency, Khalil Khoury. He said it was normal for the authorities to look into the militia’s case without “revenge or acrimony” but within the context of the legal texts that were currently applicable.
Hoss hoped that once "Israel" withdrew, the foreign media would deal with the news on Lebanon in a positive way so that Arab and foreign investors would be encouraged to come. “The foreign media usually portrays Lebanon in a negative way because of the "Israeli" aggressions that take place on a daily basis, which gives the impression that the situation in Lebanon is not stable,” he said.
Hoss said the Shibaa farms were “100 percent Lebanese” based on the ownership documents released by the Lebanese authorities and court rulings.
“If these farms weren’t Lebanese, the real estate authorities would not have been able to issue relevant documents and the judiciary wouldn’t have ruled in conflicts surrounding them based on their ownership by Lebanese citizens,” he said.
"He added that Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa had confirmed to UN envoy Terje Roed-Larsen that the land was Lebanese during their meeting on Sunday".

 Lebanese villagers look for family graves as they return to old home…(4)

" In the cemetery of Aramta, villagers peer at the overgrown tombstones they had been unable to tend for the 17 years of enforced absence which ended Tuesday when the Lebanese authorities took back control of the village from "Israel's" proxy militia.

Ismail Hajjeh can only rely on his intuition to find the graves of his parents who died while he was away.

"Perhaps it's these here. Someone said they are close to our neighbour Subhiyeh," says Mariam, 60, who has put on her glasses to help her make out the names written in ink on the tombstones, which are all piled up and leaning crazily against each other.

"No, they are too recent. My father died in 1984, and my mother followed him the next year," replies Ismail, continuing his desperate search.

"Come and look over here," shouts old Khadijeh, kneeling by two unnamed tombs, in the shade of a huge walnut tree whose branches have been shattered by shells.

Ismail runs over.

"My heart tells me it isn't them. But even so I shall recite the prayer for the repose of their souls," he says.

In the end, Ismail did manage to track down the right graves, thanks to Abu Siraj, one of the 110 villagers who remained behind in Aramta out of the 5,000 who lived there when "Israel" occupied it in 1978.

He cleaned up the stones and laid flowers on them in a long-delayed act of filial piety.

Mariam was looking for the final resting places of her mother and brother-in-law.

"I left Aramta exactly 15 years and six months ago. I was counting the days, and now I have come back, I hope for good," she said.

Fatima Mansur had gathered a huge bunch of blood-red anemones among the graves of the tumbledown cemetery. Dressed in black from head to foot, she had come with her daughter Huda, born "in exile" 18 years ago, to visit for the first time the grave of her husband who died in 1998.

"His body was brought back by the International Committee of the Red Cross and Lahad's men only allowed one person to go with it," she said, referring to "Israel's" proxy militia.

Abdel Latif Jahjah, who never left, chimed in: "They sent us the bodies by registered post, with no-one to accompany them to the grave."

He said he expected hundreds of people to pour into the village Sunday to take part in ceremonies for Ayub al-Ali, who died just before the militia withdrew on Monday.

Dozens of villagers managed to take time off work Wednesday to celebrate the liberation of their village, which was decked out with the colours of Hizbullah, which has spearheaded efforts to force "Israel" out of Lebanese territory.

Red and yellow flags bearing Hizbullah's emblem fluttered from telegraph poles along the road leading to the village and from the shell-shattered houses.

"Congratulations to Aramta, congratulations to the motherland" read a huge banner emblazoned with the same emblem, stretched out across the square where the village imam, Sheikh Ibrahim Husseini, a Hizbullah supporter, led open-air prayers for some 30 of the faithful.

"After 18 years of exile I have come to share with those villagers who resisted the joy of liberation and of the victory achieved by the Islamic Resistance," Hizbullah's armed branch, he told AFP.

Hizbullah forced the “Israeli” agents out of Aramta on April 28 when they planted explosive devices which killed three militiamen and injured four others.

"The local authorities Tuesday dismantled the road block of earth and concrete slabs which the militia had erected at the entrance to the village, and took back control".

Houses damaged, cattle killed in "Israeli" aggressions
"The "Israeli" occupation forces once again violated the April Understanding when the enemy's artillery Wednesday morning bombarded the towns of Habboush and Kfar Romman.

The occupation's shells that landed in Kfar Romman damaged the houses of Hassan Ali Ahmed and Hussein Ali Ahmed besides killing some cattle.

In Habboush, the house of Fawzi Makki was damaged when it was directly hit by an "Israeli" round.

The enemy's shelling also concentrated on the Habboush-Arab Salim road which is usually crowded in the morning by school buses. Pupils had to go back to their homes in order to avoid the risk, especially the Iqleem al-Toffah students.

Later on, the occupation's artillery shelled the outskirts of Arab Salim, the Zahrani River gorge, and the area between the towns of Jibsheit and Shoukeen…(5)

For its part, the IR released a statement in which it reported the following "Israeli" aggressions (6):

Between 1:35 and 5:55, eight 155mm missiles landed Ain Smahieh area.

1:35, the "Israeli" helicopter gunships raided into the area between Majdal Selem, Sawan and Qaissieh Valley.

1:40, the "Israeli" choppers fired one air-to-ground into the perimeters of Majdal Selem and another one into the peripheries of Sawaneh.

Between 1:45 and 20:50, Qaissieh Valley was bombarded by twenty three 155mm missiles.

Between 1:45 and 20:20, Sawan area was pounded by more than nineteen 155mm missiles.

1:45, more than four 155mm missiles were unleashed at Kfour ravine.

5:25, the surroundings of Rshaf position exposed to a hail of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets.

Between 5:55 and 19:40, the perimeters of Majdal Zoun came under thirteen 81mm and 120mm shells and nine 155mm missiles.

Between 5:55 and 14:25, more than eight 155mm missiles slammed into the peripheries of Jibal El-Botom village.

7:10, several missiles were fired at Kfar Romman town damaging a number of houses, whereas the family of Ali Ahmad were narrowly escaped death but the house was damaged.

7:10, ten 120mm and 155mm missiles were unleashed at Habboush River watercourse and Yaqaoun area.

7:15, Ain Dahab ravine between the villages of Jibsheit and Choukine was shelled by ten 155mm missiles.

7:20, a number of 155mm missiles hit the perimeters of Habboush town and its river watercourse.

Between 14:15 and 21:50, the perimeters of Yater village came under fourteen 155mm missiles.

Between 15:25 and 24:00, Mount Sojod was targeted by fourteen 155mm missiles.

17:30, the peripheries of Qabrikha village and Mohaisbat position exposed to 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire.

17:45, six 155mm missiles fell on the perimeters of Qabrikha.

Between 19:50 and 20:05, Baraasheit town and its peripheries came under four 120mm shells, several 155mm missiles and volleys of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets.

19:50, two guided missiles struck the perimeters of Beit Yahoun.

19:55, Aita El-Jabal woodland and the surroundings of Beit Yahoun outpost were targeted by 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire.

20:05, Mount Zaatar and the peripheries of Aita El-Jabal village were pounded by eight 81mm rounds and a number of 155mm missiles, whereas a barrage of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets hit the surroundings of Baraasheit compound.

20:10, three 155mm missiles fell on Hamra area.

Between 20:55 and 22:00, Tasseh Well watercourse was pounded by ten 155mm missiles.

Between 20:55 and 23:45, more than twenty one 155mm missiles slammed into the peripheries of Jibaa town.

21:10, the outskirts of Arnoun town came under fifty 155mm smoke missiles.

21:15, twenty eight 155mm missiles slammed into the peripheries of Siddiqeen village.

21:25, the outskirts of Arnoun came under twenty six 155mm missiles.

21:55, the surroundings of Bir Kallab outpost exposed to heavy machine gun fire.

22:05, Arid El-Zennar area was showered by heavy machine gun fire.

1-          Manar TV, 10-5-2000.

2-          The Daily Star, 11-5-2000.

3-          Same source.

4-          AFP, 10-5-2000.

5-          Manar TV, 10-5-2000.

6-          IR statement, 10-5-2000.

May Friday 12 -2000:

Lahoud: no amnesty for the collaborators…(1)

"President Emile Lahoud on Thursday made a distinction between the treatment of ordinary residents of the "Israeli"-occupied zone and the collaborators once "Israel" withdraws from the south.
“The overwhelming majority of the occupied zone’s residents tolerated with steadfastness the tragic circumstances imposed by the occupation,” he said. “These people will receive special attention from the government.”
“On the other hand, a small minority of residents fought on the side of the occupation, targeting citizens inside and outside the occupied zone. They violated the law and will face trial,” he said, according to a statement from the Presidential Palace.
“There will be no amnesty for those who collaborated with the enemy against their people and homeland,” Lahoud warned.
Visitors who met the president on Thursday quoted him as saying that the appeal from clemency for the "Israeli"-allied militiamen which their commander, Antoine Lahd, made earlier this week was instigated by "Israel".
However, Lahoud noted that the militiamen who handed themselves over to the government after the withdrawal from Jezzine had received “fair trials” and were being released after the completion of their sentences.
Lahoud warned "Israel" against “creating crises” following a pullout, because this would jeopardize the stability of its northern border, something that would run contrary to "Israeli" Prime Minister Ehud Barak’s assurances to his people that the withdrawal would bring an end to their problems in Lebanon.

New weapons delivery puts "Israeli" militia disarmament in doubt…(2)

""Israel" handed the "Israeli"-proxy militia another long-range 160mm mortar on Thursday, defying speculation that the militia’s heavy weapons would be reclaimed by the withdrawing "Israeli" troops.
The mortar was strapped to a tank chassis and carried by a transporter vehicle from the border to a frontline position in Zimraya in the western Beqaa, witnesses said.
The militia is believed to have 20-25 160mm mortars, along with dozens of 120mm and 81mm mortars, which are kept in frontline outposts.
The larger-caliber 160mm versions used by the collaborators are usually fixed to tanks which serve as makeshift mobile artillery platforms, according to sources inside the zone. The militia is also equipped with about six 130mm artillery guns in four batteries located at Mohaibib in the central sector, Marjeyoun and Hasbaya in the eastern sector and Tair Harfa in the western sector.
"Israel" has been charged by the United Nations with ensuring that these weapons do not remain in the hands of the militia following the withdrawal. UNIFIL’s plans to deploy up to the border could be jeopardized if the area continues to be controlled by a well-armed militia.
The "Israeli" agent commander for the eastern sector, Nabih Abu Rifai, reportedly said on Thursday that the militia was expecting to receive further supplies of heavy weapons and ammunition in coming weeks. "The armaments would help the militia defend the border zone following the departure of the "Israelis"", he said.

Workers’ demo becomes voice of unity…(3)

"Some 400 people took to the capital’s streets on Thursday to denounce the latest "Israeli" air raid attacks on Lebanon, changing the theme of a demonstration which was originally planned to protest socio-economic conditions.
The march, organized by the General Labor Confederation, was attended by loyalists from all of the country’s political parties. The GLC had originally called for a demonstration on May 16 to protest the country’s growing economic difficulties. But after last week’s "Israeli" air strikes on power plants in Metn and north Lebanon the theme was transformed to express solidarity with the government during this critical phase.
The protesters gathered at Barbir at 4pm and marched to the UN House in Riyad Solh, 3 kilometers from the starting point, chanting slogans, waving Lebanese flags and banners that represented the political parties.
The road from Barbir to Riyad Solh was closed by policemen who escorted protesters amid patriotic songs that blared from loudspeakers.
Representatives from most Lebanese parties took part in the demonstration, in addition to union groups who arrived from around the country. The Communist Party, the Lebanese Resistance Brigades and Al-Jamaa Al-Islamia fielded that largest groups of participants.
Chouf MP Zaher Khatib and Beirut MP Jamil Shammas joined the protest, marching in the front row alongside GLC President Elias Abu Rizk and other union leaders.
Public drivers drove their buses and mini-vans to the UN house to express their support for the protest.
Banners praised the resistance. One of them said that the “resistance proved that "Israel" was a paper tiger,” and another held by members of al-Jamaa al-Islamia read in Hebrew and Arabic: “We are coming to kill you,” in reference to the "Israelis".
Phalange Party Vice-President Rashad Salameh called on all Lebanese parties to declare the day when "Israel" withdraws from the occupied south a national day to be celebrated every year. He suggested naming the occasion “Lebanon’s victory through the resistance and the resistance’s victory for Lebanon.”
Salameh, who spoke on behalf of all parties, praised the GLC’s decision to replace the labor demonstration with a national protest against the "Israeli" attacks.
He said the step “reflected the utmost of awareness especially during this time.”
 Abu Rizk praised the resistance, which he said drove "Israel" to withdraw because of the heavy losses incurred by the Jewish state.
But he said that victory would not be complete unless the Shibaa Farms were returned to the Lebanese government.
“We won’t be afraid from now on. Neither the bombs nor the "Israeli"-American weapons will scare us,” he said.

1-            The Daily Star, 12-5-2000.

2-            The Daily Star, 12-5-2000.

3-            Same source.

May Saturday 13 -2000:

Lebanon calls for "Israeli" pullout from the farms of Shibaa, via UN…(1)

" Lebanon said Friday "Israel's" withdrawal from southern Lebanese territory held since 1978 must also include territory it captured in 1967.

The pullout must include the farms of Shibaa, said Lebanese Prime Minister Salim Hoss in a memorandum to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, saying if that area is not included the pullout would be "incomplete."

The area was first occupied by "Israel" in the 1967 six-day war, and Lebanon contends it must be viewed as part of the occupied area from which "Israel's" withdrawal was stipulated in the 1978 UN security council resolution 425.

In a five-page letter issued to the press with eight main points, Lebanese Prime Minister Salim Hoss said "it is clear, irrefutable and unequivocal that the farms of Shibaa are Lebanese."

"An "Israeli" pullout from these farms is an integral part of the application of (UN Security Council) resolution 425, if not it would incomplete," he said.

"It would merely constitute a redployment, with all the consequences that implies and not a total pullout from Lebanese territory as set out in resolution 425," Hoss added.

He included seven separate documents in the memorandum to back up claims to the 14 hamlets, at the western flanks of Mount Hermon.

The documents include photocopies of maps and property deeds dating back to 1942, a map of the Shibaa hamlets drawn up by the Lebanese government in 1966 and a construction permit issued by Lebanese authorities in 1929 to a resident of the Shibaa farms.

The memorandum recalls that "Israel" first occupied the territory, known as the "farms of Shibaa," in the June 1967 Arab-"Israeli" war and pursued such occupation of the hamlets in April 1989.

"The farms of Shibaa are Lebanese, at the Lebanese-Syrian borders and are not at the heart of a border conflict between Lebanon and Syria. Thus, no authority can look into it," it said.

It said a letter was addressed in 1946 by the Lebanese government to Syria to state that part of the Shibaa hamlets were included by mistake within Syrian territory by France, the mandatory power which drafted both countries' borders in 1923.

The letter said the Syrian government admitted in a memorandum dated September 29, 1946, that the "error was purely technical and it was not meant to alter the borders or include the named farms within Syria."

"The Shibaa farms on the Lebanese-Syrian border went under "Israeli" control when the Jewish state occupied the Syrian Golan Heights in 1967.

Most importantly, the Shibaa plateau, 1,500 metres (5,000 feet) up on Mount Hermon, is a vital source of water, with the Wazzani river flowing over the Golan into the Sea of Galilee.

""Israel" has also set up ski resorts, tourist villages and spy stations on the plateau".

Hoss pledges security after withdrawal
No settlement if Palestinians are not allowed to return…(2)

“Security after the withdrawal is a government responsibility, the same as it is in other Lebanese regions. The residents of the occupied zone are Lebanese first and always,” Hoss said in an interview with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Medina newspaper.
He said residents were entitled to their rights under the government, but that they had a duty toward it as well.
“We’re in a state of law and institutions, and not in a state in which the law of the jungle prevails,” he said. Hoss said that if some of the “poor souls” of the zone had “sold themselves to the enemy,” this did not mean that everyone favored the occupation.
He predicted that Lebanon would have a prosperous future in political and security terms if "Israel's" withdrawal was complete and abided by United Nations Resolution 425. He said the country must remain wary of "Israel's" intentions, as Lebanon was used to treachery and backstabbing by the Jewish state.
But the prime minister dispelled fears of internal sectarian strife and said that such talk was part of a campaign launched by "Israel".
“It’s as if the objective of this campaign is to say that the "Israeli" occupation prevented sectarian divisions from taking place in Lebanon. But reality is very different,” he said. Hoss added that Lebanon insisted that Palestinian refugees in Lebanon be allowed to return to their homeland.
He also said Lebanon did not expect a settlement with "Israel" if the agreement did not include a fair solution for the Palestinians that would rule out the possibility of settling them in Lebanon. “The refugee camps’ situation following the withdrawal will be discussed with the Palestinian authorities so that no side will use Palestinians to strike at Lebanon’s security,” he said.

As preparations for withdrawal continue, Mofaz reiterates enemy's inability to pay the price of occupation…(3)

"The chief of staff of the "Israeli" occupation army, Shaul Mofaz, acknowledged that the reason behind the withdrawal from south Lebanon is ""Israel's"" inability to pay the price inflicted by Hizbullah on the occupation troops.

There is no doubt that there has been erosion in the "Israeli" society and in its ability to fight and take casualties, Mofaz told the "Israeli" daily Ma'ariv.

The "Israeli" newspaper published a poll stating that 63% of the "Israelis" back an "Israeli" unilateral withdrawal from Lebanon, while 29% oppose such a pullout and 8% had no say.

According to Ma'ariv, the percentage in last March was 68% for and 24% against, that is the rate has decreased by 5% in less than a month due to the "settlers fear that the army will not be able to protect them", and the stalemate of the settlement process without reaching an accord with Lebanon.

On the other hand, reports said the occupation army has built a road that links between the Zimraya crossing and the Hasbani bridge.

"The occupation army is using giant helicopters to move the needed equipment and technicians from and into Lebanon in order to hasten the withdrawal preparations", the reports added.

1-          AFP, 12-5-2000.

2-          The Daily Star, 13-5-2000.

3-          Manar TV, 12-5-2000.

May Monday 15 -2000:

Hoss takes Shibaa Farm message to UN Security Council members…(1)

"Prime Minister Salim Hoss on Saturday reiterated that "Israel's" failure to withdraw from the Shibaa Farms would be considered a re-deployment and not a withdrawal, despite comments by "Israeli" Foreign Minister David Levy that his country would not relinquish the area.
However, Hizbullah’s Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said on Sunday that the party was committed to fight until the last inch of the country is liberated. “The government says that the Shibaa Farms are Lebanese and this is what concerns us. We aren’t concerned with the views of either "Israel" or the Security Council,” said Nasrallah during a speech in the village of Bednayel in Baalback.
On Saturday, Hoss telephoned Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa to discuss the details of the memorandum, sent the day before to the UN, that contains documents proving that the Shibaa Farms are Lebanese.
“There is no room for argument that the Shibaa Farms are Lebanese and the documents we sent to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan prove that,” Hoss said as he left the Grand Serail. The Premier said an "Israeli" withdrawal that fails to include the Shibaa Farms would mean that "Israel" has not implemented UN Security Council Resolution 425 and “consequently, it will be considered a re-deployment and not a withdrawal as "Israel" claims.”
He added that Lebanon demands a complete and unilateral "Israeli" withdrawal as stipulated by Resolution 425, including the Shibaa Farms. Hoss also telephoned Esmat Abdel-Meguid, the Arab League’s Secretary-General, to inform him of details of the memorandum.
The Premier said Lebanon’s delegate at the Arab League would deliver a copy of the memorandum to Abdel-Meguid to be officially documented by the League.
He also asked Abdel-Meguid to make copies of the memorandum and distribute them among other Arab delegates who would, in turn, present them to their governments.
In addition, Hoss called for a meeting on Monday with the ambassadors of countries that are permanent members of the UN Security Council to discuss developments.
The meeting between Hoss and the ambassadors of the US, Russia, China, France and the UK comes shortly before a Security Council meeting expected to look into a report prepared by Annan on the "Israeli" withdrawal.
"On Sunday, Hoss said Lebanon had still not received an answer from Annan concerning an invitation to Lebanon to discuss the country’s position regarding the "Israeli" withdrawal".

Four Lebanese hurt in "Israeli" air raid, shelling…(2)

" Four Lebanese were wounded Monday in "Israeli" air raids and shelling in southern Lebanon, police said.

Najib Mouneim, 26, and Ali Hussein Farhat, 32, were casualties of an "Israeli" air attack as they tilled their fields near Wadi Sohmor in the western Beqaa plain.

Mouneim was buried under earth thrown up by the explosion of a missile and was taken unconscious to hospital, while his companion was wounded by splinters in the legs.

"Israeli" warplanes also attacked a valley between the villages of Mlikh and Aaramta, just outside the central sector of "Israel"-occupied zone of southern Lebanon, police said.

In an earlier incident a Lebanese army sergeant on leave and his wife were injured when their house was hit by a shell while they were still in bed. The shell, fired from the occupied zone, fell on the village of Kfar Tebnite.

Artillery from the occupied zone also fired around 60 shells on Loweizeh and the areas around seven villages near the occupied zone.

"Six civilians have been killed and 86 wounded since the beginning of the year, despite arrangements made in April 1996, sponsored by France and the United States, under which the opposing sides committed themselves to avoiding civilians on either side".

For its part, the IR released a communiqué in which it reported the following "Israeli" aggressions (3):

00:25, one 155mm missile landed west of Yater village.

7:00, Jib Soweid area, east of Majdal Zoun village, was targeted by three 155mm missiles.

Between 7:00 and 21:35, the perimeters of Majdal Zoun village came under nine 155mm missiles and intermittent barrages of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets igniting a blaze in the nearby ravine.

Between 7:00 and 20:10, Qaissieh Valley was bombarded by thirteen 175mm and five 155mm missiles.

7:30, six 155mm missiles were unleashed at the road of Sawaneh village.

7:40, forty 155mm missiles fell on the areas of Daidaba, Bir Dahr and Zillaya perimeters and seven others on Kfour ravine.

At 7:50 and 8:15, the "Israeli" fighter-bombers  fired five air-to-ground rockets into Zillaya ravine.

8:00, the "Israeli" war jets dropped two air-to-surface rockets into Daidaba hilltops.

Between 8:20 and 23:40, Sawan area was pounded by forty nine 155mm missiles.

Between 10:50 and 21:30, Mount Sojod came under twelve 120mm, eight 155mm and three and three tank missiles.

13:25, thirty 155mm and 160mm missiles slammed into the 910^th Hill.

14:40, ten 155mm missiles fell on Slouqi Valley and eight 120mm shells on the peripheries of Qabrikha village.

Between 14:55 and 17:35, Loweizeh village and its perimeters came under fifteen 155mm and ten 120mm shells wounding one civilian and damaging a number of houses and cars.

Between 15:00 and 22:40, the surroundings of Bir Kallab outpost exposed to nine 155mm, eight 81mm and eight 120mm shells.

16:20, one 120mm shell landed Arid El-Zennar area.

17:20, five 155mm missiles were unleashed at the peripheries of Mlita village.

17:25, three 120mm shells, one of which is smoke, struck the perimeters of Aramta village.

18:45, the surroundings of Qssair position exposed to heavy machine gun fire.

18:58, the "Israeli" warplanes raided into the area between Choukine and Maifadoun villages.

Between 19:00 and 21:25, the perimeters of Yater village came under twenty six 155mm missiles.

19:00, the "Israeli" war jets staged a sortie into the peripheries of Qaaqaiyat Al-Jisr town.

At 19:40, 19:50 and 20:05, the "Israeli" warplanes launched six air raids into the west of Yater.

20:00, five 175mm missiles slammed into the perimeters of Qabrikha.

Between 20:10 and 20:55, seven 155mm missiles fell on the peripheries of Khorbet Selem town.

20:10, the surroundings of Salaah and Qssair positions exposed to 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire.

20:15, three 155mm missiles hit Tasseh Well watercourse.

20:40, the area between Zawtar Gharbieh and Qaaqaiyat Al-Jisr towns was targeted by two shells.

Between 20:45 and 22:25, Habboush River watercourse was pounded by thirty seven 155mm missiles.

20:45, one 82mm round fell on the area between Romine and Houmine El-Tahta villages.

21:00, Khaldoun Hill was shelled by four 175mm missiles.

21:20, two 155mm missiles were unleashed at the perimeters of Jibaa town.

22:10, Oqmata area was targeted by one 155mm missiles.

22:35, seven 155mm missiles slammed into the peripheries of Zawtar.

22:55, four 155mm missiles were fired at Mlita Hill.

23:15, Naqih area, between the villages of Srifa and Froun, was pounded by eight 155mm missiles.

23:15, nine 175mm missiles struck the perimeters of Froun.

22:20, the surroundings of Qssair position exposed to a volley of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets.

23:40, Kfour ravine was shelled by seven 155mm missiles.

1- The Daily Star, 15-5-2000.

2- AFP, 15-5-2000.

3- IR statement, 14-5-2000.

May Tuesday 16 -2000:

Hizbullah: Shibaa Farms Lebanese, stay of militia stay of occupation…(1)

"Hizbullah Secretary General his Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah underlined that the occupied Shibaa farms are Lebanese.

The Lebanese state affirms this fact; what ""Israel"" or the Security Council say does not mean anything to us, he said, stressing that "the Islamic Resistance's operations will continue until the "Israeli" enemy comes out defeated and humiliated from our soil, including the Shibaa farms."

When the complete pullout is achieved, we will announce our position, he said at a Hizbullah rally in Bidnayel (Beqaa) to commemorate martyr Hussein Mahdi Mohammed Ali (Karbala).

"The Islamic resistance will continue its operations on a daily basis. It is an honor for us besides being a natural measure so that "Israelis" will never consider returning to our land," he said.

His Eminence stressed that the stay of the Lahd militia in the occupied zone means that the "Israeli" occupation is still there, and ""Israel" will have to be held responsible for any aggression staged by its collaborators."

I would like to note that the Resistance does not stage operations called "bombarding the colonies in occupied northern Palestine. This act is done from time to time to make the enemy feel the pain as we do. In order to protect lives in Lebanon, we need to use this weapon wisely and accurately in the proper timing, he added.

Sayyed Nasrallah warned the "Israeli" government against attacking Lebanese civilians.

"If Barak does not want Katyushas to fall on the heads of the settlers, he must avoid attacking civilians and civilian facilities and stop Lahd's agents from attacking them," he said.

Regarding the issue of the occupation's agents, his Eminence said, "The door for amnesty must be locked in the face of collaborators who must be tried and given the harshest punishment,"

Sayyed Nasrallah warned that granting amnesty to the militiamen would allow ""Israel"" to create intelligence networks that would create sectarian strife.

"These militiamen are now asking for amnesty while they are still at the enemy's service, guarding it and bombarding our people in the south and the Western Beqaa. Those who ask for amnesty do not proceed with staging aggressions against civilians," the Hizbullah secretary-general said.

He warned against attempts to protect the militiamen or cover for militia members after the withdrawal, for this will be "national treason against the bloods of the martyrs and the victims of the massacres perpetrated by the collaborators and their Zionist masters."

He pointed out that Hizbullah does not claim it has achieved the victory against the "Israeli" occupation forces solely.

We don't claim that we have achieved this victory alone. We are among those who have made it; our young men have spearheaded the battle, and Hizbullah has endured sacrifices, injustices, accusations and suspicions in this path, he said.

"We also do not talk about a victory detached from Syria and Iran, as if Hizbullah is requested to change its compass' direction and be dragged into internal strife."

Today's victory that everybody is talking about would not have come true had Hizbullah changed that compass' direction. All the pains, grief, hunger, and thirst have failed to change this compass' direction, he added.

"As for the issue of the detainees and prisoners, Sayyed Nasrallah announced that "all of them will return to their families and homeland, especially Sheikh Abdel-Karim Obeid, Hajj Mustafa al-Dirani and Samir al-Qantar. This is a trust that we shoulder."

Diplomatic assault set for Shibaa
Hoss rallies final effort to prove Beirut’s sovereignty…(2)

"Prime Minister Salim Hoss on Monday filed documents to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan which proved that Beirut and Damascus considered the Shibaa Farms, occupied by "Israel" since 1967, to be under Lebanese sovereignty.
The documents included a letter and copies of minutes from two meetings of the Lebanese-Syrian technical border commission dated 1964 and 1967. They verify that both countries had then agreed that their borders were delineated according to the land register drawn up by Lebanon.
“This applies to the Shibaa Farms in line with the land register of Hasbaya qada as verified by the property deeds,” said Hoss’ letter to Annan.
The five-page memorandum consisted of four main points and was accompanied by seven separate documents to back up claims to the 14 farms, lying south of Shibaa village.
Enclosed were photocopies of maps and property deeds dating back to 1942, a map of the Shibaa Farms drawn up by the government in 1966 and a construction permit issued by Lebanese authorities in 1929 to a resident of the farms.
" "Israel" has built ski slopes, tourist resorts, a wine press and a radar station on the plateau. It has also settled Ethiopian migrants there.
Hoss sent a memorandum to Annan on Friday, saying if "Israel's" withdrawal from the south did not include Shibaa, it would be “incomplete.”
On Monday, Hoss summoned the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to separate meetings to explain the Lebanese position on Shibaa.
After handing the diplomats copies of the documents he mailed to Annan, he requested that they ask their governments to back this position when the Security Council discusses the "Israeli" withdrawal.
Hoss is due to meet on Tuesday with the ambassadors of the council's other 10 member countries".

Four Lebanese hurt in "Israeli" air raid, shelling

" Four Lebanese were wounded Monday in "Israeli" air raids and shelling in southern Lebanon, leading the Hizbullah to respond by firing rockets at "Israeli" positions.

"Lebanese police said Najib Mouneim, 26, and Ali Hussein Farhat, 32, were casualties of an "Israeli" air attack as they tilled their fields near Wadi Sohmor in the western Beqaa plain.

Mouneim was buried under earth thrown up by the explosion of a missile and was taken unconscious to hospital, while his companion was wounded by splinters in the legs.

"Israeli" warplanes also attacked a valley between the villages of Mlikh and Aramta, just outside the central sector of "Israel"-occupied zone of southern Lebanon, police said.

In an earlier incident a Lebanese army sergeant on leave and his wife were injured when their house was hit by a shell while they were still in bed. The shell, fired from the occupied zone, fell on the village of Kfar Tibnite…(3)

In its statement, the IR mentioned the following "Israeli" aggressions (4):

5:45, two 105mm tank rounds landed Qlaileh plain.

Between 5:45 and 6:30, Jib Soweid area, east of Majdal Zoun village, was targeted by four 155mm and three 120mm shells.

5:50, four 155mm missiles were unleashed at Mansouri ravine.

5:55, nine 155mm missiles slammed into the area between Jibal El-Botom and Zibqeen villages.

Between 5:55 and 6:10, eight 155mm missiles struck the perimeters of Kfar Tibnite, whereas the town itself exposed to 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire wounding the Lebanese soldier called Hassan Abdel-Karim Yassine who was moved to Hammoud Hospital for treatment.

6:15, the area between Choukine and Maifadoun villages was shelled by four 155mm missiles.

6:30, the surroundings of Berkat Dajaj position exposed to a hail of 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds.

6:35, six 120mm shells were fired at Qabala area, whereas the surroundings of Bir Kallab outpost came under a volley of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets.

6:40, four 155mm missiles hit the perimeters of Loweizeh village.

Between 6:40 and 17:45, Mount Sojod was bombarded by twelve 155mm, five 105mm tank and three 120mm shells.

6:50, Oqmata area was shelled by five 155mm missiles.

6:55, three 155mm missiles hit Sojod village.

Between 6:55 and 7:20, Kassara area was pounded by ten 120mm and 155mm missiles.

Between 6:55 and 7:15, Qaissieh Valley was shelled by seven 155mm missiles.

7:55, the surroundings of Bir Kallab outpost came under six 120mm and three 155mm missiles.

Between 7:05 and 19:40, Arid El-Zennar area was bombarded by twenty three 120mm and ten 155mm missiles, and intermittent barrages of 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds.

7:12, the "Israeli" fighter-bombers dropped two air-to-surface rockets into Oqmata lawns.

Between 7:20 and 7:45, six 155mm missiles landed Sawan area.

7:30, the "Israeli" war jets fired a number of air-to-ground rockets into north of Markaba power station.

8:05, three 155mm missiles were unleashed at Kfour ravine.

Between 13:50 and 21:50, the west of Yater village was pounded by more than twenty seven 155mm missiles.

Between 15:45 and 15:55, the surroundings of Mothallath position exposed to 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire.

Between 16:10 and 20:05, several hails of 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds struck the surroundings of Bir Kallab outpost.

At 17:45 and 20:50, volleys of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets hit the surroundings of Rshaf outpost.

17:45, Mlikh village was targeted by three 120mm shells.

19:40, the peripheries of Loweizeh village came under four 155mm missiles.

20:30, two 120mm shells hit Jib Soweid area.

21:30, ten missiles slammed into the areas of Bassil and Salhani.

Between 22:45 and 22:55, barrages of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets struck the surroundings of Soweida outpost.

22:50, Habboush River watercourse was pounded by a number of 81mm rounds.

23:40, the perimeters of Nabatieh El-Fawqa came under four 81mm rounds and a volley of 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire, whereas Ali Taher woodland exposed to another volley of heavy machine gun bullets.

23:55, the "Israeli" warplanes fired two air-to-ground rockets into Mount Sojod.

1- Manar TV, 15-5-2000.

2- The Daily Star, 16-5-2000.

3- AFP, 15-5-2000.

4- IR statement, 15-5-2000.

May Wednesday 17 -2000:

Hizbullah responds after “Israeli” shells school again

"Tensions remained at a steady boil in the south on Tuesday when more than 20 students were treated for shock after shells fired by the “Israeli”-proxy militia hit a school in Arab Salim.
Hizbullah responded by firing Katyusha rockets at the border positions of Ramieh and Berkat Risha in the western sector, wounding two "Israelis"  working on the new defenses along the frontier.
The school was hit at 10.30am when two rounds fired from the Soweida position at the southern end of the village hit the building’s upper floor, with one round exploding inside a classroom. The students were in the playground for the morning break. The explosion shattered windows and destroyed desks and chairs.
At the same time the school was shelled, the same post fired shells at a nearby Health Ministry infirmary, causing major damage. The bombardment echoed a similar incident in December in which 18 children were wounded.
"An ambulance transferred five students to the Nabatieh Public Hospital for treatment"…(1)
For its part, the IR released a communiqué in which it reported the following "Israeli" aggressions (2):

00:15, the "Israeli" war jets raided into Mazraat Oqmata.

1:15, the "Israeli" helicopter gunships fired three air-to-ground rockets into the perimeters of Khorbet Selem town enkindling a blaze.

At 4:50 and 5:25, Arid El-Zennar area was targeted by 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire.

Between 4:55 and 18:10, the surroundings of Bir Kallab outpost came under thirty three 120mm and 155mm missiles and two 81mm rounds.

Between 5:10 and 15:45, Arid El-Zennar area was shelled by four 155mm and two 120mm missiles.

6:15, about one hundred and fifty missiles slammed into the areas of Qilya, Dallafeh, Zillaya, Yohmor, Libbaya, Daidaba, Bir El-Dahr and the 910^th Hill.

7:45, seven 155mm missiles were unleashed at Haddatha woodland.

10:10, eight 155mm missiles were fired at Litani River watercourse and the surroundings of Soweida outpost, whereas a hail of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets hit the surroundings of Mothallath position.

10:25, four 120mm shells and one tank round struck the surroundings of Arab Salim school.

At 15:45 and 18:15, the surroundings of Bir Kallab outpost exposed to 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire.

15:50, Mount Sojod was shelled by four 155mm missiles.

16:55, seven 120mm shells fell on the surroundings of Shamaa post and four others on the peripheries of Majdal Zoun village.

17:00, three 120mm shells landed the crossroad of Slouqi Valley, Qantara and Qabrikha, whereas the surroundings of Shamaa post exposed to 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire.

Between 17:05 and 17:50, Majdal Selem town and its perimeters came under seventy three 81mm and 120mm shells and sixteen 155mm missiles.

Between 17:05 and 20:40, Qaissieh Valley was bombarded by nine 175mm and two 155mm missiles.

17:15, Shamaa ravine was targeted by a number of 81mm and 120mm shells.

Between 17:15 and 20:50, the west of Yater village was pounded by thirty 155mm missiles.

Between 17:15 and 17:40, Qabrikha village and its peripheries came under fifteen 120mm, eight 81mm and six 155mm missiles in addition to a barrage of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets.

17:45 and 21:45, the "Israeli" warplanes staged several sorties into the west of Yater.

18:05, the "Israeli" war jets raided into Intari ravine and the perimeters of Jibal El-Botom village.

18:20, seven shells slammed into the area between the villages of Jibsheit, Choukine and Adsheit, whereas four 120mm shells landed Tasseh Well watercourse.

18:40, the "Israeli" warplanes raided the area between Adsheit, Choukine and Jibsheit.

20:50, north of Zibqeen village was shelled by six 155mm missiles.

20:55, twelve 155mm missiles slammed into the crossroad of Chaitieh, Jibal El-Botom and Rmadieh villages.

22:00, the "Israeli" war jets launched an air raid into the north of Zibqeen.

23:55, five 155mm missiles fell on the peripheries of Jibaa and one another on Tasseh Well watercourse.

Sharaa backs Lebanon on Shibaa Farms…(3)

"Syrian Foreign Minister Faruk al-Sharaa told UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Tuesday that the "Israel"-occupied farms of Shibaa are rightfully Lebanese.
Syria’s official SANA news agency reported that during a telephone conversation initiated by Annan, Sharaa said Damascus supported Lebanon’s claims on “all Lebanese occupied territories, including the farms of Shibaa.”
Sharaa told Annan the hamlets “were never a point of contention” between Syria and Lebanon,” SANA reported.
“Under international law and UN resolutions on the Arab-"Israeli" conflict, the farms of Shibaa are occupied lands and do not belong to "Israel",” Sharaa said, asking Annan for UN help to guarantee "Israel's" “complete departure” from south Lebanon.
"Sharaa’s declaration was the first public comment on the Shibaa Farms debate from Damascus. "Israel" claims that the hamlets are part of Syria and their fate is tied to "Israel's" peace negotiations with Damascus".

Fifa will expel "Israel" if it attacks Lebanese sports facilities: Velapan…(4)

"The secretary-general of the Asian Football Confederation, Peter Velapan, confirmed in Kuwait that the sport's world governing body, FIFA, will expel "Israel" if it ever thought of threatening Lebanon's sports facilities ahead of the Asian Cup 2000 hosts in that country. He told the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Qabas Tuesday: ""Israel" won't be so stupid as to attack Lebanon during the Asian Cup or try to destroy its sporting facilities. "But if this happens "Israel" must know that FIFA will punish it and suspend it from the international scene." He added: "This issue was the main talking-point during my last meeting with Joseph Blatter in Zurich. Mr Blatter spoke to the UN to prevent "Israel" from destroying Lebanese facilities." Velapan said that if the Lebanese situation deteriorates four countries - Malaysia, Thailand, China and Japan - are ready to stage the finals in October with just four weeks' notice. "Israel's" air force recently attacked and destroyed electricity facilities in Lebanon".

"Israeli" occupation forces mobile phone networks to shut down…(7) (IA)
"A spokesman for the Lebanese phone company LibanCell said Tuesday that the "Israeli" occupation's proxy militia, acting under "Israeli" orders, had cut off transmitters and relays for mobile phones in the area Tuesday.

The phone service would be cut every morning from 9 a.m. to midday, the spokesman said.

While no motivation was given, it likely shows that ""Israel"" wants as much privacy as possible as it moves troops and military equipment, said Agence France Presse that reported the news.

LibanCell telephones are the only ones that work in occupied southern Lebanon, where no traditional telephones have been installed since 1976, the second year of Lebanon's civil war.

"AFP said two militiamen on Tuesday came to two LibanCell transmission stations in Ain Ibel and Naqoura and ordered the technicians to close the stations before noon everyday until further notice".

1-          The Daily Star, 17-5-2000.

2-          IR statement, 16-5-2000.

3-          The Daily Star, 17-5-2000.

4-          Future TV, 16-5-2000.

5-          Manar TV, 16-5-2000.

May Tthursday 18 -2000:

Nasrallah and Bashar Assad call for evacuation of ‘all mercenaries’…(1)

"Hizbullah and Syria stressed on Wednesday that an "Israeli" withdrawal from south Lebanon should include the evacuation of allied militiamen and "Israeli" troops from all Lebanese territories, including the Shibaa Farms.
Hizbullah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Colonel Bashar Assad, son of Syrian President Hafez Assad, issued a joint statement after a meeting in Damascus outlining their demands for the looming "Israeli" withdrawal.
“Both sides affirmed that a withdrawal should be complete, That is, including the pullback of mercenaries in the “Israeli”-proxy militia and from every inch of the Lebanese territories, including the Shibaa Farms,” a Hizbullah statement said.
“The enemy will have to foot the repercussions of the continued presence of occupation forces if the withdrawal does not take place according to this scenario,” the statement added.
Nasrallah, in a separate meeting, lashed out at international envoys who had appealed for clemency for militiamen.
“Foreign emissaries who proposed they be granted amnesty are vilifying Lebanon and conspiring against it,” he told a 19-man delegation from the Arab National Forum, an independent think-tank.
Nasrallah was referring to statements made by Terje Roed-Larsen, special envoy to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and Peter Hain, British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Both called on the Lebanese government to be lenient on the militiamen once "Israeli" soldiers vacate the south.
“At this stage, we should not be easy on collaborators lest they turn from being an "Israeli" problem to an "Israeli" land mine implanted on Lebanese territory,” Nasrallah said.
He also praised residents in the occupation zone and the sectors straddling the "Israeli"-held strip for aiding Hizbullah’s resistance fighters mount their operations against "Israeli" troops.
“We consider that Hizbullah has been the vanguard in scoring this victory, but others have lent us a hand,” Nasrallah said. “Residents in the occupied strip have long cooperated with us. Most of them were honest people who showered our fighters with the best aid there is.”
Touching on the recent bloody Palestinian uprising against "Israeli" troops in Palestinian self-ruled areas, Nasrallah urged the Palestinians to step up their rebellion and emulate Hizbullah’s military victory over "Israel".
“We call on you to escalate your uprising … and benefit from the great Lebanese victory,” he said. He was referring to the recent bloody showdown between stone-throwing Palestinians and "Israeli" soldiers which left three Palestinians dead on Tuesday.
“I assure the people of the new uprising that they’re capable of imposing their demands, including the release of Palestinian detainees in "Israeli" prisons,” he said.

"Israel's" proxy militia detains two doctors and a pharmacist.

The Order of Physicians and the Association of Pharmacists have called for governmental and international support to free two physicians, a teenager and a pharmacist kidnapped by the “Israeli”-allied militia in the occupation zone and transferred to Khiam prison on Tuesday.
The two doctors, Ibrahim Harb, his 19-year-old daughter, Malak, and Sateh Bazzi were seized at night by the militia from their homes in Bint Jbeil.
Hussein Awada, a pharmacist from Naqoura, was forcibly taken from his pharmacy in broad daylight and transferred to Khiam prison.
“The assault on the physicians is considered a violation of the whole medical body and goes against all international human rights laws that protect doctors in times of war or occupation,” said Ghattas Khoury, the president of the Order of Physicians, at the union’s headquarters in Hazmieh.
Harb is a Health Ministry employee and Bazzi is an emergency room physician and anaesthetist at the Bint Jbeil Hospital.
Reuters quoted a militia source as saying that Harb and his daughter were detained on “suspicion of dealing with Hizbullah.”
When asked whether he knew the reason behind the kidnappings, Khoury said that there “weren’t any” and that the two doctors “pursued their humanitarian duties as physicians and served the community, and their country, by remaining in the occupied zone regardless of the threats to their lives.”
Khoury referred to the issue as a “national and human rights cause that must be dealt with immediately with the support of local and international human rights groups”…(2)

The militia generally gives no details as to why it detains suspects, other than accusing them of working with the Lebanese government or guerrilla groups fighting the "Israeli" occupation.

The heads of the doctors' and pharmacists' professional bodies, Ghattas Khoury and Leila Khoury, issued appeals Wednesday for the "immediate release" of their colleagues at a joint press conference in Beirut.

"This is an attack on the medical corps and a flagrant violation of human rights," said Ghattas Khoury.

The two also called for the release of about 140 Lebanese being held without charge or trial in Khiam jail, run by the militia under "Israeli" supervision in the occupied zone.

Human rights groups, including the London-based Amnesty International and the Washington-based Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly denounced cases of torture and ill-treatment of detainees in Khiam.

"Israel's" supreme court ordered the government Wednesday to settle the fate of the Khiam prisoners before it withdraws from the region as it has pledged to do by July"…(3)

“Israeli” militia spoils for more fighting after pullout…(4)

"There are growing indications that "Israel" will not fully disarm or disband its militia before it withdraws.
While "Israel" continues to explore possible ways of resolving the fate of their Lebanese allies, the militia is maintaining an increasingly defiant tone. The Lahdi militia staged a series of minor redeployments on Wednesday in the occupation zone in what could be preparations for the creation of several village-based militias.
UN personnel have expressed pessimism over the prospects of a peaceful aftermath to the withdrawal, raising the possibility of an internecine conflict.
The collaborators spokesman Raymond Abu Mrad told Agence France Presse on Wednesday that the militia would stay on in the south after the pullout, braving attacks by Hizbullah until the government agrees they are not traitors. “We’ll … control a smaller region that would enable us to protect our villages and people,” he said, “We’re carrying out changes in our military positions, but we’ll continue to maintain dozens of them.
UN spokesman Timur Goksel told AFP that “a move like this is a recipe for the revival of sectarian violence … and nobody should expect the United Nations to be involved in that.”
Goksel is in New York for discussions on the future of UNIFIL with the UN Security Council. According to UN sources, members of the Security Council grilled "Israeli" representatives on Tuesday over their intentions toward the militia. The "Israeli" responses were apparently less than satisfactory in the UN view.
The "Israelis" want the UN would shoulder the problem. The UN, however, has insisted that the militia must be disarmed, dismantled and all ties severed.
UNIFIL will almost certainly not deploy in liberated areas if a well-armed militia force remains behind.
Abu Mrad’s bold words were backed by the emergence of two new Lahdi checkpoints on Wednesday. “They don’t look like a militia that is about to disband,” noted a UN officer who passed through one of the checkpoints.
The moves suggest the militia is preparing to break down into village militias, possibly along the lines of the original Haddad enclave.

Girl wounded, houses damaged in "Israeli" aggressions.
"Amani Herez, 17, was wounded when the "Israeli" occupation forces bombarded her hometown of Majdel Selem Tuesday night.

Scores of "Israeli" shells rained down on the town while the occupation's artillery pounded the villages adjacent to the occupied zone and enemy warplanes staged tens of mock air raids over the villages and hilltops of Iqleem al-Toffah and the Western Beqaa.

On the other hand, the public schools' circles in south Lebanon announced that the Arab Salim School will remain closed until further notice as it was certain that the school "was clearly targeted " by the "Israeli" occupation forces and their proxy militia.

The school was closed out of fear of another "Israeli" aggression against it, said Anwar Dao,, the District Educational Official, adding that the "Israeli" aggression that targeted the school on Tuesday went on after it was evacuated"…(5)

For its part, the IR released a statement in which it mentioned the following "Israeli" aggressions (6):

00:05, two 155mm missiles landed Tasseh Well watercourse between 00:05 and 23:45, Mount Sojod was bombarded by thirty-five 155mm missiles.

Between 1:00 and 21:15, more than seven 155mm missiles landed the perimeters of Jibaa town.

2:05, the surroundings of Qobaa position exposed to a hail of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets.

5:55, a volley of 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds hit the surroundings of Berkat Dajaj compound.

Between 7:30 and 20:25, Qaissieh Valley was shelled by thirteen 155mm missiles.

Between 9:00 and 11:15, the peripheries of Haddatha compound came under six 155mm missiles.

Between 11:45 and 12:05, thirty three 155mm missiles slammed into the peripheries of Shaqra village.

11:50, a number of 155mm missiles struck the perimeters of Majdal Selem town.

13:55, the peripheries of Qabrikha village came under ten 155mm missiles and a barrage of 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds damaging the houses of Nassr Qamas and Abou Habib Zahweh.

16:25, Daidaba area was pounded by nineteen 120mm shells.

17:00, one 155mm missile landed the peripheries of Loweizeh village.

17:30, the surroundings of Mothallath position and Arid El-Zennar area exposed to 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire.

Between 17:35 and 20:40, Arid El-Zennar area was pounded by twelve 105mm tank rounds and seven 155mm and four 120mm shells.

Between 17:35 and 22:40, the perimeters of Mlikh village came under eight 120mm shells.

18:15, five 155mm missiles fell on Habboush River watercourse and Mount El-Rafih.

18:25, about nineteen 81mm and three 120mm shells slammed into Mansouri town and its perimeters.

Between 18:35, 18:40 and 18:42, the "Israeli" warplanes staged six sorties into Habboush River watercourse.

19:45, one guided missile hit near Ghandour Palace at Nabatieh.

20:00, Kfour ravine was shelled by three 155mm missiles.

20:10, six 155mm missiles were unleashed at Sawan area.

20:10, two 155mm missiles were fired at the west of Yater village.

20:45, the surroundings of Mothallath position exposed to 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire.

20:50, the surroundings of Bir Kallab outpost came under two 120mm shells and a hail of 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds.

21:05, the "Israeli" war jets raided into Mayassa Hill, whereas several 155mm missiles fell on Iqleem Al-Toffah heights.

22:20, the "Israeli" fighter-bombers dropped two air-to-ground rockets in Jabbour area.

Between 23:20 and 23:45, Mount Al-Rafih was pounded by fourteen 155mm missiles.

23:40, Tasseh Well watercourse was targeted by five 155mm missiles.

23:45 twelve 155mm missiles fell on the surroundings of El-Kassara area.

23:45, several 155mm missiles struck Habboush River watercourse, Tasseh Well and Mount Al-Rafih.

War-weary Lebanese suspect "Israel's" pullout…(7)

" "Israeli" missiles have regularly seared Khadija Moussa's village for the past 22 years and every day the elderly woman prays that an earthquake will bury the residents of "Israel" alive. Since "Israel" invaded south Lebanon in 1978, Moussa has lost family and friends in Habboush, one of the hamlets bordering the Middle East's last active warfront. The olive groves and tobacco farms have been scorched while countless homes have been razed in the almost daily barrage of air and artillery fire. Days ago, Moussa's two-month-old great-grandson and 11 relatives were hurt in an air raid. Like many residents of the south, she has seen too much to greet "Israel's" plans to withdraw from Lebanon with anything but suspicion. Prime Minister Ehud Barak, under pressure to quit what many "Israelis" call the south Lebanon "mud", has vowed to pull out by July 7. The pullout dominates talk in the south, where fear of "Israel" runs deep. Many residents believe the Jewish state is setting them up. Others say it will never leave. "We want to live in peace, but do you think "Israel" will let us?" asked Samih Halan, director of Habboush municipality. ""Israel" has never been honest and it has no credibility. How can they expect us to believe that they will no longer kill us?" South Lebanon is the last active Arab-"Israeli" front, where resistance fighters are battling to end "Israel's" occupation. Hundreds of civilians have lost lives and limbs in the conflict, which often spills over to the villages fringing the occupation zone. Last year, 15 children were hurt when mortars struck their school in Arab Salim, a village just outside the zone. "Israel" apologized, but the hatred and mistrust the attack stoked have not diminished -- especially when mortar bombs hit the school again this month. "There will never be peace as long as "Israel" is in the region," said headmaster Afif Noureddine, who bricked up all classroom windows as a precaution against more assaults. "There can never be peace with the Jews. They won't leave us be." Mohammad Farahat, a teacher at the school, said "Israel" would find any pretext to hit Lebanon. "If an "Israeli" anywhere in the world is hurt, they'll strike us. They're like that," he said, morosely sipping black coffee. Further north, within firing range of "Israel's" allied militia, grocer Abdallah Mushawrab in Jarjou adamantly refuses to believe "Israel" will withdraw. "This is a ruse, a game they are playing with us. They wont go." "Israel" has threatened to blitz Lebanon if resistance fighters attack over the border after the withdrawal, but violence seems likely if the pullout is not accompanied by a peace deal. "In "Israel", when our men hit them, they run to bomb shelters. We don't even have those. I am longing for the day this nightmare is over," said Nadia Karambash from her frontline home in Zawtar es-Sharkiya, a sleepy village with roses blooming from every garden. A 1996 accord on rules of engagement in the south bans Lebanese fighters and "Israel" from launching strikes from or on civilian areas".

UN observers face tough time verifying "Israel's" withdrawal…(8)

"They have been quietly and diligently observing the border between Lebanon and "Israel" for over 50 years, but in the coming weeks, the UN’s 51-strong Observer Group Lebanon (OGL) will be playing a crucial role in verifying "Israel's" withdrawal from Lebanon.
The OGL is part of the UN Truce Supervision Organization has been patrolling the border since the 1949 Armistice Agreement, patiently logging all breaches of the accord from overflights by warplanes to full-scale invasions.
OGL personnel man five observation posts in the occupation zone at Labboune, Marouahine, Maroun er-Ras, Markaba and Khiam, all of them approximately 15 kilometers apart and within eyeshot of each other.
Captain Duncan McMillan, the Canadian commander of the Markaba post, explained that the OGL would participate in a number of tasks following the "Israeli" withdrawal.
“Security will have to be provided for UN teams, and for engineers involved in mine clearing,” he said. “We’ll also have to help ensure that all outposts are no longer occupied.”
The initial task for the UN is to confirm that the "Israelis" have genuinely pulled all their forces from Lebanon to behind the armistice demarcation line, which follows the original 1923 boundary.
The team’s observation post near Markaba is located beside one of "Israel's" incursion zones where the border fence was pushed into Lebanon a few hundred meters.
The "Israeli" Army’s original withdrawal plan recommended retaining the strategic incursion zones, the so-called Purple Line, claiming they were necessary for the defense of Galilee.
The "Israeli" government was warned, however, that keeping the incursions would provide justification for further resistance attacks. After much procrastination, the "Israelis" finally agreed to pull back to the 1923 border.
There are few better places to observe "Israel's" preparations for the withdrawal than from McMillan’s post on the border beside Markaba.
To the north, an outpost on the "Israeli" side of the border is being reinforced with bulldozed ramparts and concrete T-walls. Three-meter-high poles line the front of the position, waiting to be fitted with protective wire mesh anti-missile screens.
To the south, a crane looms above the Abbad position. Half the position, recognizable by its distinctive twin radio masts, lies inside Lebanon. The "Israelis" are dragging their equipment a few meters to the west and re-establishing the outpost to ensure that the withdrawal complies with UN requirements.
In a deep wadi below the observation post, "Israeli" soldiers milled around a self-propelled 155mm gun, one of five established as a temporary artillery post. Some of the soldiers sunbathed on armored personnel carriers, others lounged in the grass outside a row of canvas tents.
The artillery emplacement is sited in the Odaisseh incursion, the original border fence could be clearly seen as could the existing fence which follows the Purple Line.
“You can see the "Israelis" are beefing up their positions just inside "Israel" and dismantling the positions just inside Lebanon,” said Major Brendan O’Shea, OGL’s operations officer, as he drove along a pot-holed road adjacent to the frontier in the western sector of the occupation zone. He indicated the Berkat Risha outpost on Lebanese soil near Yarin. “The "Israelis" have abandoned that post and built another position 1 kilometer south of the border,” he said.
However, Hizbullah is not allowing the construction activity to proceed unmolested.
As O’Shea approached the Abbad position in the central sector, a terse warning was broadcast over the UN radio.
“Warning, warning, warning. Operational activity is taking place in Irishbatt.”
Several mortar rounds exploded against the Abbad position, sending plumes of dust and smoke into the sky. O’Shea pulled over to the side of the road to sit out the attack.
Moments later came the thunderclap of outgoing "Israeli" artillery fire from a position near Meis al-Jabal.
“This is typical of what’s going on here. They (Hizbullah) are keeping up the pressure,” O’Shea said.
Because the OGL teams operate in the occupation zone, they are often caught up in the conflict. The night before, Hizbullah mortar teams had pounded the positions along the border, wounding two "Israelis”.
McMillan and two of his colleagues had a narrow escape during the fighting when a mortar round exploded near their car. “We’re unarmed and stuck in the middle trying to navigate our way through as best we can,” said O’Shea".

1- The Daily Star, 18-5-2000.

2- Same source.

3- AFP, 17-5-2000.

4- The Daily Star, 18-5-2000.

5- Manar TV, 17-5-2000.

6- IR statement, 17-5-2000.

7- Future TV, 17-5-2000.

8- The Daily Star, 18-5-2000.

May Friday 19 -2000:

Lebanese civilians wounded in occupation's aggressions on south
The "Israeli" occupation forces' inability to confront the Islamic Resistance men made the enemy troops direct their artillery and warplanes against innocent civilians in villages.

The occupation's violations of the April Understanding on Thursday wounded eight Lebanese civilians and a UNIFIL soldier.

In the port city of Tyre, four civilians -- a girl, a woman and her children aged four and six -- were wounded in heavy shelling from the occupied zone and air raids on the area, which faces the western sector of the occupation zone.

More than 100 mortar bombs hit the outskirts of villages in the area.

A spokesman for the United Nations force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said a Fijian peacekeeper was wounded when mortar bombs fired from the "Israeli" zone hit his position.

The UNIFIL spokesman said the occupation's proxy militia warned peacekeepers not to use a coastal route to the zone.

"The militia told us they will shoot at any U.N. vehicle that might pass through Hamra crossing point," he said.

The occupation's shells that rained down on civilians in the town of al-Mansouri at 6:30 a.m. Thursday wounded Alia Mohammed Darweesh, 34, her two children Ziad Sawan, 4, and Samar Sawan, 6, Diba Sawan, 35, and her child Ali, 4, and Ibrahim Shehab, 25.

In Zibqeen the enemy's rounds wounded Zeinab Hassan Barakat, 15, and Haroun Iskandar. Ahmed Shehab was wounded in the town of Haddatha by the occupation's shelling.

The occupation's warplanes and artillery staged aggressions that went on all day long on the areas adjacent to the occupied zone.

The enemy's warplanes staged a series of raids while its artillery pounded the western, middle, and eastern sectors. Aggressions concentrated especially on Iqleem al-Toffah and the Western Beqaa.

It was noted that the occupation's proxy militia bombarded the town of Aramta, which was liberated less than a week ago, with more than 25 rounds that targeted the center of the town…(1)

For its part, the IR issued a statement in which it mentioned the following "Israeli" aggressions (2):

1:10, the "Israeli" warplanes staged a sortie into Tasseh Well watercourse whereas two 155mm missiles landed the same area.

At 1:30 and 8:10, the "Israeli" war jets raided into Mount Sojod.

5:15, Arid El-Zennar area was targeted by two 81mm rounds.

Between 5:15 and 5:35, the surroundings of Bir Kallab outpost came under five 81mm and, three 155mm missiles and barrages of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets.

5:20, the surroundings of Qobaa and Houla and the perimeters of Shaqra village exposed to a volley of 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds.

Between 5:25 and 11:50,l eight 155mm and four 120mm shells were unleashed at the peripheries of Jibaa town.

Between 5:30 and 12:40, the perimeters of Shaqra came under thirty five 120mm and seventeen 155mm missiles.

5:30, four 155mm missiles were fired at the peripheries of Majdal Selem town.

5:35, a hail of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets struck the surroundings of Mothallath position.

Between 5:55 and 6:05, Baraasheit town came under a number of 120mm and 155mm missiles and barrage of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets.

Between 6:05 and 7:40, twenty seven 155mm missiles slammed into the area between Jibsheit and Choukine villages.

6:05, the area between Jibsheit and Adsheit was bombarded by fifteen 155mm missiles.

Between 6:05 and 6:15, the surroundings of Haddatha compound came under more thirty shells and a volley of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets.

6:20, the surroundings of Beit Yahoun outpost and the perimeters of Shaqra exposed to 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire.

Between 6:40 and 23:45, Mount Sojod was pounded by thirteen 155mm missiles and four 120mm shells.

6:40, the "Israeli" warplanes raided into the north of Zibqeen village.

6:45, four tank rounds fell on the east of Yater village and three 81mm rounds on Qsair.

At 6:45, 10:37, 10:43, 11:03 and 11:17, the "Israeli" war jets raided into the perimeters of Zibqeen.

7:15, the "Israeli" helicopter gunships raided into Qlaileh crossroad damaging the shops of Kamel Jamil Abou Khalil.

Between 7:30 and 12:45, Mount Sojod was bombarded by ten 155mm missiles.

7:50, Mlita Hill was shelled by four 155mm missiles.

8:20, the "Israeli" war jets raided into Tasseh Well watercourse.

8:40, the "Israeli" warplanes launched several sorties into the perimeters of Majdal Zoun.

9:05, the "Israeli" fighter-bombers dropped two air-to-ground rockets into Jabbour area.

11:15, a hail of 12.7mm heavy machine gun hit the residential neighborhoods of Mansouri village.

Between 11:30 and 11:40, Mansouri area was pounded by twenty five 155mm and five tank rounds.

11:35 and 11:45, the "Israeli" helicopter gunships launched three air raids into the peripheries of Zibqeen.

11:45, the area between Shaqra and Majdal Selem was shelled by three 155mm missiles.

12:40, two 120mm phosphoric shells landed Haddatha town.

12:55, Sawan area was shelled by several 155mm missiles.

14:10, west of Yater was bombarded by sixteen 155mm missiles.

14:53, the "Israeli" warplanes raided into Meriamine area near Yater village.

Between 20:05 and 23:40, eight 155mm missiles slammed into Tasseh Well watercourse.

22:10, the "Israeli" war jets staged a sortie into Mlita Hill.

22:13, the "Israeli" warplanes raided into Habboush River watercourse and Mount Sojod.

23:20, two missiles hit Oqmata area.

23:45, twelve 155mm missiles fell on the surroundings and El-Kassara area and four others on Mount Al-Rafih.

ANF delegation visits Hizbullah…(3)
Hizbullah Secretary-General his Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah blasted the international envoys who had appealed for clemency for the occupation's militiamen.

"Foreign emissaries who proposed they (the occupation's militiamen) be granted amnesty are vilifying Lebanon and conspiring against it," his Eminence told a 19-man delegation from the Arab National Forum, an independent think-tank.

Sayyed Nasrallah was referring to statements made by Terje Roed-Larsen, special envoy to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and Peter Hain, British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Both called on the Lebanese government to be lenient on the militiamen once "Israeli" occupation soldiers vacate the south.

"At this stage, we should not be easy on collaborators lest they turn from being an "Israeli" problem to an "Israeli" land mine implanted on Lebanese territory," the secretary-general said.

He also praised residents in the occupation zone and the sectors straddling the "Israeli"-occupied strip for aiding Hizbullah's resistance fighters mount their operations against "Israeli" troops.

"We consider that Hizbullah has been the vanguard in scoring this victory, but others have lent us a hand," Sayyed Nasrallah said. "Residents in the occupied strip have long cooperated with us. Most of them were honest people who showered our fighters with the best aid there is."

Touching on the recent Palestinian uprising against "Israeli" occupation troops in Palestinian self-ruled areas, the secretary-general urged the Palestinians to step up their Intifada and emulate Hizbullah's military victory over "Israel".

"We call on you to escalate your uprising … and benefit from the great Lebanese victory," he said. He was referring to the recent showdown between stone-throwing Palestinians and "Israeli" occupation soldiers which left three Palestinians dead on Tuesday.

"I assure the people of the new uprising that they're capable of imposing their demands, including the release of Palestinian detainees in "Israeli" prisons," he said.

Plans for post-pullout security being drafted…(4)

"The government on Thursday sought to allay fears of an upheaval in the south, with Interior Minister Michel Murr pledging that security authorities would ensure the wellbeing of pro-"Israeli" militiamen who surrender and protect civilians.
Speaking after presiding over a meeting by the Central Security Council at the Interior Ministry in Sanayeh, Murr said the government “is not concerned with the future of “Israeli”-proxy militiamen.
“However, the council gave orders to military intelligence to seek those who desert the militia and surrender to one party or another. The dissidents should be registered with the intelligence group before they re-enter the mainstream,” he said.
“The dissidents may be ‘infiltrating’ the liberated areas to carry out actions that may be harmful to security,” he added. “They should be monitored by military intelligence and be tried.”
The dissidents usually surrender to Hizbullah or the Amal movement. On Thursday, the militiaman Haidar Mohammed Haidar, a 25-year-old native of Taibeh, turned himself in to Amal, a day after three of his comrades handed themselves over to Hizbullah and three others surrendered to Amal.
The CSC, which groups top judicial and security officials, “will meet once every two weeks, instead of once a month, to devise plans to face any security developments that may result from the withdrawal,” Murr said.
Participants in the session included Defense Minister Ghazi Zeaiter, State Prosecutor Adnan Addoum, Military Prosecutor Nasri Lahoud as well as the heads of Surete Generale, Internal Security Forces, State Security and Military intelligence, respectively Generals Jamil Sayyed, Abdel-Karim Ibrahim, Edward Mansour and Raymond Azar.
Three top Syrian officers ­ including Colonel Rustom Ghazale, the intelligence chief for the Beirut area ­ also attended.
The level and broad spectrum of participation underlined the importance of the effort, coming after a barrage of accusations that the government was ill-prepared to cope with any possible post-withdrawal surprises.
“The participants looked into reports by security agencies about the situation in the country. The reports will be used in drafting the plans,” Murr said, indicating that concrete measures are yet to be decided.
“The CSC also looked into a complaint by President Emile Lahoud about the fact that there are more than 60,000 weapon permits ­ a number which is too high and a situation that’s threatening security,” Murr said.
“Based on orders from the president, whose view is backed by Premier Salim Hoss and Defense Minister Ghazi Zeaiter, I will study means to limit the number of permits,” he added.

"Israel" plans to bomb and destroy Beaufort Castle: reports…(5)

""Israel" may be getting ready to blow up one of the most significant historic sites in southern Lebanon- the Beaufort Castle. Officials in the south are appealing to the UNESCO organization to help save one of the country's landmark archeological sites.

The "Israeli" occupation troops have turned the crusader-era fortress into a war icon and one of their main military compounds in the region. It overlooks areas as far as Beirut, Syria's occupied Golan Heights, cities inside "Israel", and the Jordan Valley. Reports surfacing in "Israel" now say occupation troops plan to destroy the historic site, which is located near Nabatieh and dates more than 850 years back. "Israel" has been occupying the fortress in clear breach of the international Hague Treaty, which explicitly prohibits nations from using archeological and historic sites for military purposes. Ali Badawi, who is in charge of south Lebanon antiquities, said he will soon submit a report to the Paris-based UNESCO, warning that "Israel" may be getting ready to blow up the entire Castle before it pulls out from Lebanon in July. Badawi was quoted as saying "Israel" will be held responsible for all its illegal activities at Beaufort. He stressed, "Israeli" archeologists may have already exploited the area, by excavating artifacts, as they did in other parts of southern Lebanon. The facade of the fortress has already sustained heavy damages. "Israel" rained down hundreds of shells on Beaufort when it invaded Lebanon in 1982. It has since, been under "Israeli" occupation. Experts were quoted as saying "Israel" has replaced historic walls and defenses with bunkers, adding if Beaufort is spared following "Israel's" pullout, it will require millions of dollars to reconstruct the Crusader-era castle".

1-          Manar TV, 18-5-2000.

2-          IR statement, 18-5-2000.

3-          Manar TV, 18-5-2000.

4-          AFP, 18-5-2000.

5-       Future TV, 18-5-2000.

May Saturday 20 -2000:

Beirut sends new Shibaa file to Annan
Hoss says maps and documents support land claim…(1)

"Lebanon sent the United Nations new documents on Friday in a bid to prove the Lebanese identity of the Shibaa Farms ahead of a Security Council meeting on "Israel's" planned withdrawal from the south.
Among the documents were three memorandums received by the Lebanese authorities from the Syrian government between 1944 and 1972.
These include a 1961 Foreign Ministry statement containing excerpts from a report issued by a joint Lebanese-Syrian committee that studied the situat-
ion of the borders between the two countries.
They also include an official complaint filed by Beirut with Damascus in 1944, after a Syrian team surveyed the land of several farms in Shibaa and included them on Syrian territory. The joint Syrian-Lebanese committee contended at the time that the misunderstanding was due to a printing mistake on the map used by the Syrian team.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry replied in 1946, saying that the work of the team was “purely technical and did not aim at modifying the borders or annexing farms.”
“These documents include a confirmation from Syria’s Foreign Ministry to its Lebanese counterpart that these farms are Lebanese,” Prime Minister Salim Hoss said in a statement.
According to the statement, Syrian officials recognize that a mistake had occurred and that the Shibaa Farms were not Syrian territory, but were in fact on Lebanese soil.
Hoss, who is also minister for foreign affairs, sent the new documents to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, along with a map which shows that the Shibaa Farms are unequivocally on Lebanese territory. He then followed up his submission with a telephone call to Annan.
The map is different from one presented to the media by Speaker Nabih Berri last Wednesday. According to government sources, Hoss’ map is clearer and unchallengable.
The map presented by Berri was greeted with skepticism in political and diplomatic circles as it left room for interpretation as to the exact location of the farms. Parliamentary sources said Washington admitted that the map was a US document issued by the Pentagon, but argued that it was not clear whether the Shibaa Farms were inside Lebanon’s border or on Syrian land.
The new documents will be added to a long list presented previously by Lebanese authorities to the United Nations.
"The list includes ownership deeds of the Shibaa Farms issued by the Lebanese government, as well an exchange of notes between the Syrian and Lebanese governments, in which the Lebanese identity of the farms is clearly stated".

Obeid: "Israeli" pullout must include Shibaa
Prime minister heads home after supporting Beirut…(2)

"Lebanon and Egypt issued a joint call on Friday for a full "Israeli" pullout from the south.
After the fourth annual meeting of the Higher Lebanese-Egyptian Joint Commission, Prime Minister Salim Hoss and his Egyptian counterpart, Atef Obeid, said in a communiqué that the “"Israeli" retreat must be fully in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 425 and must include the Shibaa Farms.”
Shibaa, located on the slopes of Mount Hermon, was occupied by "Israel" in 1967, unlike south Lebanon which has been held since 1978, but Beirut says it must be abandoned as well, although "Israel" claims the area is Syrian.
“The withdrawal is an important development, a victory for Lebanon which sees its land liberated and a step which serves Arab interests,” the communiqué said.
On Wednesday, Egyptian Information Minister Safwat Sharif, a member of Obeid’s delegation, said that the dispute over Shibaa should be settled in Lebanese-"Israeli" negotiations following the Jewish state’s proposed pullout.
"But Obeid said on Thursday that “Egypt supports Lebanon’s efforts to regain its sovereignty over all of its territories, including the Shibaa Farms.”

Lebanon will not deploy army in south after "Israeli" retreat: Minister…(3)

" Lebanese Interior Minister Michel Murr said Friday that Lebanon will not send its army into the southern part of the country when the "Israelis" leave and that Beirut's main presence in the region will be the police and administrators.

In a published statement, Murr said Beirut would treat southern Lebanon the same way it dealt with Jezzine, which until last June was controlled by the militia allied with "Israel".

"The state will be present in the localities of southern Lebanon like it was in Jezzine, with internal security forces, prefects, under-prefects and technical services," Murr said. "Administration offices that are already there will be reopened."

The minister met Thursday evening with Lebanon's Central Security Council, which includes the heads of Lebanon's various security services. The meeting was attended by Defense Minister Ghazi Zaaiter and General Roustom Ghazalay, a representative of the Syrian army in Lebanon.

"The militia, under "Israeli" supervision, has for 14 years controlled an 850 square kilometer (340 square mile) area of southern Lebanon, which "Israel" says it will leave by July 7."

"Israel's" militia must be disbanded if south to have peace after withdrawal…(4)

"The "Israeli"-proxy militia must be disbanded ­ by force if necessary ­ to avert further bloodshed in the south following the departure of the "Israelis".
The militia appears determined to continue functioning as a military entity after their "Israeli" allies have retreated behind the border due to fears of a violent aftermath to the occupation.
Many militiamen are prepared to accept the penalty for being on the losing side and would turn themselves over to the authorities, stand trial, and spend a period of time in jail.
" "Israel's" withdrawal is almost over and the next act in the south Lebanon drama is about to begin. There are apparently only 120 "Israeli" soldiers remaining in Lebanon. Half of them are located in the "Israeli" Army’s forward posts at Beaufort Castle, Dabsheh, Aishieh and Rihan. The rest are stationed in outposts along the border.
With the departure of the "Israelis", the militia is becoming more assertive. New checkpoints on the edges of villages are springing up and ­ in what could be a foretaste of future relations between the militia and UNIFIL ­ the militia has restricted access to all UN vehicles at the Hamra crossing south of Tyre.
On Thursday, the "Israeli" agent informed UNIFIL that they would shoot at any vehicle attempting to pass through the Hamra crossing. The crossing was partially opened to UN traffic on Friday, with vehicles allowed to pass in either direction at three separate times during the day.
The collaborators cannot continue to hold the present perimeters of the occupation zone without "Israeli" support. The Shiite element of the militia will probably collapse in the wake of the withdrawal, as indicated by the growing number of defections.
In this event, the militia is expected to fall back to the lines of the so-called Haddad enclave, the area under the control of the militia's founder in the 1970s. The enclave centered on three clusters of Christian villages: Alma Shaab in the western sector; Rmeish, Dibil and Ain Ibl in the same sector; Marjeyoun and Qlayaa in the eastern sector. To these three original enclaves will be added a fourth: Hasbaya.
"Hizbullah would continue to launch attacks on the new village-based militias. Without the restraining influence of "Israel", the militia will have few qualms about retaliating with artillery fire into populated areas. UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army would stay out of the area.
Continued fighting in south Lebanon would almost certainly spill over into "Israel", thus inviting "Israeli" warplanes to return to the skies above Beirut.
This gloomy scenario can be thwarted, however, if there is a determined effort to dismantle the "Israeli" agents. With no militia in place, Hizbullah has no one left to fight. Contrary to the fears of the zone’s residents, Hizbullah is not going to jeopardize the prestige it has gained spearheading the resistance by slaughtering anyone perceived to have been a collaborator with the "Israelis". Instead, Hizbullah is more likely to declare victory and prepare for the parliamentary elections slated for July and August.
The absence of the collaborators will permit a reinforced UNIFIL to deploy up to the border. The government is unlikely to exacerbate the fears of the residents by treating those former militiamen that remain in Lebanon with undue severity. Some ministers have hinted that the militiamen will receive the same treatment as their comrades in Jezzine.
The dilemma over the militiamen has already forced the UN to postpone to next week a briefing by UN special envoy Terje Roed-Larsen to the Security Council.
"Israel" has hoped that the Lebanese government or the UN would shoulder the problem, having apparently planned nothing for the collaborators other than to offer vague promises.
"The Security Council is expected to formally demand that "Israel" dismantle the militia. "Israeli" Premier Ehud Barak seems determined to ensure that the withdrawal is coordinated with the UN. But whether Barak will order his troops to strip their allies of their weapons before retiring remains to be seen".

"Israeli" air raid, naval attack and artillery exchanges in southern Lebanon

"The "Israeli" air force bombarded the Iqleem al-Toffah in southern Lebanon, which also came under artillery attack from the "Israeli"-occupied zone, Lebanese police reported.

"Israeli" fighter bombers fired two air-to-surface missiles mid-afternoon on a valley separating Iqleem al-Toffah from the neighboring area of Nabatieh, they said.

Around 100 155mm artillery and tank shells fell on valleys along the edge of the occupied zone, the police said, without reporting casualties.

Separately, the "Israeli" navy fired at four fishing boats off the coast near Tyre, around 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Beirut, with again no casualties in the police report.

Fighting has intensified as "Israeli" troops have begun a gradual withdrawal from southern Lebanon, handing over bases to their allies…(7)

In its communiqué, the IR mentioned the following "Israeli" aggressions (8):

Between 6:25 and 7:10, eleven 155mm missiles slammed into Qaissieh Valley.

Between 5:30 and 23:00, Mount Sojod was bombarded by eighteen 155mm, eight 120mm and one 105mm tank missiles.

7:00, three 155mm missiles landed Kfour ravine.

Between 10:30, and 17:45, the perimeters of Qabrikha village came under nine 81mm and three 120mm shells.

11:10, Mount Zaatar was shelled by four 155mm missiles.

11:20, three 155mm missiles were unleashed at the peripheries of Haris town.

11:30, seven 155mm missiles were fired at the perimeters of Baraasheit town.

Between 12:00 and 22:40, the peripheries of Haddatha town exposed to eighteen 155mm and several 81mm and 120mm shells.

12:00, a volley of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets hit the surroundings of Mashaaroun position.

Between 12:05 and 17:40, Slouqi Valley was targeted by six 155mm and three 81mm rounds.

12:05, a hail of 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds struck the perimeters of Aita El-Jabal village.

13:10, the peripheries of Haddatha compound exposed to 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire.

14:45, Tasseh Well watercourse was targeted by five 155mm missiles.

14:50, three 155mm missiles fell on Mount Al-Rafih.

15:10, a barrage of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets hit the perimeters of Qabrikha.

15:45, the "Israeli" war jets raided into Tasseh Well watercourse.

17:15, the surroundings of Bir Kallab outpost came under seven 120mm shells and a barrage of 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets.

17:30, Arid El-Zennar area was pounded by fifteen 155mm missiles.

17:35, Mlikh village was shelled by four 155mm missiles.

17:40, four 155mm missiles landed Meriamine area to the west of Yater village.

17:45, eight 155mm missiles slammed into Jib Soweid area to the east of Majdal Zoun village.

20:35, Kfar Romman town was targeted by a volley of 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds.

22:05, a barrage of 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds struck Haddatha town.

23:00, Abou Rashed area was bombarded by seven 155mm missiles.

1-  The Daily Star, 20-5-2000.

2- Same source.

5- AFP, 19-5-2000.

6- The Daily Star, 20-5-2000.

7- AFP, 19-5-2000.

8- IR statement, 19-5-2000.

May Tuesday 23 -2000:

Defections gut “Israel’s” militia ahead of "Israeli" pullout
Five civilians slaughtered by "Israeli" shelling…(1)

"Israel's" plans for an orderly withdrawal from the occupation zone took a sharp turn toward collapse on Monday as “Israeli”-allied militiamen defected in droves and jubilant villagers and resistance fighters surged into liberated villages to return to their homes.
But even as the 22-year occupation neared its end, a series of "Israeli" and militia attacks by helicopter gunships and artillery guns killed at least five civilians and wounded 21.
Fearful that Hizbullah would retaliate for the civilian casualties by launching cross-border rocket strikes, "Israeli" authorities ordered residents of northern communities into bomb shelters.
The collaborators completely collapsed in the central sector and was on the brink of total disintegration in the western sector after 200 militiamen handed themselves in to the authorities and resistance groups.
By Monday evening, the occupation zone was split in two with jubilant flag-waving Hizbullah supporters standing at the "Israeli" border.
The stunningly rapid developments began on Monday morning, when about 500 Houla residents gathered at the edge of the frontline village of Shaqra, 3 kilometers to the west. They ignored warnings from UN peacekeepers and streamed to Houla along a rutted track that wound through Wadi Slouqi, the scene of countless gunbattles between resistance fighters and "Israeli" troops.
The militiamen manning the position on the edge of Houla had fled overnight in the wake of Sunday’s liberation of the neighboring villages of Qantara and Taibeh.
The sound of heavy machine-gun fire could be heard coming from Markaba as the “Israeli” agents hurriedly abandoned their outpost and checkpoint on the edge of the village. The militiamen regrouped at the southern approach to Odaisseh, blocking the road with mounds of earth.
The liberation of Houla paved the way for the extraordinary scene of enthusiastic Hizbullah supporters streaming along the border road, just dozens of meters from a string of "Israeli" Army outposts. With Hizbullah flags fluttering from car windows, the first few vehicles passed directly beneath the "Israeli" troops and entered Markaba to receive another rapturous welcome from the residents.
A group of Hizbullah fighters raced into the abandoned headquarters of the militia’s 70th battalion next to Markaba and emerged minutes later with grenades, helmets, flak jackets, and belts of ammunition.
Tensions mounted around noon, however, when five "Israeli" Apache helicopters took up position, hovering high above the border fence between Houla and Markaba. Two teenagers raced by on scooters heading toward Markaba when one of the helicopters opened fire at the road 20 meters ahead of them. The hail of shells kicked up fountains of dust and stones, causing both teenagers to fall off their scooters. They hurriedly remounted and returned to Houla.
Two "Israeli" Merkava tanks emerged on the edge of a position on the border, their barrels pointed ominously at the road into Markaba. Another Merkava sidled into position beside the Abbad outpost on the border opposite Houla. "Israeli" artillery units near Meis al-Jabal opened up on various areas in the central and western sectors. The Apaches continued strafing the road north of Markaba to deter anyone from approaching the new militia lines at the entrance to Odaisseh. Two Merkavas also shelled the sides of the road, while a temporary artillery emplacement just inside "Israel" made its presence known every few seconds.
The Taibeh outpost, abandoned by the collaborators on Sunday, was destroyed in a deafening explosion that sent an enormous cloud of gray smoke billowing into the sky. A second massive blast further to the south indicated that another outpost had been abandoned and destroyed. It was unclear what caused the blasts but appeared to have been from guided missiles fired by high-flying "Israeli" warplanes.
A Merkava lay burning by the side of the road just south of Houla, having been abandoned by its crew after it broke down earlier in the morning. In the afternoon, an "Israeli" helicopter fired a missile into the tank, setting it ablaze. A crowd gathered 200 meters from the tank, hoping to continue on the road to Meis al-Jabal. But the "Israelis" were determined to block the route.
A tank round exploded just 5 meters from this reporter. Seconds later, heavy machine-gun fire cracked overhead, followed by the hiss and blast of an anti-tank missile, which exploded in a cloud of white smoke.
Two civilians were killed a little further down the road by shelling from the same tank. A pickup truck braved the bombardment to recover the mangled corpses from the side of the road. Three more civilians were killed by machine-gun fire and artillery shells in various villages, while at least 21 were wounded.
By late afternoon, heavy fighting erupted around the village of Srobbine, just outside Tyre, as Hizbullah fighters battled retreating the militiamen.
Resistance fighters gathered at the entrance to Srobbine as an ambulance drove down a narrow lane to recover four civilians wounded by shelling. An "Israeli" tank opened fire on the village, sending residents ducking into doorways. Over 140 shells exploded in the nearby wadis. By the evening, the Baraasheit, Beit Yahoun, Rshaf and Haddatha compounds had all been evacuated, along with much of Bint Jbeil.
UNIFIL spokesman Timur Goksel said that the disintegration of the collaborators had been inevitable. “It’s the collapse of the fallacy that the militia could stand on its own as the "Israelis" leave,” he said.
Security sources believe that the western sector could cease to exist by Tuesday, with the rest of the occupation zone being dismantled in the next few days.

"Israel" keeps up stream of bombing and shelling in south Lebanon…(2)

" "Israel" kept up a steady bombardment of south Lebanon late into Monday night as Hizbullah continued to pound sectors still occupied by "Israel" troops, the Lebanese police said.

Hizbullah said in a statement that its sappers had blown up two positions in the western sector of the border zone after nightfall after they had been abandoned by the troops holding them.

Security services in the zone said Hizbullah mortars had also hit the two positions, Aabbad, on the international frontier, formerly held by "Israeli" troops, and Hardun, which belonged to its proxy militia.

Both positions were also the target of sustained attack by "Israeli" helicopters to prevent them falling into enemy hands, and "Israel" used gunboats as well against Hardun.

Security services said explosions could be heard for several miles (kilometers) around after "Israeli" helicopters bombarded Aabbad.

Lebanese police said "Israeli" war planes three times bombed valleys just outside the "Israeli"-occupied zone, but mentioned no victims.

"Israeli" television also reported that "Israeli" jets, artillery and warships were pounding Lebanon, while several shells fired from Lebanon landed near the border.

In northern "Israel", witnesses said dozens of tanks were rolling towards the border with Lebanon to provide reinforcements as army helicopters circled overhead.

An "Israeli" army spokesman in Jerusalem said its jets had launched a raid against positions near the historic Beaufort Castle on the edge of the central sector of the zone.

Lebanon has called on the international community to ensure that "Israel" does not wilfully destroy the 900-year old fort when it withdraws from its northern neighbour after two decades of occupation.

The castle, seized by "Israel" during its full-scale invasion in 1982, is one of its main observation posts, commanding views across much of southern Lebanon.

"Israeli" television also said an “Israeli” agent was injured during Hizbullah attacks in the border zone during the evening, but gave no further details.

An "Israeli" army statement later said "Israeli" troops and their collaborators had repulsed several Hizbullah attempts to capture fortified positions in the west of the zone.

It said there had been no casualties or damage in the attacks, which had been beaten off with the help of the navy, airforce and artillery.

Hizbullah announced that a further 10 militiamen had abandoned their position at Tair Harfa in the west of the zone, and surrendered to its fighters outside the zone.

Over 200 agents have already surrended either to Hizbullah or to the Lebanese army, while others fled into "Israel".

A total of five Lebanese civilians were killed and 35 injured during the day by "Israeli" shelling aimed at the outskirts of villages abandoned by the militia, AFP learnt from police and hospital sources.

The upsurge of fighting came as "Israeli" Prime Minister Ehud Barak hosted an emergency meeting of his security cabinet to discuss "Israel's" withdrawal from south Lebanon.

The cabinet empowered him to set a new date for the pullback, which "Israeli" radio reported could come by the end of May, several weeks ahead of the set date of July 7.

1-          AFP, 22-5-2000.

2-          AFP, 22-5-2000.

May Wednesday 24 -2000:

Nasrallah: stay in your shelters
But Hizbullah’s secretary-general pledges that the resistance will treat “Israeli” militia fairly ...(1)

Hizbullah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah warned “Israelis” in northern Israel on Tuesday to stay in their shelters, saying that party officials were still deliberating how to react to the killing of six civilians over the past two days.
“I advise the ““Israelis”” to remain in their shelters for the next few days and warn the enemy not to make any further attacks on civilians. I hope the ““Israelis”” take this warning very seriously,” Nasrallah told a news conference in Bir Hassan.
He said that Israel’s targeting of civilians was an “extremely dangerous matter. But if the ““Israelis”” think that this will deter our people from entering their villages, they’re wrong.” The Hizbullah leader described the five civilians who were killed entering villages in the central sector of the zone on Monday as “martyrs of liberation.”
“It is they who actually liberated our villages. They entered under shelling and paved the way for others to go through,” he added. Nasrallah was careful to point out that developments on Monday and Tuesday did not result in any escalation of tension in these villages.
“There wasn’t one problem in the south. There were so many who bet that families in these villages would fight each other. But absolutely nothing happened,” he said, criticizing the press for painting a dark picture of possible sectarian conflict in liberated villages.
Nasrallah said that everyone in the south, including returning residents, resistance fighters, local politicians and religious leaders, were concerned with keeping the situation stable in the liberated villages.
Responding to fears that Hizbullah would attack The “Israeli”-allied militia, Nasrallah said that not one militiaman had been liquidated.
“During a similar period,” he recalled, smiling mischievously, “the French resistance killed 10,000 collaborators.” He was referring to the execution of France’s German collaborators during World War II. In his Sunday speech, Nasrallah said he had learned that Hizbullah had been lenient with the collaborator, compared to the French.
“As you’ve seen, not one militiaman was beaten or tortured by our men. The people also behaved in an extremely responsible manner and did not seek revenge. This confirms the fact that no tension will happen in the south.”
Nasrallah urged local religious and political leaders in the south to advise militiamen to surrender to the Lebanese Army or the resistance.
“Not a single militiaman is allowed to remain in the liberated area. Anyone who really wants to protect these men should advise them to hand themselves over to the government. This isn’t a threat, we are speaking out of concern because these militiamen are “Israeli” moles who will create sedition there,” he explained.
In high spirits, Nasrallah said that although the ““Israelis”” were surprised by the sudden collapse of the militia, “they’ve definitely rejoiced over not having to pay the collaborators their promised compensation.”
Nasrallah urged people in the liberated villages, particularly those populated by Christians, not to fear Hizbullah.
“Our problem is with collaborators. We don’t distinguish between collaborators on the basis of their sects. I also urge our people not to allow anyone to influence them. It’s over and I want to assure the people of Marjayoun and Hasbaya that what happened on Monday will be repeated in their villages. Everyone will celebrate the greatness of this day of liberation,” he stressed.
Nasrallah warned Israel that Hizbullah holds it entirely responsible for any harm that may come to detainees in ““Israeli”” prisons.
His press conference was held before news of the release of the 144 detainees from Khiam, but there are still Lebanese detainees inside Israel, including Sheikh Abdel-Karim Obeid and Mustafa Dirani.
Nasrallah insisted that Hizbullah would continue to stage operations against Israel as long as there were Lebanese detainees in Israel and as long as Israel continued to occupy the Shebaa Farms region.
“We still don’t consider what has been happening in the south to be a complete withdrawal unless Israel withdraws from the Shebaa Farms and all detainees are released.”
Regarding Hizbullah’s position toward UN forces deploying in the south, Nasrallah said that the role of UN troops was to protect Lebanon. “If Israel staged an attack after a withdrawal or fired at fishermen along the Tyre coast, how would the UN behave? We will accept the UN role if it protects Lebanon,” he said.
Asked if a continued occupation of the Shebaa Farms would see Hizbullah staging cross-border operations, Nasrallah replied: “We will see what is necessary for this case. It is under study.”

425 ‘incomplete’ unless Shebaa liberated …(2)

Lebanon and the United Nations locked horns on Tuesday over the implementation of Resolution 425, as Beirut demanded the release of detainees inside Israel and “condemned” the international body’s failure to include the Shebaa Farms within the scope of the withdrawal.
Meeting in New York, the Security Council endorsed Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s plan to verify Israel’s withdrawal from the south and help re-establish the government’s authority over the area.
Norwegian diplomat Terje Roed-Larsen was scheduled to arrive in Beirut on Wednesday, where he will act as an envoy of the Security Council in discussing the details of the UN’s plan to verify the withdrawal.
But President Emile Lahoud told an emergency meeting of the Cabinet that “while Lebanon appreciates the efforts of the UN secretary-general, it can only express its sorrow and condemnation regarding the non-inclusion of the Shebaa Farms within the framework of Resolution 425.”
“Syria has informed the UN of its readiness to submit a written report confirming that the farms are Lebanese,” but the world body did not respond to the offer, the president said.
“Another fundamental and vital shortcoming is the release of all Lebanese detainees inside (“Israeli”) prisons and not only those in Khiam,” Lahoud said.
Annan’s demand that all Khiam detainees be freed was overtaken by events on Tuesday, when Hizbullah fighters and civilians stormed the prison and freed some 140 detainees.
The council said it shared Annan’s view that it was crucial that all parties in the region work to calm the situation, ensure the safety of civilians, cooperate with the UN and assist Beirut in regaining authority in the South.
Earlier, Prime Minister Salim Hoss said that the government insisted that the Shebaa Farms were Lebanese but that it would not allow the issue to be a stumbling block to the withdrawal.
“We won’t place any obstacles in front of the withdrawal of the occupation forces from the rest of the South and western Bekaa,” the premier said.
Hoss stressed that Lebanon would fully cooperate with the UN in achieving a complete “Israeli” pullout to the internationally recognized border drawn in 1923 between the French and British mandates, and reconfirmed in the 1949 Lebanese-”Israeli” Armistice Agreement.
“It’s natural that we will cooperate with UNIFIL forces to liberate our territories while preserving our right to regain the Shebaa Farms,” Hoss reiterated.
Despite Hoss’ mild tone, diplomatic sources revealed that the government was “extremely upset” with Annan’s report for excluding the Shebaa Farms.
The sources said the report was biased and did not take all the Lebanese documents that were sent into consideration.
“Logically, Annan should consider the Shebaa Farms land occupied by Israel, and Israel is withdrawing from land it has occupied for 22 years. He could have asked Israel to withdraw from land that Syria says is Lebanese,” the sources said.
For his part, Speaker Nabih Berri said that by continuing its occupation of the Shebaa Farms, Israel wanted to “create divisions between Lebanon and the UN.”
“We warned about this issue last week and we assert that Lebanon is committed to Resolution 425 and will not allow any split with the UN,” Berri told a news conference at Parliament.
He criticized Annan’s claim that international maps show the Shebaa Farms to be in Syria and that the area which falls under the UN Disengagement Observer Force’s mandate has so far remained unchanged.
Berri argued that it was untrue that the area remained unchanged since 1974, when the disengagement agreement was signed between Syria and Israel, because “Israeli” forces occupied two new farms in Shebaa in 1985 and 1989 and built Jewish settlements and ski resorts in the area.
The speaker said that no country has claimed Shebaa as its own, supporting Beirut’s insistence that the area is Lebanese.
Berri stressed that as long as Shebaa was not liberated, Resolution 425 would be considered “partially implemented,” allowing the Lebanese to continue fighting to regain their land.
Hizbullah’s Secretary-General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, told a news conference on Tuesday that the resistance would also consider the withdrawal incomplete if it did not include Shebaa, suggesting that military operations would not cease until Beirut has regained all its rights.
From Paris, former President Amin Gemayel also asserted that Shebaa was “no doubt” Lebanese and said Beirut should not give up claiming it.

Chaos, humiliation, bloodshed: after 22 years, Israel withdraws from Lebanon …(3)

By Robert Fisk

24 May 2000

Israel pulled the last of its soldiers out of south Lebanon at daybreak today, completing an unexpectedly hasty and chaotic withdrawal that capped one of the most divisive chapters in Israel's history.

The last “Israeli” tank rolled through the Fatima Gate crossing at 6:41 a.m. (0341 GMT), and then “Israeli” soldiers padlocked the metal barrier behind them.

"We're going home," the tank's commander, Sagi Bloomberg, a 26–year–old captain, said with a big smile, waving from the turret after he reached “Israeli” soil.

Soldiers at the gate were euphoric, giving each other bear hugs and high fives.

"The nightmare is over," said Ephraim Gandelberg, a bereaved father whose son was killed in fighting in Lebanon in 1996.

But elsewhere the occupation was ending in humiliation as “Israeli” soldiers opened fire on their own allied militiamen who were trying to seek sanctuary across the frontier, killing two fighters and a woman and wounding six civilians.

A day that saw the liberation of 160 prisoners from the notorious torture jail at Khiam, the capture by Hizbollah guerrillas of vast amounts of “Israeli” armour and ammunition and a desperate attempt to evacuate the last “Israeli” troops from a Crusader castle thus closed with Israel fighting its own Lebanese allies.

Ehud Barak, the “Israeli” Prime Minister, could never have dreamt of the speed of the collapse; that within 48 hours, Hizbollah gunmen would be lounging in their villages in sight of the northern “Israeli” border. Nor that the so-called "South Lebanon Army" militia – so pampered by the ““Israelis”” over two decades – would disintegrate, abandoning their armoured personnel carriers, tanks and shells to the Hizbollah guerrillas.

Yet not a single Hizbollah rocket was fired over the “Israeli” border and not a shot fired at the “Israelis” by the resistance army. The only gunfire came from Israel's side of the frontier.

Not only did “Israeli” troops shoot at their own militia allies but they poured tank fire on to the roads and wadis of southern Lebanon in a last, vain attempt to prevent the collapse of the occupation zone.

Near Adaissi, a Merkava tank fired a shell into a BBC car used by correspondent Jeremy Bowen, killing his Lebanese driver, while “Israeli” helicopters almost hit a car-load of Lebanese journalists near Blat.

Israel talked of offering sanctuary to some – not all – of its former Lebanese militiamen although the deputy defence war minister, Ephraim Sneh, claimed that Israel preferred not to do so because "it's very cruel to turn someone into a refugee". That was not the view of the militia gunmen who streamed towards the border last night, carrying suitcases on their heads and children in their arms.

The last “Israeli” soldiers inside Lebanon, the very end of an occupation that has cost up to 20,000 lives and lasted for 22 years in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions, were hiding inside their artillery battery in the old Crusader keep at Beaufort Castle last night, awaiting a helicopter evacuation under the cover of darkness. Hizbollah mortar shells continued to fall around the castle, whose ruins stand high above the Litani river gorge. The “Israelis”' final retreat will mark the defeat by a rag-tag guerrilla army of one of the world's most powerful fighting forces.

At Khiam, frightened militiamen – in a scene reminiscent of the end of the Second World War – unlocked the cells of 160 men, almost all of them Shia Muslims and some held without trial for 16 years, allowing the inmates to run for their lives through the fields northwards. Three torture chambers and a whipping yard were abandoned by the pro”Israeli” gunmen, surviving proof of the torments that the prisoners endured for almost a quarter of a century.

General Antoine Lahd, the collaborators commander, who had earlier announced in Paris his imminent return to "rally" his troops, never showed up. His men left behind the symbols of their defeat: tons of armour, tanks and armoured personnel carriers, many of them with their engines still running. Hizbollah guerrillas – thousands of them with rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and mobile phones – organised a victory parade of captured equipment amid scenes of jubilation from returning villagers.

The hundreds of militiamen surrendering to the Hizbollah were handed over, apparently untouched, to Lebanese army troops, although some Shia Muslims who lived under “Israeli” occupation were angry that their former tormentors had escaped so easily.

A woman in Yarin, close to the “Israeli” border, said she had once been forced to kiss the boots of an “Israeli” agents officer but now found he would receive only a statutory two-month jail sentence by way of punishment. But the militia was by last night no longer in existence. The “Israelis” were on the run. And Hizbollah was celebrating the first victory of an Arab guerrilla force over Israel. The Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza are unlikely to have ignored this week's lesson.

Among the collaborators families seeking refuge in Israel were the widow and six daughters of Major Saad Haddad, the first Lebanese army officer to collaborate with Israel and whose militia, then called the "Free Lebanon Army", regularly shelled Lebanese villagers for allegedly allowing Palestinian guerrillas to live among them. But the militia was always a surrogate force, its members paid by the “Israelis” at a rate of up to $500 a month.

Indeed, one of the final blows to morale was the discovery by militia officers that Israel's promise of severance pay, up to $15,000, was not going to be honoured. A tent village has been set up in Galilee for ex-militia officials, some of whom have been involved in torture in Khiam. Many of these are expected to be given exile in France – the largest number of war criminals to be sent into Europe since the Bosnia war.

“Israeli”-proxy militia’s disintegration ends Israel's dream of a militia at its service …(4)
 The disintegration of the “Israeli”-proxy militia’s ended Israel's long-held dream of having a militia at its service in its northern neighbour, a force that could protect the Jewish state from attacks launched by its enemies.

In 1949, just after the peace agreements that ended the first Arab-”Israeli” the then “Israeli” prime minister David Ben Gurion brought up the idea.

Ben Gurion thought Israel should "establish a state in the south bordered by the Litani River and then form an alliance with it.

"We should find a Lebanese Christian officer, at the rank of captain or higher, and win him to our cause or, if necessary, buy him, so he can proclaim himself the savior of the Maronite population," Israel's first foreign minister, Moshe Sharett, wrote in his journal published in 1978.

"Then, the “Israeli” army could penetrate into Lebanon to occupy the territory in question and install a Christian regime that would form an alliance with Israel," Ben Gurion believed, according to Sharett.

When Lebanon erupted into civil war in 1975, Israel was able to find the man it was looking for -- Saad Haddad, commander of a military camp in a Maronite village near the “Israeli” border.

In October 1976, as the head of what he called the Free Lebanon Army (AFL), Haddad and his force of Lebanese Christian officers, with quiet support from Israel, took over an army base at Marjayoun, from which they could control the road connecting Palestinian military positions on Mount Hermon to the Mediterranean Sea.

In 1977, confrontations grew with the Palestine Liberation Organization, a major force in the south, and “Israeli” army officers came to the AFL's assistance.

But it was in 1978 that Ben Gurion's idea was able to come to fruition. The “Israeli” army launched its first invasion of southern Lebanon, financing and arming Haddad's force, now rechristened the South Lebanon Army (SLA).

When the 25,000 “Israeli” soldiers left, Israel handed control over not to the 6,000 UN troops that had just arrived, but instead gave its proxy army a five to 10 kilometer (three to six mile) "security zone."

The Lebanese army tried to return to the south on the tails of the UN force in July 1978 and again in 1979, but each time Haddad's forces bombarded them. Twice Haddad was court martialed in his absence for "collaboration with the enemy" and twice he was cashiered from the Lebanese army.

In the summer of 1982, Israel's ambition was even grander. Its army advanced to Beirut and lent its strong hand to Christian militia leader Bashir Gemayel, who then became president of the Lebanese republic.

But Israel's hopes of finally having a friendly Lebanese government faded quickly. Gemayel was assassinated in September and replaced with his brother Amin, who under Syrian pressure refused to sign an “Israeli”-Lebanese agreement in May 1983.

Israel's army, attacked ever more frequently, decided to retire gradually to an 850 square kilometer (340 square mile) "security zone" in Lebanon's extreme south. The area was trusted to the militia, which after Haddad's death in 1985 was led by Antoine Lahad.

The 2,500 militia soldiers were deployed to advance posts throughout the occupied zone and from 1985 on, without the “Israelis”, controlled the 40 square kilometer (16 square mile) Christian zone of Jezzin.

Israel paid the militiamen handsomely, giving base soldiers salaries going up to 500 US dollars a month, and granted militia members' families the right to work in Israel.

The security from the collaborators left Israel comfortable enough to station only 1,000 men in southern Lebanon -- a move that also diminished “Israeli” casualties.

In the past few days, members of the militia have been giving themselves up to Hezbollah, while others have chosen voluntary exile. Some have gone to Israel, while Lahad, the group's leader, is now in Paris.

“Israeli” aggressions kill civilian, wound others …(5)
The “Israeli” warplanes on Tuesday staged 25 raids on the vicinity of the Zoghle outpost which had become isolated.

The enemy's artillery also targeted the outpost with around 250 rounds while its warplanes fired more than 50 missiles that targeted three bridges linking the liberated area with the villages of Meimes and Zimrayya.

The “Israeli” artillery, meanwhile, bombarded with tens of rounds the sector adjacent to the western Beqaa.

Security sources said the “Israeli” bombardment went on for four hours adding that the objective was to cover up the evacuation of around 10 “Israeli” troops who were in Zoghle.

The “Israeli” troops managed to come out of the area in a Merkava tank and a military vehicle under a heavy barrage of fire, the sources said.

"Four Lahdi militiamen who were in Zoghle were left on the road; their fate was unknown ."

The sources said the militiamen who had been in four outposts around Zoghle evacuated their outposts and surrendered to the Lebanese arms.

On the other hand, an official sources in Beirut said Lebanon has filed an urgent complaint with the UN Security Council over the recent “Israeli” aggression.

A statement issued by Prime Minister Dr. Salim al-Hoss said he has informed UN Secretary General Kofi Annan during a phone call he got from Annan Monday evening that Lebanon intends to file an urgent complaint with the international body.

1-     Daily Star 24/05/2000

2-     The Daily Star 24/05/2000

3-     Independent 24/05/2000

4-     AFP 23/05/2000

5- IR Statement 23/05/2000

May Friday 26 -2000:

Roads jammed as thousands flock to south
Villages gridlocked but holiday atmosphere permeates the air…(1)

The heat did little to deter curious Lebanese from exploring the former occupation zone on Thursday, as tens of thousands of people took advantage of the national holiday to mark liberation, pouring into the south and creating miles of gridlocked traffic.
Vehicles crammed village roads leading into the zone while the country celebrated its “liberation and resistance” holiday. Those same roads only a few days ago were highly dangerous areas.
Former “Israeli”-proxy militia and positions stood beyond. For the first time in 22 years, they were empty.
No guns threatened villagers any more. Many stood at their doorsteps watching the traffic with amusement. Some yelled out their welcomes, never having seen their area so crowded. Still, the small villages were not equipped to cope with so many cars and a few harried-looking policemen tried in vain to put order to the chaos.
But nobody seemed to mind, as peoples’ shouts of joy remained strong. Hizbullah and Amal fighters flew their flags high, both getting along amiably.
Once in the zone, many visitors got lost. People yelled out to each other, asking for directions. A few had maps. Finally, some Hizbullah and Amal fighters stood on various cross points giving directions.
Abandoned militia tanks along the road attracted much attention as visitors, young and old, climbed on top and insisted on having their pictures taken. Very few seemed to mind the numerous pot holes in the roads.
In one section, it seemed like the militia had been in the process of fixing a huge hole in one street. A bulldozer stood abandoned.
In Debbine, in the qaza of Marjeyoun, a few people were searching the cemetery for the graves of long-buried relatives. Several graves already had fresh flowers on them. Three young women were reading the Koran beside one grave.
“Our grandfather died 11 years ago,” said 21-year-old Suzanne Yassine. “We just arrived today to lay flowers on his grave.” The women were originally from Debbine.
“Now we feel like a bird who was in cage and its door has been opened,” said Sabah Yassine.
Nearby, 52-year-old Abed Rashid had just located his parents’ graves. He’s been waiting to lay flowers on them for 23 years. “Two years ago, my brother passed away in Beirut,” he said. “And I couldn’t even attend his funeral. The Red Cross brought him to the village.”
Rashid’s excitement seemed somewhat subdued. “I’m happy of course,” he said. “But I’ve found that my house was demolished by the "Israelis". Not much is left there.”
Not too far away, in the village of Khiam, an elderly man was welcoming his son home. Hassan Ibrahim, 48, had not been back to the family house in 24 years.
“We fled in 1976 when collaborators first came to the area. More than 70 people were killed here. Later, the "Israelis" took people to the village square and shot them,” he said.
“My parents went back, but I didn’t. I was scared for myself and my sons.” His 70-year-old father, Mohsen, stood near him, his eyes bright and gleaming.
Already a small handwritten sign in Khiam pointed the way to the notorious prison

 “It’s been 15 years since we set foot in our village,” said Ali Jouny, 28. The men were lawyers from Beirut and part of the resistance. “Is that surprising?” asked Jouny. “There are also doctors with us.”
The weapons in their hands had been left behind by the militia at the prison. “We’ll turn them over to the government,” said Ashraf Kallash, 31. “This is nothing. We have tanks and much heavier weapons that we found.”
They were on their way to free the Khiam prisoners on Tuesday but had to go through Rashaya to reach here.
“But the residents went to the prison and freed everybody. They didn’t even have weapons. We arrived later,” said Jouny.
In the village of Taibeh, Hassan Farhat had his 16-year old daughter in tow. “We’re looking for our olive grove,” he said. Farhat himself planted the trees 24 years ago. “I want to see what happened to them.”
The grove was soon found. “Look, Sukainah,” he called out to his daughter. “There it is.” The trees had survived and had blossomed.

Shibaa residents hope "Israelis" will give them their land back…(2)

" Residents of the Lebanese village of Shibaa looked expectantly over to the nearby "Israeli"-occupied area known as the farms Thursday, hoping "Israel's" destruction of one of its fortifications in the disputed zone was a sign that a pullout there too was imminent.

A mass of large blackened debris spread over a hundred square metres (yards) was all that remained of Astra position dynamited late Wednesday in the mountainous area of the Shibaa farms, claimed by Lebanon.

The remains of the "Israeli" fort at an altitude of 1,600 metres (5,300 feet) on the slopes of Mount Hermon could be clearly seen from the position of the Indian contingent of the United Nations interim force in Lebanon, UNIFIL.

A road leads from the bunker, destroyed then abandoned by the "Israelis" who have occupied the area since the 1967 war, and then disappears into the grey, rocky and barren hillside, where a cold breeze blows, despite the hot sun.

Behind it is a fence sealing off the rest of the captured territory.

Hassan Farhat, a resident of Shibaa, which was evacuated by the "Israelis" Wednesday in their hurried departure from southern Lebanon, said he was woken up around 9:30 p.m. by a "very loud explosion," coming from the position just four kilometres (2.5 miles) away as the crow flies.

"We thought Hizbullah artillery was shelling the "Israelis"," as had happened Sunday and Monday, when it bombarded Astra and a nearby spy station for the first time.

The shelling came as "Israel's" proxy militia in southern Lebanon cracked and then collapsed, forcing the "Israeli" occupation forces to quit the territory in a little over 24 hours.

As Hassan spoke, dozens of armed Hizbullah militants trailed through the streets of Shibaa, waving flags to celebrate victory.

"This morning," said Hassan, "we discovered that the "Israelis" had blown up their position, perhaps the first to be set up in 1967 in the occupied farms."

"Israel" intimated Thursday that the destruction of Astra heralded the handover to Lebanon of parts of the Shibaa farms designated on UN maps as Lebanese territory. It said it would also abandon two other positions.

The fence is likely to be moved back, as according to an officer of the UN observer corps monitoring the truce which ended fighting between "Israel" and its Arab neighbours in 1949, it encroaches in parts on Lebanese territory.

But the rest of the land claimed by Lebanon will remain prohibited and inaccessible, as "Israel" says it was seized from Syria and its fate must be decided in negotiations with Damascus.

The mayor of Shibaa, Assad Farhat, who owns several hectares (acres) of olive groves in the disputed area, told AFP that "the "Israelis" have burned a million olive groves in the farm area, destroyed 500 houses and buried sources of water."

He said "these destructions are intended to keep us from our lands."

"But today," he said, "we keep a ray of hope of being able to return there after hearing on the radio that ("Israeli" Prime Minister Ehud) Barak is ready to give up part."

The area claimed by Beirut covers some 250 square kilometres (100 square miles) contains the equivalent of some 14 farms, and has four important water sources that feed into the Jordan basin and the Sea of Galilee.

From a promontory next to Shibaa, the local people can see the biggest military spy station in the Middle East set up by the "Israelis" at an altitude of 2,000 metres. It can "see" right up to Syria's border with Turkey.

Next to the spy station the "Israeli" army has set up an artillery position on the land of another Lebanese farm, according to the mayor of Shibaa.

Lower down "Israeli" bulldozers could be seen piling up earthworks.

The Lebanese claim is being looked into by UN envoy Terje Roed-Larsen, currently in Beirut on a mission which includes determining if the "Israeli" military pullout of southern Lebanon is complete.

Now comes the task of verifying 425…(3)

"Larsen, in Beirut to verify whether "Israel" has indeed fulfilled the terms of the 1978 resolution, met President Emile Lahoud and Prime Minister Salim Hoss in Baabda.
A source familiar with Larsen’s meetings said that Lebanon had raised four major concerns that could lead to tension if not addressed.
The Lebanese officials emphasized the need for an "Israeli" withdrawal from a 25-kilometer-square area of the Shibaa Farms claimed by Lebanon, the freeing of 19 Lebanese detainees still held in "Israel", restoration of the international border of 1923, and the future of Palestinian refugees.
Larsen, who is going to "Israel" on Monday, pledged to raise the issues during his meetings with officials there, the source said.
He also said that Larsen was primarily concerned with the following points: verifying "Israel's" withdrawal to the international border; the “practical lines” separating UNDOF and UNIFIL in the Golan and south Lebanon, respectively; security and development plans for the newly liberated region, and increasing the number of UNIFIL personnel.
A first step to increase UNIFIL forces would involve some 1,000 additional soldiers from countries already contributing troops. This would help to verify the withdrawal and de-mine the areas vacated by occupation troops. Discussion of a second increase did not take place because the issue was still premature, the source said.
A meeting grouping all possible donors toward reconstruction could take place in Paris in
the near future, he added. In an earlier meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri, Larsen pointed out that the UN would not object to an "Israeli" withdrawal from the Shibaa Farms, occupied by in 1967 and home to several hundred Jewish settlers.
According to a senior political source, Lebanese and UN experts are in agreement that about 25 square kilometers of the 200-square-kilometer area belong to Lebanon.
The remainder, according to Beirut and Damascus, belongs to Syria.
"Israel" contends that all of the farms are in occupied Syrian land and therefore should be addressed in the context of peace talks between "Israel" and Syria.
However, according to news agency reports, "Israel" has indicated that it would consider withdrawing from a portion of the farms to help secure stability along the border.
Following his meeting in Baabda, Larsen released a statement in which he called the liberation “a momentous event of historical proportions that will be remembered forever.”
“The government and people of Lebanon and all groups involved have demonstrated to the world how the unification with the rest of the country of a previously occupied area can be carried out peacefully and responsibly, and with a focus on what is best for the country as a whole,” he continued.
Larsen praised the government for the speed with which it was providing “rehabilitation, reconstruction and development assistance” to the newly liberated land and indicated that a joint Lebanese-UNDP plan was ready for implementation.
He also indicated that he was “particularly encouraged by the freeing of all detainees in Khiam prison.”
“As you know,” he said, “this was a requirement of the withdrawal and a top priority for the United Nations. I would like to welcome the detainees home to their families, where they belong, and wish them the best possible future.”
But Larsen noted that significant work still needed to be done, beginning with a de-mining program to ensure safety for civilians and UN peacekeepers.
Emphasizing Annan’s concern on the issue, he said: that the United Nations was prepared to help the Lebanese government with this task.
Moreover, the statement indicated that Larsen would request “the government of "Israel" to fulfill its commitment to provide promptly the United Nations with detailed information on the location of mines.”
One of the UN’s first steps, Larsen continued, would be to confirm whether "Israel's" withdrawal complied with Resolution 425 and the requirements delineated in Annan’s report on withdrawal procedure, which was unanimously endorsed by the Security Council on Tuesday.
“UNIFIL is already working on this. I plan to meet on Friday afternoon with the force commander of UNIFIL.
“Following this, I will have more to say about the UN’s plans for confirming the withdrawal,” Larsen said.

"Israeli" withdrawal from Lebanon not enough for security: Syrian official…(4)

" A Syrian official said Thursday it was up to the Hizbullah whether it pursues their war against "Israel" over land they say is still to be recovered, while warning that the "Israeli" withdrawal from southern Lebanon was not enough.

"The resistance takes its own decisions, it is not controlled by anyone else. It is Lebanese and knows what Lebanon's interests are, and acts according to those interests. It has always demonstrated that its aim was Lebanon's higher interest," Fayez al-Sayegh, the head of Syria's official SANA news agency told AFP.

His remarks countered "Israel's" assertions that Hizbullah, which spearheaded the resistance to "Israeli" occupation acts at Syria's behest and that Damascus can rein it in at will.

Hizbullah chief Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah made it clear Tuesday that his movement did not consider the "Israeli" withdrawal to be complete, since it still holds the Shibaa area, on the cusp between the "Israeli"-annexed Golan Heights and south Lebanon.

He said Hizbullah would continue to struggle until "Israel" left the area, but did not elaborate on whether it would use force.

Sayegh said Damascus -- which has verbally backed Lebanon's claim to the area -- would leave it to Beirut to decide whether the "Israeli" withdrawal was complete.

"Israel" says it captured the area from Syria in 1967, and its fate should be decided in peace talks with Damascus. But on Thursday it intimated it would quit those parts which United Nations maps showed were in Lebanon.

Sayegh rejected "Israel's" claims that Syria should bear the responsibility for possible cross-border attacks on "Israeli" troops or civilians.

"Israeli" Prime Minister Ehud Barak said Wednesday any such attack would be deemed an "act of war," and attract severe reprisals, adding that he held Syria and Lebanon responsible for maintaining calm in south Lebanon

""Israeli" threats are nothing new. "Israel" goes on making them because it knows it is taking new steps far removed from the spirit of the peace process," Sayegh said.

"The "Israeli" threats against Syria are an attempt to disguise the consequences of the defeat inflicted on the "Israeli" army and its agents" in southern Lebanon, he added.

Sayegh repeated the Syrian position that "Israel" will not achieve the security it wants without a peace that is "fair, comprehensive and in accordance with international law." Such a peace includes a withdrawal from the whole of the Golan Heights.

A Syrian member of parliament warned Thursday that Syria could set up its own Hizbullah-type guerrillas to combat "Israel's" occupation of the Heights.

"The option of the resistance remains open, and what happened in Lebanon could take place on the Golan," Medhat Saleh, who hails from Majdel Shams, on the Golan, told AFP on the sidelines of a rally in Damascus in solidarity with Syrians held in "Israeli" jails.

1-        The Daily Star, 26-5-2000.

2-    AFP, 25-5-2000.

3-    Same source.

4-    AFP, 25-5-2000.

May Saturday 27 -2000:

"Israeli" withdrawal will be verified in a matter of days: Annan…(1)

" The United Nations expects to finish verifying the withdrawal of "Israeli" forces from Lebanon "in the next few days," UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said Friday.

"I expect the certification in the next few days," Annan told journalists, adding that the United Nations had already begun the certification task.

A team of UN cartographers started working on the border Friday in conformance with UN resolution 425, the first stage in verification that "Israeli" troops have returned to the international border.

Annan said he believes "things are going quite well," saying that there is calm at the border and that first talks between UN special envoy Terje Roed-Larsen and Lebanese authorities had gone "extremely, extremely well."

He said he had been in contact with "Israeli" Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, and the two countries' leaders were cooperating with the United Nations.

Annan has asked the UN Security Council to increase the size of the UN peacekeeping mission in South Lebanon from 4,500 troops to 7,800 soldiers in order to help Lebanon maintain security in the zone vacated by "Israel".

He said he hoped UN reinforcements could begin moving into Lebanon as soon as the certification process was complete.

One civilian killed and two wounded…(2)

Police reported that Hassan Salman, 17, was killed while handling a grenade he found on Thursday.
Two other young people were wounded when a land mine exploded near the "Israeli" position at Beaufort Castle, which was evacuated in the final hours of the retreat on Wednesday. One lost his foot in the blast.

“No one felt safe ­ the "Israelis" used to see a shadow move and shoot at it’…(3)

Life in the small town of Odaisseh following liberation will never be the same. Its people are still close enough to the "Israeli" border to shout to inhabitants on the other side but now they dare to do so.
“This is the most traffic this area has ever seen,” said Mariam Asmar, a native of the village. “It was such a sight to come into the village at midnight and see the streets full of people.”
For the last 22 years, the inhabitants of Odaisseh have been careful to be home by 6pm every night. “No one felt safe,” said Asmar. “The "Israelis" used to see a shadow move and shoot at it.”
On Wednesday, she sat on her terrace until 2am without fear.
“It’s like a huge weight has been lifted,” said her neighbor, Raqaya Ashmar, sipping juice at her side under the shade of a willow tree. “We feel so relieved, like we can breathe again.”
Until a few days ago, children were repeatedly warned not to even “stick a finger past the road” separating the adversaries, or attract too much attention. Today, hundreds of families stop to wave flags and take pictures with "Israeli" soldiers standing in the background.
Before liberation, villagers who had not openly aligned themselves with Antoine Lahd’s militia lived under the constant threat of being taken to the Khiam detention center or having their homes demolished because of suspected collaboration with the resistance.
Raqaya’s cousin, 70-year-old Zarifeh Abboud, who has lived here since moving from Africa when she was 18, said: “All our young men are in Beirut. If they’d stayed, they would’ve had to do obligatory military service with Lahd.”
Many left for Beirut because of a lack of work, although some went into "Israel" to bring in a steady income through sewing or agriculture.

With all these factors at play, only a handful of the several thousand residents remained. But Raqaya’s husband Ahmad made it a point to make his presence in the occupied zone felt. “I knew that with every tree I planted in front of my house,” he said, “they’d die a little because I was refusing to leave.”
But while the Jewish settlement of Misgav Am has sat opposite the Ashmar home since 1948, there has been little interaction between them. “We’ve been neighbors for over 50 years,” said Ahmad. “But yesterday I saw something that made my hair stand on end ­ Amal, Hizbullah and "Israeli" soldiers all in one corner.”
There is also a language barrier, said Asmar ­ who unlike her Palestinian neighbors living under occupation, does not speak a word of Hebrew. “The "Israelis" didn’t dare mix with us,” she said. “They’d only drive their tanks back and forth on our roads. We’d only see Lahd’s men around here. ”
Even though "Israel" is their “closest neighbor,” literally a stone’s throw away, Odaisseh people would trek to unoccupied Lebanon for their daily provisions. “It would’ve taken me five minutes to get into "Israel", but I insisted on making the three-day trip to Sidon and Nabatieh to get my supplies,” said Ahmad, who brings in medicines to distribute to the area’s pharmacies.
The trip would not have even taken so long had the militia not closed the border crossing at Kfar Tibnite at noon every day. As it was, newspapers arrived a day late because the village drivers were unable to make it back before noon after picking them up. And not all papers were allowed in.
Sending or receiving mail in the occupied zone was impossible. Any such correspondence had to be done through the drivers leaving the area.
“We often sent yogurt to family in Beirut and they’d send us coffee beans with the drivers,” Abboud recalled.
All goods, except oil and foodstuffs that they produced themselves, were also brought in from cities outside the occupation zone. “Nothing was brought in from "Israel",” Abboud said. “Water, electricity, schools, all came from Lebanon.”
Of course, the impact of shortages during the war were felt down south as well, and many depended on generators, well water, and stored rain-water. Phone lines, as in many other parts of Lebanon, have still not been installed.
But government officials who had access to the zone, set up street lights in Odaisseh two years ago. Civilians originally from the area could get permission from the Lebanese Army in Sidon to enter. It was a simple process, Asmar said.
For healthcare, Adaissians would either travel to the hospital in Marjeyoun or go into northern "Israel", depending on whether they were collaborators or not.
All car license plates carried the old Lebanese numbers. “You might see many without plates because they weren’t registered,” said Ahmad. “Those were the ones illegally imported from Europe through Naqoura port because Customs wouldn’t allow pre-1992 models in. But all that should change now under the Lebanese government.”
And now that Lebanese troops have made an appearance on the scene, these two families are breathing easier.

Sojod is on ground zero…(4)

"The end of "Israel's" occupation has meant the return of thousands of villagers to their homes in south Lebanon. One group of villagers from the former front-line village of Sojod has returned to an alarming reality. They found their village on ground zero.

" Little did they know what they were returning to. The village of Sojod was a regular target of "Israeli" gunners. It now lies in ruin. It is a ghost town. Like many people from south Lebanon, villagers enthusiastically flocked to their homes after "Israel" retreated from the region. Their homecoming was bittersweet, after years of forced absence. A total of four hundred homes have been demolished by "Israel". The village's mosque, clinic and school were also razed. The villagers are not disheartened -life is beginning to resume in this tiny place, which for years played host to one of "Israel's" most notorious encampments in Iqleem al-Toffah ridges. Villagers want the government to draft a reconstruction plan for Sojod. This man said when he left in 1984 his home was standing- now it is a pile of rubble. (Man telling FTV: "All the people from the south are rejoicing except for the people of Sojod- we are crying for our loss"). Villagers believe it was the price they paid for resisting "Israel's" bloody occupation. Their homes were leveled, but the people of Sojod have returned despite harsh memories of occupation. They have settled for tents, instead of their homes that once stood on this hilltop south Lebanon village. There is also severe destruction in the nearby village of Mlikh. Lebanese living on the border with "Israel" are getting accustomed to a new way of life. "Israel" withdrew from the area, but there is no peace treaty between Lebanon and the Jewish state. The region remains potentially dangerous. But streams of villagers have returned to their homes in south Lebanon after more than two decades of "Israeli" occupation. Residents of the village of Mlikh-on the frontline with "Israel", returned late Thursday after twenty four years of displacement. People went straight to their deserted homes to check them out. An old woman found her husbands jacket-I t had hung untouched for more than two decades. [Woman saying: This is my husbands jacket. Its been hanging here for 24 years.] Church bells rang for the first time in more than two decades, and bulldozers started clearing the main road into the town from the weed that grew wildly and uncontrollably from lack of use. Many houses badly need renovation- nevertheless, people are happy to be back.

Time to pay the piper…(5)

Ehud Barak says his country is ready to turn a new page in its relations with Lebanon, but it will take far more than talk to undo the damage wrought by 22 years of occupation.
His troops may be gone, but the effects of their presence will take many years to dissipate, so the "Israeli" prime minister should take responsibility for his predecessors’ actions and agree to pay compensation for the many thousands of Lebanese whose lives have been ruined ­ or ended ­ by "Israeli" aggression. Having made Lebanon its whipping boy for more than a generation, "Israel" cannot simply walk away and hope to enjoy anything like normal relations with this country.
People have been deprived of their loved ones, their homes, their livelihoods, and most of their human and civil rights. The physical destruction has been immense, the economic ruin almost total, and the psychological impact devastating. How does one answer a 5-year-old whose only comment on the withdrawal is a question: “When will "Israel" be back?”
Try as he might, if at all, Barak will never be able to make full restitution for all of the trouble that his country has caused here. He could start, however, by addressing the most easily quantifiable aspect: the destruction of property both private and public.
What was, until this week, the occupation zone is quite literally filled with evidence that "Israeli" actions cost this country billions of dollars over the years in ruined homes, shops, roads, and infrastructure. This is not to mention the damage inflicted on priceless assets like Beaufort Castle, or the bill for air strikes on bridges, power stations, and communications installations.
From the "Israeli" perspective, the best part about paying compensation is that it would signal the Jewish state’s willingness to live by the very rules that it has sought to have others obey. The "Israeli" government has put much weight behind the efforts of Holocaust survivors to reclaim what was wrongfully taken from them during World War II, and it has promised to seek compensation for Jews whose property was confiscated by Arab governments in 1948. If it does not pay reparations to Lebanon, how can the Lebanese listen to the words of Barak and his compatriots with anything but doubt and hostility?
"Israeli" officials and citizens alike can often be heard to complain that many governments treat theirs like an international outlaw, but in fact the Jewish state has benefited from uncommon leniency, thanks largely to protection afforded it by the United States. Other countries are not simply denied a few perks at the United Nations when they defy international law: they are slapped with sanctions and/or bombed into submission. Iraq, for example, killed nowhere near as many Kuwaitis as "Israel" killed Lebanese, but Baghdad is still paying the price.
It will take years for Lebanon to get back on its feet, and while much of the damage was our own doing until 1990, "Israel's" “contribution” has been relentless.

1-          AFP, 26-5-2000.

2-          The Daily Star, 27-5-2000.

3-      The Daily Star, 27-5-2000.

4-      Future TV, 26-5-2000.

5-      The Daily Star, 27-5-2000.

May Monday 29 -2000:

Two children dead in south Lebanon mine blast…(1)

" Two girls aged five and eight were killed Sunday and seven people injured, including four children, when a mine exploded on a road in southern Lebanon, police said.

The blast occurred near the former crossing point of Kfar Tibnite along a road linking the former "Israeli" occupation zone in southern Lebanon with the rest of the country.

Hospital sources said Alaa Madi, five, and eight-year-old Lama Hamadeh were killed on the spot.

Two people were seriously wounded, including Hilal Ammar, 11, and the 39-year-old father of Madi, while the others received light injuries, including three other children under 11, they said.

UN special envoy Terje Roed-Larsen has repeatedly called for the rapid creation of a demining team in southern Lebanon, where "Israeli" forces withdrew last Wednesday after more than two decades of occupation.

He has said he will press the "Israelis" for detailed maps of mine emplacements in the area.

Hundreds of thousands of people have flocked into south Lebanon, inaccessible for the past 22 years, since the end of the occupation early Wednesday.

Three Lebanese wounded in border clash with "Israeli" troops…(2)

" Three Lebanese civilians were wounded Sunday in a clash with "Israeli" troops at this border flashpoint, raising pressure on the Beirut authorities and Hizbullah to cool the mood of confrontation with the Jewish state.

They were the first casualties on the border since "Israel's" pullout from southern Lebanon on Wednesday after a 22-year occupation. The frontier section at Kfar Kila has become an area of growing tension since then, as Lebanese crowds have gathered to taunt "Israeli" border guards daily.

Tension went up a notch Sunday when some 20 Lebanese civilians, cheered on by a large crowd, stepped across the border into "Israeli" territory.

After repeated stonethrowing by youths, "Israeli" troops fired warning shots, then smoke grenades and finally live rounds.

Ali Barjawi, 21, who was taken to nearby Marjeyoun hospital for treatment, told AFP he had been wounded by shrapnel, but denied that he had stepped onto "Israeli" soil.

Smoke grenades thrown by "Israeli" soldiers made it difficult for witnesses to say where Barjawi had been standing.

Another civilian, Hussein Habib Hamid, 19, was also transported to Marjayoun hospital after suffering two fractures in the leg from an "Israeli" bullet, police and hospital sources said.

A third civilian, Jihad Zein, 28, was also slightly wounded in the foot, also from shrapnel.

The Lebanese government promised the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Sunday that it would adopt measures aimed at avoiding confrontation at the border, a UNIFIL source told AFP.

"As of tomorrow, the Lebanese government will adopt new measures to channel the flow of people going to the south," the source said.

He said "contacts at the highest level" between UNIFIL and the Lebanese government were being held in an effort to "calm" the situation.

Meanwhile militants of Hizbullah movement attempted to close the gate at Kfar Kila with a bulldozer, three cement blocks and a burnt-out car.

A Hizbullah spokesman told AFP that the group's militants had received orders to prevent Lebanese youngsters from crossing the border into "Israel".

"Similar measures will be taken at the other gates along the border," he said.

UNIFIL and "Israel" adopted steps on Saturday to block access to the fence in the hope of preventing any escalation, but with little success.

"Israeli" troops at Kfar Kila fired blank warning shots Saturday to deter stone-throwing youths. Later, crowds, including women and children, briefly entered the empty strip between the fence and outer coils of "Israeli" barbed wire.

Incidents on the border are a key to determining whether southern Lebanon will enjoy calm or be plunged back into tit-for-tat violence after only a brief respite.

Barak rules out further pullout…(3)

"Israeli" Prime Minister Ehud Barak ruled out further military withdrawals from the Shibaa Farms area along the Lebanese-Syrian border on Sunday, but Lebanese officials continued to maintain Lebanon’s sovereignty over the hamlets.
“In line with (United Nations) and "Israeli" maps, 90 percent of the surface area around these farms does not belong to Lebanon, and these territories will not be evacuated,” a statement from Barak’s office quoted him as telling an "Israeli" Cabinet meeting on Sunday.
The "Israeli" Army said earlier that "Israeli" troops had destroyed and pulled back from two positions in the area of the Shibaa Farms, land that was seized in the 1967 war but claimed by Lebanon.
In its statement, Barak’s office said the outposts and a section of road in Shibaa had been evacuated and the army had “definitively situated itself on the international border according to the agreement with the United Nations and in line with UN Security Council Resolution 425.”
"Israel's" Army Radio said that the pullback was done to “avoid friction” with Lebanese resistance fighters, who say their campaign to recover Lebanese land will be incomplete as long as the Jewish state holds onto the Shibaa farms.
Lebanese residents say that the "Israeli" Army maintains at least five other positions in the area, including a radar post on Mount Hermon. The farmlands extend over roughly 25 square kilometers on the slopes of the mountain.
Speaker Nabih Berri said that the Shibaa Farms “are indisputably Lebanese.”
“This is proved by the fact that its residents are Lebanese,” the speaker argued, “and the fact that judicial rulings over real-estate disputes in the area were handed down by Lebanese courts.”
Speaking during a dinner held in his honor by a the Baskinta Cultural Club in a restaurant in Dbayyeh on Saturday, Berri brushed aside "Israeli" claims that the area is in fact Syrian. “Syria and even the Palestinians say that the Shibaa Farms are Lebanese,” the speaker maintained.
He stressed “the need for avoiding any dispute between Lebanon and the United Nations over the matter.”
Berri also told the Orbit TV satellite channel that “there will be resistance to liberate the area, but only after diplomatic efforts with the United Nations fail.
The National Bloc Party’s newly elected leader, Carlos Edde, said that the group “knows of a map at the French Archives in Nantes, France, showing that the Shibaa Farms are inside Lebanon. It dates back to the French Mandate, which delineated the border between Lebanon and Syria.”
Speaking during a news conference at the party’s headquarters in Gemaizeh, Edde added: “The map is filed under Syria-Lebanon/Beirut/448/5. It dates back to 1920 and was not amended by the 1923 Paulet-Newcamp Agreement between the French and British mandates, which defined the border between Lebanon and Palestine.”

Holdouts keep toehold on Shibaa Farms
Zahra family has refused to yield in face of "Israeli" pressure…(4)

The goatherd shook his head. “None of Shibaa’s people have lived there since 1967,” he said, pointing beyond the barbed-wire fence to the Shibaa Farms across the border.
“Except the Zahra family,” he suddenly remembers. “They refused to leave.”
The Zahra family have waged their own war of resistance against the "Israeli" occupation.
Nouhad Zahra, her husband Qassem, and their nine children, in addition to her uncle Ahmad and his daughter, are the only Lebanese living in Shibaa Farms. They have resisted numerous "Israeli" attempts to drive them off their land.
“Leave our land and go where? We had to stay here,” Nouhad Zahra told The Daily Star while visiting Kfar Shouba to sell goats milk. “Today, they say the land isn’t Lebanese but we’re the ones who can prove the contrary.” When "Israel" captured the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967, it annexed the Shibaa Farms as well, cutting off Shibaa, an agricultural town on the steep western slopes of Mount Hermon, from the farms which fed it.
Agriculture was, and is, the only source of income for 95 percent of the largely Sunni population of Shibaa, which officially lies in Lebanon. With their farmlands off-limits and little alternative economic activity, Shibaa’s youth abandoned their homes in droves. They left behind them an aging population. But Ahmad Zahra and his wife stood their ground.
“My father refused to leave,” Ahmad’s son Mohammed, who was 12 at the time, recalled. “They took his goats, threatened him and tried paying him off but he wouldn’t go.
“My mother died there, on April 25, a month to the day before liberation. I wish she’d lived to see Shibaa freed.”
"Israeli" tourists come to the farms every day, to visit the Prophet Abraham’s grave. “We’re not allowed near it. We just watch from a distance,” Nouhad said.
About 15,000 people lived in Shibaa in 1988. Only 6,000 live there now. Without the farms, few will be able to return to their newly liberated homes.
Half-built homes line the narrow streets, which are carved into the rugged mountains which from a distance appear to defy gravity. Shibaa’s population in exile ­ most of whom live in Beirut or the Gulf, while others reside in South America, Canada and Africa ­ started building new homes in the town about two years ago, when an "Israeli" withdrawal became a realistic possibility. More buildings are necessary if Shibaa is to accommodate even a small proportion of its sons and daughters. But the locals are hopeful.
Abu Tareq, one of the village elders, pointed to the destruction of one of the "Israeli" bases perched on the surrounding hilltops ­ altogether the Middle East’s largest military observation post ­ as an indication that the "Israelis" are preparing to leave the farms.
But on United Nations maps, most of the farms appear to be in Syria, and the UN has ruled that they fall outside the jurisdiction of Resolution 425, which called for the full withdrawal of "Israeli" troops from Lebanese territories.
Asaad Farhat, Shebaa’s mayor, said he challenged the United Nations to prove that the farms do not belong to Lebanon, adding that the UN was being unjust.
“I remember my father, who was a mukhtar and who was present when the map was drawn, telling me that there was a problem because of one olive tree, which had one branch in Lebanon and one in Syria,” he said.
On Thursday, "Israeli" Premier Ehud Barak told French President Jacques Chirac that "Israel" would withdraw from part of the farms ­ areas that some UN maps indicate are in Lebanon.
Locals claim that "Israel" is clinging to the farms, which cover 250 square kilometers, because it is taking advantage of their fertile soil, once planted with olive trees, fruits, vegetables and nuts.
From this side of the border, the farms look like a wilderness covered by brush and rocks. Shibaa itself is framed by barren hillsides.
The old men in the main square claimed they have title deeds to the farms. They showed us one document. The deed was handwritten and signed on a yellowing piece of paper in pencil and ink. But the signatories and any witnesses are long since dead. Even so, the elders reiterated that “the village is part of Lebanon and that the farms have belonged to the village since before the Ottoman era.”
Both Lebanon and Syria seem to agree. Last Friday, UN special envoy Terje Roed-Larsen opened up new avenues of negotiation, claiming that the Shibaa dispute was “technical and not political.”
“It’s not up to the UN to demarcate borders. It’s a matter for states to decide themselves,” he said. “The two countries (Lebanon and Syria) don’t have an international border agreement. If Lebanon and Syria signed an international border agreement in the future, they ­ should they wish to do so ­ may request that the Security Council change the mandates of UNIFIL and UNDOF.”
“We want our land given back to us, to our country, we want to live. I’d like to be able to see my father before he dies,” one man said.
The dramatic landscape of Mount Hermon, almost 2,000 meters above sea level, still has isolated patches of snow.
“There used to be a ski resort in Bayader, near the farms, but it was destroyed by the "Israelis",” said one youngster visiting the area for the first time in 10 years. Returning residents are considering building new ski resorts.
The village locals claimed that it was local defiance that created these new opportunities. Now they are ready to boast about their suffering and resistance.
“There was no armed resistance here,” said Abu Khaldoun, who hopes to run for Parliament, “but we resisted huge pressure to collaborate and tried to get on with our lives.”
The old men described how "Israel" blew up homes to intimidate residents. When families refused to join they forced them from their beds and drove them away, warning them not to return. They took the men to the notorious Khiam detention center. Some were even killed.
“They surrounded the town once, trying to force us to collaborate, but we refused so they tried to tempt us with food supplies, but to no avail,” Abu Khaldoun said.
Several “Israeli”-allied militiamen in Shibaa surrendered last week. Their families remain, Abu Tareq said, because people understand they were unwilling collaborators. “I think 22 surrendered.”
The mukhtar and Abu Khaldoun found the figure reasonable. The goat-herd disagreed.
“There were more than 100 militiamen in Shibaa, and they’re gone now. It was only 100 because 300 others handed themselves in last year, when they were offered light sentences.”

Fish back on the menu in southern Lebanon after "Israeli" pullout…(11) (IA)

"A gleaming harvest of sea bream, perch and red mullet tumbled from the nets of fishing boats here Sunday as trawlermen celebrated unfettered access to local waters following "Israel's" pullout from Lebanon.

For 15 long years, Tyre's inshore fishing fleet barely ventured beyond port, so fearful were skippers of suffering harassment at the hands of "Israeli" patrols in Lebanon's territorial waters.

"I went out to do some deep-sea fishing for the first time without having to cross those wretched "Israeli" gunboats in the morning mist," said Hassan Tahhan, 61.

He and his son were getting ready to head out for sea again.

A year ago, he says, he was wounded in the shoulder by a round fired from an "Israeli" navy vessel. Around 20 of his colleagues had suffered the same fate over the past 15 years.

Seeking to thwart any guerrilla attacks on northern "Israel" by sea, the "Israeli" navy used to stop any vessels from operating in a zone 50 kilometers (30 mile) long by two kilometres (one mile) wide from the coast.

The "Israelis" fired warning shots in the air to intimidate the boats, cut their nets or arrested their crew before releasing them after interrogation, hours, days or weeks later, the fishermen said.

Wary that the pullout might be short-lived, they only dared to return to the sea some four days after the "Israelis" left.

Issam Ali, 45, rubs his hands in glee. His catch was spectacular. "The pickings were meagre under the "Israeli" restrictions. A typical catch would not bring in more than about 30 dollars. Today, I got 75 dollars at the market."

Khalil Shahine was jubilant. He caught 20 kilos (44 pounds) of perch and 30 kilos (66 pounds) of mullet.

"I went down to the border at Ras Naqoura and I saw an "Israeli" gunboat, but this time it was in "Israeli" waters. As fishermen, father to son, we know the best catches are to be made off the coast around Naqoura," he said.

Along the quays, men repaired nets and women and children helped to bait hooks. From time to time, they burst into song -- about the wide open sea, the families waiting for fishermen to come home and their safe return.

The head of the fishermen's union, Khalil Taha, said there were 260 vessels and 510 fishermen based in Tyre.

"Most of them are fathers, and the number of dependents is around 4,000," he said. "The fishermen must never again be reduced to eking out their lives."

1-            AFP, 28-5-2000.

2-            Same source.

3-            The Daily Star, 29-5-2000.

4-         The Daily Star, 29-5-2000.

5-         AFP, 27-5-2000.

May Tuesday 30 -2000:

UN envoy and Lebanon at odds over 425
ISF presence on border beefed up to defuse tension…(1)

"A fresh round of talks between Lebanese officials and UN Special Envoy Terje Roed-Larsen on Monday highlighted the differences in interpreting the implementation of Security Council resolution 425.
As the two sides met to bridge the gaps, the government beefed up the presence of Internal Security Forces in the South and instituted new procedures to defuse tensions on the international border by requiring special passes for visitors.
During the talks at Baabda Palace, President Emile Lahoud told Larsen that "Israel" must withdraw from the Shibaa Farms, free all remaining Lebanese detainees in "Israeli" prisons and hand over the bodies of nine resistance fighters still held by the "Israelis".
Lahoud insisted that Lebanon would only accept the international border as a basis for the Jewish state’s withdrawal from occupied territory, and rejected “the so-called practical lines,” according to a statement from the Presidential Palace.
“We don’t accept the logic of the so-called ‘practical lines’ since Lebanon considers the international border the criterion for "Israel's" withdrawal according to Resolution 425 and anything other than that means the resolution has not been implemented,” Lahoud said.
The practical lines refer to the demarcation between UNIFIL, responsible for areas occupied by "Israel" in 1978, and UNDOF, which has manned the buffer zone between Syrian and "Israeli" forces on Syria’s Golan Heights since 1974.
Larsen and UN officials met Lahoud at Baabda Palace in the presence of Prime Minister Salim Hoss, the head of the Surete General, Major General Jamil Sayyed, the director-general of the Foreign Ministry, Zuheir Hamdan, and a ministry ambassador Yehia Mahmasani.
Larsen reiterated that the only way to settle the controversy over the farms would be for Lebanon and Syria to submit a joint document to the UN Security Council, defining their border. A political source disclosed that contacts between Beirut and Damascus would be established as soon as possible to work on the matter.
The Lebanese delegation also demanded that the withdrawal include the outposts along the border opposite Shibaa and the removal of the incursion zones where the "Israelis" have pushed the border fence into Lebanon. "Israel" has already removed most of the incursion zones and is in the process of dismantling the border posts by Shibaa.
As for the detainees, the source said Larsen expressed hopes that the release process would be accelerated.
The Lebanese delegation also reiterated its position on the need to settle the issue of Palestinian refugees, arguing that Beirut could not be held responsible for incidents triggered by Palestinian elements in Lebanon.
Larsen reportedly answered that all parties should try to avoid the occurrence of undesired incidents. But he was told that such events could occur accidentally, reiterating that Beirut would reject all responsibility.
The government on Monday sent ISF and intelligence personnel to the liberated villages. In all, about 1,000 men were deployed in the various villages.
Despite calls for deploying the army in the liberated area, officials maintain that no such move will be taken before "Israel's" pull-out is verified by the UN.
The political source argued that sending the army into the South would have meant putting it at the center of conflicts between parties enjoying a presence on the ground, and would have been asked to support one side against the other.
Nevertheless, Larsen continued his upbeat assessment of progress on implementing resolutions 425 and 426 and called on all sides to exercise restraint to ensure that no “international incidents” take place on the border.
The Norwegian envoy singled out "Israel" for its share of responsibility in clashes that injured several Lebanese civilians over the weekend.
“I raised this matter with Prime Minister Barak yesterday, and advised him to instruct his soldiers to exercise restraint,” Larsen said.
“Freedom of assembly and expression are basic rights,” the Norwegian diplomat continued.
“At the same time, it’s very important that all responsible parties concerned focus their efforts on ensuring that the exercise of these rights does not lead to situations that could produce an international incident. With "Israel" out of Lebanon, such border incidents can all to easily take on an international character,” he added.
Larsen said he hoped the UN’s border verification teams will have completed their task “within the next few days.

More Lebanese fall victim to "Israeli" landmines…(2)

"A twenty-six year old Lebanese farmer was injured when a landmine exploded as he was plowing his field in Shaqra, a village in the western sector of the former occupied zone. Mahmoud Akiki was rushed to an area hospital. Two girls were killed and seven civilians were seriously injured in mine blasts in southern Lebanon yesterday. Six-year old Ala'a Adnan Madi and 14-year-old Lama Ahmad Hamadi died when the car they were traveling in hit a land mine between the villages of Arab Salim and Kfar Roummane. Another car travelling on the same road was engulfed in flames. United Nations special envoy Terji Larsen had called for the rapid creation of a de-mining team in the region. Larsen said he will press the "Israelis" for detailed maps of mine locations. There have been daily incidents of land mine explosions since "Israel" pulled out its occupation troops last week. The Lebanese Red Cross and the Red Crescent have been handing out leaflets warning of the dangers of mines in the former frontlines in south Lebanon.

Lebanese Suffer the Legacy of "Israeli" Land Mines…(3)

" Villagers buried the pieces they could find of six-year-old Ala'a Adnan Madi on Monday, a gruesome reminder of the legacy of land mines left behind by "Israel's" 22-year occupation of Lebanon.

Madi and her cousin, 14-year-old Lama Hamadi, were in a packed car driving down a valley on Sunday when it struck one of the uncounted mines sewn by "Israel" and its local allies.

Madi was ripped to pieces and the car was hurled through the air. Hamadi also died. The five others injured included Madi's father, who was in critical condition.

Land mines have been scattered across Lebanon through 15 years of civil war and 22 years of "Israeli" occupation. The Lebanese army, assisted by various foreign organizations, has been working steadily since the civil war ended in 1990 to clear large swathes of the mountains.

But the "Israeli" withdrawal last week abruptly opened up heavily mined areas where Lebanese have not been free to wander in two decades. Lebanese rushed south to see the newly liberated land.

The first casualty came only hours after the "Israelis" left, with a 15-year-old boy losing his leg when he stepped on a mine. That was followed by a 10-year-old boy losing a foot and two men in their twenties each losing a leg.

"The whole of south Lebanon has been mined over the years," said Timur Goksel, spokesman for UNIFIL, the U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon. "But now there is a totally new problem."

Two U.N. experts in mine clearing arrived on Monday to work with the Lebanese government on removing the mines and mounting an urgent program to warn the public to avoid the danger zones.

"The area of UNIFIL is totally safe," Goksel told Reuters. Since they arrived in 1978 hoping to oversee the withdrawal of "Israeli" forces, the peace keepers have removed 15,000 mines and other explosives from their area.

"But the front lines and down to the borders are full of mines," he said.

Land mines were scattered indiscriminately around the hilltop fortresses maintained by the "Israelis" and their proxy militia.

More were planted along infiltration routes used by guerrillas, mainly in the wadis around the combat zone. It was one of those, planted on a dirt track between the villages of Kfar Roummane and Arab Salim, that killed the two girls on Sunday.

The U.N. troops first priority is clearing mines in areas where it must deploy near the "Israeli" border once the "Israeli" withdrawal is formally confirmed. Those minefields are generally marked and diplomats said "Israel" had guaranteed to provide detailed maps.

"These are marked by barbed wire and maps by "Israelis" but the rest is a free-for-all," Goksel said. "There are thousands of people touring the area and they are not very well informed about the situation."

Trials of collaborators set, runaways urged to return…(4)

"A trial was ordered for 15 former members of the “Israeli”-proxy militia on Monday, two days after a hearing for another batch of 15 suspected collaborators was decided.
Chief Military Investigating Magistrate Riad Talih proposed that Hilmi Yasser Awad and Hassan Mahmoud Yehia should be sentenced to a maximum of 15 years in prison with hard labor if found guilty of fighting with the enemy.
Talih also proposed the imprisonment of 11 others for three years after filing charges against them for collaborating with "Israel". The other two men will spend a few months in prison if found guilty of working for the militia’s so-called Civil Administration in the South.
In addition, Talih charged 15 militiamen who were believed to be among the 7,000 Lebanese who fled to "Israel" before the withdrawal was completed last Wednesday. He said their cases were linked to those of the 15 held in custody.
On Saturday, one of Talih’s assistants, Magistrate Rashid Mezher, demanded the trial of 15 “Israeli”-agents.
He proposed maximum sentences for Mohammed Jawad Sawli and Ihsan Mahmoud Mohammed Abu Taam, saying they were believed to have fought against their people on the enemy’s side.
He also recommended one-year sentences for each of the others if found guilty of dealing with "Israel".
Also on Monday, Justice Minister Joseph Shaoul urged the Lebanese who fled to "Israel" to “return to their homes as soon as possible and to show confidence in Lebanese justice, which will take all necessary measures to protect their rights.”
Speaking at a news conference at his office in the Justice Ministry, Shaoul said that additional judges and investigating magistrates had been transferred to military courts to speed up the prosecution of suspected collaborators.
He added that during a meeting with State Prosecutor Adnan Addoum, Chief Military Prosecutor Nasri Lahoud and Mounir Honein, president of the Supreme Court, “we put the final touches to the procedures that will apply to the suspects in collaboration cases.”
More than 1,000 “Israeli” agents have surrendered to the authorities. Shaoul said that 30 former militiamen had been released “because they are elderly or sick or after investigations showed that they played marginal roles in the militia.”
He added that “so far, only 237 suspects have been referred to the judiciary.”
The others are still being held by security agencies.
Asked if family members of suspected militiamen would be prosecuted for traveling to "Israel", should they return, Shaoul said: “People with no records of collaboration should not fear anything.”

Bint Jbeil expatriates vow to rebuild their town's shattered economy…(5)

A number of Lebanese expatriates from the former occupied zone have vowed to rebuild south Lebanon's shattered economy. We visited the town of Bint Jbeil, where expatriates are planning to set up a number of new businesses.

Since occupation forces withdrew last week from southern Lebanon, residents of Bint Jbeil have been returning in droves, many of them for the first time. During "Israel's" occupation business was painfully slow- residents were not allowed to trade with areas outside the occupied zone. Goods were often confiscated at the town's entrance manned by "Israel's" proxy militia. Now, there is a different sort of welcoming committee at the entrance of Bint Jbeil, whose population was at one point some 50,000. During the occupation, residents said the population dwindled to about 500 residents. Now, expatriates are returning and they are enthusiastically preparing to reconstruct Bint Jbeil. Residents know the economy is stunted but they feel it is their national duty to wrap up their lives in Beirut, Sydney and Toronto and rebuild their community. Many returned to discover their home was nothing more than a pile of twisted metal and worn furniture. Reconstruction efforts are under way and residents say this piece of south Lebanon is swarming with opportunities. Ali Bazzi was seven years old when he left Bint Jbeil for Canada. Bazzi is already searching for a team to launch a small firm for what might be the biggest demand in leveled south Lebanon- construction. He is optimistic about economic opportunities. [Ali Bazzi, resident of Bint Jbeil, saying: "Very huge. Booming. (laughs) Because this side of the country was so closed. They have nothing, they need everything, anything you can open here it works.. Nobody can believe until now what is happening"]. [Hassan Hameed, saying  "It's going to be excellent.. All Lebanese they have money, they traveled around the world and when they come back here, they're going to bring their money.] (Ambiance in the town square, cars, people). Villagers are still disoriented with their new liberation. An entire generation of expatriates has returned to south Lebanon. Although the threat of "Israeli" attacks still looms here, they have vowed not to leave

1-          The Daily Star, 30-5-2000.

2-          Future TV, 29-5-2000.

3-          Manar TV, 29-5-2000.

4-      The Daily Star, 30-5-2000.

5-      Future TV, 29-5-2000.

May Wednesday 31 -2000:

"Israel" steals top soil from Lebanon…(1)

""Israel" has been transporting fertile topsoil from Lebanon's Marjeyoun valley to its northern settlements. As UN cartographers were busy verifying the international frontier, truckloads of fertile soil stolen from southern Lebanon were seen crossing the border close to the Fatima Gate. Residents in the area told Future Television, "Israel" has for the past twenty two years been systematically using top soil from Lebanon in its farms in the Galilee. "Israel" last year admitted to stealing top soil from Lebanon and pledged to stop the illegal transportation of earth to its farms in the Galilee. 

Occupation's foreign minister threatens again, borders calm…(2)

The "Israeli" occupation's entity issued a fresh warning Tuesday to Syria and Lebanon not to "play with fire" and accused Iran of continuing to supply arms to Hizbullah.

"There are efforts to push for adventures with "Israel". We are warning them not to play with fire," the enemy's foreign minister David Levy told ambassadors to ""Israel"".

"It is a warning that whoever is playing with fire is threatening himself and our reaction will be quite harsh," he added.

Levy said Iran is continuing to supply weapons to Hizbullah at this fragile time, only days after ""Israel"" completed its rushed withdrawal from Lebanon after 22 years of occupation.

"The flow of weapons continues to come from Iran. The Iranian foreign minister (Kamal Kharazi) was the first who came to celebrate and we know the flow of weapons continues. Such desires should be abandoned," Levy said.

He also said that Syria did not appear ready for a peace agreement, following the breakdown of negotiations in January.

"Syria is not yet ripe for peace. We are not the only ones telling Syria not to play with fire," he said.

The occupation's prime minister Ehud Barak said only hours after the withdrawal was carried out Wednesday that any cross-border attack on ""Israel"" would be treated as an "act of war."

Levy reiterated the point, saying any future military action would be "much more dramatic."

The Lebanese-Palestinian border has been mostly quiet since the "Israeli" occupation army carried out its withdrawal Wednesday, but the situation remains tense as "Israel" is fortifying new army posts along the border.

"Any attempt to hit "Israel" is a belligerent attempt to hurt "Israel's" sovereignty," he said. "The Lebanese government is responsible for whatever happens in its territory."

Lebanese gaze at "Israel" but will not forgive it…(3)

"Since "Israel" withdrew occupation troops from Lebanon last week, Lebanese have been converging on the Fatima Gate, a cross-point that linked the southern village of Kfar Kila to "Israel". The flood of people to the border fence has dwindled for now since security was tightened in the region following a violent confrontation between protestors and "Israeli" troops. While Lebanese did not mind gazing at "Israel" from behind the border fence, most vowed not to forgive the Jewish state for all atrocities committed during its 22-year occupation of south Lebanon. 

"Israel" in the eyes of a young Lebanese. After twenty two years of "Israeli" occupation and bloodshed, thousands of Lebanese have been flocking to the international frontier to lay their eyes on their former occupier. Before the withdrawal of "Israeli" troops in May, it was impossible to get anywhere close to the door steps of "Israel". The site has now become a pilgrimage. Lebanese from all walks of life have been converging on the Fatima Gate, a crossing point that linked the southern village of Kfar Kila to "Israeli" towns and villages. "Israeli" border guards are the most famous attraction here. Many who lost loved ones to "Israeli" shelling and raids, defiantly wave Lebanese flags at close proximity to the soldiers, who have been witnessing the unprecedented Lebanese jubilation along the border fence. "Israelis" have also been making the trip to the Lebanon border. (Lebanese girl, saying: "Martyrs are all around me, I cannot talk to them, what are they coming to do here? To show us that they killed our people? I came here to kiss the ground, this is my land, but they what are they doing here after they committed so many massacres in my country?"). 
Ibtissam Halawi's land is fertile and her family says they now feel more secure since "Israel" withdrew from Lebanon. Their farms, which were on many occasions ravaged by "Israeli" troops, are only a short walk away from the "Israeli" settlement of Metulla. 
(Ibtissam Halawi, owner of large estate on border, telling FTV: "This is truly my land now, it was not easy to regain it, we paid a very heavy price, we sacrificed a lot and were patient, we are very happy and that is all due to the resistance").
Despite "Israel's" withdrawal, Ibtissam, like many Lebanese scarred by long years of occupation and tormenting memories of massive "Israeli" invasions, doubts her attitude towards the former occupier will change. 
(Ibtissam Halawy, saying: "The way I view "Israeli" troops will not change even if they left south Lebanon and we are neighbors now, they occupied our land, they are enemies"). "Israel's" pullout has meant the return of many people to villages along the international border, including Odaisseh, just across from "Israel's" Kiryat Shmona. 
(Noha, telling FTV:"We now live a great and beautiful life, we have all returned here, family, friends and everyone, we all met again, we are very happy"). 
Although some cross border trade that took place during "Israel's" occupation has come to a halt, there is an upsurge in economic activity. (Vendor, Odaisseh, telling FTV: "There is so much demand for everything we sell now, so many people are back, and there are many visitors, economic activity has really picked up, before we used to throw away our products because there was no one to buy goods"). 
In the absence of a peace agreement, the end of "Israel's" occupation could mean an end to cross-border warfare, but not an end to the state of war between people on both sides of the fence. For more than two decades this border line marked the last active Arab-"Israeli" battle front. "Israeli" troops have left Lebanon and the frontier is calm. Lebanese and "Israeli" now live a glance away from each other. They are not fighting but psychological barriers separating them are enormous.

Murr makes moves to restore services to liberated areas…(4)
Army starts de-mining operations on former frontline

The government ordered prompt measures to restore basic services such as water and electricity in the South on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Michel Murr announced.
He said that efforts to restore normality to the newly liberated regions will also cover telephone exchanges, public hospitals, roads, government buildings and include a de-mining operation.
The minister said that “repairs to the electricity grid in the south, started immediately after the "Israeli" withdrawal was carried out on Wednesday, are still underway. They will be concluded in a few days.
“Special funds have been allocated to bring electricity to the areas that were not supplied by the national network,” he continued, alluding to the fact that some areas used to receive power from "Israel".
“Also, as of today (Tuesday) Civil Defense tankers will supply water on a daily basis to areas with no running water until water wells, pipes and pumps are restored,” Murr said. “The restoration process should not take more than 30 days.”
The minister was speaking after chairing a meeting of the ministerial committee for the affairs of the liberated area.
“We received reports by ministries about the needs of the area and the measures that should be taken to redress these needs,” he said. In regions with no access to the water network “works will take a bit longer to service but this should be finished within three months.”
Murr said that the telephone exchanges of the liberated area had already been disconnected from the "Israeli" network, predicting that within a week, the area will be connected to the rest of the country.
He added that repairs to existing exchanges “will require one month, while areas with no telephone networks will be connected to the national network in three months.”
Murr said that the Health Ministry had already supplied clinics in the liberated area “with all needed medical supplies.”
“The Lebanese Committee for the Red Cross will run the public hospitals of Marjeyoun and Bint Jbeil until the government takes over,” he added.
The two hospitals are the only government-run medical centers in the liberated area. During the occupation, they were run by "Israel's" proxy militia.
Murr said that the Public Works Ministry has started repairing all roads in the area with newly allocated funds. He said the process will take a month.
“The Civil Defense will set up two centers, one in Marjeyoun and one in Bint Jbeil. Customs buildings in the area will be rehabilitated and equipped within a month,” he added.
Murr said that the Army was de-mining the northern boundary of the former occupation zone. “It’s also preparing an awareness campaign about the dangers of mines and the areas that are still mined,” he said.
“Police forces were doubled in the liberated area. Also, three police units will be created to handle emergencies in Marjeyoun, Hasbaya and Bint Jbeil,” he added. “The security situation is stable. No violation was recorded in the last 48 hours.”
Murr said that he will also propose compensation to people whose homes were destroyed under the occupation.

1-            Future TV, 30-5-2000.

2-            The Daily Star, 31-5-2000.

3-         Future TV, 30-5-2000.

4-         Same source.