November 2014 Highlights
November 1
Qatari envoy Ahmad El-Khatib receives from An-Nusra Front a set of demands for the release of the kidnapped soldiers and policemen including three propositions at the forefront of which is the release of ten inmates from Roumieh prison in exchange for each kidnapped member.
Minister of Justice Ashraf Rifi visits his bedbound bodyguard Deeb Al-Laheeb who was accused of transporting money to the kidnappers of the Lebanese soldiers in the outskirts of Ersal and says “why do they not raid the armories in Jabal Mohsen and the Southern Suburbs rather than in Bab El-Tebbaneh?’
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil tours the southern border towns in Rmeish, Ain Ebl and Debel, noting that Lebanon is facing the threats of both from Israel and ISIS.
Nazek Hariri emphasizes in her recorded speech on Rafic Hariri’s 70th birthday commemorated at the Al-Amin Mosque that the Sunni are moderate Muslims, stressing her commitment to rights and justice.
Gunmen steal LBP 500 million from the Jammal Trust Bank’s branch in Baalbeck as two bank employees were transferring the funds to the Central Bank branch in the city.
November 2
The An-Nusra Front issues a statement of the demands it had submitted to the Qatari envoy.
A delegation from the Beirut National Gathering meets Tripoli’s dignitaries at the residence of Mufti Malek Shaar in the presence of Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil tours the northern border towns of Rmah, Shadra, Qbayyat and Andaqt and reiterates the Free Patriotic Movement’s rejection of the extension of Parliament’s term.
In his talk with Reuters, Lebanese Forces Leader Samir Geagea calls on Aoun to agree on a third presidential candidate, ruling out holding elections soon.
MP Nawwaf Moussawi lashes out at Minister of Justice Ashraf Rifi and urges him to serve justice, not weigh it down.
Hezbollah’s Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah says in his speech that had he not intervened in Syria, ISIS would have subjected us to the same terror and slaughters inflicted on the Al Abou Nemr clans in Iraq.
November 3
Hezbollah’s Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah attends Ashoura ceremony in person and reveals for the first time in his speech that Hezbollah nominates General Michel Aoun for presidency and that it has objections to neither parliamentary elections nor the extension of Parliament’s term. Nasrallah urges the Future Movement to engage in dialogue, praising the stand of the Sunni forces and the movement on the most recent events in Tripoli.
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon postpones the trial of Al-Jadeed Television until 2015.
Minister of Public Health Wael Bou Faour demotes a number of private hospitals for manipulating hospitalization bills at the expense of the ministry. He reveals that the bills have been inflated between 48.5% and 55.8%.
The Future Movement announces that it will participate and vote in the extension of Parliament’s term session.
November 4
Lebanese Army Commander Jean Qahwaji attends the signing ceremony of the USD 3 billion arms deal between France and Saudi Arabia in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Shia’a Muslims take part in the Ashura processions in a number of Lebanese regions and Hezbollah’s Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah says that the rockets of the Islamic resistance would reach all of occupied Palestine should Israel decide to wage a war against Lebanon, adding that victory over Takfiris is inevitable.
Lebanese Forces Leader Samir Geagea suggests holding the presidential elections and postponing the constitutional deadlines for parliamentary elections in Wednesday’s session. He adds that Nasrallah’s submission of Aoun’s name aims to open the search for a third presidential candidate.
The Phalanges Party boycotts the extension of Parliament’s term session.
General Michel Aoun renews his objection to the extension of Parliament’s term come what may.
November 5
Parliament session concludes with 95 MPs approving the extension of the legislature’s term until June 20, 2015. The session was boycotted by the Phalanges Party and the Change and Reform Bloc. The Lebanese Forces, Frangieh’s MPs, the Amal Movement, Hezbollah and the Future Movement voted for the extension while the two Tashnag MPs attended but objected to the extension.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil says after the Change and Reform Bloc meeting that the Bloc’s MPs will not sign the decree extending Parliament’s term.
Lebanese Forces Leader Samir Geagea bashes MP Michel Aoun during his press conference slamming him as the hero of losing battles and defending the Lebanese Forces’ position on the extension of Parliament’s term.
Patriarch al-Rai deems the extension of Parliament’s term as unconstitutional.
Civil society activists protest at the extension of Parliament’s term at the entrance to Parliament.
Minister of the Interior and Municipalities Nouhad Mashnouq responds saying that the extension took place for security and not technical reasons.
Poet George Jerdaq dies at the age of 83.
November 6
The Cabinet convenes and approves the extension of Parliament’s term decree amid the objection of nine ministers representing the Free Patriotic Movement, the Phalanges Party and former President Michel Suleiman, yet the decree will be considered effective in five days. An advance payment worth LBP 54 billion is assigned to the Higher Relief Committee to compensate for the damage incurred during the clashes and bombings and the Cabinet defers discussion on the mobile phone operators’ item.
Lebanon pays its share worth 29.3 million Euros (USD 36.7 million) of STL’s funding for 2014 and the tribunal asserts that it can prosecute legal persons.
The European Union regrets that the term of Lebanese Parliament has been extended.
Speaker Nabih Berri quoted as saying that the extension is the lesser of two evils, even if it lasts 30 years.
November 7
PM Tamam Salam receives a delegation of the residents from the border town of Al-Toufail and promises to help them to return to their town.
PM Tamam Salam and Christian and Muslim dignitaries attend a conference entitled ‘The Family and the Challenges of the Century’ in Rabwi on the invitation of Greek Catholic Patriarch Gregorios III Laham.
‘I do no trust MPs and I will talk to those commanding them because their decisions are external,’ says Patriarch al-Rai.
MP Walid Jumblat meets Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.
Former PM Najib Mikati visits MP Suleiman Frangieh in Bneshai.
Former President Michel Suleiman visits former PM Fouad Seniora.
November 8
Syrian President Bashar Assad receives retired Brigadier General Jamil Sayyed in Damascus.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil makes a tour in Western Beqa’a accompanied by a Free Patriotic Movement delegation.
Minister of the Interior and Municipalities Nouhad Mashnouq chairs a delegation heading for Cairo to discuss means of improving military and security cooperation against terrorism.
November 9
Former President Michel Suleiman inspects the city of Tripoli and visits its dignitaries hoping that the events of Tripoli will pave way for the election of a President of the Republic.
King Abdullah Bin Hussein receives former PM Saad Hariri in Jordan.
Defected soldier Omar Khaled Chamtiyeh turns himself in to the Army Intelligence after having pledged allegiance to An-Nussra Front.
November 10
Minister of Defense Samir Moqbel announces that the deliberations over the Iranian military donation have been postponed until next week.
The Free Syrian Army urges the release of its commander Colonel Abdullah Rifai who was arrested in Ersal.
Patriarch al-Rai calls on lawmakers to end the presidential vacuum and assume their responsibilities to that end. His remarks came during the 48th meeting of the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops.
November 11
Grand Mufti Abdul Latif Deryan visits the Higher Shia’a Council and the Mashyakhat al-Akl stating “we share the same fate and Israel is our common enemy.”
The law on Parliament’s term extension law published in the Official Gazette.
November 12
Following Wednesday’s parliamentary gathering, Speaker Nabih Berri is quoted as saying that there are positive signs regarding the presidency of the republic.
Head of the Constitutional Council Issam Suleiman holds a press conference where he pledges not to disrupt the quorum of the parliamentary sessions and to lawfully tackle the appeal against the law on term extension law.
Families of the kidnapped soldiers and policemen meet the Turkish Ambassador.
MP Marwan Hamadeh tells Voix du Liban that neither Aoun nor Geagea are likely to become president.
November 13
Minister of Public Health Wael Bou Faour continues to unveil names of the restaurants and supermarkets where products non-conforming to health standards were found.
Ministers Boutros Harb and Gebran Bassil have a dispute in the Cabinet over mobile phone concessions.
A Hezbollah delegation visits General Michel Aoun in Rabieh and stresses that his nomination for presidency is anchored by conviction, not out of gratitude for his position towards the resistance. Hussein Khalil deems the extension of Parliament’s term as a petty act.
Free Patriotic Movement MPs appeal against the law extending Parliament’s term before the Constitutional Council and MP Ibrahim Kanaan notes that security reason are not an excuse to undermine democracy.
Accusatory Body in Beirut issues a decision to release Bahij Bou Hamzeh, the former aide of MP Walid Jumblat who has been detained for four months over financial accounts’ case at one of the Lebanese banks. However, Bou Hamzeh remains in prison over other cases.
Grand Mufti Abdul Latif Deryan visits Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutos al-Rai stressing that if no president is elected soon, Lebanon will be open to all options.
US Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale reiterates from Bkerki the need to elect a president and schedule a date for parliamentary elections.
Minister of Public Health Wael Bou Faour continues his food safety campaign and replies to his critics saying “let the political and commercial immorality stop.”
A Lebanese Army patrol comes under attack in the outskirts of Ersal leaving an officer and several soldiers wounded. The An-Nusra Front states the explosives that targeted the Army were planted by Hezbollah.
Minister of the Interior and Municipalities Nouhad Mashnouq announces during a conference addressing the views of people on how to reform the security sector that 45% of thefts and kidnappings are committed by Syrian refugees, noting that 35% of residents on Lebanese territory are non-Lebanese.
November 15
Heavy rain causes power cuts during the night and leaves a number of streets flooded.
Minister of Justice Ashraf Rifi reiterates during his tour in Bab Tebbaneh that he supports undoing the Military Court and the Justice Council and objects to arresting the residents of Bab Tebbaneh for growing beards.
The Lebanese Army cracks down on Al-Dar Al-Wasia in Beqa’a and the armed fugitives from the Jaafar clan break into a house in the town of Btedaai and kill its residents, a husband and wife from the Farkhri family, after stealing their car in an attempt to escape.
November 16
Families of the kidnapped soldiers and policemen burn tires in front of the governmental palace after a wife of one of the captives received a phone call from ISIS threatening to slay seven soldiers if the ruling to send five Saudi inmates in Roumieh to life in prison was put into action.
MP Suleiman Frangieh says in his interview on Al-Jadeed television that the strong president is he who has a Christian legitimacy.
The March 14 Forces and the Progressive Socialist Party win three of four seats at the Beirut Bar versus one seat for the Free Patriotic Movement.
Ceremony held in BIEL to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the death of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.
November 17
Families of the kidnapped soldiers and policemen block the road in Downtown, Beirut following threats from ISIS to kill their sons, but reopen it after reassurances from Minister Wael Bou Faour.
PM Tamam Salam addresses the Lebanese nationals in the UAE saying that the presidential election is currently the main concern of the government.
The committee tasked with devising an electoral law convenes at the Speaker’s residence in Ain Tineh and will have one month to finish its work.
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon begins to hear the testimony of MP Marwan Hamadeh who blames the assassination of Rafic Hariri on illegitimate weapons, noting that Syria sought to dominate Lebanon.
Minister of Public Works and Transport Ghazi Zeaiter says during a press conference that the ministry does not have the sole responsibility for street flooding and directed the blame at other ministries, municipalities and residents.
Zeaiter announces the formation of a crisis cell to address the issue.
General Michel Aoun calls on Speaker Nabih Berri to convene a parliamentary session to clarify the content of Article 24 of the Constitution on equal representation.
Minister of the Interior and Municipalities Nouhad Mashnouq chairs the Security Council meeting in Saida and announces that the kidnappers are controlling the fate of families.
November 18
MP Marwan Hamadeh continues his STL testimony revealing that Rafic Hariri returned from Syria displeased at how Syrian President Bashar Assad forced him to extend the term of Lebanese President Emile Lahoud. Hamadeh adds that Syria pressured Rafic Hariri to sell his shares in an anti-Syrian An-Nahar newspaper.
MP Walid Jumblat tweets that he will appear before the STL if it ever summons him to testify.
Hezbollah’s Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah meets Defense Minister Samir Moqbel for the first time and emphasizes Hezbollah’s full support to the Lebanese Army every step of the way.
The March 14 Forces and The Progressive Socialist Party and the March 14-aligned students emerged as winners in the student elections at the American University of Beirut winning eight seats against six for the Amal Movement, Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement. The Independent Secular Group came third gaining four seats.
Beirut Governor orders the closure of Beirut’s infamous slaughterhouse.
Minister of the Interior and Municipalities reassures that the security situation is under control, cautioning of what may be awaiting the region and of its possible repercussions on Lebanon.
PM Tamam Salam meets the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid.
EDL contract workers block the road in protest against the delay in receiving their salaries and Labor Minister Sejaan Qazzi mediates to reopen the road.
November 19
Speaker Nabih Berri adjourns the 15th parliamentary session scheduled to elect a president until 10 December due to lack of quorum.
Minister of Public Health Wael Bou Faour unveils a new list of non-conforming restaurants and food markets.
Lebanese Forces Leader Samir Geagea accuses Hezbollah of disrupting the election arguing that their nomination of General Michel Aoun is meant to cover up this disruption.
MP Michel Aoun says in a talk on MTV that he is ready to face his Christian rival, Lebanese Forces’ Chief Samir Geagea, in a presidential vote in Parliament. In response, MP Walid Jumblat says ‘I respect Aoun’s suggestion but we have the right to compete.’
MP Marwan Hamadeh proceeds with his testimony before the STL and touches on the events that surrounded the extension of Emile Lahoud’s term and the Syrian threats to both Hariri and Jumblat.
The STL will resume hearing political testimonies on December 3.
The committee tasked with devising an electoral law convenes in the absence of some of its members and agrees to resume meetings on Tuesday.
In an interview with Kalam El-Nas talk show, former President Amine Gemayel notes that his candidacy is a fait accompli, stressing that he supports coordination with the Syrian regime to resolve security problems and facilitate the return of Syrian refugees from Lebanon.
Al-Jadeed television reports on a mad cow-linked disease at Al-Maqassed Hospital.
November 21
PM Tamam Salam issues a circular cancelling all the official celebrations to commemorate Lebanon’s Independence Day amid presidential vacuum.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil holds a reception in honor of the diplomatic corps on the occasion of Independence Day.
The Constitutional Council convenes without issuing any decision regarding the appeal against the law on the extension of Parliament’s term.
The Phalanges Party commemorates the assassination of Pierre Gemayel in Bekfaya and former President Amine Gemayel announces the establishment of a university and a garden carrying his name.
A storm, Micha, hits Lebanon and causes heavy rain and snow.
November 22
The Phalanges Party celebrates the anniversary of its official establishment and former President Amine Gemayel urges a dialogue session to elect a president.
PM Tamam Salam receives an invitation from French President François Hollande to visit France.
November 23
A Hezbollah delegation extends condolences to the Fakhri family in the town of Btedaai.
Activists from Zahle organize virtual elections in the city in a symbolic movement to reject extension of Parliament’s term. The elections were called for by the Free Patriotic Movement.
Former singer Fadl Shaker says in an audio recording that he has never assaulted the Army and the Palestinian forces deny the presence of both Fadl Shaker and Chadi Moulawi in the Ain El-Helwi camp.
November 24
Minister of Economy Alain Hakim issues a decision shutting down a number of dairy factories for violating health regulations and Minister of Industry says that operating dairy factories will require from now on prior licensing. Ministers of
Public Health and Tourism hold a press conference noting that reforming the health sector is tied to reforms across all sectors.
A Russian parliamentary delegation arrives in Lebanon and meets Lebanese officials.
Former President Michel Suleiman receives a papal medal in Vatican.
The General Security arrests pro-Hezbollah singer Ali Barakat for his anti-Saudi ballads.
November 25
Hezbollah brokers a swap deal to free one of their fighters Imad Ayyadin in exchange for two Free Syrian Army rebels held by the party. Sheikh Nabil Qarouk states that the joy can only be complete after the release of all the captives.
Drug Control Office in Beirut announces the arrest of Bulgarian national Karbozov, one of the world’s most notorious producers of Captagon, whilst travelling from Lebanon to Jordan.
The work of the committee tasked with devising a new electoral law is still in its initial stages.
The Constitutional Council convenes under complete quorum without issuing any decision.
Lebanese Forces Leader Samir Geagea announces following his meeting with a delegation from the Fakhri family that the political parties have ceased covering up the perpetrators in the Btedaai crime, assuring that they will be prosecuted.
November 26
US State Department cautions US nationals not to travel to Lebanon for security reasons.
PM Tamam Salam chairs a meeting for the crisis cell tackling the file of the kidnapped soldiers and policemen and reiterates the continuity of negotiations to release them. Families of the captives threaten to escalate their protest starting on Friday and to block all entries to Beirut, urging Hezbollah’s Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah to intervene to free their sons.
Lebanese Army raids weapons’ cashes in Saida belonging to the followers of Salafist cleric Ahmad el-Assir.
November 27
The Cabinet approves the formation of a food security committee and adjourns deliberations over licensing new universities after the Progressive Socialist Party and the Phalanges voiced their opposition.
Former PM Saad Hariri supports during his interview on Kalam el-Nas talk show dialogue with Hezbollah to defuse the tension and agree over a president. Hariri does not consider Aoun to be a consensual candidate.
The Internal Security Forces seizes containers at the Beirut Port carrying eight cars stolen in France and shipped to Lebanon. Cooperation between Lebanon and France thwarts the attempt and results in arresting members of the car stealing and smuggling network.
The An-Nusra Front threatens to execute one of the kidnapped soldiers in 24 hours and demands the release of Joumana Hmayyed as a sign that the government is willing to carry out serious negotiations.
Former President Michel Suleiman meets his French counterpart François Hollande in France.
November 28
Families of the kidnapped soldiers and policemen block the Saifi road but the security forces reopen it by force acting on the orders of the government. ‘The roads shall not be blocked anymore,’ says Minister of the Interior and Municipalities Nouhad Mashnouq. The families resume their blocking of roads during the night but withdraw upon hearing that An-Nusra Front has retracted its threat.
Poet Said Akl dies at the age of 102.
The Constitutional Council rejects the appeal against the extension of Parliament’s term arguing that while the extension does contradict the preamble of the Constitution, there are exceptional circumstances that render it justifiable.
PM Tamam Salam attends the opening of Beirut’s 58th International Arab Book Fair and calls on restoring the standing that politics has lost and electing a new president.
Former president Michel Suleiman meets former PM Saad Hariri at his residence in Paris.
Single Criminal Judge in Beirut issues a decision sentencing Bahij Bou Hamzeh to two years in prison and forcing him to pay USD 3.4 million to Safa Sporting Club.
November 29
Sheikh Mostafa Houjeiry reassures in press talks that the execution of soldier Ali al-Bazzal has been postponed.
Families of the kidnapped soldiers and policemen gather in Saifi and offer flowers to citizens and members of the Internal Security Forces.
MP Nahiya meets the Palestinian Security Committee and security officials in Saida to discuss the security situation in Ain el-Helwi camp.
November 30
Patriarch al-Rai chairs the funeral mass held for the Lebanese diva Sabah at the Saint George Church.
Labor Minister Sejaan Qazzi unveils dialogue between the Phalanges Party and Hezbollah.
The Lebanese Army dismantles two explosive devices, one in Ersal and the other near the Lebanese University in Hadath.
PM Tamam Salam heads for Belgium to persuade it not to withdraw its troops from south Lebanon.
Civil society activists protest at the extension of Parliament’s term at the entrance to Parliament.
Minister of the Interior and Municipalities Nouhad Mashnouq responds saying that the extension took place for security and not technical reasons.
Poet George Jerdaq dies at the age of 83.
November 6
The Cabinet convenes and approves the extension of Parliament’s term decree amid the objection of nine ministers representing the Free Patriotic Movement, the Phalanges Party and former President Michel Suleiman, yet the decree will be considered effective in five days. An advance payment worth LBP 54 billion is assigned to the Higher Relief Committee to compensate for the damage incurred during the clashes and bombings and the Cabinet defers discussion on the mobile phone operators’ item.
Lebanon pays its share worth 29.3 million Euros (USD 36.7 million) of STL’s funding for 2014 and the tribunal asserts that it can prosecute legal persons.
The European Union regrets that the term of Lebanese Parliament has been extended.
Speaker Nabih Berri quoted as saying that the extension is the lesser of two evils, even if it lasts 30 years.
November 7
PM Tamam Salam receives a delegation of the residents from the border town of Al-Toufail and promises to help them to return to their town.
PM Tamam Salam and Christian and Muslim dignitaries attend a conference entitled ‘The Family and the Challenges of the Century’ in Rabwi on the invitation of Greek Catholic Patriarch Gregorios III Laham.
‘I do no trust MPs and I will talk to those commanding them because their decisions are external,’ says Patriarch al-Rai.
MP Walid Jumblat meets Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.
Former PM Najib Mikati visits MP Suleiman Frangieh in Bneshai.
Former President Michel Suleiman visits former PM Fouad Seniora.
November 8
Syrian President Bashar Assad receives retired Brigadier General Jamil Sayyed in Damascus.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil makes a tour in Western Beqa’a accompanied by a Free Patriotic Movement delegation.
Minister of the Interior and Municipalities Nouhad Mashnouq chairs a delegation heading for Cairo to discuss means of improving military and security cooperation against terrorism.
November 9
Former President Michel Suleiman inspects the city of Tripoli and visits its dignitaries hoping that the events of Tripoli will pave way for the election of a President of the Republic.
King Abdullah Bin Hussein receives former PM Saad Hariri in Jordan.
Defected soldier Omar Khaled Chamtiyeh turns himself in to the Army Intelligence after having pledged allegiance to An-Nussra Front.
November 10
Minister of Defense Samir Moqbel announces that the deliberations over the Iranian military donation have been postponed until next week.
The Free Syrian Army urges the release of its commander Colonel Abdullah Rifai who was arrested in Ersal.
Patriarch al-Rai calls on lawmakers to end the presidential vacuum and assume their responsibilities to that end. His remarks came during the 48th meeting of the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops.
November 11
Grand Mufti Abdul Latif Deryan visits the Higher Shia’a Council and the Mashyakhat al-Akl stating “we share the same fate and Israel is our common enemy.”
The law on Parliament’s term extension law published in the Official Gazette.
November 12
Following Wednesday’s parliamentary gathering, Speaker Nabih Berri is quoted as saying that there are positive signs regarding the presidency of the republic.
Head of the Constitutional Council Issam Suleiman holds a press conference where he pledges not to disrupt the quorum of the parliamentary sessions and to lawfully tackle the appeal against the law on term extension law.
Families of the kidnapped soldiers and policemen meet the Turkish Ambassador.
MP Marwan Hamadeh tells Voix du Liban that neither Aoun nor Geagea are likely to become president.
November 13
Minister of Public Health Wael Bou Faour continues to unveil names of the restaurants and supermarkets where products non-conforming to health standards were found.
Ministers Boutros Harb and Gebran Bassil have a dispute in the Cabinet over mobile phone concessions.
A Hezbollah delegation visits General Michel Aoun in Rabieh and stresses that his nomination for presidency is anchored by conviction, not out of gratitude for his position towards the resistance. Hussein Khalil deems the extension of Parliament’s term as a petty act.
Free Patriotic Movement MPs appeal against the law extending Parliament’s term before the Constitutional Council and MP Ibrahim Kanaan notes that security reason are not an excuse to undermine democracy.
Accusatory Body in Beirut issues a decision to release Bahij Bou Hamzeh, the former aide of MP Walid Jumblat who has been detained for four months over financial accounts’ case at one of the Lebanese banks. However, Bou Hamzeh remains in prison over other cases.
Grand Mufti Abdul Latif Deryan visits Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutos al-Rai stressing that if no president is elected soon, Lebanon will be open to all options.
US Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale reiterates from Bkerki the need to elect a president and schedule a date for parliamentary elections.
Minister of Public Health Wael Bou Faour continues his food safety campaign and replies to his critics saying “let the political and commercial immorality stop.”
A Lebanese Army patrol comes under attack in the outskirts of Ersal leaving an officer and several soldiers wounded. The An-Nusra Front states the explosives that targeted the Army were planted by Hezbollah.
Minister of the Interior and Municipalities Nouhad Mashnouq announces during a conference addressing the views of people on how to reform the security sector that 45% of thefts and kidnappings are committed by Syrian refugees, noting that 35% of residents on Lebanese territory are non-Lebanese.
November 15
Heavy rain causes power cuts during the night and leaves a number of streets flooded.
Minister of Justice Ashraf Rifi reiterates during his tour in Bab Tebbaneh that he supports undoing the Military Court and the Justice Council and objects to arresting the residents of Bab Tebbaneh for growing beards.
The Lebanese Army cracks down on Al-Dar Al-Wasia in Beqa’a and the armed fugitives from the Jaafar clan break into a house in the town of Btedaai and kill its residents, a husband and wife from the Farkhri family, after stealing their car in an attempt to escape.
November 16
Families of the kidnapped soldiers and policemen burn tires in front of the governmental palace after a wife of one of the captives received a phone call from ISIS threatening to slay seven soldiers if the ruling to send five Saudi inmates in Roumieh to life in prison was put into action.
MP Suleiman Frangieh says in his interview on Al-Jadeed television that the strong president is he who has a Christian legitimacy.
The March 14 Forces and the Progressive Socialist Party win three of four seats at the Beirut Bar versus one seat for the Free Patriotic Movement.
Ceremony held in BIEL to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the death of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.
November 17
Families of the kidnapped soldiers and policemen block the road in Downtown, Beirut following threats from ISIS to kill their sons, but reopen it after reassurances from Minister Wael Bou Faour.
PM Tamam Salam addresses the Lebanese nationals in the UAE saying that the presidential election is currently the main concern of the government.
The committee tasked with devising an electoral law convenes at the Speaker’s residence in Ain Tineh and will have one month to finish its work.
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon begins to hear the testimony of MP Marwan Hamadeh who blames the assassination of Rafic Hariri on illegitimate weapons, noting that Syria sought to dominate Lebanon.
Minister of Public Works and Transport Ghazi Zeaiter says during a press conference that the ministry does not have the sole responsibility for street flooding and directed the blame at other ministries, municipalities and residents.
Zeaiter announces the formation of a crisis cell to address the issue.
General Michel Aoun calls on Speaker Nabih Berri to convene a parliamentary session to clarify the content of Article 24 of the Constitution on equal representation.
Minister of the Interior and Municipalities Nouhad Mashnouq chairs the Security Council meeting in Saida and announces that the kidnappers are controlling the fate of families.
November 18
MP Marwan Hamadeh continues his STL testimony revealing that Rafic Hariri returned from Syria displeased at how Syrian President Bashar Assad forced him to extend the term of Lebanese President Emile Lahoud. Hamadeh adds that Syria pressured Rafic Hariri to sell his shares in an anti-Syrian An-Nahar newspaper.
MP Walid Jumblat tweets that he will appear before the STL if it ever summons him to testify.
Hezbollah’s Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah meets Defense Minister Samir Moqbel for the first time and emphasizes Hezbollah’s full support to the Lebanese Army every step of the way.
The March 14 Forces and The Progressive Socialist Party and the March 14-aligned students emerged as winners in the student elections at the American University of Beirut winning eight seats against six for the Amal Movement, Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement. The Independent Secular Group came third gaining four seats.
Beirut Governor orders the closure of Beirut’s infamous slaughterhouse.
Minister of the Interior and Municipalities reassures that the security situation is under control, cautioning of what may be awaiting the region and of its possible repercussions on Lebanon.
PM Tamam Salam meets the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid.
EDL contract workers block the road in protest against the delay in receiving their salaries and Labor Minister Sejaan Qazzi mediates to reopen the road.
November 19
Speaker Nabih Berri adjourns the 15th parliamentary session scheduled to elect a president until 10 December due to lack of quorum.
Minister of Public Health Wael Bou Faour unveils a new list of non-conforming restaurants and food markets.
Lebanese Forces Leader Samir Geagea accuses Hezbollah of disrupting the election arguing that their nomination of General Michel Aoun is meant to cover up this disruption.
MP Michel Aoun says in a talk on MTV that he is ready to face his Christian rival, Lebanese Forces’ Chief Samir Geagea, in a presidential vote in Parliament. In response, MP Walid Jumblat says ‘I respect Aoun’s suggestion but we have the right to compete.’
MP Marwan Hamadeh proceeds with his testimony before the STL and touches on the events that surrounded the extension of Emile Lahoud’s term and the Syrian threats to both Hariri and Jumblat.
The STL will resume hearing political testimonies on December 3.
The committee tasked with devising an electoral law convenes in the absence of some of its members and agrees to resume meetings on Tuesday.
In an interview with Kalam El-Nas talk show, former President Amine Gemayel notes that his candidacy is a fait accompli, stressing that he supports coordination with the Syrian regime to resolve security problems and facilitate the return of Syrian refugees from Lebanon.
Al-Jadeed television reports on a mad cow-linked disease at Al-Maqassed Hospital.
November 21
PM Tamam Salam issues a circular cancelling all the official celebrations to commemorate Lebanon’s Independence Day amid presidential vacuum.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil holds a reception in honor of the diplomatic corps on the occasion of Independence Day.
The Constitutional Council convenes without issuing any decision regarding the appeal against the law on the extension of Parliament’s term.
The Phalanges Party commemorates the assassination of Pierre Gemayel in Bekfaya and former President Amine Gemayel announces the establishment of a university and a garden carrying his name.
A storm, Micha, hits Lebanon and causes heavy rain and snow.
November 22
The Phalanges Party celebrates the anniversary of its official establishment and former President Amine Gemayel urges a dialogue session to elect a president.
PM Tamam Salam receives an invitation from French President François Hollande to visit France.
November 23
A Hezbollah delegation extends condolences to the Fakhri family in the town of Btedaai.
Activists from Zahle organize virtual elections in the city in a symbolic movement to reject extension of Parliament’s term. The elections were called for by the Free Patriotic Movement.
Former singer Fadl Shaker says in an audio recording that he has never assaulted the Army and the Palestinian forces deny the presence of both Fadl Shaker and Chadi Moulawi in the Ain El-Helwi camp.
November 24
Minister of Economy Alain Hakim issues a decision shutting down a number of dairy factories for violating health regulations and Minister of Industry says that operating dairy factories will require from now on prior licensing. Ministers of
Public Health and Tourism hold a press conference noting that reforming the health sector is tied to reforms across all sectors.
A Russian parliamentary delegation arrives in Lebanon and meets Lebanese officials.
Former President Michel Suleiman receives a papal medal in Vatican.
The General Security arrests pro-Hezbollah singer Ali Barakat for his anti-Saudi ballads.
November 25
Hezbollah brokers a swap deal to free one of their fighters Imad Ayyadin in exchange for two Free Syrian Army rebels held by the party. Sheikh Nabil Qarouk states that the joy can only be complete after the release of all the captives.
Drug Control Office in Beirut announces the arrest of Bulgarian national Karbozov, one of the world’s most notorious producers of Captagon, whilst travelling from Lebanon to Jordan.
The work of the committee tasked with devising a new electoral law is still in its initial stages.
The Constitutional Council convenes under complete quorum without issuing any decision.
Lebanese Forces Leader Samir Geagea announces following his meeting with a delegation from the Fakhri family that the political parties have ceased covering up the perpetrators in the Btedaai crime, assuring that they will be prosecuted.
November 26
US State Department cautions US nationals not to travel to Lebanon for security reasons.
PM Tamam Salam chairs a meeting for the crisis cell tackling the file of the kidnapped soldiers and policemen and reiterates the continuity of negotiations to release them. Families of the captives threaten to escalate their protest starting on Friday and to block all entries to Beirut, urging Hezbollah’s Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah to intervene to free their sons.
Lebanese Army raids weapons’ cashes in Saida belonging to the followers of Salafist cleric Ahmad el-Assir.
November 27
The Cabinet approves the formation of a food security committee and adjourns deliberations over licensing new universities after the Progressive Socialist Party and the Phalanges voiced their opposition.
Former PM Saad Hariri supports during his interview on Kalam el-Nas talk show dialogue with Hezbollah to defuse the tension and agree over a president. Hariri does not consider Aoun to be a consensual candidate.
The Internal Security Forces seizes containers at the Beirut Port carrying eight cars stolen in France and shipped to Lebanon. Cooperation between Lebanon and France thwarts the attempt and results in arresting members of the car stealing and smuggling network.
The An-Nusra Front threatens to execute one of the kidnapped soldiers in 24 hours and demands the release of Joumana Hmayyed as a sign that the government is willing to carry out serious negotiations.
Former President Michel Suleiman meets his French counterpart François Hollande in France.
November 28
Families of the kidnapped soldiers and policemen block the Saifi road but the security forces reopen it by force acting on the orders of the government. ‘The roads shall not be blocked anymore,’ says Minister of the Interior and Municipalities Nouhad Mashnouq. The families resume their blocking of roads during the night but withdraw upon hearing that An-Nusra Front has retracted its threat.
Poet Said Akl dies at the age of 102.
The Constitutional Council rejects the appeal against the extension of Parliament’s term arguing that while the extension does contradict the preamble of the Constitution, there are exceptional circumstances that render it justifiable.
PM Tamam Salam attends the opening of Beirut’s 58th International Arab Book Fair and calls on restoring the standing that politics has lost and electing a new president.
Former president Michel Suleiman meets former PM Saad Hariri at his residence in Paris.
Single Criminal Judge in Beirut issues a decision sentencing Bahij Bou Hamzeh to two years in prison and forcing him to pay USD 3.4 million to Safa Sporting Club.
November 29
Sheikh Mostafa Houjeiry reassures in press talks that the execution of soldier Ali al-Bazzal has been postponed.
Families of the kidnapped soldiers and policemen gather in Saifi and offer flowers to citizens and members of the Internal Security Forces.
MP Nahiya meets the Palestinian Security Committee and security officials in Saida to discuss the security situation in Ain el-Helwi camp.
November 30
Patriarch al-Rai chairs the funeral mass held for the Lebanese diva Sabah at the Saint George Church.
Labor Minister Sejaan Qazzi unveils dialogue between the Phalanges Party and Hezbollah.
The Lebanese Army dismantles two explosive devices, one in Ersal and the other near the Lebanese University in Hadath.
PM Tamam Salam heads for Belgium to persuade it not to withdraw its troops from south Lebanon.
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