Berri: Sidon will remain an example of Islamic-Christian coexistence

Pamphlets were distributed in East Saida and nearby villages overnight warning the area’s Christian residents to evacuate their homes and leave the area within a week, LBCI reported on Sunday.

Prominent Saida figures condemned the pamphlets, calling on authorities to find out who is behind the pamphlets and to punish them, the report added.

At an event hosted in his home in Msayleh in honor of the heads of municipalities of East Sidon’s villages Speaker Nabih Berri condemned the pamphlets, calling them a “desperate attempt” that would be met with failure. The incident would not affect the unity of the region’s inhabitants, he stressed

Berri added: “The residents of Sidon, East Sidon and all the villages neighboring the capital of the South will prove that national unity and the image of coexistence will not be disrupted by a leaflet written in the dark, for fishy objectives of well-known sources and aims.”

he stressed that the city of Sidon and the villages of the East Sidon area “will remain an example of Islamic-Christian coexistence.”

At a gathering at the church of Majdalyoun Sunday evening, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Saida and Deir al-Qamar Elias Haddad said “the pamphlets do not frighten the sons of the region,” and called on residents “to continue to preserve shared existence.”

At the same event, Popular Nasserite Movement leader Osama Saad said “the enemies of Lebanon are trying to provoke division among the sons of a united people,” and added that “the sons of Saida stand strong against any attempt to provoke division.”

Saad called on security and judicial authorities to deal with the issue.

Lebanese Forces denounce the leaflets

The Lebanese forces in Sidon and Zahrani areas issued the following statement denouncing the leaflets.

1- This cowardly act under cover of darkness is paid work the memory brings back memories of the ugly days that were rejected by the Lebanese people as a whole and specifically the residents of this same region which is enjoying an unparalleled fabric of communal and cultural diversity, social and political of the highest civilized and democratic quality.

2 – The low standard of these pamphlets proves the fact that those behind them are a bunch of kids that do not belong here

Discussion

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  • Tony A

    One word: MOSSAD.

  • Tony A

    One word: MOSSAD.

  • rabih hmaydani

    Tony, One more word; Islamic freaks linked to fatah al Islam in the ain el hilwi camp (they go by Junud Alsham and have threatened Christians before). Mossad is a good one but I think its 50/50 either would do it and maybe one do it for the other???? I say surround all the camps and bases and clear them from civilians then give all militants to surrender all weapons, clear the remaining and setup self policing units with only small arms and contact to police from lebanons ISF or Army for backup…. the camps are a huge threat to lebanon and need to be cleared of weapons. Only then can we focus on other issues

  • rabih hmaydani

    Tony, One more word; Islamic freaks linked to fatah al Islam in the ain el hilwi camp (they go by Junud Alsham and have threatened Christians before). Mossad is a good one but I think its 50/50 either would do it and maybe one do it for the other???? I say surround all the camps and bases and clear them from civilians then give all militants to surrender all weapons, clear the remaining and setup self policing units with only small arms and contact to police from lebanons ISF or Army for backup…. the camps are a huge threat to lebanon and need to be cleared of weapons. Only then can we focus on other issues

  • rabih hmaydani

    This will cost a lot of lives and take long but NEEDS TO BE DONE. The Army is weak but they can take this mission on and get it done. The longer they wait the stronger the camps become. We need to clear them and build schools and colleges for these people.

  • rabih hmaydani

    This will cost a lot of lives and take long but NEEDS TO BE DONE. The Army is weak but they can take this mission on and get it done. The longer they wait the stronger the camps become. We need to clear them and build schools and colleges for these people.

  • fauzia

    As long as armed factions and armed groups continue to exist ,as long as the state does not have full control over all of its territory ,there will always be threats to its security and the security of its people!Security comes first!It s a human right!

  • fauzia

    As long as armed factions and armed groups continue to exist ,as long as the state does not have full control over all of its territory ,there will always be threats to its security and the security of its people!Security comes first!It s a human right!

  • Tarie AL fanarie

    These are definitely shadowy groups like Al Qaada and Fatah Al Islam. Trying to create division and chaos in the South. They are desperately trying to create problems for the UN and among the populations there. Yes Mr. Walid Beik let’s give them their civil rights. Of course not many deserve their rights taken. But is it our faults that the camps are allowing these thugs to infiltrate them and in return cause problems for the Lebanese? I think its time and even costly to clean this mess in all the camps including those who are supported by Syria like or not? then once its all clear of thugs and weapons. Then control the camps inside out. I am tired of hearing th army is weak. When is it going to be their time to clean up the country once and for all. I hope they catch these anarchists and hang them in order not to create division between christians and Muslims ever.

  • Tarie AL fanarie

    These are definitely shadowy groups like Al Qaada and Fatah Al Islam. Trying to create division and chaos in the South. They are desperately trying to create problems for the UN and among the populations there. Yes Mr. Walid Beik let’s give them their civil rights. Of course not many deserve their rights taken. But is it our faults that the camps are allowing these thugs to infiltrate them and in return cause problems for the Lebanese? I think its time and even costly to clean this mess in all the camps including those who are supported by Syria like or not? then once its all clear of thugs and weapons. Then control the camps inside out. I am tired of hearing th army is weak. When is it going to be their time to clean up the country once and for all. I hope they catch these anarchists and hang them in order not to create division between christians and Muslims ever.

  • Elias

    I applaud Mr. Berri for warning these terrorists and I also applaud Mr. Saad to make such strong statment. I am surprised i have not heard from Hariri’s in that area. I hope and pray nothing will happens and these people will be arrested and taught a big lessons. The last we need is to create a division between christians and muslims. Both sides need to stand fast against these loosers and fight them all the way. I am sure our muslim brothers in the South whether be it shiites or Sunnis will not put up and tolerate such group and eradicate once they find out the culplrits.

  • Elias

    I applaud Mr. Berri for warning these terrorists and I also applaud Mr. Saad to make such strong statment. I am surprised i have not heard from Hariri’s in that area. I hope and pray nothing will happens and these people will be arrested and taught a big lessons. The last we need is to create a division between christians and muslims. Both sides need to stand fast against these loosers and fight them all the way. I am sure our muslim brothers in the South whether be it shiites or Sunnis will not put up and tolerate such group and eradicate once they find out the culplrits.

  • Tony A

    rabih, i totally agree with you man. these camps probably have 100 guys with weapons that make it hard for the rest to live in peace. totally agree with you, but, why not change the UN resolution of the 60s and still do what you say cos then, after they turn in their weapons, the army can still go into the camps.

  • Tony A

    rabih, i totally agree with you man. these camps probably have 100 guys with weapons that make it hard for the rest to live in peace. totally agree with you, but, why not change the UN resolution of the 60s and still do what you say cos then, after they turn in their weapons, the army can still go into the camps.

  • Tony A

    i still think its the mossad though cos i can’t see these camps being that organised or have that much money to print professional leaflets. mossad and cia are always bringing division amongst peaceful neighbors.

  • Tony A

    i still think its the mossad though cos i can’t see these camps being that organised or have that much money to print professional leaflets. mossad and cia are always bringing division amongst peaceful neighbors.

  • rabih hmaydani

    Screw the U.N go in and deal with them later

  • rabih hmaydani

    Screw the U.N go in and deal with them later

  • rabih hmaydani

    Tony, I think Naher Al Bared showed how well organized, funded, trained and armed these camps are. The Ain Al Hilwi camp is just as large and Junud Al Sham are just as strong as Fatih Al Islam. They clash with the army all the time (even before Naher Al Barid). They are also openly with Fatih Al Islam, Against Christians, Druze and Shiate. They also openly support Al Quaida. They sent and trained guys that fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and have a lot of combat experience. They are estimated at 500 full time regular Army and 250 part time and growing. This is a real threat and will spill over one day if not dealt with now

  • rabih hmaydani

    Tony, I think Naher Al Bared showed how well organized, funded, trained and armed these camps are. The Ain Al Hilwi camp is just as large and Junud Al Sham are just as strong as Fatih Al Islam. They clash with the army all the time (even before Naher Al Barid). They are also openly with Fatih Al Islam, Against Christians, Druze and Shiate. They also openly support Al Quaida. They sent and trained guys that fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and have a lot of combat experience. They are estimated at 500 full time regular Army and 250 part time and growing. This is a real threat and will spill over one day if not dealt with now

  • rabih hmaydani

    One more thing; If they decide to start anything weapons and men can flow into the camp like a river flows. The numbers can triple in a matter of weeks. Naher Al Bared was not planned. They did not expect the reaction they got from the Army so next time they will be ready. We need to move now and use the element of surprise. Simply surround the camp and cut off the power and water. Allow 48 hours for civilians to exit the camp and arrest every male of fighting age. After thats done level the camp on the heads of the people that dont leave. These camps need rebuilding anyway and the people that dont leave are declaring war on Lebanon. The arrested men are questioned about the enemy numbers and locations and released after fighting starts (incase they were sent out to link with other units out of the camp). This campaign would take about 1 year to finish (clearing all camps and the bases)
    but would give lebanon more stability and gain the army experience and respect witch they need. We would lose around 3000 soldiers and need about 35,000 to do it witch we have and can handle. The good thing is that once the camp is surrounded supplies will be cut so the clock starts ticking inside as the army supply lines will remain open and have larger numbers.

  • rabih hmaydani

    One more thing; If they decide to start anything weapons and men can flow into the camp like a river flows. The numbers can triple in a matter of weeks. Naher Al Bared was not planned. They did not expect the reaction they got from the Army so next time they will be ready. We need to move now and use the element of surprise. Simply surround the camp and cut off the power and water. Allow 48 hours for civilians to exit the camp and arrest every male of fighting age. After thats done level the camp on the heads of the people that dont leave. These camps need rebuilding anyway and the people that dont leave are declaring war on Lebanon. The arrested men are questioned about the enemy numbers and locations and released after fighting starts (incase they were sent out to link with other units out of the camp). This campaign would take about 1 year to finish (clearing all camps and the bases)
    but would give lebanon more stability and gain the army experience and respect witch they need. We would lose around 3000 soldiers and need about 35,000 to do it witch we have and can handle. The good thing is that once the camp is surrounded supplies will be cut so the clock starts ticking inside as the army supply lines will remain open and have larger numbers.

  • http://australia adrian

    Rabih, they say they distributed these pamphlets in cover of darkness, i find it hard to believe that there was no eye witnesses to the distribution of these pamphlets, common there should have been a handfull of people who witnessed this potetionally destabalising action, at such a tense time (dark time) in lebanons period.

  • Constantin

    Thank you Rabih for your stance on the camps! Finally somebody is telling the truth, and backing the position that I always had and that is: that the camps are one of our biggest problems in Lebanon. Either they submit to the Lebanese law or the army should move in them and “clean” them up, ASAP.

    Me too I am disturbed, but not surprised, that there has not been any reaction from the Hariri clan?! Probably they will still react. However, somebody should note that the Hariris have not stopped buying the Christians’ properties in and around Saida and Beirut since the eighties and driving the residents out in one way or another with their Saudi money, to islamize the area.
    Sad situation when you hear what they say: “We want the coexistence and the equality” and then on the ground they are driving people out of their homes by paying them double and triple the value of their properties….Add to this buying of the properties, pamphlets like these from time to time from some fanatics, or killing somebody from time to time, or kidnapping someone from time to time (like Joseph Sader), or breaking the properties of some Christians from time to time, etc…and Christians will give up under these pressure tactics, they either become muslims, to live in peace, or leave.

    Typical acts that have been pushing Christians out of the Middle East for the last 1,400 years….

    As for the words of Mr. Berri and Mr. Saad, although encouraging, but they remain words that contradict their actions on the ground, when they do nothing about it other than meetings and speeches.

  • Tony A

    adrain thats why i say mossad bro. these are done by silent drones that can’t be heard and dropped just like they do in many wars and the US does it in pakistan and afghanistan.

  • Constantin

    Thank you Rabih for your stance on the camps! Finally somebody is telling the truth, and backing the position that I always had and that is: that the camps are one of our biggest problems in Lebanon. Either they submit to the Lebanese law or the army should move in them and “clean” them up, ASAP.

    Me too I am disturbed, but not surprised, that there has not been any reaction from the Hariri clan?! Probably they will still react. However, somebody should note that the Hariris have not stopped buying the Christians’ properties in and around Saida and Beirut since the eighties and driving the residents out in one way or another with their Saudi money, to islamize the area.
    Sad situation when you hear what they say: “We want the coexistence and the equality” and then on the ground they are driving people out of their homes by paying them double and triple the value of their properties….Add to this buying of the properties, pamphlets like these from time to time from some fanatics, or killing somebody from time to time, or kidnapping someone from time to time (like Joseph Sader), or breaking the properties of some Christians from time to time, etc…and Christians will give up under these pressure tactics, they either become muslims, to live in peace, or leave.

    Typical acts that have been pushing Christians out of the Middle East for the last 1,400 years….

    As for the words of Mr. Berri and Mr. Saad, although encouraging, but they remain words that contradict their actions on the ground, when they do nothing about it other than meetings and speeches.

  • Tony A

    adrain thats why i say mossad bro. these are done by silent drones that can’t be heard and dropped just like they do in many wars and the US does it in pakistan and afghanistan.

  • Tony A

    rabih i had no idea bro. good info. so rewrite the UN law to dismantle their weapons

  • Tony A

    rabih i had no idea bro. good info. so rewrite the UN law to dismantle their weapons

  • rabih hmaydani

    Tony, No need for a UN resolution over this. Just wait for the next time they fire at the army and they do about every other week and do it. Then its called self defense. America invaded Iraq without UN approval so no one will care about a few camps….

  • rabih hmaydani

    Tony, No need for a UN resolution over this. Just wait for the next time they fire at the army and they do about every other week and do it. Then its called self defense. America invaded Iraq without UN approval so no one will care about a few camps….

  • joey

    in 1982 israel was in lebanon and all them camps where there and they didn;t do much at all so the only reason they still there is to destroy lebanon and the lebanese people and we saw ain el helwe how did they fought the lebanese army whis aggresine if they did that in palestaine they would freed there lands get rid of them and bleech the street from there disases

  • joey

    in 1982 israel was in lebanon and all them camps where there and they didn;t do much at all so the only reason they still there is to destroy lebanon and the lebanese people and we saw ain el helwe how did they fought the lebanese army whis aggresine if they did that in palestaine they would freed there lands get rid of them and bleech the street from there disases

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