UK to expel Israeli diplomat over fake passports

Britain will expel an Israeli diplomat shortly over the use of forged British passports by suspected killers of a Hamas commander in Dubai, according to the BBC. (more…)

Libya summit: Lebanon may attend with low level delegation

Lebanon is under pressure to participate in the Arab League summit in Libya scheduled for March 27-28 . Several countries ( including Syria, Saudi Arabia and Turkey) in addition to the Arab League are trying to mediate this participation.

According to local reports Lebanon may decide to send a lower level delegation headed by Khaled Ziade the Ambassador to Egypt and Arab League , to attend the summit.

The cabinet is reportedly planning to discuss this issue and make a final decision during its Wednesday session at the Baabda palace. (more…)

Will Google’s China move set a new tone?

Google Inc.’s decision to brazenly challenge Internet censorship laws in China may encourage other firms doing business in the Middle Kingdom to adopt a bolder tone, industry experts say.

However, they say potential benefits of the rapidly-developing Chinese market mean that any emerging chorus of dissent against local laws — or perceived local favoritism at the expense of foreign players — could be slow to materialize. (more…)

STL investigators take 3D pictures , review testimonies

Al-Hayat newspaper reported that the 11-strong investigation team, dispatched from Special Tribunal for Lebanon Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare’s office, will on Monday begin filming a 3-D crime scene near Saint George Hotel.

Al-Hayat said the team will also review past testimonies given by witnesses before the U.N. investigation committee.

It said international investigators will also listen to dozens of new testimonies of witnesses in the Hariri case. (more…)

EU pressures Iran to end jamming, internet censorship

The European Union will put pressure on Iran to stop jamming satellite broadcasts from the BBC and other international channels.

Iran has been blocking news channels broadcast into the country from a French satellite following widespread anti-government protests there. (more…)

EU ship rescues Iran pirate victims

THE EU Naval Force said one of its warships rescued 13 sailors on an Iranian dhow who had been left for dead after a pirate attack. (more…)

Berri: I don’t believe the US can’t influence Israel

Speaker Nabih Berri on Monday praised the role of Turkey in supporting Lebanon and the Palestinian cause.
“Turkey had earned the appreciation of the whole world with its stance on the Palestinian issue”, he said

During a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mehmet Ali Şahin, Berri lauded the welcoming he received from the Turkish leadership.

Berri voiced his rejection “to what Israel is doing to the holy sites and Palestinian people and lands,” noting that “rebuilding the Hourva synagogue on the ruins of a mosque and near al-Aqsa Mosque reflects the Israeli expansion policy and Judaization attempts.”

“Israel doesn’t want peace and not Arabs; and I don’t believe that the U.S. can’t influence its ally,” Berri added. (more…)

Clinton: Israel is hurting US credibility

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton accused Israel of undermining U.S. credibility as a Mideast peacemaker Monday on the eve of critical talks between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel recently announced new housing plans for east Jerusalem, an expansion that the Obama administration has strongly criticized. Clinton renewed that disapproval, telling a pro-Israel audience that provocative Israeli land policies in areas claimed by the Palestinians are not in Israel’s long-term interests. (more…)

Israel soldier killed by ‘friendly fire’ near Gaza

An Israeli has been killed by his own forces in a border incident in which three Palestinians illegally crossing the border from Gaza were seized.

The Israeli army said the Palestinians were unarmed and thought to be looking for work when they were stopped.

A second Israeli army unit arrived and opened fire, mistaking the first unit for the Palestinian suspects.

Tensions have risen in the region despite US efforts to revive stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Israeli media reported that the soldier killed was a member of a tank crew who had left their vehicle to approach the Gaza border near Kissufim to detain the Palestinians.

A patrol from another unit arrived on the scene and opened fire by mistake.

The Israeli military is investigating the incident. BBC

Sarkozy reshuffles his cabinet due to defeat in regional election

French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday announced plans to reshuffle his cabinet following the heavy defeat his ruling party suffered in Sunday’s regional election.

According to a statement from the Elysee Palace, Budget Minister Eric Woerth was named to replace Xavier Darcos as the new labor minister, while Darcos was ousted from the cabinet for his bad showing in the regional election. (more…)