The spotlight remains on Tripoli this weekend, especially in light of Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri's three-day visit, during which he has met representatives from the city. Hariri's efforts to create a climate that will foster reconciliation come after he had earlier warned that Syria “is trying to return to Lebanon through Tripoli.” Talks on Saturday led to the formation of a committee, headed by the Mufti of North Lebanon and Tripoli Sheikh Malek al–Chaar, to monitor the situation and propose a settlement to enhance reconciliation. [NOW Lebanon]
Very good move from the Sunnis! Saad Hariri needs to be more present in Tripoli and other areas, and continue to empower the Future Movement.
I was puzzled when Hizballah jumped into a situation where the Shias were not involve to begin with! The party is doing lots of mistakes lately, and I wonder if its the Lebanese leadership to blame or the so called brotherly advises from Iran.
In Tripoli the situation was like that: poor people shooting at poor people. You need the state present to ease the social – economic issues, and those who will want to use the people of Jabal Mohsen and Bab Tabaneh next time, for their own regional games, will have no luck.
If the Tripoli agreement that is due to be signed today is a start for the state to look into the real problems of the city, that is just great!
The reconciliation meeting at the house of the Mufti of Tripoli and North Lebanon Sheikh Malek Shaar is expected to take place at 9:30 pm under the auspices of Prime Minister Fouad Saniora.
The participants at the reconciliation meeting will sign what is to be called the “Tripoli Document” which offers, in addition to safeguarding civil peace, handing over the city's security to the Lebanese army.
The document also calls for eliminating all armed presence in the north, allowing displaced people to return to their homes according to a set timetable and paying compensation for residents whose houses have been damaged during the fighting.
The plan also calls for providing temporary homes for people who are unable to return to their damaged houses. [Naharnet]
When the state does its job, the security problems diminish, if not disappear all together. In the end, most of the average guys on the street join the militias / resistances whatever you want to call them for a salary. Offer them a chance to have a decent life and you will see the change.
