March 2015 Highlights
March 1
A mass brawl interrupts the Sagesse-Riyadi basketball game on Riyadi’s court at Manara, leading Sagesse players to withdraw from the game, thus resulting in awarding Riyadi a 20-0 win. Following the brawl, Minister of the Youth and Sports Abdul Muttaleb Hennawi bans fans from entering the stadium.
Former President Michel Suleiman assures he will run again as for presidency to complete what he had started after the six-year term of the prospective president has expired.
Former Minister Major General Issam Abou Jamra launches a new political party called ‘The Independent Movement’, criticizing the positions and actions of General Michel Aoun.
The Popular Nasserite Organization rallies in the streets of Saida in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Maarouf Saad’s death. The Future Movement joins the rally and Osama Saad holds a telephone conversation with former PM Fouad Seniora. Saad also receives a PSP delegation including Taymour Jumblat and MP Alaa Terro.
A rally in Hamra heading for the Ministry of the Interior and Municipalities urges Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq to sign civil marriage contracts and Mashnouq insists that a civil marriage law must be approved first.
March 2
The Lebanese Army takes action to prevent tensions from flaring up in Tripoli and the north after the assassination of Badr Eid, brother of former MP Ali Eid in the town of Kuwaikhat in Akkar.
The statement issued after the seventh dialogue session between Hezbollah and the Future Movement emphasizes the completion of discussions over security and political matters.
Jenan Shattat, Director of the Islamic Makassed School, found dead in Tareeq Jdideh.
The Regie Libanaise des Tabacs et Tombacs offers monetary rewards amounting to LBP 250 million to anyone who reports the location of those shops or warehouses selling smuggled tobacco products.
Customs Clearance Offices go on strike to demand better equipment and less bureaucracy.
March 3
PM Tammam Salam urges the government to convene next Thursday and calls on facilitating the work of the State and shifting away from factionalism. His words came during the launch of the sustainable development strategy at the Grand Serail.
Badr Eid, brother of former MP Ali Eid laid to rest in the town of Hokr Al-Dahri near the Syrian side. Ali Eid and his son appear for the first time since their departure from Jabal Mohsen eight months ago.
Another baby dies after being refused admission to Akkar Hospital either because her family did not have enough money
for her treatment or because of shortage of beds at the hospital.
for her treatment or because of shortage of beds at the hospital. Joint Parliamentary Committees approve a draft law permitting contract-basis employees to benefit from the retirement system of the State Employees Cooperative, which serves 3600 retired employees.
Lebanon’s General Security bans French researcher and expert on Islamist extremism Roman Caillet from re-entering Lebanon after he left for Morocco and Caillet accuses Hezbollah of using its influence to prevent his return to Lebanon.
March 4
‘Political frivolity is preventing us from electing a president,’ says former President Amine Gemayel after meeting PM Tammam Salam at the Grand Serail.
MP Nawwaf Moussawi quotes Speaker Nabih Berri saying during Wednesday’s meeting ‘Lebanon is like an atom. If it is broken down, it will explode and blow up its surroundings.’
March 5
The Cabinet convenes at the Grand Serail to discuss the regulation of the Cabinet’s work and approves a number of decrees.
A Future Movement delegation holds a meeting with the Islamic forces of Ain El-Helweh Camp inside the camp.
Security Forces arrest Syrian national Hussein Gherli, an ISIS official in Qalamoun, in a hospital in Beqa’a.
March 6
US Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale announces after visiting Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq that Hezbollah is making life and death decisions on behalf of Lebanon.
The period to submit candidacies for the membership of the Constitutional Council is now open.
March 7
Bishop Boulos Matar denies the leaks about his meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry and says ‘it was a brief encounter in Paris, not exceeding five minutes.’
Former singer Fadl Shaker appears in an interview at his house in Ain El-Helweh Camp on LBC and makes statements insinuating repentance. Shaker reveals that his relationship with Salafist Sheikh Ahmad el-Assir had gone sour before the clashes of Abra and that he knows nothing about the Sheikh.
Cases of food poisoning reported at a school in Tripoli after students had eaten cheese from the school’s cafeteria.
March 8
Former PM Saad Hariri arrives in Cairo for talks with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Grand Imam of al-Azhar and announces that he wants natural relationship with Iran to the benefit of Lebanon.
Radio reports reveal that one case of H1N1 flu was discovered in South Lebanon.
Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq says during an interview with Sahifat al-Sharq al-Awsat ‘according to reports, there is a high probability of potential assassinations in Lebanon.’
March 9
MP General Michel Aoun visits Speaker Nabih Berri and says small progress has been made in the presidential election crisis.
In response to media reports, the Lebanese Forces Information Service asserts that the party has no veto on any presidential candidate.
An NDU ceremony commemorates the Armenian genocide and speakers include Maronite Patriarch, former President Amine Gemayel and General Michel Aoun.
Fadel Shaker’s attorney May Al-Khansa announces that her client wishes to turn himself in.
MP Walid Jumblat asserts in an interview with As-Safir that he will resign next May, which would entail holding by-election to fill his post. MP Sleiman Frangieh would likely follow Jumblatt’s example and Jumblat brands the Maronites as ‘experts in suicide’.
A boat carrying Palestinian migrants from the camps in Lebanon and a number of Lebanese and Syrians capsizes off Italy’s coast and initial reports indicate a number of fatalities.
March 10
MP Ghazi Youssef continues his STL testimony describing Hezbollah and the Amal Movement as the offspring of the Syrian regime and noting that Ghassan Salameh warned Rafiq Hariri of possible elimination.
Minister of Justice Ashraf Rifi continues his European tour, moving from Belgium to France where he met the French Interior Minister Bernard Kazeneuve. Rifi addresses journalists saying there is an international agreement not to move fighting from Syria into Lebanon.
MP Antoine Zahra announces the Lebanese Forces’ objection to regular legislation amidst presidential vacuum.
As-Safir quotes Speaker Nabih Berri as saying ‘the dialogue between Hezbollah and the Future Movement makes the return of Saad Hariri to the office of prime minister possible.’
Minister of Public Health urges the withdrawal of spices from the market after finding out that they contain carcinogenic materials.
Agreement is reached over storing radioactive materials away from the town of Adloun in South Lebanon.
An-Nussra Front official Abdullah Mohaisany cautions Fadel Shaker from the drawbacks of returning to the singing career.
March 11
Speaker Nabih Berri adjourns the 22nd parliamentary session held to elect a President until April 2 due to lack of quorum.
The Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea rules out the likelihood of visiting Rabieh soon and pinpoints that Aoun refuses the third candidate for presidency.
A 21-year-old student in the American University of Beirut is found dead after having fallen from a floor of a construction site near the university.
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon discloses during the testimony of MP Ghazi Youssef an audio recording from a 2005 meeting that took place at the Quraitem Palace between late PM Rafik Hariri and Chief of Syrian Intelligence Rustom Ghazali in the presence of Ad-Diyar editor-in-chief. Hariri reiterated during the meeting the friendly relationships with Syria and the discussion covered the electoral law.
March 12
The Cabinet approves the appointment of the Banking Control Committee members. Samir Hammoud, backed by the Future Movement, was appointed President of the BCC and Amine Awwad was replaced by Joseph Sarkis, backed by the Free Patriotic Movement. The committee will begin its work and take the oath later when a new President of the Republic gets elected.
The United Arab Emirates deports 70 Lebanese nationals, most of which are Shia’a.
A farm pond collapses in Hasroun in the Qada’a of Bsharri causing a torrent of muddy water to sweep through the town, injuring two people and blocking the main Hasroun-Bsharri road.
On the sidelines during the Meeting of the Arab Interior Ministers, Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq, accompanied by General Security Chief Abbas Ibrahim, holds a meeting with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Mohammad Bin Nayef.
MP Suleiman Frangieh reiterates on LBC his support for Aoun for presidency, noting that the equation might be a President from the March 8 Forces and a Prime Minister from March 14.
Iran’s Embassy in Beirut clarifies the statements made by Iranian presidential advisor Ali Younisi that the era of empires is long gone and stressing that parts of the advisor’s statement have been omitted. The advisor had reportedly said ‘Baghdad has become the capital of the Iranian empire.’
Former Minister Faisal Karami holds a meeting at his residence for dignitaries from Jabal Mohsen and Bab Tebbaneh, paving the way for reconciliation between the two areas.
March 13
PM Tammam Salam speaks at the economic conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, stressing Lebanon’s success in combating terrorism is thanks to its Army and the Saudi donation.
The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants is officially informed that the United Arab Emirates has decided to deport 90 Lebanese nationals for security reasons. The Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office make phone calls with the Emirati authorities to discuss the matter.
Speaker Nabih Berri reports that disruption has affected the presidency, the Cabinet and the legislature and discusses the salary scale with MP Ibrahim Kanaan.
A shooting in the town of Kfifan results in critically injuring citizen Tanios Tamer and his wife. The shooter, identified as the retired Brigadier General George Zakhm, has perpetrated the attack after the son of the victims had reportedly swindled roughly USD 500,000 from him.
March 14
Former PM Fouad Seniora reads out the political document issued at the March 14 Forces ceremony in BIEL, lashing out at Hezbollah and Iran and announcing the formation of the March 14 National Council.
PM Tammam Salam returns from Sharm el-Sheikh after having met Saudi Crown Prince Moqrin Bin Abdul Aziz, his Egyptian counterpart and the UAE Vice President with whom he discussed the deportation of the Lebanese from the Emirates.
General Michel Aoun assures during the Free Patriotic Movement’s annual ceremony that the Doha mistake will not be repeated (i.e. the election of Michel Suleiman as President of the Republic).
Families of the martyred soldiers of the Lebanese Army rally in Downtown, Beirut, in protest of any agreement with the former singer Fadl Shaker or any suspect accused of attacking the army. Protesters slam President Michel Suleiman and Bahiya Hariri.
PSP supporters rally in Mukhtara to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the assassination of Kamal Jumblat and lay flowers on his grave.
Groups of Lebanese deported from UAE arrive in Beirut without talking to the media.
In an interview with As-Safir, General Michel Aoun opposes the extension of the term of the Army Commander and the ISF Chief.
Former President Michel Suleiman describes in his interview with An-Nahar the boycott of the voting session as a ‘white coup’, stressing that he was to be elected President anyway and denying that Aoun had waived the presidency for him.
March 16
The STL listens to the testimony of MP and former minister Bassem Sabe’e who pinpoints the deterioration of relations between Syria and Rafik Hariri adding that Kanaan, Ghazali and Khallouf insulted him in the presence of Assad.
The Baath Party holds a conference stripping former minister Fayez Chukor of his title and appointing lawyer Abdul Mouin Ghazi the new party leader in his place.
March 17
MP Walid Jumblat receives General Michel Aoun at his residence in Clemenceau and the latter reiterates his objection to the extension of the security leaders’ terms of office no matter what. Jumblat describes the meeting as ‘serious and amicable’.
The joint parliamentary committees chaired by MP Ibrahim Kanaan convene to look into the salary scale issue amidst the boycott of March 14 Forces who protested at the chairmanship of Kanaan.
The Change and Reform Bloc slams the March 14 Forces’ National Council after its meeting.
MP Bassem Sabe’e continues his testimony denying any tension between Hariri and Hezbollah before the assassination of the former. Sabe’e testifies that Jamil Sayyed was a political partner in the campaign against Hariri for he had communicated threats of murder, detention or exile to Hariri.
March 18
The eighth dialogue session between Hezbollah and the Future Movement begins at Ain Tineh, stressing the seriousness and persistency of discussions.
Grand Mufti Abdul Latif Deryan calls for the election of the Higher Islamic Council on May 10.
A brawl erupts at the ABC mall in Ashrafieh between Armenians and the security personnel of the Turkish embassy after the latter tried to stop the showing of the Turkish film Son Mektup at a Grand Cinemas movie theater.
March 19
A ruckus between Minister Ashraf Rifi and Minister Mohammed Fneish mars the Cabinet session after Rifi accused Hezbollah of tax evasion and money laundering.
Former PM Fouad Seniora sues former Minister Wiam Wahhab for accusing him of being part of the Israeli scheme.
Minister of Finance Ali Hassan Khalil tours the customs departments at the Port of Beirut and reveals that many items avoid customs duties, which results in massive losses for the Treasury.
March 20
UN Security Council urges speedy elections and lists the violations of Resolution 1701.
Lebanese Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji reveals to a Press Syndicate delegation that the number of troops has increased from 58,000 to 70,000, describing the Saudi donation as a ‘fortress’. Qahwaji notes that the manufacture of weapons takes time and calls ISIS members as liars.
Minister of National Defense Samir Moqbel issues Decision 370/WD dated 19/3/2015, postponing the discharge of the Intelligence Chief Brigadier General Edmont Fadel until 20/9/2015 (6 months).
The STL continues to hear the testimony of MP Ghazi Youssef who says the dialogue with Hezbollah did not pay off, noting that Hariri felt he was under surveillance.
The Grand Mufti encourages the holding of Salat Al-Kusuf (Eclipse Prayers) following news forecasting solar eclipse on Friday.
March 21
French President Francois Hollande receives MP Walid Jumblat in France.
Zahle’s MPs ignore the decision of the State Shura Council to halt the construction works of the cement factory in Zahle.
March 22
Former President Michel Suleiman fires back at his critics in an interview with Al-Jadeed television channel.
‘The presence of Hezbollah as a state impedes the building of a real state in Lebanon,’ posts LF leader Samir Geagea on his Twitter account.
March 23
Former PM Fouad Seniora testifies before the STL recounting how the insults of Syrian President Bashar Assad brought Hariri to tears.
PM Tammam Salam discusses the situation in Tripoli and the state of the business faculty in a meeting held at the Grand Serail with former PM Najib Mikati, MP Samir Jisr and MP Mohammed Kabbara.
Minister of Education and Higher Education reiterates after meeting the faculty members of Tripoli’s Business Faculty that Branch Director Jamilah Yammine, whose appointment was greeted with massive backlash, would remain in her post, until comprehensive appointments are made across all LU branches.
March 24
Seniora continues his STL testimony reporting that Hariri had informed him about several attempts by Hezbollah to assassinate him. The Future Bloc underlines that Seniora’s testimony in the Hague justifies the campaign launched by March 8 Forces against him.
Speaker Nabih Berri holds a meeting with the Parliament’s bureau members to agree over the agenda items and the date of the next legislative session after consulting their blocs.
The Army Intelligence arrests terrorists Omar and Bilal Mikati on charges of affiliation with ISIS and acts of terrorism including the slaughter of soldier Ali Sayyed.
March 25
Seniora does not accuse Hezbollah of assassinating Hariri and leaves it for the court to decide.
In an interview with Future TV, Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi reveals that he had warned Hariri of a possible attempt on his life by Hezbollah.
Former PM Saad Hariri meets Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey emphasizing the moderation of Islam in combating extremism.
Zahle’s Greek Catholic bishop Issam Darwish holds a press conference in the presence of Pierre Fattoush, announcing that the latter has accepted to move the concrete mixer away from Zahle.
March 26
The Cabinet avoids taking a stand over the events in Yemen in order not to spark divisions and refers the Btedi’i crime to the Justice Council.
Lebanese positions on the Saudi intervention in Yemen vary between supporters (Jumblat and Hariri) and those who oppose (Hezbollah).
Interior Minister Mouhad Mashnouq emphasizes from Washington that Iran’s policy in Lebanon perturbs its stability.
Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan meets Prince Charles in Britain.
Minister of Public Health Wael Bou Faour orders the closing of roughly 122 unauthorized day nurseries.
March 27
Hezbollah’s Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah delivers a televised speech lambasting Saudi Arabia for its attack on Yemen and accusing it of vetoing the election of General Michel Aoun as President. Nasrallah emphasizes ongoing dialogue with the Future Movement and says the STL is the least of Hezbollah’s concerns.
In response to Nasrallah’s speech, Hariri posts a tweet rebuking his words and branding them as hateful, yet reiterating the continuity of dialogue with Hezbollah.
A storming army operation in the outskirts of Ersal cuts off supplies from militants.
Patriarch al-Rai receives a memorandum on the status quo of Christians, which he will file to the ambassadors of the five permanent UN member states.
March 28
A ministerial committee chaired by PM Tammam Salam heads for Sharm el-Sheikh to participate in the Arab Summit Conference. Salam voices his distress over the ongoing presidential vacuum and stresses Lebanon’s support for the formation of a joint Arab force. He also holds meetings with several heads of states.
Al-Jadeed TV criticizes Nasrallah’s ‘fiery speech’, provoking his son Jawad to post a tweet offending the channel and its news director Maryam al-Bassam and saying that it sells people out for money.
March 29
Palm Sunday ceremonies according to the Gregorian calendar sweep across Lebanese regions and Patriarch al-Rai delivers a sermon reiterating relentless efforts to bring peace to the Lebanese people.
Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Asiri says Nasrallah has cast aspersions on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and asserts that the presidential election is a strictly Lebanese matter and that Saudi Arabia does not interfere in choosing the names of candidates.
The Amal Movement convenes its 13th general conference and re-elects Speaker Nabih Berri as its leader.
Minister Gebran Bassil denies the presence of a Saudi veto on General Michel Aoun.
March 30
Bkerki hosts an Islamic-Christian summit in the presence of all spiritual leaders and the final communiqué emphasizes the need to elect a President for only he can guarantee the survival of the State. The summit decides to institutionalize its work and hold regular meetings.
PM Tammam Salam, and his accompanying delegation, arrive in the State of Kuwait to take part in the donor’s conference held to explore ways to support Syrian refugees. The Lebanese delegation is expected to request an assistance exceeding USD 1 billion.
Minister of Industry Hussein Haj Hassan rebukes the words of PM Tammam Salam in Sharm el-Sheikh saying they do not reflect the positions of all the Lebanese.
Saudi Ambassador responds to Nasrallah’s comments in an interview on MTV saying his words reflect a mental problem.
MP Walid Jumblat supports Saudi Arabia’s attack on Yemen saying it is a legitimate reaction to the invasion of Yemen and suggesting renaming Iran ‘Islamic Persia’.
The British Embassy issues a statement noting that Britain has increased its contribution to the STL expenses to 1 million pounds.
Families of the detained soldiers resume their protests, burning tires and blocking the road in front of the Phalanges Office in Saifi.
March 31
PM Tammam Salam returns from Kuwait after speaking at the donor’s conference where he stressed that the exodus of Syrian refugees has gone beyond Lebanon’s capacity and might become a real demographic and security tragedy.
The Future Movement commends the comments of PM Tammam Salam at the Arab Summit.
The Change and Reform Bloc supports the remarks made by the Minister of Industry and Hezbollah on the speech of PM Tammam Salam at the Arab Summit.
Hezbollah’s information officer Mohammed Afif clarifies Nasrallah’s most recent statement saying Nasrallah did not pit Yemenis against each other but encouraged them to engage in dialogue.
The Union Coordination Committee protests, demanding the approval of the salary scale.
Leave A Comment