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Suleiman to Ban: Let Israel Implement Resolution 1701 and Then Ask Us about 1559

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon encouraged on Thursday Lebanon to invest in its natural resources that are located in areas that are not under dispute, reported As Safir newspaper on Saturday.

It revealed that Ban “surprised” the Lebanese delegation in New York by bringing up the issue of U.N. Security Council resolution 1559, especially regarding the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon.

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Suleiman: I Advised Assad Not to Ignore His People’s Demands

President Michel Suleiman stated on Friday that Lebanon’s position at the United Nations Security Council on the developments in Syria “does not place it in a compromising position,” revealing that he encouraged Syrian President Bashar Assad to pave the way for democracy.

He told MTV in an interview: “I advised him against ignoring his people’s demands.”

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Sfeir Won’t Address Political Situation during LF Mass

Former Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir will not address the political situation in Lebanon during the Saturday’s mass commemorating the fallen members of the Lebanese Forces, revealed information obtained by Naharnet on Friday.

Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi will be unable to attend, but he will send his deputy Roland Abu Jaoude who will deliver a speech on the patriarch’s behalf.

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Ahead of al-Rahi Trip, U.S. Says Christians Choices Not Limited to Autocracy or Extremism

The United States considers the ongoing popular protests in Syria and a number of Arab countries as “a reflection of the ambitions of these countries’ peoples, their aspiration for freedom and democracy, and their adherence to all of their political and civil rights,” a western diplomatic source stressed.

In an interview with Naharnet, the source noted that “the U.S. administration believes it is Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi’s right to express the concerns and aspirations of his community during this period.

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Road Chaos as Heavy Rains Lash Lebanon

Autumn’s first rains spread chaos on Lebanese roads on Friday as a heavy downpour caused bumper-to-bumper traffic blocking drivers in their vehicles.

All entrances to Beirut were blocked as drivers waited for hours to reach their destinations after rains flooded the streets.

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Report: Syrian Refugees in Lebanon Fear there is No Going Home

Abir, her husband and two sons are bracing for their first winter as Syrian refugees in Lebanon's impoverished mountain area of Wadi Khaled, near the northern border with Syria.

Locking the door behind her, Abir removes the black niqab from her face and sits her two sons on a futon in the single room she shares with her family in an abandoned school in the scenic village of Mashta Hammoud.

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U.S. Alerts Citizens in Lebanon to Avoid Refugee Camps, Gatherings

The U.S. embassy in Lebanon warned its citizens to avoid Palestinian refugee camps and large gatherings in light of the expected showdown at the United Nations over Palestinian statehood.

"The U.S. embassy in Lebanon is alerting U.S. citizens to a possibility of a surge in demonstrations in Beirut and around Lebanon in the coming days," the embassy said in an emergency message sent to its nationals.

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U.S. Military Delegation Meets Qahwaji, Visits Blue Line

U.S. Military Commander Brig. Gen. Kenneth Tovo discussed with Lebanese army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji military cooperation between the two countries as well as Lebanon’s initiatives to implement its obligations under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701.

Tovo held a meeting with Qahwaji in the presence of U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly in Yarze, An Nahar newspaper reported on Friday.

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Ban Meets Suleiman: Lebanon Should Implement STL Obligations

U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon reiterated his support for the work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon during talks with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman on the sidelines of the General Assembly meeting in New York.

Ban’s office said Thursday the U.N. secretary-general reiterated his call on the Lebanese government to implement all its obligations with regard to the tribunal, which was set up to try ex-Premier Rafik Hariri’s suspected assassins.

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Berri Says Energy Reserves Plan to be Tackled after Electricity Accomplishment

Speaker Nabih Berri praised the Lebanese officials’ cooperation in approving the electricity project, An Nahar newspaper reported on Friday.

“The Lebanese won… Political disputes and discussions are normal, but when it comes to the people’s livelihoods and economic status, everyone should compromise,” Berri said.

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