by Naharnet Newsdesk
Despite the strenuous political efforts exerted lately to end the 20-month presidential deadlock, hopes seem to be dim in that regard in light of the regional developments casting their shadow over Lebanon.
“Nothing is expected in the near future regarding the presidential entitlement,” diplomatic sources told the daily al-Joumhouria on Saturday.
“The regional arenas, Syria, Iraq and Yemen, still have the final word. As long as these arenas are still complex and far from a solution, the presidential election deadlock in Lebanon will stay in the freezer,” they added on condition of anonymity.
“The latest initiatives that have been put forward may seem appeasing in shape but they are actually more complicated in content. Many prefer to wage the presidential race away from competition or having to face two or more candidates. The majority of political figures prefer to agree on a consensual candidate instead.”
By Joseph A. KechichianSenior Writer
Beirut: After the ‘Vladimir’ and ‘Ursula’ storm couple that unleashed several inches of rain and snow during the past two weeks, Lebanon was battered by ‘Thalassa’, which may dump several inches of rain.
The storm, which started on Friday evening intensified today with strong winds that, forecasters predict, could reach 90 kilometres per hour in certain areas.
Snowfall was recorded overnight at 1,200 metres and above, though these were expected to increase in volume on Sunday and, perhaps, cover lower altitudes.
Security forces warned residents in villages and town above 600 metres to prepare and, if necessary, equip their cars with tyre-chains.
An Indian Jesuit priest and fearless human rights activist has moved to Beirut, Lebanon, to render his services to refugees. Fr. Cedric Prakash a well-known human rights and peace activist, who headed the human rights centre in Ahmedabad, Gujarat state, called “Prashant” is working among the thousands of internally displaced people. In his new mission, the 65-year old Jesuit will be coordinating the `universal mission' of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) for Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Israel, Sudan and Chad.
Kataeb party on Friday heaped praise on the newly accomplished reconciliation that took place earlier this week at Maarab between Lebanese Forces leader, Samir Geagea, and Head of Change and Reform bloc, MP Michel Aoun.
"Today, we are witnessing reconciliation between two political parties that have fought each other for too long. This reconciliation is important for the future of Lebanon," Kataeb leader, MP Sami Gemayel, told reporters in Bekfaya.
"This reconciliation is a very important opportunity; but we want it to be based upon constant pillars so that it doesn't disintegrate again," he underlined.
Gemayel also upped calls upon all parties to complete that step and discuss the future of Lebanon, as well as to lay common grounds to build upon.
Population Movements to Keserwan - The Khazens and The Maans
ما جاء عن الثورة في المقاطعة الكسروانية
ثورة أهالي كسروان على المشايخ الخوازنة وأسبابها
Origins of the "Prince of Maronite" Title
Growing diversity: the Khazin sheiks and the clergy in the first decades of the 18th century
Historical Members:
Barbar Beik El Khazen [English]
Patriach Toubia Kaiss El Khazen(Biography & Life Part1 Part2) (Arabic)
Patriach Youssef Dargham El Khazen (Cont'd)
Cheikh Bishara Jafal El Khazen
Patriarch Youssef Raji El Khazen
The Martyrs Cheikh Philippe & Cheikh Farid El Khazen
Cheikh Nawfal El Khazen (Consul De France)
Cheikh Hossun El Khazen (Consul De France)
Cheikh Abou-Nawfal El Khazen (Consul De France)
Cheikh Francis Abee Nader & his son Yousef
Cheikh Abou-Kanso El Khazen (Consul De France)
Cheikh Abou Nader El Khazen
Cheikh Chafic El Khazen
Cheikh Keserwan El Khazen
Cheikh Serhal El Khazen [English]
Cheikh Rafiq El Khazen [English]
Cheikh Hanna El Khazen
Cheikha Arzi El Khazen
Marie El Khazen