http://www.webremixed.info/ Aggregation of tags: politics Webremixer http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98233 German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that the situation in Lebanon depended on the resolution of political problems in the Middle East. After meeting with President Michel Sleiman in Berlin, Merkel said: "Saying that Lebanon will witness a good future depends on resolving the pending problems in the Middle East." Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:16:51 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98233 2008-12-04T00:16:51Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98232 Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader Michel Aoun on Wednesday predicted a "bright future" for ties between Lebanon and his former foe Syria after talks in Damascus with Syrian President Bashar Assad. "We are turning a new page where there is no victor and no loser. This is a return to normal relations," Aoun told. Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:01:51 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98232 2008-12-04T00:01:51Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98231 Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun traveled to Syria on Wednesday in a bid to position himself as supreme leader of Lebanon's Christians ahead of next year's pivotal elections, but questions remain whether his sojourn will win him any more votes or followers, a number of analysts told . Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:46:51 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98231 2008-12-03T23:46:51Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98229 Shiite cleric Sheikh Abdel Amir Qabalan has been nominated to head the Higher Shiite Council after spending several years serving officially as vice president of the body, local newspaper reported Wednesday. The post had remained officially vacant for the last three decades after the disappearing of Imam Musa Sadr, the council's founder. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:31:51 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98229 2008-12-03T23:31:51Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98225 Maronite bishops warned on Wednesday of the growing divisions between Lebanon's political factions, saying obstruction of the 2009 parliamentary elections would create "chaos" and calling for national unity. Following their monthly meeting in Bkirki headed by Patriarch Butros Nasrallah Sfeir, the bishops issued a statement criticizing. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:16:51 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98225 2008-12-03T23:16:51Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98224 Lebanon was one of the first countries to sign an international treaty outlawing cluster bombs on Wednesday, with more than 100 others expected to sign up by the end of a two-day conference being held in Oslo this week. In an acknowledgment of the suffering that cluster bombs have caused in Lebanon. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:01:51 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98224 2008-12-03T23:01:51Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98220 This year's International Day of Persons with Disabilities falls just a week before the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The United Nations is commemorating both under the theme, "Dignity and justice for all of us." Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:46:51 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98220 2008-12-03T22:46:51Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98219 Your chest puffs with pride as your coworker asks for a coin to reveal the secret code on her cell-phone recharge card. Not because you have a coin (you don't), but because it gives you an opportunity to whip out your trusty Swiss Army knife, demonstrating once again that, yes, you are the sort of hardy, useful, barrel-chested man who carries a Swiss Army knife. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:31:51 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98219 2008-12-03T22:31:51Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98172 Lebanese President Michel Sleiman on Monday condemned "any form" of criticism against Saudi Arabia and thanked the kingdom for its support for Lebanon.In remarks after talks with Saudi Ambassador Abdel-Aziz Khoja, Sleiman said: "We are very keen on the consolidation of ties between Arab states." Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:25:36 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98172 2008-12-02T00:25:36Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98171 Conflicting reports were circulated in the media on Monday concerning wanted Fatah al-Islam leader Abdul Rahman Awad. Al-Liwaa newspaper said that Awad may have headed to Turkey to live with a Lebanese extremist known as Abu Bakr Aqida. Al-Liwaa said Awad was last seen last week in what is known as the Taware neighborhood of the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Sidon. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:10:36 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98171 2008-12-02T00:10:36Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98170 Hizbullah's second in command said on Monday that his group's plan for Lebanon was the establishment of a "fair and capable" state. Sheikh Naim Qassem said the party was committed to the Taif Accord, adding that federalism was equivalent to the "destruction of the country." The proposal of administrative decentralization, he said. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:55:36 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98170 2008-12-01T23:55:36Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98169 The new report from the UN commission investigating the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri will most likely be released on Tuesday, while UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon's office began distributing the report on Monday to UN Security Council members, a UN official told . Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:40:36 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98169 2008-12-01T23:40:36Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98163 Filipino migrant workers are being smuggled to Lebanon with the help of corrupt immigration officials in Manila who work alongside illegal employment syndicates, senior politicians in the Philippines have warned. The Philippines banned its workers from coming to Lebanon during the 2006 summer war with Israel. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:25:36 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98163 2008-12-01T23:25:36Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98160 As Lebanon's fractious relations with Syria begin to thaw and politicians start gearing up for next years elections, an increasing number of public figures are traveling on visits to Damascus to meet senior political figures there. But in Lebanon, such trips are proving divisive. Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Jean Kahwaji's recent visit to Damascus. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:10:36 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98160 2008-12-01T23:10:36Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98139 Prime Minister Fouad Siniora met with UN chief Ban Ki-moon in Doha on Sunday to discuss recent developments on the Special Tribunal to try suspects in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The talks took place on the sidelines of the International Conference on Financing for Development in the Qatari capital. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:08:24 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98139 2008-12-01T00:08:24Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98138 Senior Palestinian figures from across the political spectrum have urged a cautious approach in attempts to capture fugitive Fatah al-Islam militant Abdel-Rahman Awad, who is thought to be hiding at the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp on the edge of Sidon. After meeting with Education Minister Bahia Hariri, Abbas Zaki, the PLO representative in Lebanon. Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:53:24 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98138 2008-11-30T23:53:24Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98137 Lebanon has become the 185th country to sign up to an international convention banning the use of chemical weapons, more than a decade after it was launched. The 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) outlaws the production, stockpiling and deployment of chemical weapons, and calls for signatory states to destroy their stocks of such devices. Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:38:24 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98137 2008-11-30T23:38:24Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98136 The family and supporters of late Lebanese President Rene Mouawad held a ceremony on Saturday to commemorate the 19th anniversary of his assassination. The weekend event was held under the sponsorship of President Michel Sleiman, who was represented by Minister of State Youssef Takla. Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:23:24 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98136 2008-11-30T23:23:24Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98135 Only in Lebanon can a single Parliament session see the prime minister harried by MPs over the implementation of a 12-year-old law, challenged by his deputy over the latter's powers, and mocked by the speaker for pleading the poverty of the public purse - and still be regarded as a welcome and refreshing development. Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:08:24 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98135 2008-11-30T23:08:24Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98134 Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Jean Kahwaji met Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus over the weekend to discuss different methods of cooperation between the armies of both countries. According to the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency, the talks focused on the issues of border control and demarcation and exchanging information and military expertise. Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:53:24 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98134 2008-11-30T22:53:24Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98112 Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said on Friday that consensus among the Lebanese was the key to safeguard the country against all forms of foreign interference. Siniora added that the challenges Lebanon was facing nowadays were not to be compared with bigger and harder challenges of the past. Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:24:26 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98112 2008-11-29T00:24:26Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98111 Lebanon has decided for the first time to establish diplomatic relations with the state of Palestine, and has approved the opening of an embassy in Beirut. "The cabinet has approved the establishment of diplomatic relations with the state of Palestine," Information Minister Tarek Mitri said following a Cabinet meeting late on Thursday. Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:09:26 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98111 2008-11-29T00:09:26Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98109 Joseph Elias Hobeika was elected at the head of the National Secular Democratic Party (WAAD) on Friday during general elections held at the party's headquarters in Hazmieh. Joseph is the son of slain former Lebanese Forces leader Elias Hobeika, who is also the founder of WAAD. Hobeika was assassinated in car bomb attack in 1999. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:54:26 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98109 2008-11-28T23:54:26Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98108 The Progressive Socialist Party's (PSP) information officer on Friday said in comments published Friday the PSP met with Hizbullah at State Minister Talal Arslan's residence in Khaldeh. In an interview with the Al-Liwaa newspaper, Rami Rayess said the meeting, which took place last Wednesday, did not bring together PSP leader MP Walid Jumblatt. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:39:26 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98108 2008-11-28T23:39:26Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98107 Minister of Justice Ibrahim Najjar said the judicial system should be kept "separate from political debate, and not be affected by it."He added that the Cabinet session on Thursday appointed judges to the Judicial Council as requested by former president of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Antoine Kheir. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:24:26 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98107 2008-11-28T23:24:26Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98106 United States President-elect Barack Obama expressed hope that Lebanon would be a stability factor and not an explosive one, adding that Washington will not compromise with Damascus at the expense of Lebanon. The daily An-Nahar on Friday, quoting a Lebanese official who visited Obama advisers recently, said. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:09:26 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98106 2008-11-28T23:09:26Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98105 Senior Shiite cleric Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah said during Friday prayers at the Imam Hassanayn Mosque in Haret Hreik that the rhetoric used by Lebanon's political leaders "proved that they were not open toward other opinions." He said Lebanon's politicians were the result of a "culture of violence." Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:54:26 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98105 2008-11-28T22:54:26Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98104 Fatah official and commander of the Palestinian Armed Struggle Command Munir al-Maqdah said Thursday that a joint Palestinian security force was carrying out raids in Ain al-Hilweh camp in search for six Fatah al-Islam members." The security force that includes members from different organizations along with the Armed Struggle is making several raids of areas. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:39:26 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98104 2008-11-28T22:39:26Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98072 Lebanon's Cabinet convened on Thursday to discuss an array of political and economic issues, including appointments in the judiciary and the civil service, the cellular phone sector, and the establishment of a joint Lebanese-Syrian committee on border patrols. As went to press, the session was still under way. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:04:44 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98072 2008-11-28T00:04:44Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98071 Hizbullah's foreign relations officer, Nawwaf al-Moussawi, accused Israel on Thursday of launching "a political and diplomatic campaign to corner Hizbullah in Europe." "This campaign aims to shackle the European role in Lebanon and the region, to impose the Israeli logic and cover up continued Israeli crimes and aggressions. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 23:49:44 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98071 2008-11-27T23:49:44Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98070 Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri condemned Wednesday night attacks in Mumbai and said such crimes were "denounced by the world's laws and religions." Islamist militant attacks in India's financial Capital Mumbai left more than 125 people dead. Coordinated attacks were launched by Islamists on luxury hotels and other targets in India's financial hub. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 23:34:44 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98070 2008-11-27T23:34:44Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98069 The Council of Arab Justice Ministers met at the Grand Serail on Thursday, with Lebanese Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar presiding for the first time, as Kuwaiti Justice Minister Hussein Nasser al-Hreiti handed over the presidency to him. "It is a great honor for Lebanon to welcome the justice ministers of the Arab world. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 23:19:44 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98069 2008-11-27T23:19:44Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98067 United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon spokesperson Yasmina Bouziane elaborated on Thursday on details of an agreement made by UNIFIL with Israel and Lebanon over flooding in the Southern border village of Kfarkila. Initial details of the agreement had emerged on Wednesday. Speaking to, she said. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 23:04:44 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98067 2008-11-27T23:04:44Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98066 The United Nations special tribunal tasked with prosecuting suspects in the 2005 assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri could begin as early as March 1, according to a report issued Wednesday by the UN secretary general."Practical arrangements for the prosecutor to arrive in The Hague on 1 March 2009. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 22:49:44 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98066 2008-11-27T22:49:44Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98064 Few issues so deeply divide the Lebanese these days as those surrounding Hizbullah's independent arsenal and the extent (if any) to which resistance against Israeli occupation should be pursued, yet both of these questions have to be answered in order to arrive at the national defense strategy sought by the current slow-motion edition of "dialogue." Thu, 27 Nov 2008 22:34:44 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98064 2008-11-27T22:34:44Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98057 The authorities have requested follow-up Emergency Post-Conflict Assistance (EPCA) with an access of 12.5 percent of quota (SDR 25.375 million [$37.8 million]) to support their economic program for 2008-09 and continue benefiting from the macroeconomic and financial discipline provided by Fund involvement. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 22:19:44 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98057 2008-11-27T22:19:44Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98041 Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Jean Kahwaji on Wednesday stressed the necessity of enhancing security procedures in the Bekaa Valley in order to prevent smuggling along the border with Syria. During an inspection tour of military units in the Bekaa, General Kahwaji stressed the army's role in defending the nation's territory and preserving its security. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:20:50 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98041 2008-11-27T00:20:50Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98039 Prime Minister Fouad Siniora defended his government's financial policies during a regular session of Parliament on Wednesday. In response to inquiries made by opposition MPs, Siniora said that the recently adopted increase in the minimum wage and other salaries had laid a huge burden on the Treasury. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:05:50 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98039 2008-11-27T00:05:50Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98037 Syria fell out of favor with the West following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in February 2005, a murder which Syria is suspected by the UN of helping commit. Syria's implication in the assassination, its continued interference in Lebanese domestic politics, its aiding of insurgents in Iraq. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:50:50 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98037 2008-11-26T23:50:50Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98036 The intensification of violent rhetoric between Israel and Lebanon was to be discussed Wednesday during a United Nations Security Council meeting on UN chief Ban Ki-moon's most recent report on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, a UN spokesman has said. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:35:50 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98036 2008-11-26T23:35:50Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98035 Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Maliki dismissed in comments published Wednesday fears of violence erupting at the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp, "because everyone learned from the Nahr al-Bared experience." Around 460 people were killed, and more than 30,000 refugees were displaced during fighting between the Lebanese Army. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:20:50 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98035 2008-11-26T23:20:50Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98034 The head of the Lebanese Option Group (LOG), Ahmad al-Assaad, accused Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Wednesday of becoming the "official spokesman for Hizbullah." Speaking at a news conference at his office in Tayyouneh, the Shiite politician also accused Hizbullah of being the "new feudal lords" in predominantly Shiite rural regions of Lebanon. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:05:50 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98034 2008-11-26T23:05:50Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98008 President Michel Sleiman wrapped up a two-day visit to Iran on Tuesday after holding talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other officials. In a joint press conference with Ahmadinejad hours before ending his visit, Sleiman reiterated that relations between Tehran and Beirut. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:02:54 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98008 2008-11-26T00:02:54Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98007 Italian Ambassador Gabriel Checchia said Tuesday peace in Lebanon would pave the way for peace in the region, due to Lebanon's "essential role as a mediator between all civilizations." He emphasized the importance of dialogue between different Lebanese parties. During a ceremony organized by the Union of Municipalities in Tyre. Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:47:54 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98007 2008-11-25T23:47:54Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98006 United Nations spokeswoman Michele Montas said in comments published Tuesday the world body expects Israel to withdraw from the northern part of the village of Ghajar the "very soon," adding that only a pullout "mechanism" was delaying the move." The world body is still consulting with concerned parties. Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:32:54 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98006 2008-11-25T23:32:54Z http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98005 Speaker Nabih Berri urged Arab states on Tuesday to come up with a unified stand to break the blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza strip. "The atrocious Zionist siege imposed on Gaza will lead to a humanitarian catastrophe," Berri said in a statement. The speaker described Israeli tactics against Gaza as "terrorist practices par excellence." Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:17:54 GMT http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=98005 2008-11-25T23:17:54Z