Marshalls Government Wins Confidence Vote over al-Sayyed
The government of the Marshall Islands on Tuesday defeated a motion of no confidence brought after it nominated Lebanon's former General Security chief Maj. Gen. Jamil al-Sayyed as its ambassador to UNESCO.
The motion from opposition leaders in the Pacific nation's parliament was defeated by 17 votes to 13 after more than four hours of acrimonious debate.
It followed the Marshalls' surprise nomination in December of al-Sayyed as its representative at the Paris-based cultural arm of the United Nations.
The nomination -- which would reportedly have given him diplomatic immunity -- was withdrawn in February after it received international media attention.
Opposition senator John Silk said the Marshalls' international standing had been hurt by the affair, with the government only withdrawing the nomination after "the damage to the country had already been done.”
Marshalls President Christopher Loeak announced a cabinet reshuffle on Monday in which he moved the minister responsible for the nomination, Phillip Muller, from the foreign affairs portfolio to health.
Al-Sayyed spent four years in Roumieh prison on suspicion of involvement in the Feb. 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in a massive bombing on the Beirut seafront.
He denies any involvement and claims to have been subjected to arbitrary detention.
The assassination was initially blamed on al-Sayyed and three other Lebanese officers suspected of being close to Syria, but the Special Tribunal for Lebanon set up to try Hariri's killers has since indicted five Hizbullah members.
18 March 2014, 08:45
49
This man represents a very dark chapter in our history and it is not over yet.
18 March 2014, 09:41
13
I don't understand how and why he was nominated ambassador there.
does he have dual nationality?
18 March 2014, 11:58
22
I was about to say the same things Coolmec, how on earth did this happen, beats me.
18 March 2014, 10:55
45
You are just another tool in the arsenal of western media my darlings. Trust me when I tell you that you you know the slightest in relation to Politics let alone what is happening in your own country. You are so self-centered and selfish that the International Community has absolutely no respect let alone and regard for Lebanon or the Lebanese. It is indeed a real Pity I have to admit. It is up to you to change your leaders however you decide to allow cheap money by your freedom vote and control you for generations to come. Sorry to be so direct...but this is the truth and what is fact at the highest level of western governments...trust that I know...just cant elaborate any further. You have control over your destiny..this is all you need to know.
18 March 2014, 12:40
32
@Anyday, thank you for an excellent post, whether we like it or not, the brief interjection from you cannot be denied. At this stage there's not much for me to add, except to say that we are not only a tool in the arsenal of western media, but in fact of all the media, west, east and in the center, no wonder why everyone meddles into our affairs.
18 March 2014, 13:14
33
Where are you Aounies to defend your beloved Sayyed(s) ? Don't worry, your ex-archenemy will find another way to escape justice for the crimes he has committed against the lebanese people including yourselves.
18 March 2014, 18:01
02
You don't need dual nationality. The former PM Mikati is the UNESCO ambassador to Palau!! In fact, if you research online, Al-Seyyed's reps met with Marshall's gov reps in Palau!
19 March 2014, 02:31
00
ya naharnet, there is direct plagiarism here in this article. next time, i will make more public and embarrass you.
19 March 2014, 13:26
10
I wonder how much did he pay for his Ambassador appointment and who did he pay in the Marshall Islands???????
21 March 2014, 11:08
00
Wow, some terrorist comes to the islands and gets nominated ambassador? What kind of country is this!? I call bs and govt corruption! smh
